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Fastest Camaro is made for the track

The fastest, most track-capable Camaro ever -- the 2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE -- will offer a 10-speed automatic transmission beginning late February. It boasts a supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 rated at 650 hp.

During development, Chevy engineers pushed the limits of the automatic transmission to be more than one-half second faster than the standard manual on General Motors' 2.9-mile Milford Road Course. And on longer tracks like the Nürburgring, where you can take advantage of the lightning-quick shifts and all 10 gears, drivers can expect to shave off several seconds from their previous lap times recorded while driving the six-speed manual ZL1 1LE.

"This transmission is optimized for speed," says Camaro Chief Engineer Mark Dickens. "With unique Track Mode calibrations and 10 gears, you are always in the perfect gear when rolling on or off the throttle. You may not be a professional race car driver, but now you can shift like one."

Not only does the 10-speed transmission save time at the track, it gives customers more performance options. The automatic provides standard paddle shifters for when they want a more engaging experience. But no top-speed numbers have been released yet by Chevy (disappointing!).

This new transmission comes with many changes that live up to the requirements of the 1LE performance package. Unique calibrations were made to the transmission, electronic limited slip differential, and performance traction management system. The front and rear Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers have been tuned to accommodate the quicker shifts in weight transfer. New hardware includes a new transmission oil pan and an additional cooling duct for the steering gear.

Additional ZL1 1LE features include:

• Downforce-producing aero: Unique features include a carbon fiber rear wing, specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia that produce grip-generating downforce to help the car stick harder and drive faster in turns.
• Adjustable suspension: Racing-derived, lightweight Multimatic DSSV dampers front and rear offer exceptional wheel and vehicle control. The front-end ride height is adjustable, along with the camber geometry. The rear stabilizer bar also offers three-way adjustability.
• Wheels and tires: Specific lightweight forged aluminum wheels are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than standard ZL1 wheels and are used with new summer-only Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires that deliver max lateral grip of 1.10g.
• Lighter weight: The lighter wheels and dampers, along with thinner rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat, contribute to more than a 50-lb lower curb weight than a standard ZL1 Coupe.
• Supercharged performance and more: The power behind the ZL1 1LE is the 650-hp, supercharged LT4 engine. Brembo brakes are included, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel.

The new Camaro ZL1 1LE joins the V6 1LE, SS 1LE, and Turbo 1LE to round out Camaro's lineup of 1LE track stars.

Net price: $64,695 ($62,000 Standard Vehicle Price, $995 Destination Freight Charge, Gas $1,700 Guzzler Tax, -$500 Total Cash Allowance). Extra ZL1 1LE Track Performance Package has an MSRP of $7,500, and the available 10-speed automatic transmission is $1,595 more.

Learn more on the Chevrolet site here.

Source: Chevrolet

Published February 2019

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