Chevrolet has launched the first performance variant for the sixth-generation Camaro. Taking place at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the automaker has debuted the 2017 Camaro 1LE.

The sixth-generation 1LE departs from tradition, however, and is offered on both the Camaro SS and the V-6 model, rather than just the higher-output, V-8 Camaro. Like before, the 1LE package turns the Camaro into a handling car, focusing on suspension parts, fatter tires, and bigger brakes.

The 1LE package does use different parts between the V-6 and V-8 versions, with the V-8 obviously being the more track-ready of the two. That’s not to say the V-6 is a dud. In fact, Al Oppenheiser, the chief engineer for Camaro, says the V-6 1LE produces track times at the Willow Springs Raceway comparable with the fifth-generation 1LE – a car equipped with the 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. Impressive.

But before diving into the new 1LE’s details, let’s look at its background. The 1LE package was introduced in 1988 as a performance package option based on Chevy’s SCCA Showroom Stock racing program. The 1LE bundle was offered until 1999, but remained a low-volume specification that rarely sold more than 100 units per year. The 1LE returned in 2013 as a package offered on 1SS and 2SS trims of the fifth-generation car, and included various ZL1-sourced parts, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, and many sporty features. The matt-black hood was its most recognizable visual trademark – something that returns for 2017.

Update 08/08/2016: Chevrolet has announced pricing for the 2017 Camaro 1LE which will be put on sale later this year. Check out the “Prices” section below for the full details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Camaro 1LE shares most of its details with non-1LE examples. Both V-6 and V-8 Camaros wear the same body panels and grilles, though the 1LE package adds several unique features. A front splitter protrudes from the lower fascia, adding downforce; 1LE-exclusive, three-piece rear spoiler sits on the deck lid; and the hood is satin black, regardless of body color. Here’s the specific on the V-6 and V-8 models.

V-6 Camaro 1LE

The most noticeable difference is the satin black hood standing apart from the body color. Those with a trained eye will spot the rear spoiler next, then the 20-inch, 10-spoke, black wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The tires come sized in 245/40 up front and 275/35 out back. The V-6 Camaro’s grille is slightly modified for higher airflow for better cooling, while getting satin black accents to further separate the 1LE from the standard Camaro's grille. The side mirrors also come coated in satin black.

The only sure way to spot the V-6 over a V-8 is its smaller front grille, lack of SS badges on the front grille and rear bumper, along with the non-vented hood. The quad, chrome-tipped exhaust and rear fascia are identical to both V-6 and V-8 cars.

V-8 Camaro SS 1LE

Like the standard Camaro SS, the V-8 1LE comes with an SS-exclusive front end with larger openings verses the V-6. Satin black accents on the front splitter, rear spoiler, and side mirrors are present as well, along with the satin black hood. The SS’ hood vents are still present, helping heat escape the engine bay.

The SS 1LE runs the same Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, but they come in larges sizes. Up front the tires are sized in 285/30, while the rear gets massive 305/30 rubber. That matches the fifth-generation’s ZL1’s tire setup, minus the aspect ratio. All four wheels are sized at 20 inches and the design is unique to the car.

In back, the SS 1LE features the same bumper, lower fascia, and exhaust tips as the standard SS, leaving only the tall spoiler as the telltale sign of the 1LE package.

Interior

Note: standard 2016 Camaro interior shown.

The 1LE package adds the same interior upgrades to both V-6 and V-8 Camaros. The steering wheel and shifter are covered in suede for better gripping, while heavily bolstered Recaro front seats are optional. Also available is Chevy’s Performance Data Recorder. The option allows owners to record video through a camera mounted near the rearview mirror. The video footage is then overlaid with performance data like speed, engine revs, g-forces, braking force, and lap times. This marks the first time Chevy has offered its PDR in the Camaro.

Beyond that, the Camaro’s interior remains unchanged. Of course, the 2017 model retains all the updates from the all-new 2016 Camaro. These include a completely redesigned dashboard, larger infotainment screen with the latest MyLink software, a large TFT display between two analog gauges behind the steering wheel, and better fitments and materials throughout.

Drivetrain

The biggest differences lie under the hood and each wheel. The V-6 and V-8 cars not only use different engines, but also get different suspension set-ups tuned specifically for each application. Let dive into it.

V-6 Camaro 1LE

The V-6 Camaro is powered by a 3.6-liter, all-aluminum engine that makes 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. The naturally aspirated unit is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear tires. While much of the driveline doesn’t change, the 1LE package adds a short-throw shifter onto the manual gearbox and the SS’ high-flow fuel system for higher-load corning capability. The Camaro’s eight-speed automatic is not offered with the 1LE, making the six-speed manual the only gearbox. There is one major change, however. The 1LE package gets a mechanically limited-slip differential with 3.27 ratio gears. This helps the V-6 put power to the ground more effectively.

Optional on the V-6 Camaro, the Dual Mode active exhaust becomes standard equipment for the 1LE. Likewise, the optional track-cooling package now comes standard. It includes coolers for the engine oil, differential fluid, and transmission fluid.

Suspension wise, Chevy upgraded several components to make the 1LE handle better, pushing the car to a Chevy-estimated 0.97G on the skid pad. Packaged as the FE3 suspension, many of the components are borrowed from the standard Camaro SS, including the dampers, rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links, and the stabilizer bars. The front brakes are upgraded to four-piston calipers from Brembo.

V-6 Camaro 1LE

While the V-6 Camaro borrows suspension parts from the standard SS, the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE gets further upgraded parts that push it past anything currently available on the standard Camaro. The SS 1LE gets Magnetic Ride dampers with specific tuning, along with 1LE-specific springs and stabilizer bars. The result, Chevy says, is more than 1G of lateral force on the skid pad. Helping the cause even further, is an SS 1LE exclusive, electronic limited slip differential with 3.73 gears.

Under the hood is the naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 that produces 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. As with the V-6, only the six-speed manual transmission is standard, fitted with a short-throw shifter. The engine breathes through the Dual Mode exhaust system and is kept cool via the track-cooling package. Like the V-6, the package includes coolers for the engine oil and transmission and differential fluid.

Bringing everything to a stop are six-piston monobloc front brake calipers from Brembo, squeezing two-piece, 14.6-inch rotors. The rotors are seven percent larger than the stock Camaro SS front brakes and should help the car shed both speed and excess heat. The front calipers are also colored red and come with the 1LE logo.

Prices

The 1LE package adds $4,500 to the Camaro V-6 LT’s MSRP. Pricing jumps by $2,000 for the V-8 1LE package, resulting in a $6,500 premium over the standard 1SS package.

A 2017 Camaro V-6 1LT starts at $27,300, so adding the 1LE package results in a price of $31,800. The Camaro V-8 1SS carries a starting price of $37,900. Check the 1LE option box, and the price rises to $44,400. Neither price includes taxes and other fees.

Competition

2015 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker

With no Mustang Boss 302 around for 2016, Dodge's->ke28 Scat Pack Shaker option for the 392 Hemi-powered Challenger->ke249 is pretty much the only American competitor to consider against the upcoming Camaro 1LE. The package adds the iconic Shaker hood and scoop, satin black stripes, polished-aluminum wheels, and a Bumble Bee badge. Under the hood, it features the same 6.4-liter V-8 as the standard car, rated at 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Though it's a bit more powerful than the SS, the Scat Pack is actually slower from 0 to 60 mph, needing around 4.5 seconds to hit the benchmark. That's because the Challenger is significantly heavier than the current Camaro and the Scat Pack Shaker package doesn't do much to improve the coupe's aerodynamics. The Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker is competitively priced at $42,495, and Dodge even offers a Plum Crazy limited-edition for 2016.

Read more about the Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker here.

Conclusion

The 1LE package breaks the ice for Chevy in offering performance versions of its sixth-generation Camaro. Though the ZL1 and future Z/28 will easily outperform the 1LE, it's great to see Chevy start here. And best of all, the 1LE is obtainable. It gives those weekend track warriors without massive budgets a Camaro with better limit handling and aerodynamics. I dare say it would be impossible to replicate the suspension, wheel and tire, and aero upgrades in the aftermarket to the precision degree Chevy engineers have incorporated the 1LE's components onto the Camaro.

Then there's the groundbreaking 1LE V-6 combination. Never before has Chevy offered the 1LE package on anything other than the SS. It speaks volumes to Chevy’s confidence in the V-6 Camaro while keeping the entry costs down. Of course, those more serious about racing the 1LE will opt for the SS, but it’s nice of GM to offer a choice.

Update History

Updated 02/12/2016: We added a series of new images of the new Camaro 1LE taken during its official unveiling at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. Check them out in the "Pictures" tab.

Update 02/10/2016: Chevrolet officially unveiled the 2017 Camaro 1LE package ahead of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The 1LE handling package is offered on both the V-6 and V-8 Camaro and will be available in the latter part of 2016.

Updated 02/05/2016: New rumors suggest that the new Chevrolet Camaro 1LE will be unveiled next week at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. So stay tuned to see what the 1LE package will bring new over the standard Camaro SS version.