WASHINGTON — This might be the final year for this version of the Camaro; a new one will show up soon for 2016, promising more than what you currently get. Still it may be worth scooping up now.
There was a slight refresh for 2014 with different rear-end styling, and for 2015 it still has those standout looks and the available V8 with six speed manual — the way a muscle car should be.
But it’s more than that. This is a Camaro SS with a twist — the 1LE option box really transforms the Camaro into something special. It’s a $3,500 option on any V8 with a manual transmission Camaro. For the price, you get a different look with a rear spoiler and hood, and large unique 20-inch wheels with wide tires both front and back. Then there’s the stuff you don’t see, like the suspension and handling package and the higher axle ratio, which makes for a quicker car but you give up some fuel economy.
Driving the Camaro with the 1LE package was eye opening compared to the regular SS Camaros. The handling goes from a leaning-in-the-turns road car to a track-ready, very serious car that loves turns like a sports car — not the large coupe it is. The precise handling is helped by those huge Goodyear tires which look like tires you would see on a racetrack. The tires are good for the summer. I did get caught in the rain, and if you’re careful they will be OK, but be gentle. That great handling comes at cost of comfort on bumpy roads as you feel all those big bumps, but that’s the price of having a near track car suspension.
Even the 426hp V8 seems more alive in the 1LE Camaro. With the ratio axle, the car jumps from the line and it sounds really good. The manual transmission has shorter throws from gear to gear than in the past it seems; the clutch takes a few minutes to get used to. After a few miles, you can really bang through some quick gear changes. The brakes are excellent and they stop the Camaro quickly when needed.
The Camaro with the 1LE package looks mean just sitting there with those wider wheels, and it looks like it sits lower and is ready to pounce. This is how the Camaro should have always looked. It sits just right, and even the bright yellow paint wasn’t over-the-top for me. The high hood and body with a lower roof makes it appear smaller than it is. I parked it next to my 2004 Pontiac GTO and the Camaro looked bigger and wider when seen side by side.
There are plenty of options that come with the loaded $46,930 2SS Camaro 1LE including leather, NAV with camera, a Boston Acoustic sound system and heads up display. I would probably choose the 1 SS and add the excellent Recaro seats, a $1,995 option. Race cars don’t need leather and NAV, so you could save a good chunk of change when you buy. The rest of the interior contains some hard plastics here and there, and it seems behind some of the newer redone competition.
The rear seats are for children as there isn’t much space. The vision out of the Camaro isn’t best either. Cool styling leads to limited views out of the back window; the rear camera is a good option.
The Camaro SS 1LE is a special car for those who want a great handling car but don’t have the money to buy the special $75,000 Camaro Z/28. If you’ve always wanted a car that you can drive on back roads on the weekend and explore what a track day is, this car deserves a look. With its sinister looks and race car hardware you’re just a helmet and instructor away from discovering the true potential of this track weapon that can be driven home at the end of the day.
Editor’s note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
