What Is It?
Chevrolet SS
What's Special About It?
A modern interpretation of Chevrolet's high-powered sedans of the '60s, the SS combines an ultralow-profile design with some good ol'-fashioned American muscle for a five-passenger sedan that defies classification. An all-aluminum 6.0-liter V8 sends 430 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic. Displacement-on-demand technology allows the high-powered engine to shut down cylinders for better fuel economy while cruising. The suspension is a fully independent design that benefits from driver-adjustable shocks which can provide everyday comfort along with racetrack performance. Massive six-piston brake calipers grab on to 14-inch rotors up front while the rear binders consist of four-piston grabbers and even larger 14.75-inch discs in the rear.
The interior features plenty of SS cues from the past, like houndstooth vinyl mixed with white leather accents. Brushed stainless steel replaces old-school chrome and there's even a horseshoe shift handle just like an old Hydramatic Chevelle. More modern equipment includes multiple video screens for DVD entertainment and an audio system fortified with satellite radio.
Why Should You Care?
Chevrolet is working feverishly on a slew of new performance cars and trucks to resurrect the Super Sport name. Until now only the Silverado had received the performance treatment, but the new SS sedan is a strong indication that Chevrolet coupes and sedans are next in line for the SS treatment. That being said, with no viable rear-wheel-drive platforms currently available for use, the chances of seeing a production version of this concept are slim.
And one more thing: This may not be the last time you see this kind of styling atop a Chevrolet stand. The press literature indicated that we could see this look again soon in the form of the 2005 Corvette. We'll be waiting. — Ed Hellwig
Chevrolet SS
What's Special About It?
A modern interpretation of Chevrolet's high-powered sedans of the '60s, the SS combines an ultralow-profile design with some good ol'-fashioned American muscle for a five-passenger sedan that defies classification. An all-aluminum 6.0-liter V8 sends 430 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic. Displacement-on-demand technology allows the high-powered engine to shut down cylinders for better fuel economy while cruising. The suspension is a fully independent design that benefits from driver-adjustable shocks which can provide everyday comfort along with racetrack performance. Massive six-piston brake calipers grab on to 14-inch rotors up front while the rear binders consist of four-piston grabbers and even larger 14.75-inch discs in the rear.
The interior features plenty of SS cues from the past, like houndstooth vinyl mixed with white leather accents. Brushed stainless steel replaces old-school chrome and there's even a horseshoe shift handle just like an old Hydramatic Chevelle. More modern equipment includes multiple video screens for DVD entertainment and an audio system fortified with satellite radio.
Why Should You Care?
Chevrolet is working feverishly on a slew of new performance cars and trucks to resurrect the Super Sport name. Until now only the Silverado had received the performance treatment, but the new SS sedan is a strong indication that Chevrolet coupes and sedans are next in line for the SS treatment. That being said, with no viable rear-wheel-drive platforms currently available for use, the chances of seeing a production version of this concept are slim.
And one more thing: This may not be the last time you see this kind of styling atop a Chevrolet stand. The press literature indicated that we could see this look again soon in the form of the 2005 Corvette. We'll be waiting. — Ed Hellwig
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