1LE Test Drive

[WayFast84]

I'm looking for a new daily and wanted to get this one out of my system first. I currently own a 2015 WRX, and driving a brand new 2017 Outback. Yesterday I took a white 1SS 1LE out on a test drive, it was almost base with the addition of a black bowtie emblem. I had an issue with the blind spots but I also didn't have the mirrors, and seat 100% adjusted perfect.


The good: I'm a big guy, and still fit in the Recaro seats. The stock radio was much better than my WRX's, The tech was cool, but I didn't really notice a big difference in ride between touring and track. The exhaust mode was a different story, it sounds great on all settings, and was quieter depending on the mode. I think I kept the steering in light mode the whole time. With all the driving aids on the car never got out of shape.

The bad: The steering wheel was thin for my taste, I think it was the same wheel in the 2SS I sat in(just covered in alcantara). I HATE the electronic parking brake! I don't think they should be in a sports car. Another gripe of mine is the backseat. I don't think anyone can really fit back there. I've had a few smaller two doors which had bigger back seats. Last but not least, the clutch was extremely different than in any other car I've been, it was extremely light. The best way I can describe it was that the clutch has three points; fully depressed, grab point, all the way to the floor.


Conclusion: If I didn't have so much crap to haul around I think this car could work for me, I don't really have many passengers, and no plans for kids in the relative future.. I'm going to test drive a few more practical cars, hot hatches, and a Sierra 1500 before circling back. If I did get a new Camaro I think I'd be more interested in building a 1SS with the magnetic ride control, and 1LE suspension pack because I'm indifferent about the Recaro's, but the 1LE spoiler looks cheap and I'm also not a fan of the flat black hood. Chevy is claiming that an actual 1LE has a more aggressive tune for the track setting and I'd love to see a head to head of an SS 1LE vs an SS with magnetic ride control and the 1LE suspension pack.

[sweetbmxrider]

I feel like motor trend channel may have what you are asking but I can't remember the exact specifics so it probably isn't exactly what you are asking for. I just remember they really liked the 1le on the track.

[unstable bob gable]

When did you start driving? I thought you are like only 15...

[BonzoHansen]

Why the hatred of the ebrake?

[Blackbirdws6]

Mag ride is where it's at unless you plan to be a big time track nut. I have doubts the 1LE engine tune is any different than the SS other than maybe the throttle calibration. Guys do fun things with the e-throttle tuning to make a car feel more powerful (quicker opening of the throttle, etc).

[WayFast84]

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

Why the hatred of the ebrake?

It takes away from the rawness of the car to me. Apparently you also need a computer program to change rear pads which I'd probably do if I got an SS 1LE and tracked it.

[WayFast84]

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6

Mag ride is where it's at unless you plan to be a big time track nut. I have doubts the 1LE engine tune is any different than the SS other than maybe the throttle calibration. Guys do fun things with the e-throttle tuning to make a car feel more powerful (quicker opening of the throttle, etc).

I think they meant the tune in the settings for the magnetic ride control is more aggressive in track mode in a 1LE.

[Blackbirdws6]

Originally Posted by WayFast84

I think they meant the tune in the settings for the magnetic ride control is more aggressive in track mode in a 1LE.

Ahh that I can see. There is a company (DSC) that is doing really good things with the ride control calibrations. They sell a pricey box that allows you to upload their calibration. Folks rave about it.

[wretched73]

Why would a camaro be your choice of DDs in NJ? Not the best in snow really...

[LS1ow]

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

Why the hatred of the ebrake?

Is this a real question?

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by WayFast84

It takes away from the rawness of the car to me. Apparently you also need a computer program to change rear pads which I'd probably do if I got an SS 1LE and tracked it.

I dunno, I get that I guess. But talking about rawness in a car with every available electric nanny seems misplaced to me.

that can't be right about the pads. Really? can anyone confirm this?

[sweetbmxrider]

Hydraulic handbrake > *

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

I dunno, I get that I guess. But talking about rawness in a car with every available electric nanny seems misplaced to me.

that can't be right about the pads. Really? can anyone confirm this?

Some cars, not all, need to be put into a service mode via a scanner to push the piston back in. Some cars, you can unbolt the parking break motor and push in no problem. Some cars are electric but still have cables that a motor pulls so no need to worry there either.

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider

Hydraulic handbrake > *



Some cars, not all, need to be put into a service mode via a scanner to push the piston back in. Some cars, you can unbolt the parking break motor and push in no problem. Some cars are electric but still have cables that a motor pulls so no need to worry there either.

thanks for the info!

any idea about the camaro? seems a car touted as a track car woudl not have a complicated pad replacement process. Although knowing GM they did lol

[sweetbmxrider]

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

thanks for the info!

any idea about the camaro? seems a car touted as a track car woudl not have a complicated pad replacement process. Although knowing GM they did lol

No personal experience but I bet you can unbolt the mechanism from the caliper. The internet will find a cheaper way!!!

[maroman88]

Originally Posted by wretched73

Why would a camaro be your choice of DDs in NJ? Not the best in snow really...

haaaaaa my favorite argument. It snows MAYBE 3 times a year in NJ. The other 362 days you can enjoy your RWD DD.

[WayFast84]

Originally Posted by maroman88

haaaaaa my favorite argument. It snows MAYBE 3 times a year in NJ. The other 362 days you can enjoy your RWD DD.

I think it's all about tires. My AWD WRX on stock tires was a death wish in the snow.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6

Ahh that I can see. There is a company (DSC) that is doing really good things with the ride control calibrations. They sell a pricey box that allows you to upload their calibration. Folks rave about it.

It's definitely pricey, it's like $1200 or so(I think) but it's pretty cool. The current generation is already pretty good. Unless you're going balls to the wall on a track day it's perfectly fine for the average person.

I can't wait to get back to work and buy another 6thgen. I'd buy a 1LE but I don't want a manual trans and I want my heated/cooled seats, sunroof, etc. Now that the value on the 16's are dropping faster than a cheap meth whore I can score a loaded 2SS for mid 30's. It's kinda of scary that my '16 stickered for $49,850 new and would be worth that little after a year or so. I guess that's one good thing from the accident(maybe the only good thing), I don't think I'd ever buy a one new again.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by WayFast84

I think it's all about tires. My AWD WRX on stock tires was a death wish in the snow.

Yeah you'd definitely have to swap out tires for the winter regardless of snow, the 1LE tires would be ice skates in cold weather. If the 6thgen 1LE tires are anything like the 5thgen you actually can't drive them in weather below a certain temp and need to be stored in an area of a certain temp. I had 2 5thgen 1LE customers drive theirs during the winter and the sidewalls split on all of them, I forget the temp GM says though but you'd definitely have to infest in all season tires.