After the axing of Pontiac, the Holden sourced Pontiac G8 saw the same unfortunate future. At the time, though, rumors swirled around the VE Commodore returning with a Chevy badge stateside. Well, we didn’t get a VE, instead we were graced with the VF Commodore to serve as Chevrolet’s halo performance sedan.
The Chevy SS doesn’t occupy the same price point the G8 did, but it carries on the same inspiring performance from down under in strides. GM has appeased enthusiasts and sprinkled in new features over the course of its availability, notably a six-speed manual gearbox and the renowned Magnetic Ride Control.
So, what’s next for the performance sedan? The rumormill has now churned out the possibility of a Chevrolet Camaro 1LE handling package (one of our favorite Gen 5 Camaro variants) for the all-star SS. According to Motor Trend, engineers have been begging for the chance to equip the SS with an optional handling package, and the kicker is they already have the part numbers ready at their disposal.
A hypothetical Chevrolet SS 1LE would employ different tires and size them equally front and rear to increase neutrality. New dampers and a retuned suspension would also be part of the package to increase handling capabilities for the vehicle. On a related note, Chevrolet engineers tipped us a while back that the SS was also being evaluated for DSSV damper compatibility via the Camaro Z/28. No word on whether or not that will come to fruition, however.
Chevrolet engineers say this could be done in as little as three to six months, but convincing the higher-ups is proving to be a tad problematic. Hopefully the bean counters cave, and give the Chevrolet SS all the attention it deserves, as a replacement seems out of the question at this point.
Comments
This would seriously alter my next vehicle plans…
All the missed Impala sales… if only this had a V6, it would be painting the floor with Charger sales.
Oh wait, it does have a V6… everywhere else.
Pass what you are smoking. your post makes little to no sense.
When the SS was announced, I looked forward to it’s debut with eager anticipation. However, after seeing it at 2 (maybe 3) Philly Auto Shows and occasionally in a showroom, it still does not do anything for me. I was more impressed with the G8 when it was around.
Since this is a stand-alone “large car” performance offering from Chevrolet, that does not effect any of their broad market offerings, it should be offered with the absolute widest array of drivetrain and performance options (options from affordable “this is my first new performance sedan” up to options that are truly leading-edge performance such as mag ride control).
Like the one reader said, if it were offered with a hi-po V6, it would compete at an entry level with the Mopar Charger crowd. Also, no FT AWD option (on any Chevrolet)? That is a huge gap in the bowtie lineup basically writes-off anyone who also follows the Audi (or other euro-car) performance scene.
Dont get me wrong; I am a life-long Chevy/GM guy starting with my first 66 Impala SS (427, 4 sp, w/a white vinyl top over burgundy body). I still own a Suburban, Malibu, and Intrigue. When I look at today’s Chevrolet line-up, there are some real high points in different areas of the line-up, but overall I get the feeling that the folks that make decisions on what comes to market are still drinking a little too much of the GM bathwater from the muscle car era and not looking forward.
Yeah, this is just my opinion so, what do I know . . .
Shipped half way around the world to the USA , only . Buyers wait months while enough are ordered to make shipping practical . No dynamic advertising to promote the brand , this was brought over to originally become the new NASCAR entry . Built by Holden which will be out of manufacturing in a couple of years . How can you spell DEAD END in any other way ?? This vehicle is the only GM entry that I can ever recall as getting so many 4 and 5 star reviews from magazines and testing agencies…..it is that good ! GM spews out so many models out there , often they are same platform multi brand ones that compete against each other for sales , such that a superb one like the SS get buried alive . Manufacturing the SS in North America would also have provided a huge marketing thrust to Canada and the USA ‘s law enforcement agencies . where now they are also rans this business , shame really !
I hear you there, seems like there are a couple models that have fallen into the cracks at GM. The SS and the Regal to me are very similar: imported designs (although the Regal is made in Ontario) which are really excellent cars but seem to get ignored from the marketing department.
I understand the idea behind the SS was a limited option sports sedan and they did not want to bring in so many as to flood the dealer lots then have to discount the cars, but some advertising would help increase sales and make the whole project more viable.
At this point, what difference does it make?
Sales were lower than Chevy volt 3 or 4 months in Fall of 2014.. and we are talking 115 units a month!!!
2,500 total or so for year of 2014.
These sales numbers are WORSE than the 2004 Pontiac GTO.
SS should go replace the 5th Gen Zeta Camaro production in Canada! 😉
I feel that the SS Sedan is a great design idea even though it missed the mark for some reason. Honestly i think the SS badge should live on but on the Impala SS. Honestly if you take the new Alpha Platform, stick the new LT1 V8 under the hood with 455hp/455tq with the magnetic ride or optional DSSV suspension package, 6-speed manual/8-speed auto, rear wheel drive, big Brembo brakes and wide wheels and tires like the Camaro SS 1LE package you will have a great car. For the exterior go with the fastback design and sloping rear quarters and an aggressive front end. Inside use the 2016 Camaro for inspiration on materials and design. This would be a great compliment to the Camaro & Corvette and Chevy’s big three would be back together as a very lethal trio