The vehicle, which is set to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, will be the first V8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan for the brand since 1996. However, as many commenters brought up, it isn’t the only one in that category from General Motors Co. in recent memory.
DETROIT- The unveiling of the 2014 Chevrolet SS performance sedan has MLive.com users talking, and even reminiscing about the days of the "Old GM."
The vehicle, which is set to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, will be the first V8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan for the brand since 1996. However, as many commenters brought up, it isn’t the only one in that category from General Motors Co. in recent memory.
Before cutting the Oldsmobile brand in 2004 and four others in 2008 -- Hummer, Pontiac, SAAB and Saturn -- the Detroit-based automaker did offer a number of V8 sedans.
The one being most discussed by users is the Pontiac G8 GT and GXP, which was produced produced in 2008 and 2009.
“You might be surprised. The Pontiac G8 was a hot seller (which this car is a clone of) but GM stopped making it because the Pontiac badge went 'bye bye' when the company restructured,” said Knoll5150.
The vehicles do share some similarities, including the body styles, being produced and imported from GM’s Holden in Australia and comparable high-performance stats when looking to other sedans.
The SS, which debuted over the weekend at the Daytona International Speedway, has received mixed first-impression comments from MLive.com users.
Here’s a look at a few, as well as the specifications sheet provided by GM, as well as a few more comments:
Comments:
Max18: "The American public will always have a love affair with muscle cars. No they didn't build it with a manual trans. and it won't get 35MPG either. This is a fun car, if you don't like, don't buy it."
Jerrydog: "WHY can we not get a traditional six or seven speed manual in this car? Paddle shifters bite. Some people (granted not many) still like to drive. Maybe the paddles are a little quicker at the drag strip but how many of us live at a drag strip? If anything the SS should come only with a manual and keep the pretenders away from it ... "
Eldiabloescroto: "It's a re-skinned Holden import like the G8. Four doors is cheaper to insure and a lot more practical than two. I think it's pretty cool and probably better than it's predecessor due to refinements and technology updates ... "
Overview
Model: | Chevrolet SS |
Body style / driveline: | front-engine, rear-drive |
Construction: | unitized body structure and frame; two-sided galvanized steel (except roof) |
EPA vehicle class: | large |
Manufacturing location: | Elizabeth, Australia |
Powertrain
Engine: | 6.2L OHV V-8 |
Displacement (cu in / cc): | 376 / 6162 |
Bore& stroke (in / mm): | 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92 |
Block material: | cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners |
Cylinder head material: | aluminum |
Valvetrain: | overhead valve; two valves per cylinder; roller lifters |
Ignition system: | coil-near-plug ignition |
Fuel: | sequential fuel injection |
Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
Horsepower (hp/ kW @ rpm): | 415 / 309 @ 5900 |
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 415 / 563 @ 4600 |
Fuel: | premium recommended not required |
Transmission: | Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed automatic w/ TapShift |
Chassis/Suspension
Front: | multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe |
Rear: | four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe |
Steering type: | electric power |
Brakes
Front | |
Type: | ventilated disc |
Rotor diameter x thickness (mm): | 355 x 32 |
Caliper | four-piston fixed |
Rear | |
Type: | ventilated disc |
Rotor diameter x thickness (mm): | 324 x 22 |
Caliper: | single-piston sliding |
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type: | 19 x 8.5-inch forged, fully polished aluminum (front) 19 x 9-inch forged, fully polished aluminum (rear) |
Tires: | P245/40R19 (front) P275/35R19 (rear) |
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): | 114.8 / 2916 |
Overall length (in / mm): | 195.6 / 4968 |
Overall width (in / mm): | 74.8 / 1899 |
Overall height (in / mm): | 58.7 / 1490 |
Track (in / mm): | front: 62.6 / 1590 rear: 63.3 / 1608 |
Interior
front | rear | |
Seating capacity: | 2 | 3 |
Legroom (in / mm): | 42.3 / 1074 | 39.7 / 1008 |
*SAE certified.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.
What do you think of the 2014 Chevrolet SS?
Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland