Camaro 1LE Package Returns For 2013

Back in the 1980s, there was a secret language that GM fans spoke.  It was RPO: Regular Production Option.  Filling out three characters on your order form got you some neat toys.  For instance, "B2K" on an 80s Corvette would about double the price tag, and you'd receive a 'Vette with a twin-turbocharged engine from Callaway Engineering.  For the Camaro, 1LE was the secret.  It took the highest-performance Camaro (the IROC-Z, which had the 350ci tuned port injection V8 from the 'Vette) and made it more track-worthy.  No A/C, no fog lights- but you did get bigger brakes with twin-piston calipers, stiffer suspension bushings and shock absorbers, a balanced aluminum single-piece driveshaft, and a baffled fuel tank to prevent starvation during cornering.  It was designed as a cheater special for SCCA Showroom Stock road racing, and it was very effective.

The 1LE package is returning after a 20-year hiatus, with two purposes.  One is to provide a cost-effective track tool for enthusiasts everywhere.  The other is to take a swing at Ford's Mustang Boss 302.  Much like the Boss 302, it's positioned in between the regular V8 model (GT 5.0 for Ford, Camaro SS for Chevy) and the supercharged monster (Shelby GT500, Camaro ZL-1.)  And the updates are surprisingly comprehensive.

Surprisingly, most of them focus on handling precision - the power output stays the same, although with 426 horsepower on tap it's already more than adequate.  The 1LE option package will only be available on Camaro 1SS and 2SS Coupes with the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission; no V8 automatic 1LE convertible for you!  Although the 6.2L LS3 V8 remains the same, it does get a dual-mode exhaust system like the ZL1 and Corvettes, which provides a quiet idle with a barrel-chested roar under load.  The Tremec TR6060 gets a shorter (3.91:1) final drive ratio for stronger acceleration and a trans cooler to keep temps down.  There are thicker axle shafts at the back to keep everything in one piece, too.

The suspension changes are more in-depth.  Sway bars are larger (28mm front, 27mm rear) with the drop links now outside the control arms for stronger roll resistance.  The rear dampers are mono-tube for better ride control, with reinforced strut mounts as well.  The ZL1 donates a lot of parts: heavy-duty wheel bearings, toe links, a functional strut tower brace, and its rolling stock: 20x10 and 20x11" alloys shod with sticky Goodyear Eagle Supercar G2's.  GM claims the 1LE will be able to pull 1g of lateral acceleration: thus the need for the reinforced axles, wheel bearings, toe links, swaybar links, etc. The mechanical changes are rounded out by the high-flow fuel pump from the ZL1, a baffled gas tank to prevent fuel starvation, and a short-throw shifter.

Visually, the 1LE will be distinguished by a matte-black hood, front splitter, and rear spoiler.  Inside, there's a suede-trimmed flat bottom steering wheel from the ZL1 as well.

Other running changes to the 2013 Camaro lineup include an update to the V6 (now with 323 horsepower), a switch to variable-effort electric power assist steering, the adoption of the offset swaybar drop links, and an optional color touch radio with MyLink capabilities.

The 1LE will deliver a lot of value for the money - GM says the package will come in under 40 grand (presumably for a cloth-seat 1SS), making it a great deal for a showroom track-ready car.  Here's hoping a journalist doesn't crash one of these during GM's inevitable track day press presentation!