Making its debut today at the Daytona International Speedway is the
2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE, an even more hardcore version of what was already labeled
by many as a track monster.
Chevy uses the 1LE packages on the standard V6 and
V8 Camaros to improve their handling, and it promises to do the same with the
ZL1 adding special aero technologies, an adjustable racing suspension, exclusive
tires while also reducing weight.
Chevy says they didn't touching the
ZL1’s 6.2-liter LT4 V8 that continues to put down 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque
and is linked exclusively to a 6sp manual (the new 10speed auto is not
offered), through four key elements starting with the aerodynamics. New
features include a giant carbon fiber rear wing, specific air deflectors and
dive planes on the front fascia that generate more downforce.
One of the most important updates brought along by
the 1LE package is the replacement of the standard ZL1’s Magnetic Ride shocks
with the racing-derived, lightweight Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool
Valve) dampers on both ends, which was used on the previous Camaro Z/28 with
astounding results. Chevy also made other tweaks to the suspension including a
three-way adjustable rear stabilizer bar.
The ZL1 1LE rides on new, 1-inch wider, but an inch
smaller in diameter front and rear forged alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear
Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires that deliver max lateral grip of 1.10g and which
warm up faster. While the overall footprint grows around 10 percent over the
regular ZL1, the wheel-and-tire package weighs about 3.3 kg less per
corner.
The use of lighter wheels and dampers, along with
reduced thickness rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat, help the 1LE drop
about 27 kg over the standard ZL1 Coupe. Chevy said the new ZL1 1LE will reach dealers
later this year, with pricing to be announced.
