[samurai]

Pretty impressive time for such a bargain track car ($30,995 base price). It ran a 3:05,6 which is on par with the same day track result of the current Audi RS3.

The Camaro V6 1LE ran 3:04,0 and the SS 1LE 2:54,8 in older Lightning Laps.

Full review:

2019 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE at Lightning Lap 2018

The 1LE package establishes road-course credibility regardless of which of the Camaro’s four engines it’s paired with.

Lap Time: 3:05.6
Class: LL1 | Base Price: $32,590 | As-Tested Price: $40,890
Power and Weight: 275 hp • 3445 lb • 12.5 lb/hp
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat, F: 245/40ZR-20 95Y R: 275/35ZR-20 98Y

Both four- and six-cylinder Camaros rev to 7000 rpm, but you only use the full-tach sweep of the bigger engine. The final 1200 revs of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four are an asthmatic wheeze. Instead of winding it out, you short-shift the four-cylinder at 5800 rpm, just past peak power.

Down 60 horsepower but also 71 pounds lighter, the four-cylinder car keeps close pace with the 335-hp V-6–powered Camaro 1LE—up to a point. Because the turbo four loses so much steam at the top end, we needed fifth gear three times around the Grand Course: in the Climbing Esses and on both straights. These extra shifts into a higher gear kill the 2.0T’s forward progress and are the largest source of its 1.6-second deficit. Heading into Bitch from the back straight, the V-6 car holds a 5.1-mph advantage over the 2.0T.

The 1LE pack establishes road-course credibility regardless of which of the Camaro’s four engines it’s paired with. Like the six- and eight-cylinder 1LEs we ran in 2016, the new-for-2019 four-hole version is armed with 20-inch Goodyear tires, Brembo front brakes, a stiffened suspension, a limited-slip differential, a dual-mode exhaust, a high-capacity cooling system, and engine oil and differential coolers. It also includes a stability-control Competitive Driving mode that you won’t need. With so much stick and such mild thrust, the 275-hp 1LE is as benign as a front-driver, even with everything turned off. It clutches Turn 1 with 1.04 g’s of lateral grip but never threatens to swap nose for tail. The steering is heavy enough that a session at VIR counts for your daily gym visit, and the brakes are tireless. But the engine’s lack of enthusiasm makes this whole exercise seem a bit silly. Spend the $1495 for the V-6 not just because it’s faster, but because it’s better—in sound, in power delivery, in gratification.

[USAFS197]

Very nice. I hope it's a platform that'll receive more attention and be taken more seriously.

[MosaicX1LE]

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...tning-lap-2018

I think the article is worth a read as well. I do think that the turbo 4 will have a better aftermarket.

[Nsxmatt]

Basically every article has said spend the extra $1400 and get the V6.

[samurai]

Originally Posted by Nsxmatt

Basically every article has said spend the extra $1400 and get the V6.

According to the configurator the base prices are:
1LT (Turbo) 1LE - $30,995
3LT (V6) 1LE - $36,495

[MosaicX1LE]

Originally Posted by samurai

According to the configurator the base prices are:
1LT (Turbo) 1LE - $30,995
3LT (V6) 1LE - $36,495

Are you messing with us?

Why would you compare a 3LT to the 1LT?

[Nsxmatt]

Originally Posted by samurai

According to the configurator the base prices are:
1LT (Turbo) 1LE - $30,995
3LT (V6) 1LE - $36,495

1LT V6 1LE is $32,490. Compare apples to apples.

[Bains]

So when did they introduce 3LT's? Thought it was just 1LT and 2LT.

[Kevin_S17]

Originally Posted by Bains

So when did they introduce 3LT's? Thought it was just 1LT and 2LT.

New for 2019 - 1LT, 2LT, 3LT

[tthobe]

Originally Posted by Nsxmatt

Basically every article has said spend the extra $1400 and get the V6.

Getting quite tired of the constant dig against the turbo vs V6. I specifically chose the turbo as a better DD, with more responsive low end for in-town driving. Also I quite like the turbo sounds (my preference). I'm not planning to track my car, and making use of the 5600-7000 rpm range regularly would put me into above legal speeds too easily. Rather have better low end grunt to deal with urban traffic.

What I'm waiting for is comparisons against other I4 turbos - Mustang ecoboost, Golf R, WRX, Civic type R, etc.

Let the Camaro turbo stand on it's own, for what it is!

For me, I love the balance, handling, very satisfying turbo power, & great looks of my car. So glad GM built this.

[GooseSS]

Originally Posted by tthobe

Getting quite tired of the constant dig against the turbo vs V6. I specifically chose the turbo as a better DD, with more responsive low end for in-town driving. Also I quite like the turbo sounds (my preference). I'm not planning to track my car, and making use of the 5600-7000 rpm range regularly would put me into above legal speeds too easily. Rather have better low end grunt to deal with urban traffic.

What I'm waiting for is comparisons against other I4 turbos - Mustang ecoboost, Golf R, WRX, Civic type R, etc.

Let the Camaro turbo stand on it's own, for what it is!

For me, I love the balance, handling, very satisfying turbo power, & great looks of my car. So glad GM built this.

Right on dude! I had a 2011 WRX and that car sounded amazing, different than my SS, but amazing in its own right. I agree that people who turn their noses up at these new 4 cylinder cars are being short sided - the power and tuning capabilities are amazing (at a great value).

[Dethsupp0rt]

The RS3 was saddled with the crappy Pirellis, and the carbon ceramic brakes were giving them issues as well.

However, the Camaro's chassis and suspension is nearly impossible to beat at that price point.

[enzia35]

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

The RS3 was saddled with the crappy Pirellis, and the carbon ceramic brakes were giving them issues as well.

However, the Camaro's chassis and suspension is nearly impossible to beat at that price point.

Run what you brung!

[Doin It For Dale]

It's a shame that Honda couldn't make the Type R look as good as it drives. It's insane to think that a FWD car can go that fast straight off the lot.

As for the Turbo 1LE, I think it is too heavy for the power deficit vs the V6. With that said, they did test a high-option Turbo 1LE that could've had extra mass vs a no-option model. I'll take the V6 with a warranty all day long vs the I4, even with a tune and mods. The V6's power band and sound is a winner for me.