A good number of those reading this article today can remember the long-standing reign that the large, V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan enjoyed in the United States automotive market. From the 1950s until the beginning of the 1980s, nearly all mid-size and full-size sedans sold in the US featured a V8 engine in the front with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. However, with the rise of front-wheel drive taking off in the 1980s, the big, RWD, V8-powered sedan began to fall out of fashion.
By the late 1990s, there weren't many rear-drive sedans sporting V8s left on sale in the US. Ford's Panther platform offerings remained, such as the Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and the Mercury Grand Marquis. Chevrolet's final big-bodied rear-drive sedan, the Caprice, was discontinued in 1996. Speaking of Chevrolet, it would be another 17 years before the marque offered another V8-powered, rear-drive sedan. It was the "SS", and it was only available in the US for a short time.
American Grunt With Aussie Roots
Chevrolet
Key Points Regarding The Chevrolet SS
- Introduced in 2014
- Boasted a 6.2-liter V8
- Based on the Holden Commodore
- Built in Australia
- Axed following the 2017 model year
Prior to the introduction of the Chevy SS in 2014, GM's previous V8-powered, rear-drive sedan was the Pontiac G8. The G8 got the ax following the 2009 model year. Like the Chevrolet SS, the company based it on the Aussie-bred Holden Commodore. Unlike the origin stories of many other car models, wherein a gap in the market is filled or a new consumer interest is exploited, the Chevrolet SS was simply produced to help fulfill a contract that General Motors had with Holden.
2014 holden commodore front
While its origin story may be bland, its personality certainly isn't. The Chevrolet SS's main claim to fame is its 6.2-liter LS-based V8 underneath the hood. However, it also boasted numerous technological features that hadn't been seen in many models produced by mass-market American automakers, such as Chevrolet or Ford. Its chassis had been stiffened, it offered a manual transmission, and, in this author's opinion, it looks positively muscular.
Chevrolet
Upon its initial release at the end of 2013 for the 2014 model year, the Chevy SS immediately suffered in terms of sales figures. Initially, media reports falsely claimed that Chevrolet was projecting an average annual sales of roughly 15,000 to 20,000 units. However, after the first full model year, the SS only managed to sell approximately 2,479 examples. Despite its exciting looks, good power, and well-optioned interior, folks simply weren't interested in the SS, and Chevy knew that going in.
Chevrolet
Things never improved much for the SS's sales, either. Over the course of the rest of its life, sales did, in fact, increase, albeit to an amount nowhere near what General Motors would have wanted. According to GoodCarBadCar.org, the Chevrolet SS sold approximately 2,895 units in 2015, 3,013 models in 2016, and 4,055 times in 2017. The increase during the 2017 model year was most likely due to folks knowing the SS was to be axed for good.
The Chevrolet SS's Detailed Specs & Features
Chevrolet
The 6.2-liter V8 belongs to GM's LS engine family, and it was what made the Chevrolet SS so special. The engine came from famous models such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro SS, along with the Pontiac G8 GXP. In essence, the LS3's block was an updated version of the famed LS2 engine, boasting improvements such as a larger cylinder bore. The LS3's heads were also similar, although they now featured a higher-flow design and were lifted straight from the GM Vortec L92 V8.
Chevrolet
As for its transmission, the Chevrolet SS was initially offered with just a single six-speed automatic transmission featuring steering column-mounted paddle shifters and a sport mode. However, beginning in 2015, a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual was offered, which ended up being the more popular option for obvious, go-faster reasons. Its front suspension consisted of a MacPherson strut setup, and its rear end was supported by a four-link independent suspension.
Chevrolet
The Chevrolet SS's chassis was nothing new. It was coined the GM Zeta Platform, which debuted in 2006. It had been utilized by the Pontiac G8, which debuted back in 2008, along with the Chevrolet Camaro and Caprice PPV. However, the chassis did sport a few key improvements. It was stiffened, making for a more controlled drive, especially when going around corners quickly. According to Chevrolet, a slew of new medium and high-strength steel was utilized in the frame's construction.
In the table below, we'll flesh out the Chevrolet SS's detailed engine and performance specs as showcased by its 2017 model year:
*Specs courtesy of Chevrolet & Car and Driver
Chevrolet
Inside, the Chevrolet SS was very well appointed for its segment and the time period. Upon its release, the SS offered a single trim level that included virtually every available option. For example, the Chevrolet SS came standard with things like a head-up display, auto-park assist, blind spot monitoring, and electronic power steering. The only two options available for selection were a power sliding moonroof and a full-size spare tire. A minor refresh was undertaken for the 2016 model year, sporting small updates to its styling.
The End Of The SS
CarsAndBids
By 2017, the Chevrolet SS's time had come to a close. Despite its sales reaching their peak during the 2017 model year, General Motors instructed Chevrolet to discontinue the model. While this seems backward, as who in their right mind would ax a model following its most successful year, General Motors had bigger issues to worry about. After all, the Chevrolet SS was essentially a Holden at the end of the day, and Holden was one of the largest Australian automakers, also owned by General Motors.
The Chevy SS, which was built in Holden's Adelaide, South Australia factory, was axed because the factory itself was only contractually obligated to stay open through 2017. In October of that year, the plant was closed, ending Australia-based production for General Motors as a whole. Because the SS wasn't big enough of a hit to continue producing elsewhere, GM found it best just to cancel the model.
However, you can have one for yourself these days for a reasonable-ish price. After all, who wouldn't want a manual, V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan? In the table below, we'll flesh out the Chevrolet SS's current average market pricing:
Pricing courtesy of Kelley Blue Book
Sources: Chevrolet, Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver
