Poll: Do You Love The 2014 Chevy SS Sedan?
71
After all sorts of rumors, speculation, conjecture, and discussion, GM has finally pulled the wraps off the 2014 Chevy SS Performance Sedan no more than 12 hours ago.
There’s a lot to love about the car, such as the idea behind a rear-wheel drive performance sedan with a powerful V8 that has great style and presence, as well as the performance characteristics to back it up; throw in the high-quality cabin for five and in-vehicle technology that rivals the equipment list of a Cadillac, and it would seem that the SS couldn’t be any better. But that’s not to say that Chevy’s first RWD sedan in 17 years is perfect.
The biggest gripes seem to be the “play it safe” exterior design, the six-speed automatic transmission (an automatic in a performance vehicle?!), and the decision to stick GM’s last-generation LS3 small-block V8 engine in the engine bay. So when one considers the simile made by GM VP Mark Reuss — that the SS Sedan will be equivalent to a four-door Corvette — the Australian-built sedan disappoints by not only using a slush-box automatic (where’s that 7-speed from the 2014 C7 Corvette?), but by also not offering GM’s newest powerplant in the form of the LT1. The fact that customers will most likely be expected to shell out north of $40 grand for an SS doesn’t help explain the reason for the outdated equipment.
So, all things considered — do you love the SS? Vote away in the poll, then tell us the reasoning behind your vote in the comments.
The SS is made in the same style of the Cruze Malibu and Impala , so yes I like it …..
I started typing a big old list of likes and dislikes, but I’m wasting my time. Those that typically go for GM and American performance cars will like it. The import crowd, and most young people, won’t bat a stinking eyelash.
Joe nailed it. The question is: Why would the import crowd and the young not like it? To me it is just too plain bland and conservative to be a sports car. Having seen the latest offerings from GM and even the new Cruze in camo, I’m just not seeing any exotic shapes or designs to set the new GM apart from its history of ultra-conservatism. I don’t know who is controlling GM’s designs but they really need to start coming out with things that are eye-popping. Not everyone can afford the C7, but most are lusting for it — because of how it looks!
@Joe & @VeranoHatch What “import” brand sells a sports sedan that is even remotely comparable to the SS, and in the same (expected) price range? The closest I can think of is Hyundai with the Genesis — and that thing doesn’t hold a candle to this car whatsoever. That, and the demographics of Genesis Sedan buyers usually sways towards the “luxury on the cheap” unique selling proposition, rather than affordable performance.
As for the (subjective perception of the) car’s design — let’s not forget that we’re looking at a refresh of a vehicle that’s been around for over 6 years. Granted, the VF refresh is a rather big one, but the point is that this is not an all-new car (as opposed to the all-new C7 Vette). The next-gen VJ Commodore — on the other hand — will be, as it will ride on a new architecture and will likely make its way to North America as a Buick:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/02/it-lives-holden-chief-confirms-next-gen-commodore/
and this:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/02/new-holden-commodore-to-succeed-vf-series-but-will-it-be-rear-wheel-drive/
As for who is in charge of GM design — that would be Ed Welburn:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/01/jay-leno-ed-welburn-examine-2014-chevrolet-c7-corvette-stingray-video/
Funny you say looks are a factor for the import crowd. Because no matter how you sway it, Import sport sedans and “performance” cars are almost always bland and vanilla in their exterior design compared to American “performance” design language. In Fact that difference is exactly why I’m NOT excited about the new SS. It looks like all the boring Euro sport sedans with their BS “restrained styling” (read conservative) and “understated elegance” (read we just tossed a big motor in our boring executive sedan).
The real reason most “Import heads” won’t bat an eye at this car no matter how good it is, is because they are snobs. Nothing more nothing less.
GM screwed its introduction by choosing bland color.
Exactly Holden nailed it on the head with that glorious orange color they had for their version. While silver agree beautiful elegant sexy color
is not right for this kind of Debut, They should’ve chosen a more sinister color, Looking back at the SS cars of the past, Especially the late 60s and early 70s, Red is the only way to go…
Unless dealers try and apply a surcharge, I’ll buy one. But …
What I Don’t Like:
- The 6sp is a massive negative. There exist plenty of 8sp transmissions in the world, swallow your pride and license one.
- The rear is all but indistinguishable from a Malibu. There’s keeping a “style” book, then there is making everything look too alike. They went with the latter here.
- Silver? Are you sh*tting me? Put some color on it at the introduction. I hope they fire the *sshat who picked silver.
- Black on black on black interior? Boring. Dull. Lacks pop. They had better offer some other interior options…
Neutral:
* I can understand why they went with the LS3. You save the LT1 for the corvette.
* Same Chevy MyLink as everything else including the Cruze. Ok, but it just isn’t that hard to customize for your “premier” sedan.
Likes:
+ The LS3 is a proven engine, lots of aftermarket tuning should rapidly be available for an engine that is already in use.
+ Top of the line braking. Good.
+ Rims are not blacked out, awesome. (Personal hate on those blacked out wheels)
+ LED Daytime Running Lights
+ HID lights
+ Multicolour HUD
I really hope they bring a wide variety of exterior and interior colour options to the car. I can live with the black/black/black interior. But I want some colour on the exterior. The corvette has lots of paint choices, let’s see the same.
They could have put in HSV’s EDI as an app in mylink. EDI is Enhanced Driver Interface and features race like information, tech and displays.
I agree with everything except the 8 speed tranny gripe. A 6.3L engine will see next to no benefit from such a transmission; performance, nor economy wise. On an engine this big that’s just a “keeping up with the joneses” move.
GM needs to get some marketing out there about the inherent benefits and elegance of the OHV pushrod V8s as well as how a big displacement engine makes gazillion speed automatic transmission unnecessary.
Come on GM! You guys have been getting 28-30+mpg from 4 speed 3.8L push-rod V6s for years. Then you played follow the leader and went “high-tech” and now have 25-28mpg 6 speed OHC v6s that don’t have the mpg, Torque nor reliability of the previous gen engines. I’m all about progress, but only when there is a REAL improvement.
The car will be amazing but I’m scared of what it will cost. @Jason 8-speeds doesn’t make a transmission better. The extra moving parts make them weaker. In your line of reasoning we will be driving 20-speed transmissions in a few years.
I like it because of what it represents. A performance RWD. Hopefully it is just the beginning. If it doesn’t sell and is cancelled, we probably will never see another. To bad it took so long to continue where the G8 left-off. Will they eventually build them in the US? Please let this lead to El Caminos and maybe a wagon since the Caddy is going away. Be nice to see a manual since the Holden already has such a vehicle. The old ’94-’96 Impala SS didn’t have the manual either. Shame.
I Love what it is, what it means and what it stands for. I also like the future of Chevy because of this car. I like the fact that it’s Holden the Australians sure know how to make high powered RWD cars.
What I don’t like not that I should be complaining is the engine. They have been calling this car four-door Camaro. I have a Camaro and I beg to differ. This is a four door high-performance sedan. Yes it has adequate power, However it should’ve had the identical engine the Camaro SS has to start with. Or possibly even the brand-new C7 Corvette engine. And ultimately the LSA. I have driven a manual transmission car for the past ten years of my life until my recent Camaro Which is automatic. I don’t mind the fact that this car comes solely automatic, Actually it’s kind of nice not have to worry about shifting in traffic especially stop and go traffic in the city. Provided the paddle shifters are calibrated for quick and controlled shifting. I do agree however with the others that this card does deserve the 6 speed or seven speed manual transmission.
The styling however well different for Chevrolet is still rather plain ordinary. It looks like, a G8 sedan got lucky with a Malibu, While given the opportunity I would LOVE to have this car, It’s styling still leaves slightly more to be desired especially for a car that has the SS badge, Ditch the chrome and hideous rims and huge Gold Bow-tie And replace it with Gunmetal color or just plain flat black That would be a good start.
I’m pretty certain the aftermarket will come to the rescue and Fix all the deficiencies this car has. Also I’m sure Chevrolet is listening to everyone’s comments and the 2015 models will even better, Especially with HSV In Australia working on their version…
It has the identical engine that the camaro SS has. 415 HP just like the G8. 426 HP in the camaro. 430/436 in the corvette. The difference is because of the exhaust system and air intake system. No one should expect the LT1. The LT1 should be a corvette exclusive for at least one year.
Wayne — that’s an interesting topic that more or less proves that the Camaro will always be held back by Corvette, affirming this:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/02/mailbag-camaro-will-never-beat-the-fastest-mustang-because-of-corvette/
Personally, I don’t think any engine should be reserved for any vehicle for any amount of time. For instance, take the new 2.0T LTG:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/guides/engines/
It made its debut in the ATS and in the 2013 Malibu at the same time. The same should be done with the LT1. Not only does a new mill make the receiving vehicle better, it also carries business advantages, such as decreasing the time for GM to make a profit on the new mill thanks to quicker realization of greater economies of scale (applying engine across a higher volume of vehicles).
The only reason against the application of a new engine across as many vehicles as possible is the exclusivity of another product… in this case, the Corvette. And since we’ve already established that the Camaro and Vette don’t compete with each other due to entirely different driving experiences (albeit with similar/same power numbers), artificially holding back one product (Camaro, SS Sedan) because of another (Corvette) just doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Didn’t the 2.0L Turbo actually make it’s debut in the Buick GS?
@T. Bejma the LHU certainly did come first in the Regal GS, albeit with a different tune.
I hope when they are redoing the Malibu interior it looks more like this. It’s just weird they spent so much time making the interior great (which i don’t mind) but the exterior just looks like a headlight and taillight change
We get them in UK as Vauxhall VXR8 & we also get the estate version & Maloo pick up. Awesome cars glad we have them
This thing is a few mods away for being the ultimate ‘sleeper’ … love it!!!
It would be so much fun n a manual trans…..but I still take it.
Love it, Why ? it’s not a hybrid
Prediction: That tune will change!
Old, bland styling- did I forget to say old? This car should have in your face styling, not be a sleeper for $40K. Don’t park a silver one at WalMart, you’ll never find it in the lot without the panic key-fob button. The G8 had a unique front end and cool hood scoops- this thing has a Chevy badge only. The G8 was a mighty cool car, with awesome performance, yet it was a sales dud. I’ll bet this thing does about as well as the 02 GTO (disaster)- but not as well as the G8. There are a lot of cool cars for $40K it competes with. I do have a good tagline for Chevrolet to use: “Suddenly, it’s 2006″
Agreed.
side note: the GTO was not a sales disaster. It was never supposed to sell more than 30-40 thousand units. They sold 40,745. So it was right on target. Also, there were way MORE GTOs produced than there are Monaro, Chevy Lumina Coupes and Vauxhaul VXR coupes combined. The Monaro was strictly a Halo car that was never intended to sell over a few thousand a year in AUS. Bob Lutz came along and figured Pontiac could bridge the gap left by the demise of the Firebird with the Monaro / GTO till a appropriate replacement was signed off on.
It only looks ‘bland’ because Holden can’t let it steal any thunder from the HSV version. America, start saving because you’ll want to convert your SS into a HSV!
if i had $40,000 this would be my first car. I love it.
Love the interior/steering wheel/red stitching/seats/suede.9.5 out of 10. Lost .5 for the SHAPE of the chrome trim that goes side to side on the dash, Reminds me of the new Impala’s god awful steering wheel trim shape, ugly.
Love the basic shape that still hints of the VE/G8. Love the side vents/trim at the front doors. Cool. Still has the sexy front fender flares. When I washed my 09 G8 GT, running my hands over those front fenders was like running my hands over the thighs of a beautiful woman………….8.5 out of 10. HATE, HATE, HATE the giant lower grill circa 98-02 Camaro/recent Audis/Chrysler Concorde/Ford Focus, EEGAD. This is slightly resolved by getting a black one, all blends in. They should’ve given us the VF Calais V nose. Black paint also resolves the black outlines of the rear tailights, don’t like.
9.0 for engine, LS3 is a good start. Easy gains with bolt-ons. LT1 would jack the price up too much. 6 speed auto is great (even better with tuning) and if the TAPSHIFT is like the ZL1′s then paddle shifting will be bitchin’. But gotta have a manual option. Save the Manuals!!
9.9 for chassis. I’m going off my experience of my G8. Wonderful chassis dynamics.
As with any new vehicle, I reserve final judgement until I see ‘em in person. Completely different perspective. I voted don’t hate it, don’t love it. Improving the nose, to me, would be the greatest plus to me, and that is purely subjective. Done right that would’ve made it a LOVE IT. Good job Holden and Chevrolet.
I like it, but it is a little bland in some ways. Maybe it is just the color too. Guess a lot of people think it should have been a screaming hotrod , with a name like SS though.
The exterior does nothing for me. Looks like a late-80s Chevy. Too rounded. Not enough “something.”
Not bad, but not impressed.
The car doesn’t look like a Chevy. It shares no design language with current NA Chevrolets. They could have at least put on an Impala-esque front end.
The G8 looked like a Pontiac. Why doesn’t the SS look like a Chevy?
And the back end looks kinda like a Buick.
And why no manual trans? You can get a stick in a Verano turbo but not a Chevy SS?
This amazing car just won its first NASCAR race tonight with Kevin Harvick behind the wheel!