2014 Chevrolet SS Preview

Introduction

The 2014 Chevrolet SS is the first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan that Chevy has built since the automaker halted the production of the 1996 Impala SS 17 years ago. The new 2014 Chevy SS debuted in conjunction with its inaugural NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in February 2013, and is built in Australia on the same platform as the Holden VF Commodore.

"The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it's been 17 years since we've offered one," said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. "The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand's rich history."

Previously, General Motors sold a version of the Holden Commodore called the Pontiac G8 in the United States.

Exterior Features

In describing the 2014 Chevrolet SS, "From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance," the automaker said of the model. The Chevy SS has an aluminum hood and trunk lid, subtle front fender vents, staggered-width front and rear wheels with a polished finish, and a black rear diffuser panel punctuated by chrome exhaust outlets on either side. Up front, the Chevy SS is equipped with high-intensity discharge headlights, and LED running lights.

Interior Features

The EPA classifies the new Chevy SS as a large car, and the automaker claims the new sport sedan will "comfortably accommodate five adults." The standard equipment list is long, and includes 8-way power front seats with added side bolstering, leather upholstery, color in-dash touch screen, color head-up display, premium audio system, and push-button starting.

Optional Features

It is unclear whether Chevrolet MyLink technology, a navigation system, and Automatic Parking Assist are standard or optional for the 2014 SS. Chevrolet has not announced complete standard and optional equipment for the SS as this preview was written.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Chevrolet SS is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the same "LS3" engine found in the 2013 Corvette. In the new Chevy SS, this engine delivers 415 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 415 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm, delivered to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with TapShift paddles on the steering wheel for when manual gear selection is desired. Chevrolet claims the 2014 SS accelerates to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Premium fuel is recommended, but not required.

Additionally, the new SS rides on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear sport suspension, and features 19-inch staggered-width forged aluminum wheels. Ultra-high-performance tires are sized P245/40ZR19 in front and P275/35ZR19 in back. Sport-tuned electric steering is standard, along with 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with 2-piece, 4-piston Brembo front calipers. Chevrolet claims the 2014 SS provides a low center of gravity and a "near 50/50 weight distribution."

Safety

Chevrolet says it will equip the new 2014 SS with several advanced safety features. A reversing camera with rear cross-traffic alert is included, along with a side blind-zone alert system, lane-departure warning system, and a forward-collision alert system.

Technology

The 2014 SS is the first Chevy in history to offer Automatic Parking Assist technology, which employs exterior sensors to automatically steer the car into a parallel or reverse right-angle parking space while the driver controls the brake pedal, the accelerator, and the transmission.

The new Chevy SS will also feature Chevrolet MyLink, which is a smartphone pairing technology that allows the driver to make and receive calls, operate mobile applications, stream music, and more while using the in-dash touch screen, voice commands, and steering wheel controls, keeping their phone safely tucked away.