It’s been a few months since Chevy 
unveiled the new, sixth-generation 2016 Chevrolet Camaro and we know everything there is to know about the basic lineup, but there’s more to come from America’s best-selling modern-day muscle car . We already know there’s a new 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 underway and we have reason to believe Chevrolet is also working on a replacement for the Z/28, but these two might not be the only two models to join the new Camaro lineup.
A new video provided by YouTube user “cvdzijden,” depicts a camouflaged muscle car lapping the Nurburgring , and hints that Chevy may also be working on a replacement for the 1LE, essentially a slightly sportier SS.
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, 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.
If the Camaro in the video is indeed the 1LE, the performance package could return sometime in 2016 for the 2017 model year.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.
Exterior
Although the prototype is camouflaged to the teeth, there are certain hints that the coupe we’re looking at is not a regular Camaro. While both the bumper and the engine hood seem to be identical to the SS, the splitter is bigger. Around back, it sports a Gurney-style spoiler instead of the small wing seen on the SS. Other differences include a wider track and beefier tires. I expect this track and tire setup to find its way on the ZL1 too. Once the camouflage is off, the muscle car should also feature a matt-black engine hood and blacked-out body parts.
Interior
Note: standard 2016 Camaro interior shown.
The interior is a mystery as of this writing, but if the previous 1LE is any indication, it should be similar to the SS and have an array of sportier features. Look for a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a short-throw shifter, both trimmed in suede microfiber. Standard equipment will depend on whether the 1LE package is added to the 1SS or 2SS trim. No matter the trim though, the 1LE will get Chevy’s new 8-inch screen for the updated MyLink infotainment system and the 8-inch configurable instrument cluster instead of the usual analog gauges.
Drivetrain
Note: 2016 Camaro SS V-8 engine shown.
As its predecessor did, the next 1LE will use the same engine found in the SS. The sixth-gen Camaro received a new 6.2-liter V-8. Based on the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette’s LT1 unit (only 20 percent of the engine’s parts are unique to the Camaro), the naturally aspirated unit cranks out 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, a 29-horsepower and 35-pound-feet improvement over the previous model.
Likewise, the mill should be restricted to the six-speed manual transmission on the 1LE, even though the SS can also be had with the 8L90 eight-speed automatic. The manual features rev-matching technology borrowed from the Corvette Stingray.
Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph should be identical to the manual SS model at 4.3 seconds. Running the quarter-mile will take around 12.5 seconds at 115 mph.
Other features that will set the 1LE apart from the SS should include larger stabilizer bars front and rear, high-performance wheel bearings and rear shock mounts, and a high-capacity fuel pump.
Prices
For 2015, the 1LE Performance Package added $3,500 to the Camaro SS’ sticker and it’s safe to assume it will do about the same on the sixth-gen car. With the new SS priced from $37,295 before options, the upcoming 1LE should fetch at least $41,000.
Competition
2015 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
With no Mustang Boss 302 around for 2016, Dodge’s Scat Pack Shaker option for the 392 Hemi-powered Challenger 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
Essentially an alternative to the Ford Mustang Boss 302 — which is no longer available with the sixth-generation pony — the Camaro 1LE slots right between the Camaro SS and Z/28, offering drivers the perfect combination of day-to-day driveability and track-day ability. It’s not as aggressive as the Z/28, but sportier than the standard SS. More importantly, it comes with an affordable sticker. It’s the foundation the 1LE was built on since the late 1980s and this recipe isn’t likely to change with the upcoming car. With the sixth-gen Camaro more dynamic than ever, the 2017 1LE will likely become the sportiest and most track-capable iteration yet.