A few of you have taken to our contact page to ask about the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, and whether or not the drive mode selector changes the suspension for the sports car, so we decided to clear a few things up about this interesting and important distinction.
The short answer is no – the drive mode selector does not alter the suspension properties of the Camaro ZL1 with the 1LE Track Performance Package package. However, the drive mode selector does change the suspension properties of the Camaro ZL1 without the 1LE package.
That’s because the Camaro ZL1 1LE gets Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve dampers (DSSV) from MultiMatic. It’s one of the primary features that make it such a supremely capable sports car capable of a 7:16.04 Nürburgring lap time. Meanwhile, Camaro ZL1 units without the 1LE package make use of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension. The end result is that DSSV provides no way for the driver to adjust the suspension’s characteristics, as its dampers are always in the purpose-built high-performance sport/track mode… while MRC lets the driver go from Tour to Sport to Track, although its track setting is not as extreme as that of DSSV.
To note, the purpose of both the DSSV dampers and of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is the same – to alter the damping properties of the suspension… but DSSV accomplishes the task through mechanical means, while MRC is electric.
We’ve already taken a deep dive into what’s going on inside Multimatic DSSV dampers as well as within the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, so what we’ll do this time around is share the differences between what the drive mode selector accomplishes for the Camaro ZL1 1LE (the one with DSSV dampers) and a “regular” ZL1 (the one with MRC suspension).
| Feature | MRC | DSSV |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Trans Shift Map | Y | Y |
| Automatic Trans Performance Algorithm Shift | Y | Y |
| Electric Power Steering Calibration | Y | Y |
| Engine Sound Management | Y | Y |
| Suspension setting | Y | N |
| Electronic Throttle Progression | Y | Y |
| Ambient Lighting | Y | Y |
We should also note that that the Camaro ZL1, with and without the 1LE package, can also configure steering, exhaust, and suspension options individually. This means that one can couple the less touchy throttle mapping of Tour mode with the louder exhaust note of Sport mode.
With all that in mind, as well as knowing full well that only a few have had the pleasure to sample the sixth-generation Camaro ZL1 with the 1LE package and its DSSV dampers, which suspension setup – DSSV or MRC -would you prefer in the Camaro ZL1 if you were buying one? Talk to us in the comments.
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About Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a family of sports cars that includes a two-door coupe and two-door soft-top convertible as well as various performance variants such as SS, 1LE, ZL1 and ZL1 1LE. The legendary nameplate was first introduced in 1966 and went out of production in 2002, when the model was in its fourth generation. The Camaro was re-introduced in 2009 as an all-new fifth-generation model based on the GM Zeta platform.
The Camaro is currently Chevrolet's most affordable sports car, slotting below the Chevrolet Corvette. The current model was introduced for the 2016 model year and represents the sixth generation of the Camaro nameplate. The model rides on the GM Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and Cadillac CTS, though the majority of the architecture underpinning the Camaro are unique to it.
The 2018 Chevy Camaro represents the third model year of the sixth-gen Camaro that deleted the Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition and the Krypton Green exterior color, while adding the ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package. There's also an expanded availability of the SS 1LE Track Performance Package, which is now available on the 2SS Coupe, as well as the addition of a washer fluid level sensor.
A midcycle refresh arrives for the 2019 model year that introduces new, model-specific front and rear styling, a new trim level structure for LT models that adds a new 3LT trim, and a new 1LE track performance package for the 2.0L Turbo LTG engine. The 2019 Camaro also brings the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission for SS models, the Rear Camera Mirror, third-generation infotainment systems, and various other enhancements.
The gen six Chevy Camaro is assembled for all markets by GM USA at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
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Comments
Well yes.
The DSSV is more of a track tuned damper and does a better job as it only has one job to do. That is why the Z/28 got them. If you4 tuning to a track a consistent damper is key.
Now if you are on the road driving to work and not really doing lap times MRC is the way to go.
Guys that race Corvettes do away with MRC with simulators to turn the light off and use tuned track dampers.
One has to think the MRC offers the best of both worlds while DSSV may for some feel a bit too harsh especially if the car is one’s every day drive.
I believe the MRC system weighs more even without the use of remote reservoirs. The system would more then likely fade from heat build up much sooner on the track while not being as good to start with.
Would not comment or recommend if I did not own this car…I do drive & own a 2018 ZL1 1LE, so, let’s roll…DSSV vs MRC ~ this is a decent comparison article…Too many journalists and Tubers spoke of ride harshness of DSSV equipped ZL1 1LE…But, I love it…I came from Gen 5 Camaro and BMW M6, sold both to get to this level…Arguably, this Gen 6 ZL11LE is superior vs MRC equipped ZL1…The ZL1 w/mrc, not my car, also equipped with 305s outback…However, from enthusiasts, and owners, I hear comments like this…driven as a daily or friday only to work car or weekend drag race car, leaves many owners seeking out mods to resemble 1LE with all the online and market available power/performance mods. However, the DSSV equipped ZL1 is a total race track ready beast of the cars & coffee show & track meets…Barely needs any mods..Right out of the BOX, it hits hard on appearance too, and decent 1/4 mile times, but, we know it is not designed for straight line performance…It is a beast on the track, with 305s up front, with 325s outback….Porsche scratches their heads…I’m right there!!!
Steven Tyler,
How compliant are the DSSV for road use? And how rough are the roads in your area?
Fair question Mr Bob White. If you are internal GM, I need to work for you guys…If this later gets read by GM officials, reach out to me….Interested in your response Mr White, this is going to be good….I live in South Texas. The purpose of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is not the same as a new Blazer for example…We all are not viewing this ZL1 1LE as a touring car either….Roads are always a consideration, and likely, where ever a person resides, roads need to pre ride checked driving your daily or via your phone, tablet, or computer before you head out to the Cars & Coffee or Track meets…I don’t like rough streets, i go around bumps etc, but these roads in my area are beautiful, plus, we do not need to deal with snow, ice, or salt…I have pre break in miles Mr White, that is less than 1500 miles on clock. This should satisfy your wider engineering and enthusiast audience. Let’s consider the ZL1 1LE purpose. It is designed to be unique and to be a true race car. There is no rubber bushing where suspension meets body, only an aluminum plate interface…The rational DSSV was adapted and utilized may need to be better understood. My definition may be further enhanced by the GM test track drivers and engineers who laid computer logic and hands on this beast….DSSV was a track proven damper system applied in the Gen 5 Z28. Improved upon, the Gen 6 ZL1 1LE impressed at the Nordschlieife, 7:16:04, North loop, 13:56 sec quicker than the respectable Gen 6 ZL1. Mr White so, do you drive a Porsche 911 GTR2 or GTR3?…If you do, you spent about 100k more than I did, and I can (almost) lap you consistently on the track…Not too many other cars in the world go as fast and drive harder in turns ( thanks to my aero) as a ZL1 1LE on a track, anywhere in the world…With total respect, Mr Al O. and Chevrolet Team of Gen 6 engineers selected the absolute best (complete package) components to effectively raise the performance level of the Gen 6 beyond previous Gen 5. The dampers, front and rear provide outstanding wheel and vehicle control. The Gen 6 ZL1 1LE from an engineering perspective; camber geometry was engineered to be driver adjustable. Adjustable front end ride height, adjustable camber plates, adjustable three way rear stabilizer bar. i can detail more about the specifics in a later article or comment…MRC is great, the regular ZL1 MRC dials in the ride, fairly automatic…This comment is from my tablet, so, there may be a typo here and there…But, I think I nailed the concerns you have Mr White…Have a good day sir!
Have driven and tracked both models along with Corvettes. Both ZL1’s are fabulous machines. Quite frankly, amazing considering the weight. Note… The 1LE is as close to a fully prepped race car as you can get from a production vehicle. You will feel everything amplified in your fingers and in your seat and there is no suspension adjustment. The 19″ wheels, the wider rubber and easy adjustable front track camber ( -2.7) setup are huge bonuses if you track. Without the 1LE, aggressive adjustable track camber (non streetable setting), you will cord the front tires in 2 days on COTA type tracks (fast left turns). If ride quality is your primary consideration and you enjoy spirited highway driving to wine country with your significant other plus occasional track days, the non 1LE is your machine. If you drive more than 50% of your miles on the track (which I do) and have good roads to wine country, the 1LE is likely your machine. If you love driving,crave performance and want that extra couple seconds and full confidence at 10/10’s on track, 1LE period.
I was following a 1LE on a roadcourse last week. I was working my aZZ off and by comparison the 1LE appeared to be completely effortless in the corners. Multimatic and GM did a heck of a job on that car. Hope Multimatic does work on the C8. They made miracles on the Ford GT.
Yes, hope the same for C8. The ZL1E so easy to forget your are at 3,800 +- pounds and zero drama – no fuss in recliner like race seats with seat A/C. Best was temps were rock so!id @ 93f ambient – with 219 water, 264 oil and 210 M6 with 1.39g of peak lateral. With vette, you find yourself obsessed with temps all the time…
I own a ZL1 1LE and the ride is awful in Michigan. However, every time I hit a bump, the car reminds me of just how cool it is. And, when you find a smooth corner to zip around, you smile at the feel of those G’s! It is not a daily driver and shouldn’t be used as one.