General Motors built the Chevrolet SS (Super Sport) as a full-size, rear-drive sedan. It didn’t have a large following but had some serious performance.
The Chevrolet SS features a 6.2L LS3 V8 engine with 415 hp at 5,900 RPM, plus 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM. One of its standard features is 19-inch alloy wheels and 4-piston brake rotors.
The car’s transmission can either be a GM Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic or a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual gearbox. The sedan can move from 0 to 60 mph under five seconds, with a top 257.5 km/h (160 mph).
Read on to learn more about the Chevy SS, including its specs, features, pros, and cons.
About the Chevrolet SS
A 6.2L LS3 V8 engine powered the Chevrolet SS, a sedan packed with 415 hp at 5,900 rpm and 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM. You can distinguish a Chevy SS by its unique SS markings, standard 4-piston brake rotors, and impressive 19-inch alloy wheels.
Chevrolet has offered the SuperSport (SS) option package on a limited number of its cars since 1961. These cars came with a unique “SS” exterior marking on the grille.
The 1961 Impala was the first vehicle to bear the SS package. Soon the El Camino, Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, Monte Carlo, and the Chevrolet Pickup Truck offered the package.
The SS package included a SuperSport Trim for both the car’s exterior and interior mechanical parts and design. It was a dream car for any person who wants safety, comfort, and technology while driving.
Consequently, General Motors Performance Division produced the current SS models. The United States sold the sedan version of the SS, which was the Holden Commodore (VF), from 2013 to 2017.
Chevrolet SS Specs and Features
1. Engine
The Chevy SS engine is a 6.2L LS3 V8 that produces 415 hp at 5,900 rpm and 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM. Its top speed is 257.5 km/h (160 mph).
2. Dimensions
The Chevrolet SS measures 195.5 in (4,966 mm) long, 74.7 in (1,897 mm) wide, and 57.9 in (1,470 mm) tall. Its wheelbase measures 114.8 in (3,916 mm), and a curb weight of 3,975 lb (1,803 kg).
3. Exterior
The Chevy SS’ exterior presents a big, unassuming sedan – simple but imposing. There are various shades available for the SS, including metallic green, phantom black metallic, heron white, and many more colors.
4. Interior
The Chevrolet SS’s impressive exterior combined technology and comfortable design into its theme. The sedan’s standard features include the following:
Sunroof
Bluetooth
USB port
Navigation
Wide rear doors
Satellite radio
8-inch touch screen
Leather upholstery
OnStar RemoteLink
9-speaker Bose system
Roomy and comfy seats
MyLink Infotainment System
Heated and ventilated front seats
Hands-free smartphone integration
Audio and automatic climate controls
Built-in Wi-Fi hot spot with OnStar 4G LTE
Power-adjustable and supportive front seats
Driver assistance features (automatic parking assist, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, a head-up display, a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring)
The Chevrolet SS sedan can seat 5 people, providing them enough head and legroom. These dynamic interior features justify the more expensive cost of a Super Sportscar.
5. Wheels and Tires
The Chevy SS’ front aluminum wheels measure 19 x 8.5 in, while the rear aluminum wheels measure 19 x 9 in. The front tires are P245/40ZR19, and the rear tires are P275/35ZR19.
6. Drivetrain
The car’s transmission can either be a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic GM Hydra-Matic 6-speed. You could choose what is more appropriate for your purpose. Some drivers want the manual as they have more freedom in directing the car.
7. Suspension and Chassis
The front suspension offers a multi-link MacPherson system, a fully adjustable caster, toe, and camber. A direct-acting stabilizer and progressive rate coil spring make the Chevy SS a smooth-operating car.
On the other hand, the rear suspension offers a 4-link independent system and an adjustable camber and toe.
A stabilizer bar and progressive-rate coil springs ensure that the car survives shocks and similar incidences. The steering type is an electrically powered rack and pinion.
8. Lighting
Some of the 2017 Chevrolet SS lightings include a high-beam efficient headlight (H9) and a low-beam headlight (D3S). The brake light’s size is 7,440 / 740 LL, and the tail light’s size is 2,825 / 2,825L.
The parking lights, front turn signal lights, and blinkers are 7440NA, 7444NA, and 7440A.
9. Brakes
The brakes consist of Brembo vented 2-pc rotors, a 4-wheel disc with power assist, solid rear rotors, and an ABS. The rotor’s diameter and thickness for the front are 14.0 x 1.26 in (355 x 32 mm), and for the rear, 12.7 x 0.87 in (324 x 22 mm).
10. Ignition
The Chevy SS typically uses an OEM ignition system. If you want to buy a new ignition switch, there are many genuine Chevy SS products online.
11. Unique Features
The Chevrolet SS is one of the few large, 4-door sedans left in the market. You can watch movies, listen to music, and the news on its MyLink Infotainment system.
The car has also these unique features:
Unique SS markings on the car’s exterior
Chevy MyLink Infotainment System – you can upgrade this system using the OnStar 4G LTE
OnStar RemoteLink Hot Spot
12. Top Speed of the Chevrolet SS
The SS top speed is limited to 257.5 km/h (160 mph). However, when delimited, drivers can achieve a top speed of 289 km/h (179.576 mph).
From test data, the Chevrolet SS gain the following speeds:
The below video is an excellent 2014 Chevrolet SS review, including its specs and features:
The below video is an excellent 2017 Chevrolet SS review, including its specs and features:
Pros and Cons of the Chevrolet SS
Pros
1. Driver-Friendly Assistance Features
The Chevy SS not only offers a comfortable and seamless ride but also provides outstanding driver-assistance features. These helpful features are as follows:
Automatic parking assist
Lane-departure warning
Forward collision alert
Head-up display
Blind-spot monitoring
Rearview camera
Rear cross-traffic alert
2. Option to Choose between Manual and V8 Engine
You have the option to choose between manual and V-8 power transmission. Drivers have their reasons for choosing what to use. Your choice could also depend on your purpose/s.
3. Spacious and Comfortable Interior
The Chevrolet SS is a large sedan capable of sitting 5 adults comfortably. There is enough for a head and legroom with its spacious interior. It provides spacious front and back seats that are heated and ventilated as well.
You could also admire the car’s simple but elegant interior design made of quality leather and durable materials.
4. Collectible Modern Classic Car
Since the Chevrolet SS is no longer sold, it has become a modern classic car and can be a collectible.
If you have a Chevy SS, you may want to maintain it properly so that you can later sell it at a higher price.
Cons
Costly
As expected, the Chevrolet SS is expensive. The price is reasonable due to the SuperSport package and its durability. Nonetheless, this aspect is a disadvantage for buyers, but not for sellers. Sellers can profit from a costly car.
How Much Does a Chevy SS Cost? The 2017 Chevrolet SS’ Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is about $46,625. In some stores, the base price is $48,870.
You may notice that the price range of the Chevy SS online is from $34,431 to $49,920. Like a classic car, you may be able to get more value when a buyer purchases your car as a collector’s item.
Poor Fuel Economy
The Chevy SS has poor fuel economy with its long-term average of 17.1 miles per gallon. You can get better numbers with other car models.
How Many Chevy SS Cars Did GM Make?
General Motors made 12,953 Chevy SS during its 12-month production. Reportedly, GM exported the last 4,008 Chevy SS to the U.S. before it ended production in 2017. [3]
Why Was the Chevy SS Discontinued?
General Motors discontinued the Chevrolet SS production in 2017. Nonetheless, the SS is available for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 models from individual sellers. GM no longer accepts new orders for the Chevy SS, and there is no news about a new SS model coming out soon.
Although the Chevy SS is stylish with a full range of tech components, the general public (GP) did not catch on. According to some users, the SS is designed for certain individuals with unique preferences only.
Perhaps one major reason for Chevy SS’s discontinuance was that it had low sales annually. Many car experts blamed the lack of advertising, which resulted in a lack of public interest. Hence, GM had no option but to discontinue its production.
Tips for Maintaining Your Chevrolet SS
1. Check Your Engine Regularly
Your user’s manual recommends how often you should service your engine. Follow this recommendation to ensure that your engine will be in good shape and would last longer.
Furthermore, make sure to take your car to the motor shop on its maintenance dates. Your car’s engine is the car’s heart. If it is dysfunctional, your car can no longer start.
Thus, follow the maintenance schedule religiously, and you would be saving hundreds of dollars of repair costs down the road.
2. Take Care of Your Car’s Brakes
The Chevrolet SS is just like any other car – you have to check the brakes often to ensure safe driving. If you often drive on highways, you must check your brakes more frequently. You should consult your car’s user manual to learn more.
3. Replace Your Car Oil and Fluid Regularly
Your car’s oil ensures that your engine and other mechanical parts can run efficiently. Lack of proper lubrication can damage your car and increase your car’s fuel consumption.
Every time you notice dirty car oil, replace it immediately with fresh and clean oil. You must also change dirty coolants, brake fluids, and transmission fluids. You can do this at least once a month.
4. Avoid Over-Taxing Your Car
Over-taxing your car by driving on the road non-stop can increase the risk of engine damage. You would be exerting undue pressure on your engine and the other mechanical car parts.
This bad practice will shorten your car’s lifespan. You should take short breaks during distance driving to rest your engine. You will not only allow your engine to cool down, but you will also let your body rest.
5. Replace Dirty Oil Filters
Always replace dirty oil filters immediately. If your filters are still clean, you should replace them anyhow. Replace them every four to six months or as instructed by your dealer’s user manual. Dirty filters cannot efficiently eliminate debris, metal shavings, and dirt from your car’s oil.
6. Inspect Your Tires, Hoses, and Belts
You have to inspect your tires, hoses, and belts visually. Look for breaks, holes, or damages. Your tires are directly in contact with the road. Therefore, they have to stay sturdy and well-inflated. You can check the tires’ pressure at least once a month.
Another option is to switch the location of the tires so that the tire pressure would maintain balance.
If there are damages to your hoses and belts, you have to replace them immediately. Your safety on the road is compromised with damaged car parts.
Conclusion – Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS (Super Sport) uses a 6.2L LS3 V8 engine with 415 hp at 5,900 RPM. Also, this set-up produces 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM.
The car’s transmission in 2014 was a Hydra-Matic 6L 80, 6-speed automatic. The later cars could either be a GM Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic or a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Chevy Super Sport can move from 0 to 60 mph under five seconds, with a top speed of 257.5 km/h (160 mph). However, delimited speeds can reach as fast as 289 km/h (179.576 mph).
To help you in maintaining your Chevrolet SS, here is a list of the tips you should remember:
