2014 Chevrolet SS unveiled
The car that will spearhead Holden's new retail export campaign is also Chevrolet's first rear wheel drive performance sedan since 1996. Based heavily on the VF Commodore (it's virtually an LHD clone of the upcoming VF Commodore SS), the Chevrolet SS uses the same RWD architecture as the Camaro and Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.
The SS engine will be the same LS3 Chevrolet 6.2-litre V8 used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, but modified to deliver 415 hp and 415 lb/ft torque. Interestingly, the Chevrolet SS NASCAR version only runs a 5.5-litre V8.
The LS3 is mated to a six-speed automatic, which on the Chev SS can be shifted manually using steering wheel-mounted TAPshift paddles. With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, Chevrolet say the SS accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in about five seconds - making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.
"The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it's been 17 years since we've offered one," said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America.
"The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand's rich history. The comfort, convenience, spaciousness and V-8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today."
In addition to Reuss, the launch was attended by General Motors Vice President Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Jim Campbell, Hendricks Motorsports Owner Rick Hendricks, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams Owner Chip Ganassi, and Team Chevy and Hendricks Motorsports NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon.
The Chevrolet SS will also offer a sport-tuned chassis to match the performance. Features of the chassis and suspension include:
_ 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
Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low centre of gravity - made possible in part by the aluminium bonnet and boot lid that are also a feature of the VF Commodore sedans. Chevrolet say that sing aluminium for these components makes them 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."
Designwise, the Chevrolet SS is virtually identical to the SS version of the Commodore, especially in terms of the grille and front bar treatment. Staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS.
"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 bonnet features a subtle 'power bulge' (as per the VF Commodore) hinting at the power of the V8 underneath. Standard HiD headlamps and LED daytime running lights are common to both model SS vehicles. Unlike the Commodore, which carries the 'SS' badging on the rear doors, the Chevrolet only features its SS identification on the bootlid.
At the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape follows VF Commodore lines, with premium cues like jewel-like chrome accents and black surrounds to the rear lights. Aside from badging, the only noticeable difference between the Holden and Chevrolet at the back is that the Commodore SS features quad exit exhaust system, whereas the Chevy only has dual rear pipes.
The interior of the SS will comfortably accommodate five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of rear legroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as are eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering that hug the driver and front passenger in tight-handling situations.
The SS emblem is prominently stitched onto the instrument panel which features soft-touch covering, as per the Commodore, and two types of chrome finishes - a satin gloss and a bright chrome. At night, the interior is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting.
An integrated centre stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. Like the latest Commodore, the Chevrolet SS also offers a long list of technology features as standard equipment, some of which are making their debut on a performance sedan. These features include:
- 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
- Automatic Parking Assist (SS is first Chevrolet to offer this feature)
The Chevrolet SS will be built alongside the VF Commodore at Holden's Elizabeth plant in South Australia. GM have confirmed the 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available (in North America) in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Images: copyright Steve Fecht, Chevrolet, courtesy General Motors
