DISMAL is the work I use to describe the initial 2013 Camaro ZL1 allocation dished out to dealers….

In other news:

Blue Ray Metallic exterior color has a delayed start up.

The new for 2013 Blue Ray Metallic exterior color (RPO: GXH) and the optional Chevy MyLink Color Connected radio with GPS Navigation (RPO: UHQ) will also not be available until 2013 ZL1 Convertible production starts in early August. These constraints apply not just to ZL1 but all Camaro models (SS, LT and LS).

2013 MY Consensus Timing Dedicated ’13 ZL1 DOSP Cycles

May 2012**

May 17 – 22, 2012**

June 2012

June 21 – 26, 2012

July 2012

July 19 – 24, 2012

August 2012

Aug 23 – 28, 2012

September 2012

Sept 20 – 25, 2012

October 2012

Oct 18 – 23, 2012

November 2012

Nov 29 – Dec 4, 2012

2013 ZL1 Estimated Guide Number and Monthly Allocation

Chevrolet’s plans to cover the shortfall in the 2012 estimated guide number for Camaro ZL1 means the new 2013 Camaro ZL1 convertible will not start production for the U.S. market until early August 2012.

To guide customers’ expectations, each dealer will soon receive an estimated production guide number for the 2013 ZL1 coupe and 2013 ZL1 convertible models. The estimated guide number will be based on each dealer’s total Chevrolet retail sales (cars and trucks) and each dealer’s total Camaro retail sales (both coupes and convertible models) for the last 12 months ending April 2012. This 2013 estimated production guide number will be incremental to the 2013 initial allocation used to satisfy unfilled 2012 estimated production guide numbers as described above. The estimated production guide number provided in the near future will cover 2013 model year production through December 2012. A new guide number will be generated for the remaining 2013 model year production during the 4th Quarter of 2012. Based on current production estimates, it is anticipated that every Chevrolet dealer who sold a Camaro at retail during the 2012 calendar year will be offered at least one (1) 2013 Camaro ZL1 during the 2013 model run production (Q3 2012 – Q2 2013).

The majority of the 2013 Camaro ZL1 production is coupe body style. For planning purposes, most Chevrolet dealers eligible for 2013 Camaro ZL1 estimated production guide should expect their allocation to be available only in the coupe body style. Allocation of the 2013 Camaro ZL1 based on the estimated production guide numbers will start in June of 2012 and occur each month thereafter until the 2013 production year is completed in Q2 2013.

One issue that impacted ordering of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 was the unique carbon fiber hood insert, especially the availability constraints on the standard black painted hood insert. For 2013, the standard hood insert will be changed from a black painted hood insert to an Ashen Gray painted hood insert.

This Ashen Gray painted insert will have a similar finish to the Ashen Gray currently found on the Camaro. The carbon fiber material used to create the insert does not change, just the finish. The optional exposed carbon fiber hood insert (RPO: B92) will also be available at an additional charge.

The change from a black painted insert to an Ashen Gray painted insert should reduce the need for a constraint while providing customers more appearance choices. A solid hood and rear deck lid stripe option that closely matches the hood insert appearance will also be available at an additional charge.

Please note however, the stripe will only appear on the rear deck lid if the customer selects a sunroof on the coupe or a convertible model.

Chevrolet today announced the return of a V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan to the U.S. lineup, the Chevrolet SS.  The SS will also be Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar and will debut in its race configuration at the 2013 Daytona 500.
The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States.
Chevrolet has a long history of using the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates. The SS designation first appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race.
The first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala – 453 were built with the performance upgrades which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. The latest SS model in the Chevrolet lineup is the fifth-generation Camaro, which debuted in 2010.
The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore.  The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance.
“As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America.  “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.”
Chevrolet was America’s best-selling performance car brand in 2011 with Camaro and Corvette accounting for one out of every three sports cars sold in the United States.  The addition of the SS should strengthen Chevrolet’s position as a leading performance brand.

I have a 2013 427 Corvette coming in, in BLACK, with red/black interior!  This is getting built the week of May 14th – and our construction on our dealership will be starting next week as well! Buy this for HUNDREDS over cost, and take it home right away! Be one of the FIRST to own this legendary car! I can arrange for enclosed shipping to your front door – or fly in and drive it home! As soon as we get an invoice, I can post pricing.  CALL ME TODAY at (262) 573-1702 to reserve this SPECIAL CAR!

Order details:

Model Year:   2013 Division:   CHEVROLET Distrib. Entity:  RET Order Type:  TRE – Retail Stock Allocation Group:   VET  Model:   1YG67 – Corvette: Grand Sport Convertible MSRP w/DFC † :   UNKNOWN

TPW:   05/14/2012   Event Description:  3400 – Broadcast

Vehicle Specifications:       PEG:  1SB – 427 Heritage 1SB Trim:  026 – Trim: Ebony Two-tone Leather Seating Surfaces Primary Color:   41U – Black Exterior Engine:  LS7 – Engine, 7.0L LS7 V8 SFI Emissions:   50 STATE EMISSIONS Transmission:  MM6 – 6-speed manual, short-throw

Ordered Options:             41T: Top Color: Black B92: Hood: Carbon Fiber F55: Control: Magnetic Ride FE9: Emission: Federal J6F: Caliper: Red NPP: Exhaust: Performance RUV: Wheel: Aluminum T43: Spoiler, Full Width, ZR1 Style Z27: 427 Heritage Pkg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ-Hld0oHN0

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is officially in the “11-second” club, as engineers recently turned an 11.93-second/116-mph quarter-mile elapsed time run in a showroom-stock Camaro ZL1 automatic. A Camaro ZL1 manual ran an 11.96-second ET at 117 mph.

Only a few other production vehicles can run the quarter-mile as quickly as the ZL1. Fewer yet can also run 0-60 in 4 seconds, reach a top speed of 184 mph and lap the famous Nürburgring in 7:41.27 – all with the street-legal, factory-issued components and no time-consuming equipment adjustments at the racetrack.

“The ZL1 is great at everything and we’re very proud of that,” said Tony Roma, Camaro ZL1 program engineering manager. “You can take it to the drag strip and run 11-second quarter-miles all day long. You can also take it to a road course, where it’s balanced, handles well, and does exactly what you want – including lapping Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course in under three minutes – and yet the ZL1 is sophisticated enough to use as a daily driver. It’s a supercar you can drive every day.”

For perspective, the Camaro ZL1 is so quick that some drivers who experiment with “drag radial” tires or full racing slicks may find themselves going too quick for most NHRA-sanctioned racetracks, where a five-point roll bar is required for vehicles running 11.49 or quicker. The 11.93-second ET in a stock ZL1 tested by the engineers wore the factory-issued Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2  tires developed specifically for it, putting the car only a scant 0.44-second away from that additional racing safety requirement.

Looks like they’re getting ready for the C7 !

“Bowling Green Plant Tours will be suspended effective Friday, September 14, 2012 – Resumption of tours will be announced in the future….”

–New for 2013 Blue Ray Metallic (RPO: GXH) starts production early August
•No availability during May consensus cycles
•Limited availability for production submission in June

–New for 2013 SS Performance Package (RPO: 1LE) starts production early August
•No availability during May consensus cycles
•Limited availability for production submission in June

–Beige Convertible Top (RPO: 67T) starts production mid model year — not available during this consensus

2013 Camaro – What’s New
•New ZL1 Convertible model (1EY67)
•(1LE) SS Performance Package includes (RSK) 20″ Black-painted wheels, (RKC) 20″ tires, (GW1) 3.91 axle ratio, (FE6) suspension, and Black hood wrap (requires manual transmission)
•(UFU) Chevrolet MyLink1 Color Touch radio with 7″ diagonal color touchscreen display includes Bluetooth streaming audio; hands-free smartphone integration; Pandora and Stitcher smartphone compatible; voice activated technology
–Standard on all LT, SS and ZL1 models
–(USR) USB port and (KTB) PDIM now standard on 1LT and 1SS models
–Rear camera on equipped models now projected in touchscreen display
•(UHQ) Chevrolet MyLink Color Touch radio with 7” diagonal color touchscreen display and all the features of (UFU) plus GPS Navigation option on all LT, SS and ZL1 models
•(GXH) Blue Ray Metallic exterior color
•(NPP) Dual mode exhaust available on SS models equipped with manual transmission
•(NV9) Electric power steering standard on all SS models
•(BRH) Mojave leather interior
•(DBX) Frameless, Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
•(B34) Floor mats now standard on LS model (copied from camaroscotty)
•(N34) Leather-wrapped steering wheel and (VY7) leather-wrapped shift knob now standard on 1LT models
•(MX0) Automatic transmission on 1LT and 1SS models now includes (BTV) remote vehicle starter system
•Windshield wiper stalk changes: replace symbols with words “off,” “int,” “lo” and “hi”
•New wheel design for models equipped with 18” and 20” wheels
–(SGE) 18″ painted aluminum wheels
–(R42) 20″ painted aluminum wheels
–(RUY) 20″ polished aluminum wheels
•New shift knob and automatic Hill Start Assist on all manual transmissions

Since I regrettably will not be attending the August BBOMG event in Canada, that leaves me with the following two events for 2012:

Camaro Corral at Road America on Saturday June 23rd. Same place as last year, enter at gate 4, then we are at the east side of the Sargento Bridge as shown on THIS MAP. I’ll post more information as I get it, and it will also be posted on www.wi5thgen.com, a new site I partnered to make for Wisconsin 5thgen Owners.

Camaro Corral at Indy July 27-29th. In July, Indy will have its FIRST Road Course Grand Am Continental Tire and Rolex series races on Friday, a Nationwide NASCAR race Saturday, and the Sprint race on Sunday! And we’ll have a FIRST EVER Camaro Corral in the infield! We have discount Camaro Corral attendee ticket packages, as well as a hotel at a GREAT RATE (while another 25 rooms last!). I am told there is a chance Camaro Corral attendee’s will get a post race lap of the track in their Camaro’s ! (not to mention, and chance to meet MANY drivers, that drive for Team Chevy!)  For more information on THIS event, go to the best new Camaro Forum – CAMARO5150.COM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2IdssqSDIU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE7LMH8GSkA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V1YQVZXzxw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4iidfQuN38

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeZMfZ2S4kY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWp6KRoX_Ho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeTKuozLaLM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io-Hrwwt27k

Go to https://www.gmmilitarydiscount.com/ip-vpp/#seizethekeys-2

to register to win a NEW CAMARO ! !

Buy a chevy, get a special “Honor Badge” to show your service!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdiWCtidLWc

Thanks to the Midwest F-Body Association for putting on a GREAT weekend at Road America. I was attending both Saturday and Sunday, and spent a little time on the track on Sunday! Certainly gave my V6 a workout. The Nitto Invo’s were DYNAMITE once we got them warmed up!

Here’s 15 minutes of footage from my track time… yes, there were some things like Dodge Pickup trucks that had to be dealt with, but they eventually went down pit lane and made room   Thanks to those who came out and said HI !

If you haven’t gone to this event, MARK YOUR CALENDARS – you MUST attend – its a blast for the Camaro Enthusiast! For more infor on the MFBA, go to http://roadamerica.mfba.org/

This is the TRUE CamaroFest – not an imitation wannabe ! WELL DONE MFBA !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKggLijFQs0

I have SEVERAL 45ths left, two 2ss/rs sticks, one with a factory hurst. I also have an automatic 2SS/RS with a sunroof, and a 2SS/RS stick convertible.

Call me TODAY!  262-573-1702

Had a GREAT day at Road America. I plan to return Sunday and run the Camaro for the lunch track tour at noon. $60 gets you an hour of spirited driving!

Jeff Bartlett from Consumer Reports says Camaro owners “may shed a tear” in a recent article (found here), but Jeff, there IS no reason for a Camaro owner to weep. The Mustang offers the Camaro owner NOTHING.

The ZL1 has selectable ride control inside the car, awesome track ability, and the best part for any car owner, an AWESOME and superior resale value! The Mustang owners I’ve sold Camaro’s to, said their previous Mustang lacked one major item, quality. One owner said he couldn’t take how the car cracked and rattled going down the road. Weeks after taking his new Camaro home, he called said he absolutely loved the Camaro!

We also have the Corvette. I just delivered a 2012 Grand Sport to a 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 owner… He said turn off the traction control to go into Ford’s “tire shredder” mode. He said he is more impressed with the Corvette (wait, a 430hp car?) I asked him about the new 650hp GT (now 662) and he said “what the hell good is it when you can’t get it to the ground?”. I agree, and I also agree that Ford does win the “Mine’s bigger than yours” contest….but we’ve also all heard “it’s not the quantity, it’s the quality that counts”, and that’s where the Camaro is King……and the reason why it is #1 in sales over the Mustang.

So Jeff, come on Facebook – there are MANY Camaro groups there, and not one will have tears…..in fact, if a Camaro owner does shed a tear, it will be 100% in LAUGHTER!

THIS WILL BE HUGE!

Now I do sell Chevy Cruze’s….LOTS of them in fact (I even shipped one to Houston to one of my Camaro customers….I beat his dealers price with shipping!)……Chevy just released this new video ad -a little different than traditional Chevy ads!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD-jd0vs9BU

Some of you may not know, I have partnered to start a new “club/gathering” themed Camaro Forum, without the drama and bannings found on other sites.

For those of you that have called or emailed me about finding a more “mature” Camaro discussion board, THIS IS IT! Join us and say HI!   And send us some video of your car – you might become the Mobile car of the week !

Go to www.camaro5150.com and check us out!

Come join us at the FIRST EVER Camaro Corral in the Infield at INDY during the NASCAR Weekend!!!! This year brings a FIRST to the Brickyard races, A ROAD COURSE Grand Am Continental Tire Series / Rolex racing Friday, Nationwide Saturday, and Sprint Cup on Sunday.  CAMARO CORRAL ALL THREE DAYS, and I have been told TEAM CHEVY drivers will be visiting the Corral through the weekend!

We have special ticket packs that include the infield parking, and we have a “Camaro Owners Hotel” with an AWESOME room rate, WHILE OUR BLOCK OF ROOMS LAST!

Go to http://www.camaro5150.com/forums/showthread.php?328 for the full details!

The MFBA Road America Event.

We are renting the track out the weekend of April 28′th and 29′th, 2012.

Full details and registration is available via our website:
http://roadamerica.mfba.org/

All Make and Model Cars are Welcome to come out and Participate in this event!!

We have 4 run groups based on experience that get 4-5 20 min sessions out on track each day. You will have a LOT of track time! Most people are exhausted by the end of the day.

Instructors are available free of charge for people who would like them, and anyone who has not been on Road America will automatically have an instructor assigned to them.

We also offer a lunch time touring session for those that just want to get a chance to go out on the track at slower speeds.

Pricing……………………………………Weekend…………..Single Day
Now to Apr 13th……………………….$445………………. ..$255
Apr 13th to day of Event……………..$495…………………$275
Touring Session……………………………………. …………..$60
Spectators…………………………………. ……………………$5

The event is filling up fast, so please register early!
Group A – Assertive: Half Full
Group B – Advanced: FULL
Group C – Intermediate: 70% Full
Group D – Novice: 85% Full

If you still want to sign up for Group B, please put that in your registration form. We will either move you to A or C, or make room for you in B. This will be discussed with you at registration the day of the event.

Also, for those of you already registered, we will be sending out confirmation e-mails a week or so before the event.

Mueller Motorwerks would like to be a part of your pit crew.
Orders made by April 25th 2012 can be ready track side for MFBA Track Days and eligible for an additional 10% discount.
Call us today at 1.855.MMW.RACING to ensure availability and that your car is ready to perform.
Mueller Motorwerks, Driving Performance Parts.
http://www.shopmmw.com/

There’s just a TON of Camaro goodies on the internet…..and as an owner, I find it REALLY REALLY  hard not to buy them…. So I decided when I do, I’ll feature my discovery.

This month, it is gloss black plastic taillight bezels. I did scuff up my chrome ones that came with the car, and painted them black, but the many high pressure washes took their toll, and blasted the paint off. I’m not a fan of the factory chrome bezels, so I thought I’d try naturally black plastic ones. I found my set at:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330629832885?item=330629832885

for $79.80 shipped. If the auction is ended, just do a search…(seller unclesamdeal) There’s semi-gloss like mine, or a flat black version. Here’s how mine turned out:

Please DONATE Camaro Friends!

Click the link below for the 2013 Camaro Ordering guide (including ZL1)

2013 Camaro Order Guide

Is this REALLLLLLY news worthy? Not really…

It’s no surprize the ZL1 was planned to be called the Z28, then changed months before production, after some internal discussions (or arguements, depending who you talk to) on the “meaning” of the Z28 nameplate.  In fact, it was announced to dealers as the Z28 (you might remember, one dealer leaked this news against GM wishes to gain popularity) back at a dealer conference of upcoming products.

With the internally named “Super Camaro” running loose in the secluded hills of Michigan, being dubbed as the “most impressive CHEVROLET ever (not just Camaro…CHEVROLET)” by some anonymous GM Mystery caller of mine….could this have been the truth, or just a GM ploy for me to cause a Camaro distraction, I don’t know….but I’d surely like to THINK  that there’s a Camaro out there that is the most impressive Chevrolet ever built….and if it is, it surely would be worthy of the Z28 nameplate.

GONE for 2013:

• (GAP) Imperial Blue Metallic exterior color
• (H45) 45th Anniversary Package (including [GAR] Carbon Flash Metallic exterior color)
• (RQH) 18″ painted aluminum wheels
• (R3Z) 20″ painted aluminum wheels
• (R40) 20″ polished aluminum wheels
• (DRG) Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with rear camera display
• (SRJ) Convenience and Connectivity Package (content now standard on 1LT and 1SS
models)

NEW for 2013:
• New ZL1 Convertible model (1EY67)
• (1LE) SS Performance Package includes (RSK) 20″ Black-painted wheels, (RKC) 20″ tires, (GW1) 3.91 axle ratio,
(FE6) suspension, and Black hood wrap (requires manual transmission)
• (NPP) Dual mode exhaust available on SS models equipped with manual transmission
• (NV9) Electric power steering standard on all SS models
• (UFU) Chevrolet MyLink1 Color Touch radio with 7″ diagonal color touchscreen display includes Bluetooth streaming
audio; hands-free smartphone integration; Pandora and Stitcher smartphone compatible; voicea-ctivated technology
– Standard on all LT, SS and ZL1 models
– (USR) USB port and (KTB) PDIM now standard on 1LT and 1SS models
– Rear camera on equipped models now projected in touchscreen display
• (UHQ) Chevrolet MyLink Color Touch radio with 7” diagonal color touchscreen display and all the features of (UFU)
plus GPS Navigation option on all LT, SS and ZL1 models
• (GXH) Blue Ray Metallic exterior color
• (BRH) Mojave leather interior
• (DBX) Frameless, Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• (B34) Floor mats now standard on LS model
• (N34) Leather-wrapped steering wheel and (VY7) leather-wrapped shift knob now standard on 1LT models
• (MX0) Automatic transmission on 1LT and 1SS models now includes (BTV) remote vehicle starter system
• Windshield wiper stalk changes: replace symbols with words “off,” “int,” “lo” and “hi”
• New wheel design for models equipped with 18” and 20” wheels
– (SGE) 18″ painted aluminum wheels
– (R42) 20″ painted aluminum wheels
– (RUY) 20″ polished aluminum wheels
• New shift knob and automatic Hill Start Assist on all manual transmissions

Blue Ray Metallic – code GXH (as shown in the all new 2014 Impala)

Also Mojave Leather:

I remember  back in 2009, I was waiting to see the ambient lighting as it was shown in the Chevy animated video (which was later pulled down)….then, one month before production started, ambient lighting across the dash was scrubbed, as it was thought to be a distraction to the driver. Some of the first 2010′s had the connectors etc to MAKE it work, and many owners found a way to make it work… but later that was removed, and it made it harder to do. But many STILL have added lighting across the dash.

The 2013 Malibu team didnt think it was a distraction – they took the ambient lighting and RAN WITH IT! I think it turned out nice. I think MANY Camaro owners would have loved it, and it should be brought back!

From the Camaro Team:

Chevrolet is pleased to announce the current quality assessment on the 2012 Camaro ZL1 has been completed.  The 2012 Camaro ZL1 models that were on hold at Oshawa are now available to be shipped to dealers.  2012 Camaro ZL1 production which was suspended is expected to resume by mid-April, 2012.

For those customers with ZL1 orders produced that were on hold, you should expect your order to arrive at dealerships within two to three weeks depending on your Chevrolet dealerships distance from Oshawa Assembly.

For those customers with ZL1 orders that are in the production system (Event 3000 or higher), we are currently working on assigning new estimated production weeks.

For those customers with ZL1 orders that have not been sent to production or are “on hand” (Event 1100), please be aware your Chevrolet dealer will learn of the status of any remaining 2012 Camaro ZL1 allocation and timing for order submission within two weeks.

We understand the excitement level for the new ZL1 is at a fever pitch.  We look forward to the initial deliveries in the coming weeks, and the continuing production of the ZL1 in the weeks and months to follow.

Thank you for your patience.

Camaro Marketing Team

This just OFFICIALLY released from GM (after it was leaked on several forums…..). My thoughts? The radio screen looks kind of butchered into the dash, at least from the photo…. And finally – NAVIGATION. My question is, is this SUPER CAMARO I heard about in test last May?

• 1LE features Camaro ZL1-inspired chassis and suspension enhancements
• 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models available with MyLink infotainment system

DETROIT – The road-racing inspired Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2013 with unique gearing, suspension tuning, and tires that makes the model capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration and a sub-three minute lap time at Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course. It is offered on Camaro SS coupes with manual transmissions.

“The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer.”

In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.

For 2013, all Camaro SS models including the 1LE will feature standard variable-effort electric power steering and an available dual-mode exhaust system. Both features were introduced on the ZL1. Additionally, 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models are available with Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment system.

“With the 2013 model year, Camaro offers something for almost every driver, including: the 323-horsepower, 30-mpg 2LS; the all-new, 580-horsepower supercharged ZL1 convertible; the COPO Camaro for drag-racing; and the new 1LE for amateur track days,” said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro marketing manager. “We expect the range of choices, and enhancements for 2013, will help Camaro remain America’s most-popular sports car.”

Camaro sales were up nearly 20 percent for the first two months of the year, building on an 8.5-percent gain for all of 2011. The 1LE package goes on sale this fall with the 2013 Camaro line. Pricing will be released later this year.

A heritage of handling

The Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro’s involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

For 2013, the 1LE package is offered only on 1SS and 2SS coupe models, featuring a 6.2L LS3 V-8, which is rated at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb-ft of torque (569 Nm). In addition, 1LE is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

While the Camaro SS features a Tremec TR6060-M10 for all-around performance, the Camaro 1LE features an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance.  As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.

The 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:

• Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
• Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
• Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
• ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 11-inch aluminum wheels
• 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for 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 high-cornering

Visually, the 1LE package for 2013 is distinguished by its matte-black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car’s on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

Inside, the 1LE package incorporates the ZL1’s flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded microfiber.

Electric power steering and dual-mode exhaust bring ZL1 technology to SS models

All 2013 Camaro SS models, including the 1LE, will benefit from performance technologies that debuted on the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1.

The improvements began in 2012, when all SS Coupes incorporated the ZL1-derived chassis element: Stabilizer bars with drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This made the stabilizer bars four times more effective than in previous models, for improved control of body roll and crisper response to steering input.

New for 2013, the electric power steering system developed for the ZL1 will be standard on all 2013 SS models. The variable ratio, variable effort system provides light efforts for easy maneuverability at parking-lot speeds as well as increased resistance at higher speeds. This provides more feedback, and a more direct steering feel, to the driver.

Also new for 2013 is an available dual-mode exhaust system, available on Camaro SS models with the LS3 V8 engine and six-speed manual transmissions. Similar to the systems found on the ZL1 and Corvette models, this vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound at high engine speeds.

MyLink connects you

Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment is available on all 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models. The color touch radio, with a 7-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.

The color touch radio with MyLink gives customers a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora^® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio^® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. The   high-resolution, full-color touch screen display makes media selection easy to navigate.

MyLink also retains all the capabilities of today’s entertainment functions, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, auxiliary and USB inputs.