We are back on the “The Camaro Show.” GM Authority joined hosts Chris Frezza and Jason Debler to wrap up our two-episode-long conversation on the latest Camaro news, but part two is dedicated to the 2019 Camaro Turbo 1LE.
Specifically, Manny Katakis, our lead vehicle reporter, joined Frezza and Debler to discuss his impressions of the 2019 Camaro Turbo 1LE. The car’s full review goes into greater detail, but during his time behind the wheel, Katakis found the Camaro Turbo 1LE a competent performer, especially in the handling department. Its letdown? A rather lethargic 2.0-liter LTG turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The limit of this car can be found gradually, and there’s never really any sudden bite from the car as that limit is being found. It’s a companion that can be immediately driven quickly by beginners.
Strangely, the weak point of the Camaro Turbo 1LE is the drivetrain, where its otherwise a forte in the Camaro lineup.
The 2.0L turbo-four makes 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque as it reports for duty in the Camaro. However, the figures fall short of the 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque found in the Ford Mustang Ecoboost—the same model Chevrolet Camaro lead engineer Al Oppenheiser said is “eating our lunch.”
The Camaro Turbo 1LE is an effort to reignite passion around the Camaro’s lower trim levels. Combined with a price reduction for regular 1LS and 1LT trimmed Camaros, Chevy is making an effort to draw attention to some of the more affordable models of its sports car. The Camaro SS soldiers on without a price decrease as the brand maintains profit levels are good, though the Camaro has fallen to third place in the pony-car sales race.
Grab the full conversation on the Camaro Turbo 1LE at the show’s link right here.
Comments
I test drove the 2018 1 LE and was impressed with the acceleration and its suspension. It burns rubber without flooring the excellorator. For a four cylinder turbo, that cool just to know the power is there. Drove the 2018 Hot Wheels. It’s like riding a cyclone. Incredible power. The back seats are for head and
neck support when you put the pedal to the metal, that’s where they wind up.
I certainly agree with Manny on this Podcast. I’m not sure why GM is positioning the turbo 4 1LE against hot hatches as it just doesn’t make sense. There’s a point of why it’s called a hot hatch as it’s a fun to drive hatch with loads of horsepower. THe FWD hot hatch might not drive as well as RWD but there are still people who wants a FWD/AWD hatch that wants the practicality of a hatch. Camaro or any turbo 4 pony car is not practical by any means. This is another reason why a performance version of Cruze hatch to match ST/RS or SI/Type-R needs to happen although it might not sell in big numbers.
I just bought the 1LS RS manual and it drives really well 1 very happy with the product and its fule economy for a sports car is pretty impressive. Teh build quality is really good too !