Chevrolet Camaro is about to receive some major updates for the 2014 model year, but until then, the 2013 model will be getting a series of improvements to prep it for the following year. The major addition will be a new race-spec 1LE package, which will be joined by an updated interior with a new 7 inch color screen. The new 1LE package was previewed last year at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show with the Camaro 1LE Concept. It will be distinguished by a new front splitter and rear spoiler painted in smoke gray combined with a unique matte-black hood. The car will sit on a new set of 20″ wheels in a 10-spoke design featuring low-gloss black finish and red Brembo brake calipers. The interior will add a ZL1 flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in suede-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack.
Chevrolet has also installed a quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1, also trimmed in suede-microfiber. The new 1LE package will only be available for 1SS and 2SS coupe models and will be powered by a 6.2 liter LS3 V-8 engine that delivers a total of 426 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. The 1LE is only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.
Chevrolet first implemented the 1LE package back in 1988 when it was inspired by Camaro’s involvement in Pro-Am road racing. Now, for the 2013 model year, the 1LE is making a comeback and Chevrolet wants to get approval for the Touring Class competition.
Distinguishing the new 1LE package will be pretty easy: it will receive a matte black hood, a new front splitter, and rear spoiler that will help improve the car’s on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds. Chevrolet has also added a new set of 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black.
For the interior, the 1LE package adds ZL1’s flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in suede-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting and the short-throw shifter are also borrowed from the ZL1 and they are also trimmed in suede-microfiber.
The 2013 Camaro LS, SS, and ZL1 models will be offered with Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment. It includes a color touch radio with a seven-inch touch screen, and can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.
The new MyLink system offers clients a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, and integrates online services such as Pandora internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.
The new Camaro 1LE package will only be available for the Camaro SS coupes with manual transmissions, which means that it will be powered by the same engine as in the SS: a 6.2 liter LS3 V-8 engine that delivers a total of 426 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual transmission. Transmission’s close-ratio gearing will be paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio tuned for road-racing performance. The 1LE transmission also features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use. Although it is based on the SS version, the 1LE package replaces the standard twin-tube dampers with exclusive, monotube rear dampers.
Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:
Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 10-inch aluminum wheels
285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance
ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-load cornering.
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