Introduced in 1988 as a stock racing option inspired by Chevrolet->ke199's involvement in Pro-Am road racing->ke447, the 1LE Package has become an iconic feature among Camaro->ke248 enthusiasts looking for more than just a fast daily driver. Rarely sold by the hundreds, the bundle moved onto the 2014 model year with new ZL1-sourced enhancements and neat powertrain upgrades.

Offered with the exclusive TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual transmission, the package is yet again available on the Camaro SS, placing it between the most powerful naturally aspirated model and the supercharged ZL1 missile. Things didn't change for the 2015 model, but the 1LE remains the same attractive and affordable muscle car that sits below the more exclusive Camaro Z/28.

So what makes the 1LE so special you may ask? Well, it may not be as fast or as track-focused as a Z/28, but it does come with a few unique exterior parts, Camaro ZL1-sourced interior features and enough powertrain tweaks to make it the perfect car to drive to the office during the week and at your local track on a warm Sunday.

The current 1LE is about to enter its final year on the market, so it's about time we have a closer a look at what it has to offer until a brand-new iteration comes out.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.

2014 - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Fitted with a number of unique features, most of them adopted from other Camaro models, the 1LE could easily pass on as a more exclusive SS. The first things that catch the eye when you stumble upon a 1LE is its matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler. Unlike the hood, which only adds to the vehicle's menacing front end, the other features help reduce aerodynamic lift at high speed, improving the Camaro's performance at the track.

The 1LE bundle also comes with a set of exclusive wheels that are similar to those offered on the ZL1. Finished in black to go with the hood and the other blacked-out body pieces, the aluminum rims measure 20 inches front and rear and feature a 10-spoke design. These rollers are wrapped in 285/35ZR20, Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires, also borrowed from the ZL1, at all four corners.

Everything else is pretty much standard SS, a model we already had a in-depth look at earlier this year.

2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm)

112.3 / 2852

Overall length (in / mm)

190.6 / 4841

Overall width (in / mm)

75.5 / 1918

Overall height (in / mm)

54.2 / 1376

Track, front (in / mm)

63.7 / 1618

Track, rear (in / mm)

63.7 / 1618 (SS)


Interior

The 1LE package doesn't add too much stuff to the cabin aside from a couple of sportier elements from the range-topping ZL1, such as the flat-bottom steering wheel and the short-throw shifter. Both are trimmed in sueded-microfiber for better grip and appearance.

Like with any Camaro SS model, the 1LE-fitted ponies are equipped with standard 6-speaker audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, OnStar and Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch touchscreen. Selecting the 2SS trim will add head-up display and a Boston Acoustics premium 9-speaker system, the latter available only as an option on the 1SS.

Drivetrain

Engine-wise, the Camaro 1LE is motivated by the same powertrain found in the SS, which means customers will get a 6.2-liter V-8 unit. Unlike the SS though, the 1LE comes with an exclusive Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, with no automatic available. Output sits at 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which translates into a 0-to-60 mph sprint of about five seconds.

But the Camaro 1LE also comes with an array of updates that are meant to optimize its track performance. These include larger front and rear stabilizer bars, a strut tower brace, ZL1 wheel bearings, toe link and rear shock mounts, as well as a high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups.

2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE - Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

6.2L V-8 (LS3, L99)

Displacement (cu in / cc)

376 / 6162

Bore & stroke (in / mm)

4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92

Compression ratio

10.7:1 (LS3); 10.4:1 (L99)

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm)

426 / 318 @ 5900 (LS3)
400 / 298 @ 5900 (L99)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm)

420 / 569 @ 4600 (LS3)
410 / 556 @ 4300 (L99)

Maximum engine speed (rpm)

6000 (L99)
6600 (LS3)


Prices

The 1LE Performance Package will add $3,500 to the Camaro SS. For the 1SS model customers will have to pay at least $35,850, while the 2SS begins from $39,650 when fitted with the bundle.

Competition

Ford Mustang

Until last year, the Mustang Boss 302 was the traditional rival of the Camaro 1LE. With the track-focused pony no longer available in Ford dealerships, the 2015 Mustang GT is the closest thing in terms of horsepower. Currently the range-topping model in the brand-new lineup, the GT hides a 5.0-liter V-8 engine under the hood that sends at least 420 horsepower to the rear wheels.

With an independent suspension at the rear and numerous chassis updates, the new GT is supposed to be as nimble as the Boss 302 at the track. At least that's what Ford has been bragging about since late last year. There's no word as to whether or not the Blue Oval will develop a more track-focused Mustang in the future, but such a scenario is very likely. Until then, customers can order a Mustang GT from $32,925.

Dodge Challenger

Dodge also lacks a track-focused Challenger, but the pony can be ordered with a Super Track Pak that adds a number of race-bred chassis upgrades, including Bilstein shock absorbers and a 50-50 weight ratio. Additionally, the Scat Pack will further upgrade the vehicle with four-piston Brembo brakes at all four corners, a rack-mounted electric power steering and high-performance tires.

Facelifted for the 2015 model year, the current Challenger sports 1971-inspired bodywork that comes with a split front grille, separate taillights and a more pronounced power bulge hood. Inside, the muscle car features a new center console, more upscale inserts and leather-wrapped surfaces, as well as an updated 8.4-inch infotainment system. Pricing for the 2015 Challenger is not out yet, but expect for the V-8 version to fetch at least $32,000.

Conclusion

The best thing about the Camaro SS 1LE is that it basically has no competitor from its biggest Detroit rival - Ford. The Blue Oval company is no longer offering a Boss 302 and a replacement is at least two years away. And although Dodge can throw in a couple of packages for improved track performance, the Challenger still doesn't benefit from the same credentials as the Camaro.

Some might argue that the 1LE should store a bit more oomph under the hood. Sure, we would like that too, but it makes sense for Chevy to stay true to the original 1LE package. If you're looking for more power and have more dollars to spend, then maybe you should have a look at the awesome Camaro Z/28. Unlike the latter, the 1LE is supposed to deliver some affordable track fun while getting to keep its convenience features.