(CBS Detroit) - Photos and details released Wednesday from General Motors shed light on a storied high performance Camaro package being brought back for 2017. The car will make its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show, February 13-21.
The 1LE package will be available on V6 and V8 models starting late in 2016. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
For the first time, the 2017 1LE performance package will be available on Camaro 1LT or 2LT coupes equipped with the 3.6L V6. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo brakes and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE delivers an estimated 0.97G in cornering grip. (Vehicle shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory and concept color.) (credit: General Motors)For the first time, the 2017 1LE performance package will be available on Camaro 1LT or 2LT coupes equipped with the 3.6L V6. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo brakes and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE delivers an estimated 0.97G in cornering grip. (Vehicle shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory and concept color.) (credit: General Motors)For the first time, the 2017 1LE performance package will be available on Camaro 1LT or 2LT coupes equipped with the 3.6L V6. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo brakes and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE delivers an estimated 0.97G in cornering grip. (Vehicle shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory and concept color.) (credit: General Motors)The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE SS performance package returns for 2017, providing increased handling and track performance. The V8 models feature a new performance-oriented chassis system with specific tuning for the magnetic ride dampers, a segment-exclusive electronic limited slip differential and optional Performance Data Recorder (PDR). Paired with massive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, lateral acceleration will exceed 1G. (Vehicle shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory.) (credit: General Motors)The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE SS performance package returns for 2017, providing increased handling and track performance. The V8 models feature a new performance-oriented chassis system with specific tuning for the magnetic ride dampers, a segment-exclusive electronic limited slip differential and optional Performance Data Recorder (PDR). Paired with massive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, lateral acceleration will exceed 1G. (Vehicle shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessory.) (credit: General Motors)The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2017, poised to set new benchmarks for attainable track performance. The package builds off the success of the previous-generation 1LE, offering increased handling and track performance. In response to customer demand, Chevrolet will offer two distinct 1LE packages, for both V6 and V8 models, each visually distinguished with a satin black hood, specific wheels and more. (Vehicles shown with optional black Chevrolet bowtie accessories and concept green color on LT model.) (credit: General Motors)
More package highlights include a satin black hood, magnetic ride control, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, Brembo brakes, track-cooling package, suede steering wheel with shorter-throw shifter, dual mode exhaust system and Recaro front seats.
"The Camaro 1LE packages follow a recipe any track-day enthusiast will appreciate," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "Start with a lightweight, stiff structure and then add higher levels of suspension stiffness and damping, more aggressive tires, higher downforce, more powerful brakes and more cooling.
"The result delivers better performance in all measures," said Oppenheiser. "In our development tests, the V-6 Camaro 1LE delivers lap times comparable with the previous-gen V-8 model. The 2016 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS."
According to the company release the 6.2L LT1 V-8 model boasts 455 horsepower and is only available in a six-speed manual transmission.
The 1LE package was developed in 1988 to make the Camaro more competitive in Showroom Stock road racing series and officially debuted in 1989.
