The Camaro 1le is a beast on the track, and after putting a few hundred miles on mine, I can attest to its incredible cornering capabilities. It truly shines when pushed hard, but there are some aspects potential owners should be aware of, especially if you plan to use it as a daily driver.
One notable characteristic, unlike the wider fenders found on the ZL1, is that the tires on the 1LE, while the same size as the ZL1, protrude slightly from the wheel wells. This design, while contributing to its aggressive stance, leads to significant road debris being kicked up. Gravel, sand, and other road materials are readily thrown against the car’s paint, causing damage over time. Even with paint protection film like Xpel, chipping can occur, particularly when driving on gravel roads. Be prepared for potential paint maintenance if you frequently drive on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Speaking of tires, the high-performance Goodyear tires that come standard on the Camaro 1LE are known for their grip, but also for their relatively short lifespan. My experience, and that of other owners, suggests that a set might last around 10,000 miles, or even less if driven aggressively on track or canyon roads as intended. Replacing these tires is not cheap, costing around $1300 per set. While some drivers may achieve higher mileage, it’s a recurring expense to factor into ownership. However, considering the level of performance they offer, especially on track, these Goodyear tires are arguably a bargain compared to other performance tires with similar capabilities, some of which can be even more expensive. It’s also crucial to heed the warning about cold weather driving; these tires are not designed for temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and are susceptible to cracking in such conditions.
Driving the Camaro 1LE in the rain requires extreme caution. Its track-focused nature means it can become very slippery in wet conditions. Even with electronic traction control, accelerating quickly, especially on on-ramps, can be risky. The car’s inherent power and the tires’ reduced grip in the wet can easily overwhelm the traction control system, potentially leading to loss of control. It’s best to significantly reduce driving enthusiasm in rainy weather.
Maintenance costs are another factor to consider. The Camaro 1LE is equipped with a large oil reservoir, which, while beneficial for performance and engine longevity, translates to more expensive oil changes, especially when performed at dealerships. Routine servicing can be pricier than standard Camaro models.
To fully unlock the Camaro 1LE’s track potential, a performance wheel alignment is highly recommended. This specialized alignment, often costing around $80, optimizes the car for road course handling. However, it’s important to note that a performance alignment will further accelerate tire wear compared to a standard street alignment. This is a trade-off for enhanced track performance.
When choosing your Camaro 1LE, you have options like the 1SS and 2SS trims. Initially, certain options available on the 2SS were not offered on the 1SS. While a 2SS 1LE is now available, the added features and luxury of the 2SS inevitably add weight, potentially impacting ultimate track performance compared to the lighter 1SS. For purists focused purely on road course dominance, the 1SS might be the preferred choice. A direct track comparison between a 1SS and 2SS 1LE would be insightful to quantify any performance difference due to weight.
It’s also worth noting that the Camaro 1LE, despite its impressive 455 horsepower, is not optimized for drag racing. In a straight-line acceleration contest or at the drag strip, a standard 8-speed automatic Camaro 1SS will likely outperform the 1LE. The 1LE’s launch characteristics are reportedly not ideal for drag racing. Therefore, if drag racing is your primary focus, the 1LE might not be the best Camaro variant for you.
Despite these considerations, the Camaro 1LE remains an exceptional performance car, particularly for its intended purpose: dominating road courses. Its track-focused engineering and handling prowess are unmatched in its price range. It delivers performance that comes remarkably close to cars like the Mustang GT350R, which typically carries a significantly higher price tag. For drivers seeking a track-capable sports car with street legality, the Camaro 1LE offers incredible value and performance. Ultimately, for raw, track-ready performance at a competitive price, the Camaro 1LE is hard to beat, reinforcing the strong reputation of Chevrolet performance vehicles.
