This Is The 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan
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It’s been what Chevy performance enthusiasts have been demanding for years: a rear-wheel drive performance sedan. That’s what the Chevy SS is — and it marks Chevrolet’s return to the V8 RWD performance segment after 17 years (from 1996). The vehicle, designed to deliver performance on the street as well as on the track, makes its premier this weekend at the Dayton International Speedway, along with the SS NASCAR racer, during the Daytona 500.
The Platform
As expected, the SS rides on the short-wheelbase Zeta architecture developed by GM-Holden. The proven, race-tested architecture serves as the bones for the Camaro and the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, along with Holden’s VF Commodore and Caprice.
Powertrain
If there’s one area about which GM enthusiasts were uncertain, it was SS’ powertrain. Well, the car will officially be powered by the familiar 6.2 liter V8 (LS3) mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. That’s right — no manuals were announced (yet).
The dynamic duo is expected to deliver a symmetrical 415 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. The same engine can be found in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro SS, but Chevy is quick to point out that the engine is more powerful than the 5.5 liter V8 powering the SS NASCAR.
For those who prefer to paddle their way to higher (or lower) speed, the SS features steering wheel-mounted TAPshift paddles. The final-drive ratio is 3.27, and a 0-60 sprint can be accomplished in roughly five seconds.
Chassis
According to Chevrolet, the SS’ chassis allows it to turn and stop as well as it accelerates. Among the features are:
- MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
- Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
- Standard Brembo brakes with ventilated 355 mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers
- Forged aluminum wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear
The SS’ handling is further improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, along with a low center of gravity that’s made possible by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid — which are 30 [percent lighter than traditional steel panels.
“Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs. “The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits.”
The Exterior
A performance sedan may not be taken seriously if it doesn't also look the part. So the exterior of the SS features a sporty and muscular stance, with staggered front and rear wheels pushed out to the corners. Specific design elements include:
- "Power bulge" on the aluminum hood
- Tapered, tear-drop shape of the rear end that helps aerodynamics
- Jewel-like chrome accents
- Standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights
“From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance,” said John Cafaro design director Chevrolet passenger cars and small crossovers. “The combination of an aggressive rear-wheel drive stance and body-side attitude with the right balance of detail and refinement inside and out are the perfect home for Chevrolet’s V-8 performance package.”
The Interior
Just like the Holden Commodore, the Chevy SS offers a spacious cabin that can comfortably swallow five adults. Some interior highlights include:
- 42 inches of front legroom
- 39 inches of rear legroom
- Standard leather seating surfaces
- Standard eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering
- SS emblem is prominently stitched onto the instrument panel. Available in two types of chrome finishes -- a satin gloss and a bright chrome -- the dash is soft to the touch
- The cabin is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting during the night
- The integrated center stack contains infotainment, climate, and other vehicle controls.
Meanwhile, the SS performance sedan offers a wide assortment of standard technology features, including:
- Color in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system
- Bose Nine-speaker premium sound system
- Color heads-up display
- Push-button start
- StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear-vision camera
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The SS also lets the driver give it all on the track, without having to worry about saving energy (or dedicating any attention to) parking the car. So on the way home from the track, as he stops by the local Nieman-Marcus for a pair of Perry Ellis slacks, the driver can simply let the SS park itself thanks to the Automatic Parking Assist system -- a first for Chevrolet.
Utilizing ultrasonic sensors to detect the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces, the system makes use of ultrasonic sensors. All the driver needs to do is to control the throttle, transmission, and brake -- while the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to park the vehicle.
Availability
Coinciding with the market release of its trans-continental brother with the Roaring Lion badge, the 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its market debut in the fourth quarter of 2013. General Motors will set prices "closer to the on-sale date.
The performance sedan brings the rear-wheel drive Chevy performance story full-circle, joining the Corvette and Camaro. Combined, the two Chey-badged two-door sports cars have made Chevy the best-selling performance brand for the last two years in the United States.
2014 Chevy SS Specifications
| 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 |
| 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 with TapShift |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 (front) & 63.3 / 1608 (rear) |
| Seating capacity: | 2 | 3 |
| Legroom (in / mm): | 42.3 / 1074 (front) | 39.7 / 1008 (rear) |
i think it’s great that chevrolet has the guts to make the rwd sedan along with the charger . Something that Ford is just wussing about.
I like it, one thing I’d ask for is more aggressive headlights. Otherwise looks good, great interior, and technology looks promising.
Some expected the new Holden to appear as a Buick in North America.
Those who read GM’s brand strategy from what GM does, instead from wishful thinking, thought otherwise, and were proven right.
The nose is too high and the rear lights are too compact-car-ish. Aside from those two complaints, it looks good.
If I didn’t see the distinctive Chevy nose I would have said its a BMW . Superb design with ; lower beltline , more vertical windows which creates a more user friendly open and spacious interior for its size . A guy can put his family in there when he’s not out beating up the streets or countryside and everyone can enjoy the ride . Abbreviated front and back hints of excellent handling . Like the BMW , its understated , what a ride , congratulations GM !!
BMW understated?
Exterior looks are great. I like the strong and wide stance. Interior looks awesome. Those seats look like they are top notch. The only things that are a let down are the motor and tranny—for now. Not that 400+ hp standard is a bad thing. A little part of me was hoping for the LT1. I’m just plain confused by the automatic only part. But, nonetheless, I am extremely excited about seeing one in person.
Awesome, Hope you can get it without the sunroof and can upgrade to the ZL1 rearview mirror. Seats looked killer!
The hood and grill design doesn’t quite look as sharp to me as its former incarnation as the Pontiac G8, but I still can’t complain too much. This is a much welcomed return!
Pleasantly surprised as I was underwhelmed by the NASCAR version.
Now that the SS is out, all we have to wait for is HSV. In a secret underground bunker somewhere below Australia’s area 51, there is a crazy nut job creating a car so awesome that we can only refer to it as the HSV F-Series…
I am not surprised at the transmission, I am disappointed. Not really a “world class” car company if all you can do is a 6sp auto.
Hopefully, there will be exterior colour choices beyond black/red/silver.
While I agree with your sentiment, lets be real, a 6.3L V8 needs a 5,6,7,8 speed transmission like the we need another hole in our head. It does not benefit fuel efficiency nor performance. Especially with an engine that has as broad a torque and hp spread. The Euro, and Japanese marks offer them because their engines don’t offer a comparably broad torque curve though out the rpm range.
I’s also why the C7 ended up with a 6.2L LT1 instead of the smaller 5.5 (which I new was a pipe dream anyway) against common assumption, it’s easier to make a big engine powerful and fuel efficient than to make a small engine the same.
Hahahahaha! Of course GM would just slap on a bow tie and take the paint from the rear diffuser and and the front grille. Well, we all know it will have an unforgettable driving experience, just not the looks to match. GM, oh you give me a good laugh you cheap bastards!
Erm, is this actually the official production car or just some rendering?
@wisdom seeker this is the production car.
I was really expecting some new sheetmetal compared to the Holden. Why are they not offering a manual as well? The execution of this car has been disastrous! I guess I would buy a G8 GXP instead of this definition of compromise.
Something tells me a manual gearbox will make its way into the SS sooner or later… no sources on this, just a hunch.
As for the styling: why change it? Holden IS GM’s Chevy in Oceania… all that needs to be done is change the badges and RHD to LHD. And even then, this car has all the design elements of a modern Chevrolet — as do all (most?) Holdens.
I’ve got to agree with you man. I like the car, but all they did was toss us a middle eastern Chevy Lumina SS; and even then, I guarantee we don’t get the manual, nor the cool interior color options.
Being a Chevy, I’m sure the aftermarket will jump all over the car and we will have HSV styled body kits, (among others) and all types of accessories to further differentiate the car.
My fingers were really crossed that we’d get a little more styling variation vs just pasting Chevy badge on the grill. For the money it will cost, we could have at least gotten a HSV Club Sport body kit to make it’s performance intentions obvious.
Very nice!!..but the only letdown is they didnt offer a manual tranny @ least as an option..but im guessin that will change…good start though it’ll definitely kick the charger’s ass..@ least until their 8 speeds come in full swing later this yr!..hopefully we get a manual trans and the supercharged hsv version as well!!!!
I say ‘Well done!’. Given an updated platform this will drive even better than the G8′s on the VE platform. And, that was never a bad drive in the first place. Also, the interior is vastly improved. I’m still not giving up my G8 anytime soon.
I’m excited to see the SS in person. Pics just don’t always do justice. So many haters are posting all over the web already – fact is, not one of them would by an SS in the first place.
I hope the SS is a sales success.
Mike
WANT!
I like it, the new front and rear clips styling give the platform a fresh look. Last time I looked, Cup Cars were still running 358cid engines!
Looks good little disappointed with the power figures, with all the hype I was expecting 425-450hp but the aftermarket can fix that little issue. Now lets talk about price..
can most of us attempt to buy one or just fantasize about winning the lotto, and my favorite fantasy the LSA transplant in the engine bay.
I liked a lot. Much better than I thought, but both Commodore and Charger look better.
Holden is awesome. And I think that the Dodge Charger is best sport sedan in the U.S. That car is just perfect!
Excellent, not sure if this ride needed a massive bow tie in the grill though… Still by far one of the nicer vehicles in the GM arsenal… Thank you Holden…
I like it! Looks are a bit understated with this particular car (that color doesn’t do it justice) Give it the black wheels & colored brake calipers treatment sans CTS-V & you’ve got your self a definite bad ass Euro snob beater!!
Would call it a 4 door Camaro rather than a 4 door Corvette though, not having the LT-1 & manual tranny! Oh well maybe later.