More hardcore Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE revealed
Chevrolet has added yet more muscle to the Camaro ZL1 as the firm has introduced the more track-focussed 1LE pack for the car. While the additions are mostly limited to aero and chassis setup of the car, Chevrolet claims that the ZL1 LE is the “most track-capable Camaro ever”.
By Shivank Bhatt
More aero and less weight make the ZL1 1LE the most track-focussed Camaro ever!
Chevrolet has added yet more muscle to the Camaro ZL1 as the firm has introduced the more track-focussed 1LE pack for the car. While the additions are mostly limited to aero and chassis setup of the car, Chevrolet claims that the ZL1 LE is the “most track-capable Camaro ever”.
As per the company, the Camaro ZL1 LE is 3 seconds faster than the already mental “standard” ZL1 Coupe around GM’s Milford Road Course test track – a 4.67km circuit with 18 turns. How does the ZL1 1LE do that? Well, on the aero front, it adds new air deflectors and dive planes at the front while there’s also a huge carbon fibre rear wing that generates more downforce, resulting in more grip obviously. Additionally, you get adjustable front dampers and adjustable camber plates to get the suspension setup tuned as per your liking. The rear anti-roll bar also offers three-way adjustability.
The grip levels are further improved by an inch smaller but an inch wider lightweight forged aluminium wheels than the standard ZL1. The new wheels come shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tyres. Chevrolet claims weight savings of around 3.3 kilograms per corner have been achieved, thanks to new tyres and wheels. Speaking of weight savings, the ZL1 1LE also has a slimmer rear glass and a fixed rear seat, which means, on the whole, the track edition is 27 kilos lighter than the standard car.
Under the skin, the ZL1 1LE gets the same engine as the standard Camaro ZL1. Which means it’s propelled by a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 that churns out 650bhp @ 6,000rpm and a monstrous torque of 868Nm @ 4,400rpm. Power is sent to rear wheels by a six-speed manual – there’s no mention of the 10-speed automatic as yet.
Apart from the Camaro ZL1, the 1LE track pack is already available with the less powerful V6 and SS versions. But, the Camaro ZL1 1LE now becomes the most hardcore version of the car. Or, as Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer, puts it, " With the new ZL1 1LE, progression takes a quantum leap - this is the ultimate track-day Camaro."
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