Chevy announces 1LE package for V-6 and V-8 Camaros in 2017

The V-6 2017 Camaro LT 1LE (L) and V-8 SS 1LE (R). Photos courtesy GM Media.

First appearing in 1988, the 1LE performance and handling package has always been exclusive to V-8 Camaros. That changes for 2017, as Chevrolet has announced the availability of the 1LE package on both V-6 and V-8 sixth-generation Camaros equipped with the manual transmission.

The change is a response to customer demand for a lower-priced Camaro that can be driven to work during the week, then autocrossed or track-driven on the weekend. While the components of the package differ significantly between V-6 and V-8 models, the intent is the same: increase the handling significantly, without pricing the car out of reach of potential buyers.

Those opting for the 1LE package on the 335-horsepower V-6 Camaro LT will get FE3 suspension bits from the Camaro SS (including firmer dampers, new rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links, and stiffer anti-roll bars); 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 tires; Brembo four-piston front brake calipers; a limited slip differential with 3.27:1 gears; oil cooler, differential cooler and transmission cooler; suede-wrapped steering wheel; short-throw shifter; dual-mode exhaust system; Camaro SS fuel system (for improved fuel pump feed in high-load cornering); a satin black hood, front splitter and three-piece rear spoiler; and high-flow upper and lower grilles. Options on V-6 cars equipped with the 1LE package include a video/data recording system and Recaro seats.

Buyers selecting the 1LE package on the 455-horsepower V-8 Camaro SS will receive the Magnetic Ride Control suspension; an electronic limited slip differential with 3.73:1 gears; wider forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires; Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc front calipers and two-piece rotors; oil cooler, differential cooler and transmission cooler; suede-wrapped steering wheel; short-throw shifter; dual-mode exhaust system; Recaro front seats; satin black hood, mirrors and three-piece spoiler; and a satin Graphite front splitter and rear diffuser. The video/data recording system remains optional on V-8 1LE models.

Chevrolet isn’t ready to release pricing or full performance data just yet, but Al Oppenheiser, the Camaro’s chief engineer, did say,

In our development tests, the V-6 Camaro 1LE delivers lap times comparable with the previous-gen V-8 model. The 2016 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS.

Having driven the new Camaro SS, albeit briefly, we’re sincerely hoping for a drive in the LT and SS 1LE models once released. Availability is expected in late 2016 for 2017 models, and we’ll update pricing and performance data once it’s published.