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CHEVROLET SS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2013
Engines: Gasoline
CHEVROLET SS  photo gallery

The Chevrolet SS, although a beautiful and powerful car, wasn't exactly a succes for Holden. It was produced in Australia and imported to the US, a rather rare thing among other car companies. The SS was sold in Australia under the nameplate of Holden Commodore.

The SS's design was rather subtle, not necessarily indicating that it is a fast one. Surprisingly, the SS was equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering no less than 415 hp. At first, it was only available with a 6-speed automatic tranmission and later offered with a 6-speed manual.

The vehicle could reach 100 kph in 4.7 seconds. If looked closer, it was easy to notice that the air vents present on the hood and fender were fake. In contrast with the car's simple design, a heads up for what was under the hood would be the huge 19-inch alloys and the brembo calipers.

The driving modes could be switched between the tour, sport and performance options by twsiting the dial. The steering and throttle sensitivity changed according to the selected mode. The suspension also changed, the SS being equipped with the best available from GM, the GM magnetic ride control suspension system. A rather "secret" mode could be activated if pressing the "traction control off" button twice, namely the Competitive mode - traction control and stability control deactivated.

Really interesting was that this Chevrolet had no SS signature on the engine cover. Most probably because Holden would've had to produce a new spare part with the logo, instead of keeping it simple. The SS signature was only visible on the passenger side, on the dashboard.

Although the car offered great features and perks, only 3000 were sold per year, during 4 years. Some say that it was way too expensive and offered too much for someone who looked to buy a fast car with less options, as no base option was ever offered. Others say that the name was way too common for Chevys, as they've used the "SS" for many of their models.

Sadly, The SS' production was canceled after 4 years only.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET SS photo gallery

As expected, this is a classic American rear-wheel-drive V8 performance sedan. The 2014 Chevrolet SS, for no doubt, makes some noise. Its impressive refinement and sharp handling make it a good choice even for sports car enthusiasts.

With staggered wheels, a low, wedgy shape, and a tapered, teardrop-like greenhouse, the new SS looks just a little muscle-car-like. If you squint just a bit, you've seen this car before, the sporty sedan that might stay anonymous if we take into account only the design, but it hauls hard and has race car DNA.

Inside, the SS has more of a cockpit-like layout than other current models from the Chevy stable, which is good thinking that it is a sport sedan. The SS architecture manages to feel a bit roomier. If you think some competitors are a bit narrow, the Chevy SS might be a good option and, of course, a much more powerful one.

Aggressively bolstered leather sports seats are included in the front, while the back seat feels roomy enough for adults. Going in and out is quite easy for taller passengers, thanks to the conservative roofline.

Eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats and soft-touch dashboard, along with a Bose sound system and eight standard airbags (knee bags for driver and front passenger), head-up display, Auto Parking Assist, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert are some of the features that set this car in better rank when it comes about safety and comfort.

Enough with design. It is time to discuss what makes this car unique to its rivals. The Chevy SS comes with a 6.2-liter V8 LS3 engine, which outputs 415 HP and 415 lb-ft of torque, mounted to a 6-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift paddles. The gearbox is a bit too muted and delayed in its responses, lazy somehow in Drive, and still not sharp enough in its Sport mode. It can still accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in five seconds.

Strong Brembo brakes come as standard. And with a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, a multi-link rear suspension, and an effort to keep the center of mass low, the SS hints at some serious performance intent.

Overall, it would be great to see a manual version of this hidden beast for its potential. The performance would surely make it a good option for those looking for a roomier sports car, even a powerful car for a young family with fewer children. The bad news is that Chevy SS discontinued due to issues encountered after releasing this model. The sales were not just as good as they expected, but still, it is a great car for Chevy fans to have in their collection.

REVIEW: CHEVROLET SS   full description and technical specifications