CHEVROLET SS Review

Rather irrelevant, that parking stuff. We really couldn’t be bothered. Not when the engine compartment holds a 6.2-liter LS3. This is slightly downtuned from the C6 Corvette, but it still churns out a hefty 415 hp and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) of torque. Nonetheless, a comparison with Chrysler’s 6.4-liter Hemi shows that the SS is 55 hp and 55 lb-ft behind.

The V8 is matched to GM’s aging Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic, which received paddle shifters. Further down the power line, we find a balanced 3.27 rear axle.

It’s all comfy and relaxed and if you keep things below 3,000 rpm it stays that way. Nonetheless, from this point on, the reassuring hints of power linearly transform into a meatload of power.

The demons are gradually released from their LS3 chamber. Instead of an incantation, you’ll hear the exhaust putting on a pretty nice spectacle. Still, the SS’ basic approach does bring a limitation here, as a pair of valves would’ve brought even more curses out of the exhaust tips. And this wouldn’t exactly be a costly solution.

We’ve got some respectable performance here. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes five seconds, while the quarter mile game is dealt with in about 13 seconds. Still, the Dodge Charger SRT8 and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 are a bit quicker than that.

While you will instantly make friends with the V8, the six-speed auto is going to cause quarrels at times. Not only does it lack some extra ratios, but it is not entirely up to the job when it comes to brief shifting. Use the plasticky paddles and you’ll notice that there's a slight delay when you want to change gear.

The fuel efficiency is not something to boast about - blame that six-speed tranny for this. The official figures place the Chevrolet SS at 14 mpg (l/100 km) in the city and 21 mpg (l/100 km) on the highway. Once again, the SS falls behind the SRT8s, as well as the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan.

The steering comes to save the day though. This is one of the best electro-mechanical setups we’ve ever had on our hands. There’s plenty of feel and the weight of the system spells “masculine”.

In fact, the handling is a nice treat altogether. The simple tech setup does not keep the Chevrolet SS from being a good performer through the bends. The car enjoys being pushed hard through a corner and whether you like to keep it clean or prefer sliding around, it will be happy to oblige. You have plenty of grip, while the transition to oversteer is gradual and the body roll is limited.

However, it’s the Chevrolet SS’ handling that makes the “four-door Corvette” label seem silly. The ‘Vette, with its high tech approach, feels considerable sharper, with superior grip levels and more precision at the limit. Fret not, the SS still packs enough attributes to make for a ton of fun throughout your drive.

If you want to use the brakes in order to adjust the balance of the SS, the Brembos show a nice modulation. As for the deceleration itself, the stopping power is reassuring. This is what happens when your front axle uses 355-inch vented rotors with four-piston calipers, assisted by mm (12.7-inch) discs at the back.

Furthermore, the Australian roots have educated the SS in a manner that makes it a perfect car for road trips. If you want to travel from coast to coast in a performance sedan, this is a brilliant choice.

The same suspension and powertrain that kept us smiling through the canyon roads earlier in the day now bring a relaxed atmosphere on the highway. Brilliant for a vehicle called Super Sport.

The time has come to compare the Chevrolet SS with its competitors and, for the sake of simplicity, we shall start with Europe. The closest rival of such origins is the BMW 535i. The German wears a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a price tag that’s $10,000 higher than that of the SS. Performance-wise, the two are pretty close, but the way in which they deliver makes them as different as possible. This is enough of an argument for the two not to share customers.

Of course, those opting for the Bimmer will do so more thanks to the premium image. Status aside, the Chevrolet SS is more fun to drive and more spacious. An easy pick for us.

When it comes to the domestic performance sedan battle, things aren't all that simple. Here the Chevrolet SS and the SRT8 badge, especially that on the Dodge Charger, battle it out to a very tight finish. We'd go for the Chrysler Group vehicle. If not for its superior performance and efficiency, then thanks to the fact that this looks and feels more thoroughbred. Nonetheless, the decision is subjective.

That's because the Chevrolet SS is also a superb effort. This offers what is probably the most balanced setup of the performance sedan league. You can easily drive it everyday and you'll be indulging in classic V8 pleasures. The handling is also well sorted out and is guaranteed to bring you joy.

In between these cool parts, the Chevrolet SS knows how to cater to your comfort needs all too well. Not only is it the most spacious car of its class, but it's also easy to connect with. Aussies are practical people and this shows.

And let's not forget the bouquet of active safety systems it offers - your wife really could not blame you for choosing an SS as a family vehicle.

There are, of course, downsides to the car's package. The list is headed by the looks of the SS, which are opinion-splitting. Some will love its sleeper attitude, while others will simply call it vague.
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You can have it for a MSRP of $44,470 plus a $1,300 gas guzzler tax. For the money, the SS comes fully loaded.

What the Chevrolet SS also has is potential. GM does not intend to sell the SS in great numbers, but, with some updates, this would work great in Europe. They would need to install an eight-speed automatic and adaptive suspension. With these, the SS could brilliantly accompany the Camaro and Corvette in Cadillac dealerships - Chevy is pulling off the European market, with its cars set to be sold through Caddy's network.

Forget the four-door Corvette label. The Chevrolet SS simply doesn't work like that. Instead, this is a brilliant no-frills high performance sedan. SuperSportery is not dead.