Folks: I am happy to report - this is 100% True. Chevy is set to unveil the 1LE performance package at Chicago. So if you're in the area - Chicago will be a good place to be in February.
More in the news: Two of your site moderators will be attending an early-bird sneak-peek of the car before the show opens to the public. We'll have all the details ready for you as soon as the presentations are over, so stay tuned. 
If you would like to know anything in particular, let me know - I'll make sure to include it in my questions if I haven't already!
Interesting perspectives. I actually enjoyed the 1LE so much that I traded my ZL1 in for one.
The most important upgrades were suspension tuning developed during ZL1 engineering - and applied to the lighter, naturally-aspirated SS. It transformed the car into a track animal that could hang with the best in its class at SCCA tournaments. And that deserves a pause, too, Magnetic ride control is NOT legal in many racing circuits...the 1LE's mono-tube dampers were.
It destroyed a then-gen Mustang Boss 302, and handily beat the same Laguna Seca edition - which was (like the current GT350) supposed to be Ford's track-focused offering. All for $3500. The wheels alone, retailed for $4000. It was, and is a bargain.
The car essentially performed like a "Z/28 lite". It had the same transmission and differential gear ratios, the same square wheel/tire setup...the same balanced handling, and a similar weight. It's a wonderfully composed and responsive car to drive on a track.
If you don't track your car, though...then it probably was not a worthwhile option set. Because for $3500, all that really changed in appearance was the wheels, brake calipers, and the hood.
I think you guys are looking at it a little differently than I.
The fact that the standard SS model can do what it does...with so little in the way of performance equipment, speaks mountains about what a 1LE COULD do.
Let's assume that they take the same approach this generation that they did last: touch everything but the engine...
Think about it: The current SS can pull .97 G's. The 5th gen 1LE could pull 1.01. The current SS does it with not especially aggressive Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric tires, using 245 up front and 275 in the rear. What might happen if Camaro team equipped it with a square and wider setup using a stickier compound?
I expect it could reach 5th-gen Z/28 levels of grip. Yes...I said it.
But this isn't all about numbers. The 1LE FELT great to drive.
The '16 SS still suffers from minor understeer at the limit. This is a good thing, and the limit is much, much higher than the 5th gen. But what if that was tuned out? I think the neutral balance they could achieve at this weight level would be astounding.
How might the car accelerate with a taller differential gearing?
What if they incorporated a cold-air intake and adjusted the engine tuning...465hp 480??
What if they used bigger brakes, like the 6-pot accessory upgrade? Could it stop later and become a track warrior?
Look at what's currently available as accessory parts for the car - what if they include the lowering kit as part of the package? What are the spring-rates like? Would the 1" lower CoG significantly improve weight transfer while cornering?
What if they adjusted the aerodynamics just enough to increase downforce and provide some more stability at high speed? Would it be able to corner at higher speeds?
What if they swapped out some components with HD units to ensure it would pass a 24-hour track test at Milford...like they did with the Gen 5 version?
I'm certainly not in charge, but if they did this right...I think they could make a Camaro that performed nearly as well as a 5th gen Z/28...for 4,000 - 5,000 dollars over the price of a standard SS. They'd be able to beat a GT350, make a GT350r sweat...and steal all of the thunder because it's so cheap...again.
Then consider - the ZL1 or Z/28 or whatever it is they're working on....would be even FASTER.
I don't know about you all....but I'm ridiculously excited for this!!
I think the gearing and rubber made it just a tenth or two faster. Nothing radically different.
You might be on to something. If you watch the 1LE spy videos...you'll notice the car wears the same spoiler and splitter as this show car does....
I agree. The '14's offered an easy brake-duct upgrade, which I did. I also swapped out the brake fluid for some of the best stuff there is...Prior to this, the four-pots just couldn't keep up with the rest of the car without additional cooling capability.
The 6th-gen SS does feature standard brake cooling ducts, thankfully.
You've got good points. And I tend to agree.
But unfortunately, one of the biggest factors in this decision is going to be factory cost limitations. If you offer it with both transmissions, you need to accommodate (in pricing) for double the possible build variations.
They might do it, for all the reasons you stated above. I believe the Z06 Vette is available as an automatic (but it also likes to overheat, so I've heard)
Then again, they may not...because most people buying the package will want a stick, anyways. Maybe...