Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE takes to Virginia International Raceway

Chevrolet recently took a Camaro SS upgraded with the 1LE package to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) to test. The new package adds $3,500 to the cost of a standard Camaro SS, for a total price of $37,035. At VIR, the car is good for a lap time of 2 minutes, 58.34 seconds.

The 1LE package builds on Chevy's long tradition of upgrading the handling of the Camaro. The first 1LE Camaro was introduced in 1988, inspired by the brand's involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

According to Chevy, today's 1LE package optimizes the car for track duty by changing the gear ratio, suspension tuning and chassis mounts.

In addition to the above changes, the 1LE also includes:

-- A larger, 27-millimeter solid front stabilizer bar and a 28-millimeter solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control.

-- A strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response.

-- A ZL1-based 20-inch-by-10-inch front and 20-inch-by-11-inch aluminum wheels.

-- 285/35ZR-20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires from the ZL1).

-- ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance.

-- ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during hard cornering.

Visually the 1LE will differ from the regular SS Camaro with its matte black hood, new front splitter, rear spoiler and 10-spoke wheels.

By Jake Lingeman