Review: 2015 Chevrolet SS-Stock Runs 12.8 in ¼ mile

When General Motors announced it would close Pontiac's doors it would mean the G8 would die. The Pontiac G8 was one of GM's recent better creations. Though it was essentially just a Rebadged Holden Commodore. Now that same line has been reincarnated with the Chevy SS. It's a very American full-size rear wheel drive sedan with a big V8 power plant. Again it's the Australian Holden Commodore rebadged; but nobody is complaining about that. The new 2015 Chevrolet SS is no ordinary car, but it does have some very ordinary appearances that most people would associate with “typical GM modern styling”. The SS has even been mistaken for a Malibu. But don't worry, a true car guy will know an SS when they see one. This is a perfect daily drivable sleeper. Some of it's appearance does show it's “sporty sedan” side with standard Brembo brakes, lots of chrome trim, 19 inch rims, a dual exhaust and of course you cannot forget about the big LS3 V8 under the hood.

Performance

Powered by a LS3 6.2 litre v8 boasting 415 hp and 415 tq this nearly 4000lbs sedan still manages a 4.5 second 0-60 time. Cornering is a breeze with GM's Magnetic dampers and independent suspension like that of a Corvette. Three “driving modes” are available by the touch of a button, Tour, Sport and Performance. This allows for a relatively smooth ride while still allowing the driver to takes curves as aggressive as they're comfortable with. It's no Cadillac, but given it's performance abilities it delivers a good ride quality for “normal driving” or even family inspired road trips. Heck make one of those road trips a to slay the iconic road in Tennessee called The Tail Of The Dragon. Steering is executed with a electronic assisted setup. Some would say it can be slight touchy or jerky. Like with most anything once your used to how it performs steering the Chevy SS is no challenge. Let's face it, most sedans are boring, but the Chevy SS is opposite.
 

Sleeper

For all the speed junkies the term Sleeper means a lot. Well if your in the market for a modern sporty vehicle then you should consider the 2015 Chevrolet SS. Since GM debuted it's Gen 3 LS series small blocks they've proven themselves time and time again. There is huge aftermarket performance potential to modify the LS3 engine as much as you want or at least how far your pocket book will allow. Making an additional 300 horsepower is very obtainable. As of June 2015 a stock 2015 Chevy SS as been recorded to have run a best time of 12.82 @ 112 mph in the ¼ mile. The video below references this with multiple track runs made by an SS owner.

Stock Chevy SS runs 12 second in quarter mile

Options

The SS comes pretty much fully loaded. There are a few options available. First off the car is available with a 6-speed paddle shiftable automatic transmission or a Manual 6 speed. Both are available at the same cost, however it is hard to find a manual SS. In automatic form it's hit with a federal mandated $1300 gas guzzler tax. Choosing the manual 6-speed option raises the MPG just enough to remove that gas guzzler tax. All the more reason to find a manual. That and they're more fun to drive! Other options are a sunroof and/or full size spare rim and tire.

Features

Some of the features worth mentioning are first the ability for the car to communicate with your smartphone via wireless 4G LTE that generates a wifi hotspot. The center of the dash holds a 8 inch touch screen for navigation and radio control. Nine premium Bose speakers deliver an amazing sound for listening to your favorite tunes. While listening to the premium sound system you'll enjoy the big comfortable leather ventilated seats which are both heated and cooled. A heads up display helps you keep your eyes on the road. You don't even have to park the car. It's equipped with self parallel and perpendicular parking features.

Specifactions

DRIVE FORMAT: Rear-wheel drive
BASE PRICE: $46,740
ENGINE: 6.2-litre V-8
HORSEPOWER: 415 at 5900 rpm
TORQUE: 415 lb.-ft. at 4600 rpm
RECOMMENDED FUEL: Premium recommended, but not required
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic with paddle shifters; six-speed manual available
SUSPENSION: Fully independent Magnetic Controlled
BRAKES: Four-wheel disc with Brembo vented rotors up front, ABS, traction and stability control
EPA MPG: Automatic: 14 city/21 hwy/17 combined; manual: 15/21/17
WHEELBASE: 114.8 inches
LENGTH: 195.5 inches
CURB WEIGHT: Automatic: 3,975 lbs.; manual: 3,960 lbs.
TRUNK SPASE: 16.4 cu. ft.
BUILT: Holden in Elizabeth, Australia
 

Comparable Sedans

Many consider the full-size sporty sedan segment a very exclusive one in the marketplace. Other comparable cars to the Chevy SS in features and performance are the Dodge Charger SRT8 which are significantly heavier nor available with manual transmission options. A BMW M5 which has about 100 more horsepower but is also double the price. Possibly even the AWD Ford Taurus SHO could be considered a comparable to the SS but it does have slightly less horsepower and lacks rear wheel drive. For the price the 2015 Chevrolet SS is unique and has no true equivalents. This car is a testament to General Motors recovery that they are able to sell such a vehicle.

This is not only a pure driver's car, it is something practical that you drive on a daily basis. The amount of equipment and features you get, the way the Chevy SS drives and sounds, its shocking how few of these GM has been able to sell. If you want Camaro or Corvette performance, but need the practicality of a sedan, you must drive the Chevrolet SS. Performance and drive-ability weighed up against the price makes this an exceptional buy.

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