Daydreaming: 2014 Camaro SS 1LE

"Lekker" (z34nismo)
03/31/2014 at 10:09 • Filed to: None

So as most of us, I always keep an eye open when it comes to what I consider a realistic well-balanced fun car. Whether or not we are in the market is a different story.

Lately someone brought to my attention the new performance package for the Camaro, the 1LE package, which is an addition to the SS trim. The package adds a few bits and bobs which resemble the Boss 302. So a few suspension changes, tires, etc. All around a fun car, and it looks great. Let me show you what I mean:

It is a bit of a looker, isn't it? I really thought so too. So I said, eh, what the heck. Saturday the weather was beautiful so I went and found one at my local dealership and took it for a spin.

I was shocked. When I first made it to the stealership, the car was still in the showroom with 10 miles on the clock or so. Price tag of 39k (42 minus some silly incentives). Equipment included 1SS, 1LE, RS, Navi, Recaro Bucket Seats, and thats about it. The seats felt very comfortable, yet hugging. I have bolstered seats in my 370z nismo, but these are made more comfortable and deeper which means you really don't move around in your seat. They also felt more comfortable, definitely more suitable for long range driving than the ones in my z.

Then came the toys, but I have no idea how they were since all I cared about was seeing how good the ride was. So now for the drive. Before I get into details, let me explain that the only newer muscle car I've driven was the V6 version of the Camaro, which was a rental car. Drove it for about 30 minutes. That is it. So coming into it I had no idea what to expect, but I was curious about things like the stiffness of the ride, the road noise, the usual. First impression when they took it outside the showroom: The exhaust sounds very nice, it has a deep rumble to it but since it did not have the NPP dual sports exhaust, it was not ridiculously loud. Once they took it out, the guy threw the keys at me and said lets roll. As soon as I sat down in the car I noticed headroom isn't the greatest, and at 6'2" I am at the limit of height without being uncomfortable or hitting my head if we go over a pothole. What this also means is that I won't be comfortable wearing a helmet inside, which is very annoying given that I would take the car to Auto-X and track days.

The next thing I immediately noticed is the clutch feel, it gives great feedback to let you know when it is engaging and where the sweet spot is. It feels like it has a weird angle to the pedal itself, but it could just be that I am new to the car. The shifter was wrapped in Suede, as was the steering wheel with the flat bottom. The suede gave a great feel to both specially the steering wheel. I do imagine it can get super dirty and from the sweat of your palms, probably smelly too. Steering felt pretty direct, it is a large car and it felt like it. That being said however, it also sticks to road very well (Summer-Only tires, duh) even when you turn off TC it doesn't want to oversteer everywhere, like my z.

Noises, this is a very important part. It makes all the right noises, and a little bit of the wrong ones. The exhaust gives you a great rumble when you're going down the street, but isn't too intrusive while on the freeway. When you roll up the windows however and leave the radio off, you do hear a lot of road noise. Induction noise and tire noise mostly, and when I asked the sales rep (who happens to be a total car nut, he organizes Auto-x and track days for all the Chevy dealerships' customers) if the 1LE had less insulation, but he simply replied they only put that much thought into the z/28 which makes sense. All in all the ride was much MUCH more comfortable than my Z, and more appropriate for both track days and normal driving.

Looks, well thats an easy one. It looks brilliant. The RS package includes the HID/Angel eye headlights which look even more menacing in the 2014. The rear lights are replaced with LED ones in the RS package as well, so you're seen from afar. The hood is wrapped in flat black from factory, and I think it adds character to it.

Last but not least, the engine. I've never driven such a lazy engine ever. That is not a bad thing at all, to put it into perspective, at 80 on the freeway my Z is doing 3.2k RPM approximately. The 1LE? 1800. Yes. Eighteen hundred revolutions per minute. That is great for economy, and engine noise in the freeway. This does also mean you have to shift down quite a bit if you need any responsiveness. But that engine was a hoot to drive. Took it on the freeway and some back roads and it definitely has some power to it.

Overall, I had a blast with the car. And this got me thinking, what if? But that is the part when I call it daydreaming for a reason. Because I just bought my car in August.

What do you guys have to say about this car? Does anyone around here have this particular model? Do you like it? What about those of you who had never seen it or heard of it before, does it change your perspective on Camaros?

DISCUSSION (34)

trmoore09 > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 10:18

I LOVE white 1LE's. Far more reasonable than the ZL1, but still fun I'm sure. Having not driven it, I can't say anything about the ride or anything like that. But from a purely aesthetic standpoint, I love it. My ONLY gripe about the new camaros is the chrome strip at the top of the bumper opening. However, white does a decent job of hiding it.

ZRuno0611 > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 10:20

I test drove one before the body update, I loved it! I've been wanting one so bad, unfortunately it's really impractical for me considering I just started a buisness and I'm hoping to buy a house. Great choice, and much better than a regular SS which I've driven as well.

Lekker > trmoore09
03/31/2014 at 10:20

Hadn't even noticed the chrome strip. Good eye. And yes they looks stupendously good, and they only had a 2013 ZL1 on the lot, I gotta admit this drew a lot more eyes than that. You should drive one, the ride is pretty fun.

Sn210 > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 10:22

I'm a big fan of the fifth gen Camaro, and really like the 1LE. I've never driven or ridden in one, or even seen one one that I think of it, but I believe it would be the model i'd get when I finally get one. I'll probably pick one up in a few years as a weekend toy, and the 1le on paper sounds like the one for me. Not as expensive as the zl1, but not as common as the SS. Not sure if I can sympathize with you over the road noise. After all, it's a Camaro with a track oriented package

Lekker > ZRuno0611
03/31/2014 at 10:22

They're so much fun! and for me, this would actually be much much practical since it has some sort of back seats and an actual trunk. And hey, once you buy the house you have to break it in with a new 1LE :p just saying. What kind of business did you start?

ZRuno0611 > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 10:25

Landscaping, so I need big, fat, slow trucks for now.

Lekker > Sn210
03/31/2014 at 10:25

The 1LE is actually much more comfortable for the street than you might realize. It has a solid feel to it, not harsh. I'm used to the road noise, since it is much louder in the nismo. It was a little bit better than it, but it would have been much better if it was quieter. But, at the same time, sound deadning is extremely heavy.

Lekker > ZRuno0611
03/31/2014 at 10:26

Yeah that isn't even near anything that would work. Well best of luck with the new business sir!

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 10:29

I've never driven the 1LE, but I have been lucky enough to do some time in a ZL1. It was a phenomenal car, and if the 1LE is anything like what I would consider a "Lite" version would be, then I would consider it to be an all around great drive.

RightFootDown > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 10:46

You only looked at the 1LE after watching the Motor Trend Head-2-Head episode with Z/28 and GTR, didn't you? It's okay. I did too.

Lekker > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
03/31/2014 at 10:49

That is exactly how I would classify it. Exactly like that.

Lekker > RightFootDown
03/31/2014 at 10:51

Actually it was the day before, I was talking with someone about the Z28 and they mentioned the 1LE package which I had no clue of. But yes, after the article I figured if they're making a Z/28 do that good, the 1LE is definitely worth a shot. Sure enough.

Dsscats > ZRuno0611
03/31/2014 at 11:18

GMC Syclone?

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Lekker
03/31/2014 at 11:40

Dammit man. Now I gotta engage in illegal activities to buy one...

Lekker > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
03/31/2014 at 11:46

Let me know when you start, I needs moar 1LE funds too

rhodesianman > Lekker
04/06/2014 at 22:02

The 1LE is a great car, however I'm really disappointed with the styling update on the newer Camaro's. The front bumper is a big improvement but the rear bumper and taillights look horrible in the daylight. The hood looks terrible and won't age well.

wcampbell33 > Lekker
04/06/2014 at 22:23

I bought my '14 1LE in November after owning two other Camaros. This is the best one I have driven and the handling is amazing on the track. The Recaros are extremely comfortable even after a 4 hour road trip we took it on. I only drive it on weekends but it is an absolute blast to drive. I bought one in dark blue and the first things I did to it was paint the chrome lipstick on the front body color and the black rear diffuser body color. Tinting the tail lights also made the back look a lot cleaner.

MPA > Lekker
04/07/2014 at 01:01

Can't go wrong with an LSx and a 6 speed - total fun!

Lekker > rhodesianman
04/07/2014 at 07:39

I definitely feel like its personal opinion on that one, more than a land slide really. The rear tail lights are now more visible, and nicely stylized. The RS model gives you the LED ones which, to be fair, make a big difference. And the bumper is just wrapped in Black, so if anything you can remove it and you still have the normally painted hood. But I can see what you're saying. In my opinion, the rear does not look like a Camaro, and that is partly why I like it. It sort of detaches the car from its image and creates new expectations.

Lekker > wcampbell33
04/07/2014 at 07:41

Awesome!!! What is the biggest different from this one and the ones you've owned? My only beef with the Recaros is that since I'm a tall chap, and not the skinniest per say, I would rub on the bolsters a lot which I've seen causes the vinyl to peel off if you're wearing anything else other than a silk outfit lol. If I did get one I would get the Z/28 rear diffuser and side rockers, and then work on engine mods. Got some pics of the beast?

wcampbell33 > Lekker
04/07/2014 at 09:35

From my '10 to my '12 there were some major suspension upgrades that you noticed but from the '12 to the '14 it is night and day especially with the 1LE package suspension and 3.91 gears it handles better and the transmission is much better than the standard SS transmission. I'm 6'1 and about 215 and I have no problem with comfort on the Recaros. Make sure the seats are lowered all the way and there is plenty of headroom as long as there is no sunroof.

Kinja'd!!!

Lekker > wcampbell33
04/07/2014 at 13:42

I was unaware of those suspension changes. The gearing difference I understood, but didn't see a lot of practical use it it.

I see you're in AZ. Where around? How does it handle the super hot days?

wcampbell33 > Lekker
04/07/2014 at 16:48

It takes a lot of the suspension goodies from the ZL1 minus magnetic ride. The difference in throws on the suspension between a stock SS and 1LE is pretty significant and it feels much better. I haven't had the 1LE in the heat of the summer here yet but my last two Camaros did just fine in the summer.

rhodesianman > Lekker
04/07/2014 at 22:01

You make some really good points. Car styling is 90% opinion. I bought a Camaro in 2009 so I'm partial to the original reboot. I recently sold mine and I never even considered a newer one because of the restyle, it just didn't evoke the same desire to buy that the original one did.

As far as "more visible" I was rear ended in that car 3 times while stopped so being more visible could be worth it.

Lekker > rhodesianman
04/07/2014 at 23:16

Most definitely. Have you driven the 1LE? I seriously recommend you do. Even just for informational purposes, thats always my excuse. But as you were mentioning, it definitely changes the style of the car. It doesn't even look like a Camaro from the back. That is part of why I like it. It is, but it isn't. Did that make sense or do I need some coffee..

See? Maybe the fugly tail lights are meant to be! Haha. I was rear-ended in my z, in broad daylight. BY AN M-FUCKING-5. The thing has more powerful bra....ah I'll stop there. Point being, in my experience, its not about what others see necessarily, but about you knowing where they are. I could have avoided my rear-end by driving off the road, but I thought going to the side of the car I had already avoided, which gave the M5 another car lane to slow down, would be enough. But it wasn't.

rhodesianman > Lekker
04/07/2014 at 23:42

I have not driven one yet because I live in SoCal the land of the rear end collision and my previous experience with my Camaro getting hit multiple times a year has convinced me not to. If I like a car and then drive it I usually buy it. I'm currently faced with the delimma that I drove a Fiesta ST and now I must have one.

Lekker > rhodesianman
04/08/2014 at 04:52

Well have you tried other cars too? I wait usually 2 years before making a choice. The first year is spent driving all sorts of cars, models, trying to figure out what it really is I want. The next year, how i want it as well as when.

Why the Fiesta ST? Do you need a hatchback? Will you track/AutoX?

rhodesianman > Lekker
04/08/2014 at 22:23

I test drove a Focus ST, GTI, FRS, as well as some older used cars, my wife has an SUV and I have a truck. My truck (1990 k1500) does 11 mpg and my commute to work could be increasing. We are also looking at starting a family soon so four doors are a bonus. I didn't like the price/value of the GTI because I felt I didn't get as much, the Focus ST really disappointed me because I really liked it prior to sitting in it and driving it. The FRS doesn't fit the family or the mpg needs I wanted. The Fiesta ST had tons of room, good power in the mid range, great mpg and is good enough for a family.

gm5778 > Lekker
04/28/2014 at 16:45

I've seen a few articles lately by what I guess are younger writers (40ish and under?) on how surprised they are, by how good modern muscle cars are. In the articles the author typical only has foreign make sports car experience. Said author keeps referring to the fact that they have almost no experience with American cars because they are __________. Now I totally agree today's pony cars/ muscle cars from domestic makes are greatly improved, but I need to know where were you as a youth, 10-15-20 years ago? I am 36 and been a Chevy guy since a little kid and have had many different GM muscle cars. When I started driving in the early 90's American pony cars/ muscle cars we could afford were great. Better than the alternative foreign cars in the price range at least. I did plenty of street drag racing and rolling start runs with my friends. Our LT1s/LS1s and 5.0s/4.6s with a few bolt-ons beat every mildly modded BMW3&5 series, Honda Civic, Preludes and S2ks, Toyota MR2s, 3rd gen supras, Zx300s/ 350Z and Mazda miatas. Even the early STIs and RS Imprezas were no match. For the last 20 years I can't remember a single time we lost a equally mildly modded foreign car. Also, they almost never broke down. I guess my point is that while the American muscle cars are getting better, don't for a minute think that they were ever really inferior from a performance aspect to the competition at any point

Lekker > gm5778
04/28/2014 at 17:12

I am definitely in the young side of the spectrum as you mention. I am currently 23, and have known how to drive since I taught myself at 7 years old. As you mention, my experience with what you call "domestic" isn't at all like yours, for a lot of reasons. Mostly because I lived in Mexico until 2006. Also, I wasn't even a teenager in the 90's (I was born in 1990), so anything I was able to drive was because my father allowed me to. Given that he let me drive (at 7) his brand new Chrysler Spirit R/T when I claimed I had taught myself, it is obvious he saw I liked cars. At any rate, I only had experience with that 1993 Spirit and a 2001 F250 which I drove for 4 years. In both vehicles, I had all kinds of issues. I was too young to really know what was the issue, and since my dad is a programmer he really had no knowledge either. Long story short, they both broke down every month or so. The Spirit was just horrible, the fuel pump went out, the turbo let go and the Intercooler went bust mid drive and the engine overheated before we could even stop. The other experience was with a briefly-owned 1996 Mustang, I loved it because it was my first sports car, but not really mine. The issues it had however are why it isn't with me anymore, multiple transmissions had to be put in since it kept going whack. Yes, you do have a point, any LT/LS engine driven car will smoke those little imports. The difference has always been in the bends, but lets not beat a dead horse. I have always respected the straight line speed of muscle cars, hence why me and my dad had a 73 Mustang Mach 2. But it has been in the humps, bends, or any roads that were less than perfect where we came to appreciate the more delicate suspension of imports. I don't hate muscle cars at all, why do you think I test drove one? I never doubted their straight line speed but now... I seriously doubt anything will have the combination of straight line speed AND handling around the bends like the new series of Muscle cars.

Thank you for reading the post sir, and commenting.

gm5778 > Lekker
04/29/2014 at 10:13

Miguel, Now I see your prospective. I can't argue with you on the Spirit, nor do I want to to! Haha. I just want to say that this is light hearted bench racing and lots of fun! Thanks for the good article!

Sergio Lira > Lekker
06/09/2014 at 13:28

Miguel, this is crazy. I'm looking to buy a 1LE or a S550 GT w/ TrackPak @ Setp/Oct of this year. I'm in San Marcos, Tx and for the heck of it I've been looking into how well stocked this cars are at the dealers.

The only one I could find near me was this exact one @ Britain Chevrolet!

http://www.britainchevy.com/VehicleDetails…

I guess they're having a hard time selling it right?

If I do opt for a 1LE I would like it to be the 1SS, as this seems to be the 2SS and too expensive for my taste. IF (and I'm dreaming here!!!) they still have it around at the time I'm ready to make a purchase, I hopefully HOPE (lol) that I can at least get 1k off of it, reason being it hasn't sold yet :P but I doubt that A) the car wouldn't have sold by then or B) the dealer would be willing to negotiate on a "rare" camaro.

HERE'S HOPING :D If not, I'll try the cheapest possible 1LE W/ the RS Pckg. That's after seeing if I will be able to get a S550 GT w/ TrackPak for invoice...The car itself comes to stealerships @ that timeframe I'm planning to getting a vehicle, but I strongly fear the first 3-4 months will be filled with overpriced Mustangs, just cause it's new. It happened the last time (@05) when I was trying to get my Mustang.

I still have to drive the S550, but having driven a "regular" 2SS just three weeks ago, I can't forget that nice, taut feeling...nor can I imagine how well the 1LE is in comparison.

My '06 GT did NOT drive/felt anything like the 2SS I tested.

Cheers!

caf0011 > Lekker
10/06/2014 at 07:38

I currently have a '13 1LE coming from a '09 370z (sport). 1LE hands down. And I was a Z fanatic, still am. But a quality product was brought to the table here.

Lekker > caf0011
10/06/2014 at 14:55

What makes the biggest difference in your opinion? What makes you feel like its a better quality product? Glad you like it!