The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE just arrived to destroy everything
If
you thought the 2018
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a monster, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Since
its launch in 2012, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has developed a reputation for being the muscle car
of the Camaro lineup. The debut of the 2017 Camaro ZL1 helped change that perception with its
more track-capable performance, and now the surprise reveal of the ZL1 1LE
turns the idea that the model is only good for burnouts completely on its head.
The 2018 ZL1 1LE is technically an options package for
the ZL1 coupe, but it turns the thing into a complete track beast. And on first
glance, it definitely looks the part.
How
is that achieved? The 1LE uses the same 650-hp, 650-lb-ft supercharged
6.2-liter LT4 V-8 as the standard ZL1, so all of the upgrades happen outside of
the engine bay. The 1LE replaces the stock 285-width tires with 305s in the
front and 325s in the rear. The tires are Goodyear’s new Eagle F1 Supercar 3R,
the company’s first cup tire design. The tires were developed specifically for
the ZL1 1LE and are the widest ever to appear on a factory Camaro.
The exterior changes paint it black. The hood, mirrors
and wheels are painted satin black. The hood's air extractor is exposed carbon
fiber, as is the honkin' wing out back which features hollow stanchions.
There's also a wicked pair of canards out front, which look sharp enough to
slice up whatever dares walk in front of it.
It looks fast, whether
it's moving or standing still.
Chevrolet
The
other big improvement is aero. The ZL1 1LE gets a carbon fiber rear wing, air
deflectors and dive planes, and a new front splitter. The beloved Flowtie also
returns, and the front grilles have been enlarged for better cooling. All LT4s
have a new supercharger lid to reduce heat.
Inside,
the rear seat is lighter, but everything else is unchanged from the ZL1,
including the badges. It still packs the same fancy bits as the ZL1, too, like
heated and cooled seats. The Performance Data Recorder is optional on ZL1, but
standard on the ZL1 1LE.
Under
the body, there are some proper upgrades that will delight track drivers. The
suspension is a Multimatic DSSV setup, with adjustable ride height dampers,
camber plates and race springs. Further aiding grip is a very wide set of
tires, measuring 305 mm up front and 325 mm out back, the latter of which is
the widest tire ever fitted to a Camaro.
All in, the ZL1 1LE is about 60 pounds lighter than
the ZL1, thanks largely to its new suspension. It's a proven hustler, too,
shaving 3 seconds off a lap of GM's Milford road course when compared to a
regular ZL1. Since the road course is 2.9 miles, 3 seconds is huge, especially
for what amounts to an options package.
The
2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE goes on sale later this
year, and pricing is still TBD.
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