New Camaro shows it can motor
With suspension upgrade, this Chevy manoeuvres with the competition
As with the Spark, Cruze and Malibu, Chevrolet has given the 2019 Camaro bolder front- and rear-end styling and has put marked differences between the various models.
The RS appearance package, for example, adds a polished black grille with chrome inserts, new headlamps with an LED signature light bar, and a rear fascia with a built-in diffuser. Conversely, the blacked-out central bar running through the grille differentiates the SS model; it is the better take on the new face.
Other upgrades include Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system with available navigation and available forward-collision alert. The changes are subtle, but noticeable.
Since introducing the sixth-generation Camaro in 2016, Chevy has focused on ramping up the performance side of the portfolio. In 2017, the first V6-powered Camaro with the 1LE Track Package landed, along with the formidable ZL1. This year, the 1LE treatment was added to the ZL1. For 2019, comes the first 2.0-litre turbocharged Camaro with the 1LE Track pack.
The upgrades include an FE3 suspension with larger anti-roll bars, P245/40R20 front and P275/35R20 rear tires, Brembo brakes with four-piston front calipers, limited-slip rear differential, larger coolers for the engine, transmission and differential, along with a competitive driving mode, launch control and prouder exhaust note. It also features “no-lift” shifting, which in simple terms allows the gas pedal to remain matted between shifts. It is less than intuitive, but worked well on the track.
Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the fact the lot is now covered under Chevy’s factory warranty, even when used at the track.
Now lest you think the addition of the 1LE package is just for show, well, Chevrolet disagrees. The list of competition the company says it will “battle (and beat!)” on the autocross circuits, racetracks and roads across North America reads like a what’s what of affordable speedsters. The intended competition includes the Hyundai Veloster N, Ford Focus ST/ RS, Honda Civic Si/Type R, Subaru BRZ tS and WRX STI, along with the Kia Stinger.
Now before the snickering begins, a couple of hot laps at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s handling track in a camouflaged model teamed with the exclusive six-speed manual box proved the suspension upgrade does a very good job of keeping the body hunkered down through a fast corner.
Likewise, the beefier tires added more lateral stability; in track mode with the traction control off, the tester did want to wag its tail, but in a controlled fashion. The upgraded brakes also displayed less fade.
Is the Camaro Turbo 1LE going to show the likes of a Honda Civic Type R a clean set of rear tires on a hot lap?
No, but it is a marked improvement over the base turbocharged Camaro. The 1LE did not feel as heavy as the roughly 1,550-kilogram curb weight might suggest, meaning it feels less unwieldy as the limit neared. In short, it did a fine job of inspiring confidence.