It seems that nearly every review of the Chevrolet Camaro compares it to the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, and with good reason—these three nameplates are historic foes going back 50 years. Well, Constant Reader, that won’t happen today, because the subject of this test is the four-cylinder 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE, an endangered species that combines the Camaro’s smallest engine with the SS model’s suspension.
Truth be told, a read of the spec sheet had us thinking that this Camaro’s natural enemies might be sport compacts like the Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf R. Its 275-hp 2.0-liter turbo I-4, six-speed manual, and emphasis on handling over tire-smoking power would put it in the ballpark, we thought, but a couple weeks of real-world driving disavowed us of this notion. The Camaro 1LE has a very different character than a hot hatch. But it also has a very different character than the brawnier Camaros we’ve driven. We came away with likes, dislikes, a lot of respect—and a newfound notion that a Camaro equipped like this one really is its own unique thing.
First, a little more about the Camaro 1LE. This is a track performance package that combines FE3 suspension components from the V-8-powered SS with four-piston Brembo front brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential, a 3.27:1 final drive ratio, a short-throw shifter, and coolers for the engine oil, transmission, and rear differential. The V-6 Camaro 1LE also gets an extended engine cooling system and dual-mode exhaust. The 1LE’s exterior elements include a black hood, black lightweight wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 run-flat summer tires, and (strangely) RS badging.
UPDATE: As we prepared this story for publication, we got word that Chevrolet is planning to discontinue the four- and six-cylinder versions of the 1LE for the 2022 model year. We want to go on record as saying, “Boo, hiss.” It isn’t without flaws, but the four-cylinder 1LE is a terrific car—a terrifically unique car—and it deserves a stay of execution.
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE Specifications | |
| BASE PRICE | $31,195 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $39,480 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe |
| ENGINE | 2.0L/275-hp/295-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| TRANSMISSION | 6-speed manual |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 3,414 lb (52/48%) |
| WHEELBASE | 110.7 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 188.3 x 74.7 x 53.1 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.6 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 14.2 sec @ 96.7 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 104 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 1.01 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 24.5 sec @ 0.76 g (avg) |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 19/29/22 mpg |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 177/116 kWh/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 0.86 lb/mile |
By: Erika Pizano
Title: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE First Test: Its Own Thing
Sourced From: www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrolet/camaro/2021/2021-chevrolet-camaro-turbo-1le-first-test-review/
Published Date: Fri, 07 May 2021 10:00:09 +0000
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https://twentyfoursevencars.com/chevrolet/things-are-wheelie-getting-out-of-hand-chevy-steering-wheel-thefts-on-the-rise
