[\/Eight]

What do you like/dislike about the 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan???

The truth is, the 2014 Chevrolet SS isn't perfect, it can be improved but at the same time many things about it are great. Design, performance, interior, exterior, colors, price, engine, transmission are some of many things we can discuss in this thread.

 

[chevypwr]

im with gm authority article below about no manual transmission ss at launch. while we're stuck with a auto trans while nations gettin the commodore ss-v get a manual trans

Five Things We Dislike About The 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan

Is the 2014 Chevrolet SS everything we hoped for? Is it what we wanted? We’re going to say almost. It’s not like our budget-minded behinds are going to be in line for one anytime soon, but there are at least five factors which we feel will turn off a few customers with the coin from saying “yes” outright. Here they are:


No Manual Transmission At Launch

This one is tough to get over. A lot of people were expecting a complete reincarnation of the Pontiac G8 GXP — which had a manual transmission — in the Chevrolet SS performance sedan. In fact, nearly half of all GXP models sold came equipped with a do-it-yourself gearbox. Granted, there was less than 2,000 ever sold, but it’s not like the SS is intended to be a volume seller, either. In addition, the Holden Commodore SS V will launch with a stick shift, and while it’s still unconfirmed, most likely the same LS3 V8 engine. Maybe it’s a supplier constraint. Maybe it’s a price issue. Whatever the case, it could mean a deal breaker for many potential customers who were looking for a four-door Camaro SS.


The Lack Of Variety

It doesn’t seem that the Chevrolet SS will launch with the typical LS, LT and LTZ trim hierarchy. Instead, the limited-production RWD sedan will come as loaded as possible. This is to maximize the profit margin (which is a big part of what made the business case for the SS) and therefore, there might be some impending sticker shock. How much? We’ve heard as much as $40,000 and change, which seems like a bit for a Chevy. Though in the car’s defense, a V8-powered Camaro can exceed that price point. Still, this puts the SS out of range for many potential customers.


The Name

The simple “SS” title sounds cool. But it also doubles as a trim package on the Camaro, and has heritage in the Chevrolet brand as being a performance trim package, and never a model. We have to ask: what was so wrong about resurrecting the Chevelle name? Dodge pulled a parallel move with the Charger, despite adding an extra set of doors from the original, and has seen moderate success in doing so. The Chevelle name alone would have drawn customers. It’s also why the Camaro isn’t called anything else — there’s loads of equity in the name, just as there is in the Chevelle.


The Late Launch Date

The fourth quarter of 2013. Just in time for the summer… of 2014. Launching a vehicle of this nature in the cold months is a head scratcher, but we figure it might have something to do with it being the spring and summer months south of the equator, where Australia is located. Oh well. We’ll just have to throw on some Blizzak tires and get over it.


The Exterior Looks

We know that we counted this as a plus in the Five Things We Like About The Chevrolet SS, but here’s the rub in the conservative looks: there’s more drama in the design of the front-wheel-drive, far less athletic Chevrolet Impala. Kind of a bummer that there weren’t more visual changes from the Holden Commodore SS V, though we should still be thankful that the SS is even going to be offered.

 

[\/Eight]

The Name

The simple “SS” title sounds cool. But it also doubles as a trim package on the Camaro, and has heritage in the Chevrolet brand as being a performance trim package, and never a model. We have to ask: what was so wrong about resurrecting the Chevelle name? Dodge pulled a parallel move with the Charger, despite adding an extra set of doors from the original, and has seen moderate success in doing so. The Chevelle name alone would have drawn customers. It’s also why the Camaro isn’t called anything else — there’s loads of equity in the name, just as there is in the Chevelle.

^ the name also seemed weird to me. never thought they would name a sedan the "SS", rather something along the lines of "Chevelle SS". "Caprice SS", etc.

Holden didn't have an option to name it anything else but the Commodore but at least it has a name not assigned to performance trims

 

[RPM]

Five Things We Like About The 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan

The 2014 Chevrolet SS performance sedan is inbound this fall, and there’s plenty of reasons to get excited. And if you’re one of the lucky few in the market for this limited-run, high-end Chevy, the following five reasons are probably what’s gotten you motivated to invest in one:

The Drivetrain
There’s no nonsense here. A V8 engine sending a stout 415 horsepower to the rear wheels and only the rear wheels with a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It’s foolish to think it will handle poorly, or even just moderately. From Australia, with love.

The Interior Design
The cabin of the Chevrolet SS is nothing short of cool, and directly reflects the vehicle’s sporty nature. Equipped with an all-new center console shared with the Holden VF Commodore, all-new seats, and even a flat-bottom steering wheel, it makes it’s platform mate, the Camaro, look like an old Aveo in many respects.

The Sleeper Looks
Unlike the Dodge Charger, which can come across as loud and brash, the Chevrolet SS is able to subtly sneak up on an opponent, and knock them out without anybody suspecting it. Not unlike a cage fighter walking the streets in a business-casual outfit and not one of those tasteless Tapout shirts (only wannabes and posers wear Tapout, unless of course they sponsor you). We dig the subtlety.

The Fact It Even Exists
No matter how close the Chevrolet SS has been to being unveiled, a successor to the Pontiac G8 always seemed like a hollow pipe dream, something that would be constantly talked about but never followed through. Even without a manual transmission, we’re grateful that GM found a way to bring the coveted Holden Commodore back into the United States as a Chevrolet. Let’s hope the vehicle catches on, because it increases the chances of it actually seeing life beyond the death of the Zeta platform, and onto the global Alpha platform.

The Heads Up Display
A HUD should be found in just about any car. It allows the driver to monitor their speed more efficiently, with eyes still fixated on the road. And in a 415 horsepower RWD sport sedan, that’s crucial.

Five Things We Like About The 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan | GM Authority

 

[Jmac]

1. Still a bit miffed about the lack of a manual transmission, but I'll reserve judgement until I can take one for a test drive and see what the automatic is all about. These are way better auto transmissions than what most are used to. But still an auto never the less.

2. Wish they would've bumped the Hp up to at least 425. Already having a 415hp ls3 lessens the feeling of an upgrade.

3. Pumped about the redesigned interior, something the G8 was seriously lacking which I didn't mind at first, but I've grown to miss a quality interior.

4. I think the pricing will be better than what I thought. Under 45k.

5. I like subtle styling, but this may be too subtle. I can't get Malibu/Buick out of my head when I look at it. Although some angles in pics look way better than others. I'll have to wait to see it in person.

6. Love the staggered setup.

7. I like the fact that its already "packaged". Sometimes a bunch of different options get to be too much and before you know it you've added on 10% or so. Coming nicely equiped out of the gate is a plus.

After looking back at my list, it seems there are a lot of "pros" compared to the "cons" so maybe I'm more interested than I though. Bottom line, I'll be reserving complete judgement 'til I get a chance to see/drive it.

 

[TT C6]

Likes:

- GM V8 engine family

- 4 doors with comfortable back seat

- Sleeper looks

- Potential of a bargain price



Dislikes:

- NO ALL WHEEL DRIVE OPTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Transmissions: Manual should be base, Dual Clutch should be OPTION

- LT1 should have been engine at launch. We all know GM is going to play games and replace the LS3 with LT1 in a year or two.




Due to the overwhelming dislikes, the only true selling point for the SS is PRICE.
If not, why won't loyal GM buyers like me buy a Corvette or CTS instead or want to add the SS to our collections ???

Add the competition of the Camaro, the upcoming new Mustang, Charger (AWD) , and the Infiniti G/Q (AWD) sedan, and the SS Performance Sedan is already a FAIL unless GM is aggressive with pricing.
What a disappointment.......

 

[Jmac]

Likes:

- GM V8 engine family

- 4 doors with comfortable back seat

- Sleeper looks

- Potential of a bargain price



Dislikes:

- NO ALL WHEEL DRIVE OPTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Transmissions: Manual should be base, Dual Clutch should be OPTION

- LT1 should have been engine at launch. We all know GM is going to play games and replace the LS3 with LT1 in a year or two.




Due to the overwhelming dislikes, the only true selling point for the SS is PRICE.
If not, why won't loyal GM buyers like me buy a Corvette or CTS instead or want to add the SS to our collections ???

Add the competition of the Camaro, the upcoming new Mustang, Charger (AWD) , and the Infiniti G/Q (AWD) sedan, and the SS Performance Sedan is already a FAIL unless GM is aggressive with pricing.
What a disappointment.......

Dude, you gotta let the awd thing go...

This is a proper full-size performance sedan! Its not comparable to most of the cars in your post above. The Corvette, Camaro, and Mustang are two doors and the Infiniti you talk up so much is a tiny four door; its a compact sedan. I've sat in them and they are extremely cramped in the back seat. I want a proper full size which can easily fit grown adults/carseats in the back seat comfortably and the Commodore chassis accomplishes this. If I wasn't in need of a proper rear seating area this car wouldn't be on my list.

Anyway, even as big as this car is, it'll smoke that Infinity you love so much.

 

[brianch]

My only real complaint is the lack of a manual transmission.

It's not a huge deal though. I just hope the auto is a good one.

 

[TT C6]

Dude, you gotta let the awd thing go...

No. I won't. I've been waiting for the Trailblazer SS drivetrain in a sedan, or the same AWD V8 Holden sells in Australia, or for GM execs to get their heads out of their asses for over 13 years.

Its not comparable to most of the cars in your post above.

If the V8 Charger is the closest comparison, if offers AWD for a $2,300 premium. All of these cars are directly compared and are in the same market. I'm sorry if you fail to understand this.

Infiniti you talk up so much is a tiny four door; its a compact sedan [the SS Sedan ] smoke that Infinity you love so much.

The SS sedan doesn't even offer AWD as of YET. So it's not smoking anything, because it's not even in the race as a DAILY DRIVER.
But, the current G37 is a better daily driver because it offers AWD while it happens to run mid 13's stock while being praised for it's comfortable back seat.
You haven't sat in the new SS, or the new Q50 from Infinti yet, because they won't be in showrooms till the fall. See if you can fit your family in the cars then.

Bottom line: GM needs to offer AWD as an OPTION on the SS Sedan, a manual as the base transmission, and a DCT as the OPTIONAL transmission.

 

[ChevyCam]

I think we can all agree that this car needs to have options. AWD, DCT, would be great. But right now the car has NO options except for sunroof and color.

I think we'll be lucky to even get the M6 as an option in the 2014 model year.

Believe me TT C6, I can feel your pain. I feel the same way about not having an M6 as you do about no AWD and DCT. I had been so looking forward to buying a brand new V8 RWD M6 sedan.

Unfortunately all we can do at this point is voice our complaints to GM directly and with our wallets. Hopefully then they will listen.

 

[TT C6]

I think we can all agree that this car needs to have options.

Thanks.
It's nice to hear from a fellow "car guy" and not a GM leg humper or apologist.

As much as I am DYING for DCT, I think we all can agree the SS needs a manual trans, even if it requires a clutch pedal. (DCT is a manual, guys).

I hate to admit it, but I would buy a manual SS Sedan tomorrow, AS LONG AS IT OFFERED ALL WHEEL DRIVE.
I have spend enough time in induced oversteer (and on 1 wheel) to have nothing left to prove to myself or anyone else.
Daily Drivers are supposed to allow you to COMMUTE and RELAX in comfort and utility, but I still want a V8 with performance. AWD allows this, especially in the Northeast.

It's just plain stupid for GM to deny the public the OPTION of the safety/luxury that AWD offers.

 

[Jmac]

No. I won't. I've been waiting for the Trailblazer SS drivetrain in a sedan, or the same AWD V8 Holden sells in Australia, or for GM execs to get their heads out of their asses for over 13 years.

So an SUV with awd automatically translates to a no brainer in a sedan? I'm not aware of a current awd v8 Holden currently has on offer. Enlighten me.

If the V8 Charger is the closest comparison, if offers AWD for a $2,300 premium. All of these cars are directly compared and are in the same market. I'm sorry if you fail to understand this.

People LIKE to compare these but I don't understand why. If you're interested in a vehicle strictly for performance why would you go for the much larger SS? Again, if I wasn't in the need of a proper full size the SS wouldn't be in the running.

The SS sedan doesn't even offer AWD as of YET. So it's not smoking anything, because it's not even in the race as a DAILY DRIVER.
But, the current G37 is a better daily driver because it offers AWD while it happens to run mid 13's stock while being praised for it's comfortable back seat.
You haven't sat in the new SS, or the new Q50 from Infinti yet, because they won't be in showrooms till the fall. See if you can fit your family in the cars then.

Bottom line: GM needs to offer AWD as an OPTION on the SS Sedan, a manual as the base transmission, and a DCT as the OPTIONAL transmission.

I don't get why awd is the be all to you. The benefits of awd are negligible at best, all of which occur in the winter in a handful of states. I driven my g8 through four Minnesota winters and have had absolutely zero problems. Of course it's fitted with snow tires but to me, that's standard in our climate whether you have awd, rwd or fwd. awd doesnt help you stop. I had an S4 with all seasons and the g8 with snows performs better.

If awd was so great in pure performance why don't you see it more in racing? Because its heavy and u lose too much power through the system. Audi has been clever with their Quattro over the years with their active differential and such but don't think GM's would be anywhere close. Not all awd systems are created equal. My over steering s4 was no where near as fun to drive as my g8.

The rear seating in the g37 will be nowhere near the size of the SS. The chassis from the g8 is the same as the SS so yes I have sat in the back of one.

Stock auto Gxp's run in the high 12's, I would expect the SS to run the same. They will SURELY be quicker than the G37.

 

[TT C6]

Jamc-

Why don't you google Panamera Turbo, Nissan GTR, Porsche GT2, Holden AWD, and Mitsu EVO and stop leg humping GM?

Only an idiot would choose the SS Sedan over a AWD performance sedan in a rainy or cold climate with the SAME TIRES ON BOTH CARS.

Sure, I prefer my C6 to the GTR on the track for fun. I think everyone does.
But, you can't argue against the benefits of performance AWD on a DAILY DRIVER.

You guys need to stop leg humping and apologizing for GM. It's transparent and pathetic.

I've had an Audi RS4. It's a joke even comparing the G8 to that incredible daily driver. If the RS4 was available with a DCT, I wouldn't even be typing this right now.
But, I LOVE the GM V8 and GM reliability, so I sit here torturing myself in hopes that someone with a brain at GM is reading.

 

[penemyone]

I like the subtle looks, the upgraded interior (compared to the G8) and the big V8.
I don't like the lack of colors and I think that big V8 needs at least 450hp.
I don't mind the automatic transmission as long as it shifts well.
Would I buy one? After being on the fence for a few days, YEP, IF the price is right!

 

[Jmac]

So Holden's awd is on a cross over type vehicle without a V8 and it was offered unsuccessfully years ago on a sedan. You take that information and come up with "Holden offers an awd V8"

A Porsche GT2 is WIDELY know for being a rwd track built 911 not awd. For that you have lost all credibility with me.

Lets not resort to name calling either. It makes you look desperate and frustrated.

Lol at the GM fan boy. Up until the G8 I'd thought I'd never own a GM product. I've owned Volkswagens, Audi, Mazda, Nissan, Acura, Mitsubishi to name a few. Never had I owned a GM product up until the G8. And the first thing I did was rip the badges off it because Pontiac didn't deserve to have their badge on it.

So lets dial back the assumptions as well.

Now lets stop. We've step on this guys thread enough. Sorry OP.

 

[Jmac]

But, I LOVE the GM V8 and GM reliability, so I sit here torturing myself in hopes that someone with a brain at GM is reading.

I didn't even see this nugget.

So you type this and I'm the "leg humper"? Your logic is completely illogical. Seriously...

 

[TT C6]

Jmac-

I guess you're an "expert", but you post made it obvious you never even heard of the AWD Holden "GTO" aka the Holden HSV Coupe 4.
http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/articledetail.aspx?ArticleID=4372

So, I typed GT2 instead of Turbo. Big deal.
I could have mentioned the Veyron too, but you got the point.

Bottom line: GM offers no feature added benefit to the market with the SS.
GM needs to make the base tranmission the TR6060 and offer ALL WHEEL DRIVE as an OPTION.
If they want to offer a "auto", they need to offer a DCT as an OPTION.

 

[Jmac]

Jmac-

I guess you're an "expert", but you post made it obvious you never even heard of the AWD Holden "GTO" aka the Holden HSV Coupe 4.
http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/articledetail.aspx?ArticleID=4372

So, I typed GT2 instead of Turbo. Big deal.
I could have mentioned the Veyron too, but you got the point.

Bottom line: GM offers no feature added benefit to the market with the SS.
GM needs to make the base tranmission the TR6060 and offer ALL WHEEL DRIVE as an OPTION.
If they want to offer a "auto", they need to offer a DCT as an OPTION.

Sorry I didn't hear of the NINE YEAR OLD unpopular Coupe in Aus. How is that car even relevant? You brought it up like it was a current car on offer in Aus.

Wrong on the 911 again. A rwd 911 is faster than its awd counterpart. Turbo or not.

I'm not trying to be an "expert" I'm just an enthusiast of all autos. IMO, it just seems completely assinine to have expected the SS to have an awd or dct option.

 

[BowtieDriver]

Likes:

- GM V8 engine family

- 4 doors with comfortable back seat

- Sleeper looks

- Potential of a bargain price



Dislikes:

- NO ALL WHEEL DRIVE OPTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Transmissions: Manual should be base, Dual Clutch should be OPTION

- LT1 should have been engine at launch. We all know GM is going to play games and replace the LS3 with LT1 in a year or two.




Due to the overwhelming dislikes, the only true selling point for the SS is PRICE.
If not, why won't loyal GM buyers like me buy a Corvette or CTS instead or want to add the SS to our collections ???

Add the competition of the Camaro, the upcoming new Mustang, Charger (AWD) , and the Infiniti G/Q (AWD) sedan, and the SS Performance Sedan is already a FAIL unless GM is aggressive with pricing.
What a disappointment.......

Ok, I agree with your likes AND your dislikes. This car was not a clean sheet of paper design for American buyers. This car for all intents and purposes is the G8 GXP V1.5. I have NO problem with that.

The SS if it works is a harbinger of things to come. IF this sells well enough then we have a shot at the next SS having those things you really want. The AWD, and a 6 (perhaps 7) speed manual, and the LT1. There seems to be an idea floating around that this car was a stop gap or a way to test the waters for Chevy to have a greater hand in developing the next Commodore. I say yes!

Please we have to stoke intrest for this car. If it isn't for us, talk it up to friends who are looking for a Charger but don't especially care for MOPARs, or are looking for a tastefull V8 ground pounder. This in a big way is up to us.

 

[TGP Z34 STE]

TTC6- I do agree with you.

BowtieDriver -

The SS if it works is a harbinger of things to come. IF this sells well enough then we have a shot at the next SS having those things you really want. The AWD, and a 6 (perhaps 7) speed manual, and the LT1. There seems to be an idea floating around that this car was a stop gap or a way to test the waters for Chevy to have a greater hand in developing the next Commodore. I say yes!

Yeah, but I think will make sense if they sell rite now with LT1, 7 speed manual with an option for AWD. Then see how they sell, with 35k. If sell well in 2014, then make make SS ZL1 for 2015, this will be killer sell, if they can keep low price. Why would poeple want to buy other for higher price with less performance?

Of course that is my dream!

My main reason why we need LT1 so bad to get MPG higher, would nice if we can make 26-28 MPG on hwy for this model.

If they want to keep C7 HP higher than others.. why not use LT1 on SS but with lower HP like at 430 hp, with higher troque to 460?? due to heavy car. But still make decent mpg!

I am not sure but somewhere I read, I thnk Commodore have Direct Injection engine?