Chevy Adds New Manual-Only 1LS Trim for 2017 Camaro

The Chevy Camaro has been on a sales hot streak, outselling the Ford Mustang for the first time in two years. Deals have been extremely attractive, handily besting most of its chief rivals.

However, while the performance-packed car has largely been a success, GM is taking the unusual step of adding a new manual-only Camaro 1LS variant in the middle of the current production year.

So what will the key differences be between the 1LS and 1LT? Will there be a difference in price? And are there any deals on the Camaro worth knowing about?

Here's what you need to know.

News for enthusiasts

The new Camaro 1LS will be positioned beneath the current 1LT and will only be offered with the car's 6-speed manual transmission. At the same time, GM has eliminated the manual option on the 1LT coupe and convertible.

The 1LS will be priced from $26,900 with destination for the coupe and $32,900 for the convertible. As before, the standard engine is a 275 hp 2.0-liter turbo producing 295 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 rated at 335 hp with 284 lb-ft adds $1,495.

So while the main difference here is packaging, shoppers should be prepared to see a mix of prices once inventory begins arriving at dealers. GM's website doesn't yet show the new 1LS, but it has already been updated to reflect the new starting price of $27,595 for the 1LT coupe and $33,595 for the convertible.

We first caught wind of the changes from updated ordering guides. GM communications rep Ron Kiino confirmed the changes for CarsDirect via email yesterday:

Yes, in late September Chevrolet added a new Camaro 1LS model that includes a manual transmission (no auto trans available). Also, the 1LT model includes an auto transmission and is not available with a manual transmission.

Aggressive deals

Based on our analysis, deals on the Camaro have been incredibly aggressive. Through October 31, GM is offering a Bonus Tag worth 20% off MSRP on select 2016 Camaros in stock the longest. The automaker says this can equate to as much as a $5,937 discount off MSRP on a Camaro LT.

For comparison, our analysis shows Ford is offering a choice between $750 cash or 1.9% financing for 60 months on all remaining 2016 Mustangs.

Competition has undoubtedly been fierce. Last month, CarsDirect uncovered a rare conquest bonus from GM worth $2,000 specifically meant to lure Mustang owners away from the Blue Oval. That offer was subsequently renewed for October.

Will Ford stand idle while Camaro sales gain steam? That may be an unintended play on words— the automaker reportedly decided to idle production briefly as a result of the car's recent 32 percent sales decline.

Ford has been taking other measures, too— last month, a $2,000 loyalty bonus for 2013 and 2014 Mustang lessees was introduced in an effort to keep customers loyal to the brand.

Read our overview of the 2017 Camaro »

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