Finally, the V8 powered sport-sedan from Chevrolet has been revealed, sporting both impressive performance credentials and luxury goods.
Standing alongside the new NASCAR Chevy SS, the road-going production version certainly looks brawny enough for the Chevy faithful, harking back to the Pontiac G8 and taking inspiration from the new Holden Commodore.
The SS will actually be made alongside the Holden Commodore in Australia and uses the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, as opposed to the new LT1 motor found in the 2014 Corvette Stingray. Still, that V8 is plenty powerful, putting 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Chevy estimates a sub five-second 0-60 sprint.
This should help the SS compete against other full-size rivals like the
Chrysler 300C and
Hyundai Genesis sedan, which are both available with V8 power and rear-wheel drive to provide sporty driving dynamics. However, those two cars also feature a full suite of luxury amenities and high-tech features.
The new SS doesn’t disappoint in that regard, with a spacious interior that provides as much interior legroom than the 300 and Genesis, give or take an inch.
Leather seating is standard and there are “SS” emblems stitched into the instrument panel. Cabin lighting lends icey-blue accents to the interior at night too.
In terms of tech, the SS has loads of standard equipment including a MyLink touch screen infotainment and navigation, a Bose nine-speaker sound system, a color heads-up display, push-button start, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear-vision camera and rear cross traffic alert. The SS is also the first Chevrolet vehicle to offer active park assist, which can help automatically park the porky sedan.
Still, the SS will appeal most to enthusiasts, and although the car is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission, (with paddle shifters) it still has some tire-shredding potential. A close to 50/50 weight distribution, and a low center of gravity was made possible thanks to an aluminum hood and rear deck lid, and are sure to help with handling.
The vehicle’s standard Brembo brakes have ventilated 355-millimeter rotors and two-piece four-piston front calipers, and are sure to bring the big sedan to a stop quickly.
Overall, the SS exudes a bad-ass attitude thanks to its staggered 19-inch wheels. Pricing hasn’t been announced and is sure to come closer to the car’s debut later this year.