This article is part of the GM Authority Mailbag series, where the GM Authority Crew features and replies to your questions, comments, and observations.
The following is from Chris D.:
I feel like all of America was so eager and excited to get any kind of details on the Chevrolet SS (to which, by the way, I absolutely HATE the name… that’s another post for another day). Now we’re less than a month away from the production car’s debut and not a peep! No one is hyping this thing at all! No spy shots, no opinions, no teasers, nothing. It went from GM’s “worst kept secret” to “what sedan??”.
My point of view is that there are two prime suspects to the SS’s very early demise: either the Corvette made the SS’s debut completely irrelevant, or the hype has been cooled off due to Mark Reuss’s comments about the extremely limited run and how potentially expensive this car may be. “This won’t be any G8” scares me! The G8 was arguably the best and most highly acclaimed Pontiacs ever built. Why would you NOT want to follow in its footsteps?
I’m a guy in my late twenties that just wants a V8 RWD sedan with some up-to-date tech amenities – essentially a 2013 G8 GT with MyLink. I currently own a GTO and want a new daily driver that I can keep well throughout my thirties while starting a family and needing room for child seats! Is that so much to ask for? Why does this now have to be priced out of my range and marketed to essentially the older Corvette crowd? Those guys don’t want an SS… if they want a serious sports sedan, they’re driving right down the road to their local Cadillac dealership and picking up a CTS-V.
Guys, bottom line for me is that I have been a GM guy since before I got my license. If this car debuts on February 21st and it’s a penny over $40,000 I’m done with GM. Another example of them not having a clue and the bean-counters having more decision making power than the car guys. Where’s that white-haired, tan bastard they call Maximum? That guy would make it happen the right way.
Signed,
Already Disappointed
The GM Authority Take
Chris makes some good points, and is mostly spot on: it would seem that the upcoming unveiling of the Chevy SS performance sedan has taken a back seat to the unveiling of the 2014 Corvette earlier this month. In fact, the new seventh-generation Vette caused such a stir and so much emotion — from love to hate, and everything in between — that it’s easy to see how the SS could be forgotten. Factually speaking, however, we don’t know for sure whether interest in the SS has really taken a dive — since we haven’t measured that quantitatively.
But what we do know is that it’s crucial to keep an open mind about such matters. The need for an open mind, in fact, was perhaps demonstrated best with the C7, and all the pre-unveil leaks, along with the positive and negative acclaim from those who were making up their minds without having seen all of the C7 Stingray in pictures, let alone in person. Ironically, all of those judgements ended up being premature!
That’s all to say this: let’s hold off on passing judgement until February 21 — the day the SS will be unveiled. Who knows, maybe it won’t be as out-of-reach and as limited as some have made it out to be.
And with the C7 out of the way and just 21 more days until the unveiling of Chevy’s first rear wheel-drive sedan in decades, we’d be more than happy to drum up excitement about the SS. Right here on GM Authority. Who’s with us?
Comments
I’m happy that GM isn’t showing vehicles years before they go on sale. I hope they keep everything quiet like they have been. As for the SS, I’m sure it will be a hit. GM hasent been dropping the ball lately at all so it should definitely impress. As for the price of it, I would hold of on that until I know what it’s got in it. Even if it comes in at $50K but it out handles, out performs and out classes on interior quality and tech than a car costing say $80K. Then in would have to say that’s a good deal. Just look at the CTS-V sedan. Some people might think over $70K for a Cadillac car is crazy but it will smoke a $100K BMW M5.
Like most everyone else, I haven’t seen the SS yet. I really know nothing about it other than it’s rumored to be a “direct descendant” of the Pontiac G8. The only thing I really do know about this car is that I want one. Sight unseen, I want one.
However, I agree with Chris. I’m truly afraid the SS will be priced out of my ability to purchase. Top end for me is $35-40k. Anything more than that and it just ain’t gonna happen.
I currently have an ’08 Impala SS. I love the car. But no matter how good an engine the LS4 was, it’s just not possible to get around the fact that the Impala is a front-wheel drive car. What I would really like to have is a RWD V-8 powered car from GM. I have been tempted by a couple of G8 GTs I’ve found around here with low miles. But, the fact is that the newest one of those are still at least four years old and only getting older. Plus, they don’t have a lot of the modern “amenities” of today’s cars. They’re a great value, but I’d like to look at new.
So, currently, my choices are:
– Corvette: Not a sedan. Pretty much intended for fun and not any sort of real practicality.
– Camaro SS: Not a sedan. Love the way the car looks and drives. The interior is absolutely hideous, however, and makes me want to gouge my eyes out.
– CTS-V: Pricey, pricey, pricey, pricey.
My one hope for being able to get what I want is the SS. But, if the price is too high…
I know most people now-a-days don’t want a V8, rear-wheel drive sedan. GM is also trying really hard to make sure that everything they do is geared toward helping the company to make a profit, so they can’t just give these things away, especially since this will be a lower-volume car. But, there’s got to be some sort of room here. Chrysler has the Charger/300, but it’s a Chrysler. Ford has….um…what does Ford have again? I’d have to think that the reason the Charger does as well as it does is because of the serious lack of competition.
Okay… I’ve rambled enough. I’m looking forward to the introduction of the SS and I will continue to hope that it’s something I can afford.
I agree with Chris D. From my first car to my current I am GM through and through. I currently own an 08 grand prix and absolutely abhor it. I am a young professional with a young family and would rather not opt for a 5 yr old STS. I’m trying to wait for this SS because the new impala didn’t go RWD and the caprice is unobtainable. I grew up loving GM. My uncles, my dad, and grandpa all had the best stories about their GM vehicles, all I want is to be able to offer my kids and nephews the same. I hope Febuary restores my hope in GM (so I don’t have to buy a charger).
I don’t expect the same love-fest for the SS that the Corvette received. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s better to over-hype than to under-deliver.
Let me clarify: I wouldn’t expect too much.
Great to see so many people wanting the Holden Commodore!!! Sales of the SS will be what keeps the car alive in this age of declining large car sales.
As we know, the Chevrolet SS is being manufactured by Holden in Australia and is essentially the next model Holden Commodore (VF), with Chevrolet specific front and tail treatments. We Holden fans in Australia are just as frustrated as our Chevy cousins as there hasn’t been any indication from Holden about the launch date for the VF Commodore. Chev have at least launched the Nascar version of the SS although it isn’t really road car like. The V8 Supercar series in Australia will feature the new FV Commodore and is due to have an official pre season practice day (open to the public) on February 16th where we assume the VF will be seen for the first time. Now because V8 Supercars are realistic (4 opening doors, etc), what is seen on race day will be virtually lifelike to the road car. There is speculation Holden may hold an official launch for the VF on the 15th February to capture news attention ahead of the race car reveal, but nothing is certain. As soon as we see the car we will post pics on facebook.com/holdenisaustralian
I work at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan and I thought that I had not seen any vehicles around here because the SS is built in Australia, but it appears that is not the case. GM is really keeping this under wraps… even down under…
$35-$40k??? Average price of a car sold today is ~$32,000.
This car will be imported from a high cost producing country and low volume worldwide. (What is volume of Commodore?)
It will also probably only available well contented.
I will be very surprised if it starts under $40k.
I want to add that #32k is the ATP which includes all incentives and rebates, not the MSRP which will be higher than $32k.
A full size, base Avalon starts at $31k and gets to $43k easily. And this is for a V6 mom and pop vehicle.
The 2009 G8 GXP retailed for north of $37,000. Based on Mark Reuss’s remarks about how exclusive the SS will be, it is a given that it will be at least $40K.
With the Dodge Charger SRT8 (really the only competition in this segment) MSRP at almost $45K, a similar price can be expected.
EVERYONE! Holden has just launched their marketing campaign for the VF Commodore! Holden wants Australians to find 101 images scattered across the country that will reveal the design of the VF. They are also giving people the chance to WIN A VF COMMODORE. Check Holden’s facebook page for more info.
“Where’s that white-haired, tan bastard they call Maximum?”
+1, i lol’d
So many cars are hype up for months (longer?) before they hit the dealerships that it seems they’ve been around for ages after a couple of years and need a facelift. For once at least once, lets hid this thing as best we can and do a worldwide release. (though if you happen to work in the docks in Australia and load one into a ship, please take a photo of it)
Thanks
I’d be chomping at the bit for a SS sedan if I hadn’t gotten frustrated at the loss of a full G8 line-up and subsequent shuttering of Pontiac. (I really REALLY wanted a G8 GT wagon!) But with no other “quick” V8 wagon options available in my price range, I bought a new Ecoboost Ford Flex [I still can’t believe I bought a Ford].
With GMs current track record, and more so, with the way the C7 turned out; I think the SS sedan is in good hands and will be awesome. Hopefully it won’t be too expensive. If they can keep it in the mid 30s-low 40s, I’m sure it being a Chevy – it will sell well. But Chris is right on the money. GM, there is a market for a traditional V8 RWD American Sedan. Chysler proved that. Sure there are SRT Chargers and 300s, but there are also high 20-mid 30 thousand dollar HEMI Chargers too. Don’t forsake us regular Joes!
Can’t wait to see the SS, loved the G8. As for the price, easily $45k (see SRT8 Charger) but will be worth it, remember the Aussie dollar is about 1-1. Got me thinking though, there’s some pretty nice used CTS-V wagons out there for a tick over that price, just saying!!
As T Bejma mentioned, the starting MSRP for G8 GXP’s was $39,995 before options. The GXP is much closer in comparison to what SS is expected to be.
The GXP had the LS3 6.2l V8, not the L76 6.0l found in the GT. It was made in very limited numbers much like what has been said about the SS.
Fast forward 4 model years to 2014, a new Commodore platform, and all the other goodies expected on new cars today…anyone who expects SS to be priced around $40K is going to be disappointed – in my opinion.
I can’t wait for the SS (hate the name too btw)! I’ve owned in order a Grand National, Monte Carlo SS, Grand Prix GTP, Trans Am WS6 and “04 GTO and got to frequently drive an ’96 Impala SS. If Chevy and even GM as a whole would have kept rear drive,V-8 sedans there may have never been a bankruptcy. Hopefully the SS will show GM what Chrysler has figured out; Americans want rear drive cars with the option of a V8 and in some cases a big V8! Now if they would just call it Bel Air!!
Old GM Guy, GM missed 1 lesson from the Charger, I’m pretty sure the SS won’t be offered w/all wheel drive, if it was, I’d be sold on it.
It’ll be a ride that will stay in the 30’s, unless you get everything in the world on it. My guess is that it will start about 3K above Impala, which will probably start at 27,900.
$43995
I would like to see two versions of this car. One,a high performance version with a LT1/LS3, beefed up brakes and suspension, and dual mode exhaust. It would be nice if they could do it for less than $40k, but probably not realistic. $45k-$48k more likely. Then another ultra-highperformance version. Give it the supercharged LSA, magnetic adjusting shocks, and since we’re fantasizing here, some carbon-ceramic brakes. This would easily command a $65k-$80k price tag. If they are going to call it a four door corvette it’s not going to be cheap, but at least it should have some serious performance.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a Chevy (granted, an imported one). Chevy is GM’s mass market brand. With the exception of the Corvette, Chevy’s tend to play it safe and use as much existing and proven as possible.
This car, I don’t think, will push the envelope in very many ways at all. I think the main reason it exists at all is because GM actually listened to the uproar about the death of the G8 and the success of the Charger. The G8 was intended to be a mass-market car, not a limited edition thing. It may not have sold in huge numbers, but it did well enough and has a VERY vocal fan-base. GM is literally testing the waters with the SS to see if there’s still enough of a market for a “mass-market” RWD sports sedan (which, let’s be honest, the Cadillacs are not) in the US. They’re going to play it safe with this car.
I would be BEYOND shocked if the LT1 made it into this car. At best, I would expect the LSA, and even that’s a long shot. I’m willing to bet it will be the LS3 and the parts-bin 6 speed transmissions. This is going to be a parts-bin car, especially with the cost of importing it from Australia and the fact that it’s already known that the platform is on life-support.
If the SS is a success, even in its limited-edition form, and the technologies in the new Corvette become more mainstream, then we will see Chevy put some some more emphasis and uniqueness into this car.
Don’t get me wrong: I know this comment sounds negative, and it’s not meant to be. I’m REALLY looking forward to the SS and hope beyond hope that I can afford one, but we need to be realistic about what this car is going to be. It’s going to be a Charger-figher (which is itself a parts-bin car), not a BMW fighter.
Guys this is a Chevy. $80k?? No way.
Since this will be a very low volume vehicle (10,000 units per year?) then they will most likely only have one powertrain (perhaps a manual or auto option). There most likely will be only one or two option packages and the standard vehicle will be pretty much loaded.
So I am guessing around $45k base and up to just over $50k loaded. I hope it is less expensive but they have to pay for the tools and development for the US model.
And that will be expensive because I assume they are going to tool up a right hand version. So lets say 100 million in tools and development and validation. 5 years and 10,000 units/year would be $2000. And normally (used to anyways) they want to pay off tools in 18 months so that could be $4000 per unit in just US stuff. They would also need to support the entire vehicle Australian cost also.
Well, it’s based of Holden’s VF sedan so the left/right hand steering is already factored into the development cost (the car is right hand drive down under and left hand drive for the middle east). I’d be highly surprised if the Chevy SS isn’t little more than a middle east market Chevy Lumina SS.
Hopefully GM is expecting at least GTO levels of interest. If so the US versions will be the have the highest demand and options/design focus will be directed toward satisfying this market. That would mean no compromises from the outset – unlike the 04-05 GTO and later G8.
I am expecting a mid $40k MSRP which is OK. I would bet the only real options are transmission (7sp manal, 8sp dual clutch auto) and maybe suspension. I expect a top of the line interior and at least 7″ Mylink customized for the SS ‘experience’.
We own a G8 base with the Bose system and I and my husband pretty much consider it the car for road trips. Even in the base model it is a fantastic sedan.
Unless the dealers want to gouge. Then I will begin to look elsewhere for a modern RWD sports sedan. GM, you’re on notice to keep dealer greed in check!
GM doesn’t have an 8sp dct in it’s parts bin anywhere in the world that I’m aware of. A 6spd manual is a good possibility, but SS will likely have a 6sp auto to handle the torque of it’s V8.
They should have introduced it when the NASCAR version was revealed. At the price they are going to ask there won’t be many race fans going to the dealership on Mondays.
ZR1 is a Chevy with $125k price tag. But to clarify the $80k model I was talking about was a fantasy. I’m of the opinion the car will most likely be priced around $45k and will likely not have much in the way of cutting edge/exotic options. Specifically a Chevy version of a G8 GXP, with maybe a little extra ie dual mode exhaust and or launch control.
I would like to know when dealers in Northern Virginia, will start getting the Chevy Colorado for 2015. I would also like to see more information about the little truck. Nothing showing up on TV or other media advertising the truck either.
First off, they should have made the SS the size of the Caprice PPV then I would have been a buyer. I will keep my 96 black SS. They have even stopped making the detective (unmarked) version of the PPV. Holden is out too. Last year 4 it. Is GM bringing back the Trailblazer or not?