The alphanumeric combination 1LE may sound alien to most folks. Yet to Chevrolet aficionados, they stand for the ultimate in track-ready performance. This, of course, refers to the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE.
First seen in 1989 in the third-gen Camaro, the package has made the already capable muscle car even more focused to take on the most demanding road courses around. In the Mark VI Camaro, the ZL1 1LE package adds more punch to the suspension, aerodynamics, as well as sheds a bit of weight while it’s at it.
Air deflectors up front help give the car extra downforce, as does a carbon fiber rear wing. Underneath the car, the Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve, along with adjustable camber plates and other suspension tweaks help with flatter cornering and better handling. This comes in combo with the lighter wheels that are an inch wider and an inch smaller in diameter. This translates to 3.3kg weight savings per corner.
Speaking of weight loss, all these equate to a 27kg reduction in total mass. This can be felt exactly where it counts—on the track, such as Chevy’s own 2.9-mile, 18-turn Milford Road Course. Here, the Camaro ZL1 1LE was 3 seconds quicker than its standard ZL1 sibling.
Power comes from the tried-and-tested LT4 supercharged motor with 650hp, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Brembo brakes with matching red calipers and Active Rev Match complete the performance pack. Plus, owners can revel in the comfort of dual-zone climate control, Bose sound system, and heated front seats and steering wheel.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE goes on sale this year.
