[dz28]

2014 Chevrolet SS | MotorWeek

 

[chevypwr]

This doesn't surprise me.
It's a great sedan, no doubting that, it lacks some things that make make it outstanding, like a manual transmission option, but as it is, it's a killer.

 

[dz28]

I know I will kick myself come fall when the 2015's are rolling in and the manual trans option is there. My plan is to enjoy my 2014 (when built and delivered) for a couple of years then move to a manual trans 2016 or 2017 depending on timing....I keep hearing they are headed this way... I'm hoping this summer rolling around Milford I can snap a picture of one when it escapes from the GM Proving Grounds!

 

[alcatraz]

One of the more interesting aspects of the post bankruptcy General Motors is their efforts to field new products that have few direct competitors, either from hometown domestic or import brands. Their new mid-size pickup trucks from Chevrolet and GMC will go up against only a pair of contenders, and both of those import brand haulers are quite long in the tooth. In addition, both Chevy and Cadillac are showing that competent rear-wheel drive sedans can indeed find a waiting American market.

The SS is great because there really isn't anything else like it out there right now. That is why i am interested. I can't find anything else that is quite the same that I would consider buying instead.

 

[G8GT364]

I know I will kick myself come fall when the 2015's are rolling in and the manual trans option is there. My plan is to enjoy my 2014 (when built and delivered) for a couple of years then move to a manual trans 2016 or 2017 depending on timing....I keep hearing they are headed this way... I'm hoping this summer rolling around Milford I can snap a picture of one when it escapes from the GM Proving Grounds!

Do you have information about a manual coming or are you just speculating?

 

[dz28]

Do you have information about a manual coming or are you just speculating?

Nothing official however I seem to have access to what's coming and I've been told M6 and Mag Ride are part of the 2015 option content...

 

[ozstrat]

Nothing official however I seem to have access to what's coming and I've been told M6 and Mag Ride are part of the 2015 option content...

No Holden currently has Mag Ride. You maybe be thinking of the rumor that the HSV GTS is coming your way. It does have Mag Ride.
With Holden closing I suggest all major engineering work is done, unless Chevrolet pays full freight for any changes. Not likely for a few thousand sales per year.
The MT is already engineered. Again, it depends on Chevrolet paying for it.

 

[dz28]

Negative on the HSV rumor.... working to validate my projection(s) in the form of either the order guide or potentially a console picture.... stay tuned... I continue to hear the M6 and MRC is a lock...

 

[Ctsv4now]

I will kick myself if the LSA engine is offered in the SS, but can live without manual transmission. I am mixed on the Mag Ride because I really liked that in my CTS-V, but I usually had it in sport mode all the time anyways.

 

[slivoman]

The only reason why I haven't bought a new SS yet is because I cannot drive an automatic transmission vehicle as a daily driver. I would rather shoot myself. But if its true M6 and MRC is coming for the 2015 model......DROOL!!!!

 

[dz28]

I will kick myself if the LSA engine is offered in the SS, but can live without manual transmission. I am mixed on the Mag Ride because I really liked that in my CTS-V, but I usually had it in sport mode all the time anyways.

My fairly well informed sources say LS3 only through shortened 2017 model year... but then those same sources said LS3 in the 2010 Camaro as well but that was in the dark days at GM. Things are much better these days and if powertrain combinations add to the bottom line they get a good look!

 

[v8vzssz]

My fairly well informed sources say LS3 only through shortened 2017 model year... but then those same sources said LS3 in the 2010 Camaro as well but that was in the dark days at GM. Things are much better these days and if powertrain combinations add to the bottom line they get a good look!

I HIGHLY doubt we will see any gen 5 engine on the zeta platform. You may see MRC though.

Would love to be proven wrong however.

 

[dz28]

Think about it... If GM shoved a 455 horse LT1 engine with 7 speed manual tranny in the SS I'd have a permagrin on my face for a very long time!

 

[ozstrat]

Does anyone know if the imminent closure of Holden means the end of any further engineering on the Commodore? Are there any engineers left on the payroll?

 

[DanielSS-V]

I think at this point everyone needs to keep in mind that the Commodore is effectively dead from an engineering point of view. What if anything new that the US market see's for the SS will have to be already engineered and paid for as part of the final VF update, or Chevrolet needs to be willing to pay for it and expect a return on a very limited production run from their perspective. That realistically doesn't leave a lot of options.

I'd say magnetic ride control is a possibility since HSV have it and if GM pay for the work required a manual transmission too. New motors are expensive and for a few thousand sales a year, that the SS would probably pick up just fine with the current engine, doesn't make any sense to me.

I very much doubt the 2017 SS is going to be that much different from the one you have now. If you really want a manual, then I guess hang out for next year and see if it gets done. Otherwise buy one if you like the car as it is now or just skip the SS altogether.


As for Holdens engineers. I would imagine the VF program would be winding down anyway, even without a notice of closure for Elizabeth. That means many would be finishing up, as Holden has always grown and then contracted its team sizes based on what work there is. Many would be looking at their options and where they go next. Some I'm sure don't want to work for GM anymore after this announcement. I did read somewhere on a forum I think, that BMW and Mercedes were both putting out feelers with the Australian talent they wanted to pickup from Holden. I would expect others are too. Not that many places can engineer cars, so the talent pool is relatively small and the Holden guys are among the best out there. Which makes Detroit's decision even more perplexing.

 

[Chop]

HSV tech has a long and proud tradition of cascading down into commodore over the years so I think MRC is likely to make it into VF and hence Chevy SS before it ends production. MT is a no-brainer if SS is selling enough units to justify the cost of homologation; which it seems to be doing with little-to-no traditional advertising. But then again, MT had always been a no-brainer and stupidity is limitless, especially GM product planning stupidity.

I suspect Holden was holding MRC back for the next gen 'dore to soften the blow of FWD only. But now that local production is canned, there is a good chance that the old girl will be sent out with a bang, like Ford Aus is rumored to be doing with the Falcon. Generate some momentum and have one last play with the GM parts bin before the local operations lose all say/autonomy by simply importing pre-configured sh1t boxes from the US/Korea/Thailand etc, etc, etc....(remember, they've decided to close Lang Lang so we wizards from OZ can forget local validation, suspension tunes, transmission mapping, etc. that has been so critical in turning the current crop of Korean turds into half decent products!!!)

Forget LT1 boys!!! To much money for too little return for Holden. Especially when the old donk is still flying off the lots faster than they make them here in sleepy old OZ!