Driving Line VOLUME V ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2019 | Page 34

2019 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 1LE
levels of vigilance (including a Race setting with its own
The 1LE appellation has been in the Camaro Like the Mustang, the 1LE benefits from a magnetically configurator for nearly three decades, but there’s no adaptive set of dampers (Magnetic Ride Control), as well question its latest iteration is by far the most potent. as six-piston front Brembo brakes that snag 14.5-inch two- When found in SS flavor (yes, unlike the Mustang, you piece rotors and stiffer springs and more twist-resistant The 1LE sits on 20-inch rims wrapped in staggered
can spread the 1LE goodies out across all three of the sway bars than the standard SS. It also features an tires (285/30/R20 in the front, 305/30/R20 at the rear). It
Camaro’s drivetrains), the adrenaline-soaked setup electronically controlled limited-slip differential (3.73:1), also offers more of a visual statement than the Mustang,
enhances the car’s exceptional 6.2L V8 output (455hp a dual-mode exhaust and enhanced engine, oil and thanks to its standard flat-black hood, which matches
and 455 lb-ft of torque) by way of carefully engineered transmission cooling. Keeping a watchful eye over the the black-accented spoiler and lip that come with the
chassis and aero upgrades. entire enterprise is Chevrolet’s excellent Performance car. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered
Traction Management system that includes five different with the SS 1LE.
fine gradients of intervention).
WHICH ONE’S RIGHT FOR YOU?
As you might have gathered by now, both the
Mustang GT PP2 and the Camaro SS 1LE follow a very
separates the two cars—but on a racetrack, neither of
those straight-line measures matter all that much.
similar playbook. Each car focuses on improving grip
One last note: The 1LE also happens to be a bit
cheaper than the Mustang, too, stickering at just over $46K
in Chevy showrooms as compared to right around $50K
and suspension response as compared to their most Braking, on the other hand, is never optional, especially under the Blue Oval banner. More for less is a compelling
street-oriented editions, adding serious electronics to on a twisty road course. Despite both having Brembo argument in any automotive comparison, but taking into
manage both in combination with competition-spec tires. brakes, the 1LE offers about 10 feet shorter of a stopping account the fact that this is one Camaro that punches way
Stability at speed, too, is enhanced by way of legitimate distance as compared to the PP2 when hauling down above its weight, and it’s clear to see the PP2 needs a little
aerodynamic add-ons, and finally, the difficult cooling from 60 mph. On a full lap of most horsepower-friendly more development time before it can unseat the 1LE.
needs of a powerful, relatively heavy track car are also tracks, the Camaro will also best the Mustang by at least addressed. a few seconds, which can be an eternity in competition,
with most drivers commenting on the Chevrolet’s better
By the numbers, the Chevrolet hits 60 mph from body control and more intuitive chassis compared to the
a standing start a little quicker (4.1 seconds) than the Ford. In fact, the 1LE is comparable in terms of lap times
Ford (4.4 seconds), due in part to its well-tuned launch- and feel to high-priced imports like the Audi R8 V10 Plus,
control system and slight weight and torque advantage. Porsche Cayman GT4 and the Nissan GT-R.
The quarter-mile is a little tighter—less than 0.1 second
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