General Motors is looking to give the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 with or without the Laguna Seca package a run for its money with a new edition of its 2013 Chevrolet Camaro named 1LE.
The 1LE is offered as a $3,500 (€2,850) package on the Camaro 1SS and 2 SS V8 coupe models with the 6-speed manual gearbox. A Camaro 1SS 1LE starts at $37,035 (€30,100)m which includes a $900 destination charge.
Inspired by the first Camaro 1LE from 1988, the new model keeps the standard SS’ 6.2-liter V8 delivering 426hp (318 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569Nm), but swaps the Tremec TR6060-M10 6-speed manual for a Tremec TR6060-MM6 with the same number of gears but a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, closer-ratio gearing and a liquid-to-liquid cooling system.
There are more changes to be found in the suspension as the 1LE features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models, larger 27-mm solid front- and 28-mm solid rear-stabilizer bars and a strut tower brace.
The 1LE borrows several goods from the Camaro ZL1 including the 20-inch wheels shod in 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear, wheel bearings, toe links, rear shock mounts plus a high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups.
Visually and aside from the new black rims, the 1LE package adds matte-black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler, while on the inside you will find e ZL1’s flat-bottom steering wheel and short-throw shifter, both trimmed in suede microfiber.
“The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and the ZL1 with a focus on handling,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.
“We optimized every part of the SS for improved track driving, including gear ratios, suspension tuning, and chassis mounts. The result really brings the Camaro SS alive at every turn – whether you’re carving through your favorite backroads or working on lap times on the track. Best of all, the Camaro 1LE is $10,000 less than its nearest competitor,” he added.
According to Chevrolet, the 2013 Camaro 1LE with Camaro engineer Aaron Link behind the wheel, lapped the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) “Grand Course” in 2:58.34
“To break a three-minute lap on the four-mile Grand Course is an incredible accomplishment for any car,” said Oppenheiser.
Earlier this year, Link completed a lap around the Grand Course in a 2012 Camaro ZL1 coupe in 2:52.4.
You can watch Link’s run in the Camaro 1LE in the video that follows after the high-resolution image gallery.
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