2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE Review First Drive Test

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is designed to do one thing extremely well - carve corners and eat up distance like no other Camaro before it. We take it for a thorough test to find out what it's really made of.
Link to the Multimatic spool valve damper primer from Multimatic VP, Larry Holt: • 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ...
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#maksepower

[@shiny0773]

even if I hit the lottery I think I would get this car in yellow in a manual instead of getting a 2 3 even 400,000 dollar supercar.

[@jamesbond9873]

Shiny 07 it beats a lot of super cars on the track. It’s worth every penny!

[@clu4u]

Shiny 07, I’d think you’d buy several 🚗 🚘 🚙

[@ParissaKhoury]

@@clu4u I'd buy atleast 10 in all available colors and with a manual and lock them away in a vault for the next 50 years

[@jayelbee1111]

You hit it on the head! Why spend over 100 to 400 grand on a supercar when you can get a muscle car for about 40 grand that can go as fast and in some cases, beat a super car at a racetrack? There is nothing better than an American rear-wheel drive V-8 muscle car with a manual shift and brute exhaust!

[@michaelseverance9213]

Your review captures my feelings exactly. This car is horrendous in the rain, the ride is harsh. I don't care, it is just a magnificent piece of engineering. I could not be happier. I do use it as my daily driver and the ride to work and home is the best part of my day. I can't believe that a car like this is made, it's that good. Cheers!

[@BrianMakse]

Mad props to you, sir, for rocking this daily. I did it for ten days and it was enough for me.

[@nabrams4425]

You sound impressed, my story is slightly different. I have already owned the 10 speed version of the ZL1 and I loved it, amazing engineering through and through. But now, there is something inside of me that is pushing me to challenge my abilities even further. I think I'm ready for a 1LE, I'm just curious about the road aspect of it. Sometimes I just like to drive through the city on a hot, clear evening in the summer.

[@dimakavetskyy2082]

Loved the Review. Channels like this deserve to be on the top 10/10

[@BrianMakse]

+Dima Kavetskyy thanks, we agree

[@joshuacrossing7117]

just brought one home. mine has the 1le package. if I set aside a dollar every time I smile driving this thing, it will pay for itself in no time, and probably have a bit left over for the occasional (and probably inevitable) speeding ticket :) couldn't be happier. can't wait for my first track day...

[@BrianMakse]

Awesome. Which colour did you choose? Love that car...

[@trevorwilliams6409]

Beautiful design, scary performance, highly aggressive 🤘 God bless America (and our Canadian brothers and sisters up north) and awesome review as always Brian, could definitely you loved this bad boy! Does it come in black? 🤙

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Trevor! Yeah, this in black is perfect.

[@steepgrade5460]

The ride is punishing?Consider me warned.I’d take the punishment! 👍🏻🤕🤙🏻😏

[@youtubetest3770]

me too

[@HBMAN1995]

Great review! Love this car so much. The Camaro has come so far for this sixth generation. I have a ‘17 2SS Camaro convertible, and it’s just such a beast in and of itself. And then there’s the ZL1 and the ZL1 1LE which are just in a different class. Can’t wait to see what Chevy has in store next with rumors of a mid-engine Vette, and potentially a new sixth gen Z/28.

[@tune1398]

One of the best zl1 reviews i seen so far.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks. It would have been epic if the track time hadn't fallen through.

[@The_Drive_Inside]

Totally underrated channel 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@ricktokle5848]

Love the looks, the color 😍 I’ll take two ZL1 and ZL1-1LE😎

[@BrianMakse]

+Rick Tokle ZL1 in this colour, 1LE in black!

[@waqaswahid9815]

Rick

[@joegastaneta9153]

Rick Tokle I already have one a zl1 1le that is in hyper blue It never Gives me a dull moment !!

[@marcojordan203]

Yes I love the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE it is a hardcore faster cars that I would love to have one day

[@jerryh367]

Hi mate. Is it really very stiff that you can' hardly drive it between cities? Thanks

[@thismanagain]

The color is just awesome!

[@Braselton21]

Well Bumble Bee just got another upgrade :D

[@johnbelovsky1844]

I have a 19. I love the car what a blast to drive. Gobs of power and the cornering is out of this world. Hats off to Chevrolet

[@davidjsiddall2]

I have a ZL1 1LE and the suspension is bearable around town, do not let that discourage a purchase if you are looking at one. It is an amazing engineering feat.

[@BrianMakse]

You clearly drive on road surfaces that resemble glass.

[@ceansilorcaso5820]

@@BrianMakseIs the ride really hard? I have 2017 WRX STi and I think the ride quality is a little hard. But I a ok with that. Can you compere the WRX STI quality ride to the ZL1 1LE?

[@BrianMakse]

LOL this is the hardest riding car I've driven since the previous gen Z28. Punishing as a daily. Comparatively, your STI rides like a cloud.

[@ceansilorcaso5820]

@@BrianMakse Really! Thats disappointing I guess I have to look the ZL1 1LE as a weekend car. Thank You.

[@neverendingmods]

For any street use, take wing off and put little black plugs in holes. Take off front dive planes...aka splitters, and go major sleeper mode in all black.

[@roberthein2156]

neverendingmods wing: kinda useless without a hyrdralic brake mode to slow it down from a hi-speed FAST.

[@Boxtruckin]

neverendingmods like a zl1?

[@davids1816]

I'd love to see the regular version contrasted with this in a review.

[@V.Vaughan]

I like the Zl1 1LE better than the normal Zl1!

[@neverendingmods]

Mad props Camaro engineers. Handles track temps WAY better than a Z06.

[@gene7314]

Easier done on the Camaro than the Vette. Frontal area is bigger for flow. Dodge had it right from the get go.... N/A 645 an upside down boeing wing in the back. Really hope GM doens't bite themselves in the ass making the vette mid engine. It was already mid engined just forward cabin like the Viper and this Camaro. As you see this Camaro will destroy everything. Put the GT3RS with a 6 speed manual or the GTR with a 6 speed manual.... won't come close..... it''s not like anyone one of us know how to drive. We're watching youtube. Duh.

[@chrisb236]

Hey Brian, Was just wondering how this car compares to the z28 you drove a few years ago in terms of street ride quality? I recently drove the z28 and driving it on the street was no problem for myself. I'm wondering for the prices you can now get a z28 if it's worth paying the extra for the new zl1 1le? I am currently on the waiting list for the zl1 1le...They don't bring many to canada unfortunately :( Love the commentary by the way!

[@black4redboy]

great video !! it looks very professional and cinematographic

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks!

[@TRZ0612]

I don’t understand the “it’s not a good back road carver” statement. This this should rock on back roads. It has stupid grip, well dampen / composed chassis , and corners flat. That is success for windy roads. The only issue I see is you have to be cautious with throttle application, but that’s true with most sports cars. Can you elaborate or your comment as to why it’s not a good back roads, windy road car.

[@BrianMakse]

It's much better on the race track than any road. Aggressive throttle isn't an issue, if you're an experienced driver, but overall this car is not for dilettantes. The platform offers no ride comfort whatsoever and is tuned specifically for on track performance. It's been a while, but I think I mentioned that road surfaces aren't smooth enough for the suspension calibrations.

[@TRZ0612]

Brian Makse so does that mean it skips over bumps in the road and doesn’t absorb them? I thought that was one of the praises of these shocks from reviews I have watched , is the way this car stays composed and the tires on the ground even if riding the curbs of the tracks

[@BrianMakse]

Yes. On the road, any sharp changes in road surface and the tires will lose contact momentarily. That's because the spring rates optimized for track work, where wheel control is excellent, but those spring and damper settings are too aggressive for anything but the smoothest road surface. It's a proper hard core track car in road car clothing. More hard core than nearly all production cars available today.

[@TRZ0612]

Brian Makse that seems odd. You make it sound like it behaves like a GT500 when it has a solid rear axle. I can’t imagine the 1LE would get that unsettled from irregularities in the road.

[@BrianMakse]

It's nothing like the GT500, but it's set up for track work and not optimized for the road. It does ride hard and does not soak up most bumps on the road. Try one and you'll see. It's no rickety wooden wagon like that Mustang, that's for sure. The new GT500 looks to be a proper all around machine, based on what Ford is say, but that old one is a one trick pony, pun intended.

[@youtubetest3770]

You are the man ! This is what I call a car !

[@chuckdavis572]

Love the color. I leave mine in tour all the time, cause I don't need a heavy steering feel

[@BrianMakse]

The colour's great for a ZL1, not so sure about a 1LE, though.

[@chuckdavis572]

Yah. too pretty for such a beast of a car. but still pretty. you think the suspension is a non starter for a daily? Trying to figure out what coil overs for my SS. Spool valve just came out in the aftermarket.

[@BrianMakse]

ZL1 1LE spring rates are insane for a daily. I didn't realize DSSVs were available in the aftermarket now. Get a softer spring than 1LE then match the DSSVs and that'd be a brilliant set up. They're quite literally the best you can get, plus massive trick factor.

[@stephenbienvenu4810]

Once again, great piece Brian. Really enjoyed it....

[@BrianMakse]

+Stephen Bienvenu thank you!

[@Laeadern]

Say what you will about Camaro's good or bad, but that V8 sound is like no other.

[@HemiBurns]

As usual ..the best review ever......Thanks Brian.

[@BrianMakse]

+Hemi Dave thanks Dave! Tell your friends! Tell world!

[@johnvlaho7977]

I'm a Ford guy but holy shit would I love to have this car. BEAST.

[@DreamWorkDrive]

My dream car.

[@BrianMakse]

A few of our viewers have bought them. Join the club!

[@Blackdjordje]

Another awesome review, great job!

[@BrianMakse]

+Slobo N thanks!

[@MikeEM1]

Great video. I'm on the hunt for one in blue or red tintcoat

[@BrianMakse]

Do it!

[@MikeEM1]

Talking to a couple Chevy dealers as we type.

[@MikeEM1]

I actually finally came through and bought it! Loving every minute with it. Ended up getting the Red Hot color.

[@omarabubakr5350]

the best review i have ever seen

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, but there's room for improvement in this one. We wanted to get some track time, but it didn't happen. With that, it would have been the best, no doubt.

[@bunk-bn9eo]

You can tell by the sound of his voice, he really gets it.

[@BrianMakse]

He might.

[@TexasDraped]

Look who's enjoying the Camaro!

[@BrianMakse]

Welcome to 2017!

[@TommyG70]

Liked for the correct use of the word "dampers"!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks. It probably still alienates 98% of the audience.

[@snakeyes205]

Great review. Thanks!

[@BrianMakse]

+Snakeyes thank you! Share with your friends!

[@skynetsworld]

thx for the review :)

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, but don't tell us. Tell your friends, show your support by picking up cool swag in our merch store, and hit up out Patreon!

[@yallway2262]

Good review, people talking about test driving a 1le , dealerships dont allow that.

[@gene7314]

Excellent review, Was looking to buy a Z28 rare color from 14/15. But this has changed my mind. This car might go down as the last of it's kind...... valuetown for the future :) Baby Viper ACR.... i've said it in another video. Can't get the Viper ACR... then get this.... or just take 100k and buy a GEN 4 Viper ACR..... this 1LE matches the performance of a Gen 4.... and the looks too.

[@BrianMakse]

If you’re buying used, that Z28 is compelling.

[@stephennicholaides205]

What is that color? It’s fantastic!

[@BrianMakse]

Can't remember and I filed that paperwork a long time ago. It's probably on the Chevy site.

[@roadracing3]

Garnet Red Metallic

[@petegrimes4648]

Hey Brian, may i ask how tall are you & is it a bad car for someone 5'6 inches tall? Does it have high dash side sight lines? Thx. Per usual nice time filler from you.

[@BrianMakse]

Pete, I'm 5'9". You're good!

[@Lilwebstarr]

Great detailed review! Im considering the Zl1 1le, Or the C7 Corvette Z06. Im unsure which one to get. What advice could you offer me? I live in NY (Westchester County To be exact) and roads arent the best. This wouldnt be my daily but I would drive it frequently. Im considering purchasing one in a few momths but I'd like some advice first. Thanks.

[@BrianMakse]

Ooooooh. The 1LE is pretty hard core for road driving. Perhaps look at the Z06, but give them both a try. Not a bad problem to have!

[@louie1086]

The tire leaving surface is exactly how my 2013 Mini Cooper s behaves you have to be attentive when drivingz

[@BrianMakse]

On what kind of roads do you drive?

[@Chadawhick_]

Still one of the coolest guys I’ve meet :)

[@BrianMakse]

+Jadore Barakat not cool. Ask anyone.

[@hajahugo6156]

Why some camaro 50th don't have the mark(ss,zl1,z/28 or rs)on it? Is it another mark? The only mark is on the steering wheel and it's fifty.

[@HemiBurns]

Hey Brian, For track use....C7 Z06, or ZL1 1LE?? (Z06 overheating issues aside)

[@BrianMakse]

I think the overheating stuff is blown out of proportion a bit. That said, you can't go wrong with either, but the 1LE is WAY more hard core than even a Z06 Z07, so for me it's Camaro. I still dream about that thing.

[@HemiBurns]

Well if you are dreaming about that beast then it must be awesome!! Thanks Brian.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Dave. I did about 1,000 miles in that thing and in addition to this video, I think I wrote three separate stories about the car. It's one I'll never forget.

[@user-qc7dr3cd3q]

Love the dampers, no electronic bullshit that will fail and better!

[@BrianMakse]

Go Canada!

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

Driving stick while wearing sandals...now that's talent!

[@BrianMakse]

The Camaro's pedal placement is perfect for those Oakley flip flops. Talent is another matter.

[@BrianMakse]

+John Smitty stone cold sober. Where's your sense of humour?

[@Dolby109]

Try Heel-to-toe downshifting in flip-flops...

[@BrianMakse]

Yeah, works great in this car.

[@AC-yi3qb]

No it's not

[@azranhazemijusoh6770]

Hi Brian. Love this car sooo much. Unfortunately it is not available here in Malaysia. The best muscle machine I can get is Mustang GT bcoz it is available in RHD here through official Ford dealers. If I wouldn't care about the cost to import this beast from USA, still I have no idea where I can send it for servicing if I wanted to own one.

[@BrianMakse]

Shame, but I think they’re pretty reliable.

[@Viktor9502]

I wonder if you can put the zl1 magneride suspension into the 1le. I'm not going to be driving my cars on a track, so I dont care for the super stiff suspension. I mostly like the 1le appearance package. But, I know that the suspension swap would be about equal to the value of putting the 1le appearance pack on a zl1.

[@BrianMakse]

Just get a ZL1. You don’t need the wing or the canards.

[@Viktor9502]

@@BrianMakse but I want the wing and canards lol. It makes it looks better

[@BrianMakse]

Can’t help you there.

[@Digiphex]

If you never drive it on the track and only to work, you could simply swap the suspension of a wrecked standard Camaro.

[@BrianMakse]

Lol no

[@jerryh367]

Hi Brian, love your video. Is it really so stiff that you can hardly drive it between cities on a canyon road? Thanks

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks. Like I said, it's fair to say it's a hard core machine, better suited for the track than the road. I still drove it all over Southern California for a week, but there's no way I could day drive it. I'm not that crazy.

[@jerryh367]

Hi Brain. Thanks for your reply. I am in New Zealand and there is only one ZL1 1LE in this country as far as I know and it's close to $110K USD here. It's really hard to have a test drive even I want to pay for the test drive. I might fly to the States at the end of the year to have a test drive there, along with some other cars and might ship one back myself. Thanks for your video and advice.

[@BrianMakse]

Hi Jerry, email at my first name at my last name dot com and I’ll be happy to have a more in depth conversation with you. I’m interested to learn how you will be using the car.

[@jerryh367]

Hi Brian, thanks for your time and I have sent you an email. I hope I got your email address right.

[@BrianMakse]

Hope received my email!

[@jamesbond9873]

I want one so bad!

[@1blacktrike]

Those front fascia / bumper air dams did you add those or is that the package with the air spoiler ...?

[@BrianMakse]

All stock with ZL1 1LE.

[@TRZ0612]

For those used to after market coil-over suspension, how does the DSSV shocks and springs feel? I have an M3 with Ohlin R/T coil-overs and wondering if the 1LE suspension is as stiff as an aftermarket coil-over solution.

[@BrianMakse]

They are near race spring rates.

[@TRZ0612]

Brian Makse not sure what rates they are, but my Ohlins are 650lb front and 900lb rears

[@BrianMakse]

Comparing spring rates is really only valid within the same platform. Comparing spring rates from one production car to another is irrelevant for a number of reasons, but primarily include the fact that the chassis has an effective spring rate, as does the tire.

[@Anthonylsa11]

Id had to get both , the zl1 in the 10 speed auto and the zl1 1le 6 speed

[@BrianMakse]

+Anthony Saucedo congrats! Which colours?

[@Anthonylsa11]

Brian Makse is get the zl1 red and the other black or white

[@wattsenough]

Stumbled upon your review and found your commentary very informative. But road manners - is it just bumpy, hard or just firm? Are there any suspension adjustments to tame it a bit? Here in Michigan you have to search for the smoothest rough road until you get out of the state. I am used to early Z06 firm but found 370Z cars to oscillate in a nauseating manner. Looking at one now but as you can't drive it, still curious if it could be a highway cruiser in the summer for 2-4 hours at a clip?

[@BrianMakse]

It’s hard. It’s non-adjustable. Sure, you can drive it long distance - I did - but you have to be prepared that you’ll be bouncing around. On the other hand, it’s totally rewarding when you hustle it.

[@jvmontana2513]

I like the red

[@BrianMakse]

I did, too. Had a ZR1 on the same roads this week as the ZL1 1LE.

[@joyconnation8901]

What is that color garnet red?

[@superlite177]

Not hating but flip flops bro, Kalifornians to funny, the car still performed. Great review thank you.

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoyed, but I'm not from California.

[@HemiMike]

Brian, I'm starting to hate you more and more...you always get to drive the best cars on the best roads! ;) #loveyourjob

[@BrianMakse]

#getinline #itsalongone

[@oldblood_eyes]

That color!! Is it Garnet red?

[@BrianMakse]

+Raúl can't remember the name and I'm not near my files, but it's metallic for sure. Not sure it suits the 1LE, but a ZL1 would be gorgeous in this shade.

[@dimitrikhomyak7686]

It is!

[@idin1976]

Nice review. How does it compare vs GT350R?

[@BrianMakse]

+idin1976 dunno, never driven the R.

[@Nata12ed]

The GT350R compares more to the ZL1

[@vernonprice5986]

+Edward Chew - Nope, the GT350R is a direct competitor to the ZL1 1LE. They are both the track-specific version of their respective models. And in terms of performance, the ZL1 1LE absolutely obliterates the GT350R. It's not even close.

[@Nata12ed]

Actually the GT350R had the same time around Big willow as the SS 1LE When motor trend had a head to head with the ZL1 and the GT350R they show the times at the end at Big willow. That is where it show the time of the SS 1LE

[@vernonprice5986]

+Edward Chew - "Actually the GT350R had the same time around Big willow as the SS 1LE" Right, the SS 1LE that costs $20k less than the GT350R. The SS 1LE is the direct competitor for the Mustang GT performance pack, not the GT350R. Come on, this is common knowledge. "When motor trend had a head to head with the ZL1 and the GT350R they show the times at the end at Big willow." Motor Trend also said in that video that they wanted the ZL1 1LE to compare directly to the GT350R but it wasn't available at the time of shooting, so they used a regular ZL1 which is NOT the direct competitor for the GT350R. The ZL1 1LE is the direct competitor for the GT350R. And the ZL1 was faster ANYWAY. The point is that the Camaro wins at every price point and with every comparison to the directly comparable Mustang. Mustang 4 Turbo vs Camaro V6 1LE: Camaro wins. Camaro SS vs Mustang GT: Camaro wins. Camaro SS 1LE vs Mustang GT Performance Pack: Camaro wins. Camaro ZL1 vs. GT350 or GT350R: Camaro wins Camaro ZL1 1LE vs. GT350R: Camaro wins by a LOT.

[@roberthein2156]

1.WEIGHT-3800LBS.? 2.REAR WING, as big as it is, would have made a great BRAKE-WING.CHEVY FORGOT THAT IDEA? 3.Small screen with speed/tack/gear? 4.highway m.p.g.'s?-in 6th gear at 60 m.p.h. what are the r.p.m.'s?(my "89 Vette would be 1000 r.p.m.'s equate to 27/28 m.p.g.) 5.agree better tires,alot of $$$ just to limit a car to sunny days only. 6.looking at you, wasn't the convertible available?(get some sun?) 7.THANKS FOR THE RIDE.

[@marcojordan203]

2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE is a track focused for the track

[@duncancycles]

I could use your help please.. I’m split between a standard A10 Z11 and the ZL1 1LE.. only a weekend car with a few track days a year. What would you get? What would hold its value better. The 1LE seems more exclusive

[@BrianMakse]

What's an A10 Z11?

[@duncancycles]

2018 ZL1 with the 10 speed automatic transmission

[@duncancycles]

Your review is outstanding on this car. I probably watch it at least 1 time a week

[@BrianMakse]

Oh! Lol. No idea how I missed that. The answer to your question is 1LE without reservation. They're making a handful compared to regular ZL1s. And the 1LE is light years more special. Feel free to hit me up by email at my first name my last name.com if you have anymore questions!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, but that's too much me even for me!

[@NonDormant]

Is that the Red Rock Metallic color?

[@BrianMakse]

Pretty sure the answer is in the comments. This was a year ago and I have a short memory.

[@NicholasZak]

Nice review, but there are plenty out there already...by now it’s monotonous. How about a review on the track from an avid enthusiasts amateur Track day’er? Explaining the car in its natural habitat? Seems like I’ll be doing that review.

[@BrianMakse]

+Alchemist_ NickZak so much easier said than done

[@NicholasZak]

Brian Makse completely understand, but great work!

[@frozencarguy6274]

A track car that is impossible to wear a helmet in because of the low roof.

[@BrianMakse]

+Frozen Car Guy not me, not even in the fifth gen

[@gen1c8rs88]

Would low seats be enough to solve the issue?

[@slash11lipo]

That's bs. There is plenty of room unless you are over 6'5". At 6'2" I easily have 2 inches of headroom.

[@nigel_white]

I'm 6'7" and fit with a helmet. GM gave the car a bubble roof, and designed the seat to go low to fit a driver with a helmet. Works for me!

[@bubberrand]

Needs black lug nuts.

[@mrabrasive51]

driving a super muscle car in shorts and flipflops!! GTFO!!

[@BrianMakse]

Hell, yeah! This car works with flippy floppies, unlike the Civic Si I was rocking in LA last week. The Camaro pedal box is perfect.

[@coureurdebois]

:)

[@BrianMakse]

+Justin Bouche where have you been, pal?

[@stereolababy]

hate the body love the drivetrain

[@nickw4019]

wastegate I agree. An amazing machine, but not what I'd call a particularly inspired body design(looks like a shoebox, and what the hell were they thinking with their tail lights...). It seems like they traded their aesthetic designers for more money in research and development to make the car fast. Considering how fast the car is, it was a fair trade.

[@harveyjones1404]

yea just can't drive lol

[@pitgraf6149]

I have one and Ive it best price/performance ratio💪