Spying: Chevrolet SS

Well it seems like the rear end might be something like the new Impala, which is a good thing, imo, I see it will have a 4-element taillamp system instead of the generic Caprice PPV look. I see horizontal bars on the grille, again like the new Impala. Hopefully this car will only share doors, roof, and glass with the Holden as far as exterior panels go. *crosses fingers*

Nice!

Why bother with all the camo? Just dress the car up with G8 sheetmetal and it will fool 99% of people..

Why bother with all the camo? Just dress the car up with G8 sheetmetal and it will fool 99% of people..

I don't think that plan would exactly work...

I think (with this car especially) they want it to be seen to be testing, but not seen while testing.

If you get my meaning.

Well it seems like the rear end might be something like the new Impala, which is a good thing, imo, I see it will have a 4-element taillamp system instead of the generic Caprice PPV look. I see horizontal bars on the grille, again like the new Impala. Hopefully this car will only share doors, roof, and glass with the Holden as far as exterior panels go. *crosses fingers*

I expect this car to be much like an updated imporved GXP G8. I do expect some HSV work to show up in special editions at a even higher cost. They will try to slot this in as the CTSV for the guy who can only afford to spend $55K.

I like how they tried to make the front fender look like it has the old Holden bulge that is reported to be missing in the new car.

The tail lamps look like they were lifted from a Malibu. I wonder if they are just stand in's or if they are the direction they will be working toward. I was hoping for a much stronger tail lamp than what Holden has been useing. I as behinf a G8 yesterday and as much as I like the car the tail lamps could have been better.

I hope Chris drops in and lets us know what his in person impressions were since his name is on these. Good Job Chris. Time to get the Chopper up and over Warren now LOL!

I agree Camino this was not a chance meeting and they wanted this seen. GM is careful like that anymore. They always seem to leave you wanting more till show time.

Chris did a nice job on snapping the pictures of the auto.

Looks like it will be a nice SS, should have a good smallblock v8 and if tuned right should handle very well.

The front sheetmetal reminds me of something I sketched out years ago.

It's not that I expect the SS to look like my SS. Not at all. But the hood does appear to be slightly domed above the front quarter panels.

There is an artist's sketch for the VF.

There is an artist's sketch for the VF.

From what I have seen and been able to put together this is pretty close to what we should expect. It is a evolution change but there will be changes in the VF.

Note too the Chevy and Holden will be pretty much the same less the emblems and changes needed for each market.

As I have been saying Chevy and Holden are becoming one. We gave them a Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu and Colorado and we get this and I hope a Ute in exhange. I think we got the better of the deal.

It will be interesting to see if the new Alpha Camaro becomes the new Holden Coupe.

I wonder how long till someone starts selling Holden emblems to people here to make their Chevys into Holdens Or Holdens into Chevys down there.

As I have been saying Chevy and Holden are becoming one.

Really? Me too!

Indeed. I've said in the past on the forums that in the future Holden will be to Chevrolet what Vauxhall is to Opel. It wasn't hard to see the writing on the wall there.

Kermit's buttocks look too too much like the Malibu. I mean I know it's a chop, but come on. The new Impala's asscheeks look SO much nicer than this Malibu's, the chopper should have aimed higher in the Chevrolet lineup when he cut and pasted.

1. Bringg it here ASAP, it's about time!!!

2. offer both wheelbase versions, the long one as the Caprice Classic.

I actually kind of like how the Malibu taillights look on that sketch. The lights themselves might not be the best looking of those in Chevy;s current stable, but they do work with the car.

It's the 2002-Corolla-inspired grille and headlights that have me worried. That is one design that should not be revisited.

If the VF ends up looking like that, well, I'd prefer the VE.

Don't like the front, and hate the semi- banglebutt.

If the VF ends up looking like that, well, I'd prefer the VE.

Don't like the front, and hate the semi- banglebutt.

I would relax and just let them finsh the car. While this image is close it is not 100% it. There are details in this photo I have heard would not be there. The large fender flairs in the front were reported to be gone in the Chevy version. It is to have a smoother look.

The end product could still have a much different tone. The tail lights I do expect as GM is moving to this type lens. Even the new Vette will be closer to these but in body.

That sounds even worse.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to use the LSA at this point in time. The Gen V engines will be introduced at that point on the C7 and is pretty much ready for manufacturing. Chances are the SS will use a version of the new Direct Injected small block V8 either in NA trim to the tune of about 470hp or as a supercharged variant with about 600hp. The DI powerplant will see MPG figures better than of 25~26mpg and it may actually cost less over the life cycle of the vehicle as production ramps up for it and the Gen IV lines get progressively phased out.

It will be a DI engine no matter what in this car. But they have looked at Supercharging and a Turbo in the new Gen V engine. At this point no one outside GM really knows which way they will go. The Shelby and the Viper will not go unchallanged. The one thing that is know we will see the Gen V at some point get into the 700 HP range. It will be expensive and limited but the Vette and Cadillac should see versions of it.

If this is the 'new GM', we had best not see the same sort of mistakes repeated with this car.

Chevy should NOT be getting a LWB version here.

In a non-Camaro or Corvette, no way should Chevy be building a 600 or 700 hp sedan.

Get it straight, GM, and work these divisions together.

BTW- I find the render a combo of 'quite lumpy' and 'too generic'.

If this is the 'new GM', we had best not see the same sort of mistakes repeated with this car.

Chevy should NOT be getting a LWB version here.

In a non-Camaro or Corvette, no way should Chevy be building a 600 or 700 hp sedan.

Get it straight, GM, and work these divisions together.

BTW- I find the render a combo of 'quite lumpy' and 'too generic'.

I like that render less each time I look at it.

I like that render less each time I look at it.

I think we all got the point before. Might chime in when you ever do find somthing you like. LOL!

Chevy is not getting a LWB of this unless it is a police unit or Ute.

If they do get a High HP version it would be like a HSV model where they will be few and expensice in a ZL1 kind of way. It would be a non factor to Cadillac. I expect they will have special editions in low numbers to keep it interesting and to compete with Chrysler Charger SRT special editions the only competing car in this class.

With the numbers we are talking here GM only needs to make sure the Chevy dealers don't hijack the prices like Pontiac did on the G8 and damage marketing on this car. Pontiac dealer jacked GM on the GTO and the G8 and did damage. Too many people went to check the cars out could not make a deal and went elsewhere. Once a buyer who is not brand loyal leaves due to a poor price at this market level the odds of them coming back are not good.

^ Disagree on the uber hi-HP model. The wags will only use it as another bullet against how 'GM does everything wrong', and frankly, they're right here.

There should not logically be a 600-HP sedan @ Chevy and a 550-HP sedan @ Cadillac. The tiers have been badly out of whack for a long time.

I do agree that if there is an uber-hi-HP Chevy sedan, it will be priced too high, another 'wrong'.

GM has no direct control over dealership pricing, only indirect. It'll happen.

First off if there is a 600 HP special edition there will be a 650-700 HP Cadillac. The LSA engine will be replaced and I expect improvments in MPG and more power.

I have yet to see anyone complain about the new ZL1 yet? Anyone complaining about a 600 HP Shelby? Yes they will be expensive but they will give press and sell a hell of a lot of SS with some of the hand me down features. Even at low volume they are profit centers.

A long-wheelbase version should be a Buick (if not Cadillac) flagship, period. If the Chinese can get a Park Avenue based on the LWB Commodore, why can't the good old USA?

First off if there is a 600 HP special edition there will be a 650-700 HP Cadillac. The LSA engine will be replaced and I expect improvments in MPG and more power.

I have yet to see anyone complain about the new ZL1 yet? Anyone complaining about a 600 HP Shelby? Yes they will be expensive but they will give press and sell a hell of a lot of SS with some of the hand me down features. Even at low volume they are profit centers.

I don't expect to see the next CTS-V jump 100-150 HP- it's still exceeding mercedees & BMW in it's class.

That, and sorry to burst the bubble; but the HP climb cannot continue steadily forward to 1000. Just not going to happen.

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

First off if there is a 600 HP special edition there will be a 650-700 HP Cadillac. The LSA engine will be replaced and I expect improvments in MPG and more power.

I have yet to see anyone complain about the new ZL1 yet? Anyone complaining about a 600 HP Shelby? Yes they will be expensive but they will give press and sell a hell of a lot of SS with some of the hand me down features. Even at low volume they are profit centers.

I don't expect to see the next CTS-V jump 100-150 HP- it's still exceeding mercedees & BMW in it's class.

That, and sorry to burst the bubble; but the HP climb cannot continue steadily forward to 1000. Just not going to happen.

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

I hate to burst your bubble but just watch!

Whle the CTSV may not be 700 like a Vette may be it will be over the 600 HP range as will the ZL1. While their numbers will be few they are easy to make a profit on and are great for marketing. Does the Shelby really need 600 HP no but it sure got a lot of cheap press for Ford and they will make money on each one.

As for Chevy and their sedan I would continue to watch HSV. If it is good enough for down under then why not here? Also to make thier mark they will want to trump the Charger and SVO in any way they can.

HP wil level out in the 600-750 range in most limited models. The average cars will be 400-500 in normal performance trim. The next Performance move is to remove weight then you don't need more power.

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

Huh? The Shelby GLH-S was over 25 years ago...ancient news.

"over 600" is not 750, is it? I can see a bump of 50 HP, but you were predicting 100-150.

Does HSV have dedicated sports/pony cars to put these engines in? I'm not aware of any, so there's a different dynamic in AU. There's also only 1 car division in GM AU.

The difference is, if Chevy has a "600-750" HP sedan, and Cadillac's top performance sedan is in the 550-600 range, it's upsidedown and any non-GM-fanboy / numbers nut will crucify GM over it.

Thats why it doesn't work here.

If GM, now pared down & running lean & profitable, doesn't start crafting the long-term image of everything in concert, they're not going to move forward.

And, if they're focusing on removing weight, why would they need 750 HP??

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

Huh? The Shelby GLH-S was over 25 years ago...ancient news.

You're not following the conversation, Moltie, keep up. I made the distinction above; mega hi-HP cars are fine in dedicated sports/pony cars, but they don't fit in the sports sedan segment if Cadillac is going to fall UNDER Chevy in the numbers.

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

Huh? The Shelby GLH-S was over 25 years ago...ancient news.

You're not following the conversation, Moltie, keep up. I made the distinction above; mega hi-HP cars are fine in dedicated sports/pony cars, but they don't fit in the sports sedan segment if Cadillac is going to fall UNDER Chevy in the numbers.

What Shelby 4dr sedan are you referring to, then?

I doubt if Chevy is going to do a ZL1 version of the SS.

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

Huh? The Shelby GLH-S was over 25 years ago...ancient news.

You're not following the conversation, Moltie, keep up. I made the distinction above; mega hi-HP cars are fine in dedicated sports/pony cars, but they don't fit in the sports sedan segment if Cadillac is going to fall UNDER Chevy in the numbers.

What Shelby 4dr sedan are you referring to, then?

I doubt if Chevy is going to do a ZL1 version of the SS.

It would be a long shot but with them using it in NASCAR I expect it will be used in many ways as a marketing tool. It struck me as odd they went to a low volume sedan in NASCAR unless they plan to use this to show case things to draw attention to Chevy and the rest of the line.

It IS surprising no one is complaining about the ZL1 & Shelby 4-dr sedans. Huh, I missed that.

Huh? The Shelby GLH-S was over 25 years ago...ancient news.

You're not following the conversation, Moltie, keep up. I made the distinction above; mega hi-HP cars are fine in dedicated sports/pony cars, but they don't fit in the sports sedan segment if Cadillac is going to fall UNDER Chevy in the numbers.

What Shelby 4dr sedan are you referring to, then?

I doubt if Chevy is going to do a ZL1 version of the SS.

I was being facetious.

Hence the point the Impala should NOT be a 700-HP car, as a Chevy and as a sedan.

Re the HP debate, I think that the new DI V8 will not see big 100hp or 150hp power increases. My is that GM will most likely aim for as-big-as-possible fuel economy increases due to tightening CAFE standards.

Re the HP debate, I think that the new DI V8 will not see big 100hp or 150hp power increases. My is that GM will most likely aim for as-big-as-possible fuel economy increases due to tightening CAFE standards.

This is what is known.

The new Gen V DI is said to be giving near Z06 power in the coming C7 Vette. Or at least based on a quote from GM. That puts it in at least the 450 HP and over range at least in the Vette in standard trim. Some think it may almost reach 500 HP in standard trim.

Chevy is also not going to walk away from the ZR1 and ZL1 type models. I expect to see the SS gain some HP with the DI engine but I also see a limited engine to bump the HP to the next level for the ZL1 and ZR1. The Present ZR1 engine was tested and approved to 725 HP.as it sits now with only a little extra tweek It met the MPG, Emissions and Warranty standards I see a new engine should be able to improve on all three even with more power.

The fact is with ford already reaching 600 plus with the Mustang now GM will not let it go unanswered. Also with the Vette going to go up against a more powerful Viper the future for a ZR1 C7 looks to raise the stakes.

The new SS model is all about marketing. GM should make a buck on it but the low volume is all about getting Chevy noticed. I expect they will find a way to make it stand out vs the other cars like the Charger and SVO.

Even with more power a RWD Chevy sedan will still not be direct compitition to the CTS V. The tone and flavor of these cars are a whole different ball game. Much like the Charger SRT and the top line 300 as they are directed at different people.Also the Cadillas will be more money. Few expected the ZL1 To get more power than the CTSv but it did.

Just with the RWD Chevy being low volume and being show cased in NASCAR I expect some special things will be done to keep it fresh. Also the performance market it does not pay to be 2nd best in the HP department. GM is already getting grilled over the less HP in the ZL1 over the Shelby. I do think they will be suprised to find that once they line the cars up they will be much closer than they expect due to the suspension package on the ZL1.

Not to be over looked Cadillac will also share in upgrades to their engine line too.

I in no way expect 1,000 HP but I do expect the Vette to hit 700 HP at some point with the C7 and I see the Camaro and CTS to reach the 600 plus range. The outside chance a 700 HP engine could also play in these cars in a limited edition too. Note were are not talking big numbers here just a hand full of cars for marketing much like HSV does for Holden.

It will be getting to the point where even these engines will not meet the MPG standards and I expect as the heavier cars like the Zeta based line get replaced a send off limited edition would be a nice send off for the heavier car.

We also still have a Z28 coming at some point. The ZL1 did not stop this program and we will see more from it too. I am not sure what this will be yet as few have spoken of it other than to know this car was not passed over. I see it as another specail model to keep it fresh in the future.

But lets just let GM show us what the standard model is before we get too far ahead.

But lets just let GM show us what the standard model is before we get too far ahead.

Yeah, let's see the product unveiled to see where GM is aiming at.

I just hope, though, that GM would introduce the engine on a Cadillac and then have it trickle down to Chevrolet. I know it's all GM Engineering so it is (being 100% objective) the exact same thing, but... Cadillac having precedence in the engine's introduction would be a tiny but welcome step in the perception side of things (Chevrolets getting a Cadillac engine and not the other way around)...

^ ABSOLUTELY the way it needs to be done.

I like that render less each time I look at it.

I think we all got the point before. Might chime in when you ever do find somthing you like. LOL!

No, this is a new point. I've been so enamored of the hardware under this car that I didn't pay enough attention to the render before. I really liked most of the styling in the G8, and wasn't looking for a huge change with this new car. Therefore I just sort of gave the styling issue a blind eye in the hopes that a car (or cars) in this basic configuration would return. So I'm just now actually considering the styling issues of the upcoming SS. Feedback is always good, be it positive or negative, and this render gets the thumbs down. Hopefully, it isn't too accurate and the real thing will be much better. If I ever see something I'm happy with, I'll be sure to say so - it's just that there hasn't been much to celebrate lately.

An an honest opinion is always worth more than a blanket endorsement.

Over all, I think most people who love the SS line will find this car to fit the bill very well.

I know GM learned their lesson from the intial release of the Pontiac Solstice and dealer jacked up "Market Adjustment Prices", for when the Saturn SKY became available for order GM did not allow the dealers to charge more than MSRP for them (though the loop hole in this was that dealer accessories could be added to jack up the price). If GM caught dealers with MAPs on SKYs, allocation was cut. Don't ask me how they legally did this, but this was the news in early 2006 before I placed my order. Hopefully the New GM makes sure that the double SS's in the name SS Performance Sedan don't turn out to stand for $$'s by some of those greedy Chevy dealers.

An an honest opinion is always worth more than a blanket endorsement.

I always felt that an honest opinion was the only one worth offering - anything else isn't really worth $h!.

But lets just let GM show us what the standard model is before we get too far ahead.

Yeah, let's see the product unveiled to see where GM is aiming at.

I just hope, though, that GM would introduce the engine on a Cadillac and then have it trickle down to Chevrolet. I know it's all GM Engineering so it is (being 100% objective) the exact same thing, but... Cadillac having precedence in the engine's introduction would be a tiny but welcome step in the perception side of things (Chevrolets getting a Cadillac engine and not the other way around)...

There is one big issue. GM has spent too many years promoting this as a Small Block Chevy when in truth it pretty much is a new engine unto it's self. The Cadillac angle would have been nice but difficult at this point to change boats in mid river.

The other issue is GM will not have a car for a V8 till the new CTSv is ready and it is a little ways off yet. As it is the Vette was stated as the first model to show off the new engine and then the rest.

I still wonder what they have planned for the Omega. I really expect something special there and not just a juiced up Gen V.

An an honest opinion is always worth more than a blanket endorsement.

I always felt that an honest opinion was the only one worth offering - anything else isn't really worth $h!.

Honesty is a good thing and nomally works best with Constructive Criticism vs just plain old criticism.

When presenting a negitive feedback offering a positive feedback does complete the thought GM people do read here. But then again when it gets anal here sometimes I wonder if they even bothers anymore.

But lets just let GM show us what the standard model is before we get too far ahead.

Yeah, let's see the product unveiled to see where GM is aiming at.

I just hope, though, that GM would introduce the engine on a Cadillac and then have it trickle down to Chevrolet. I know it's all GM Engineering so it is (being 100% objective) the exact same thing, but... Cadillac having precedence in the engine's introduction would be a tiny but welcome step in the perception side of things (Chevrolets getting a Cadillac engine and not the other way around)...

There is one big issue. GM has spent too many years promoting this as a Small Block Chevy when in truth it pretty much is a new engine unto it's self. The Cadillac angle would have been nice but difficult at this point to change boats in mid river.

The other issue is GM will not have a car for a V8 till the new CTSv is ready and it is a little ways off yet. As it is the Vette was stated as the first model to show off the new engine and then the rest.

I still wonder what they have planned for the Omega. I really expect something special there and not just a juiced up Gen V.

CTS should have a non-V V8 model, so the car for that V8 is just around the corner, a year or so away

Re the Omega's engine, wasn't there a rumor going around of a DOHC version of the Gen V having been designed by GM?

But lets just let GM show us what the standard model is before we get too far ahead.

Yeah, let's see the product unveiled to see where GM is aiming at.

I just hope, though, that GM would introduce the engine on a Cadillac and then have it trickle down to Chevrolet. I know it's all GM Engineering so it is (being 100% objective) the exact same thing, but... Cadillac having precedence in the engine's introduction would be a tiny but welcome step in the perception side of things (Chevrolets getting a Cadillac engine and not the other way around)...

There is one big issue. GM has spent too many years promoting this as a Small Block Chevy when in truth it pretty much is a new engine unto it's self. The Cadillac angle would have been nice but difficult at this point to change boats in mid river.

The other issue is GM will not have a car for a V8 till the new CTSv is ready and it is a little ways off yet. As it is the Vette was stated as the first model to show off the new engine and then the rest.

I still wonder what they have planned for the Omega. I really expect something special there and not just a juiced up Gen V.

CTS should have a non-V V8 model, so the car for that V8 is just around the corner, a year or so away

Re the Omega's engine, wasn't there a rumor going around of a DOHC version of the Gen V having been designed by GM?

I really don't expect a non V CTS unless there was something I missed.

As for the Omega. I have heard a lot of things. The only thing I know is it has to be something special and GM will either build it at the engine center in Detroit or they will out source it to another MFG. Either way I expect it will be of GM design and the assembly will be done in the best way for a low volume engine to remain affordable. With the Detroit Engine shop now GM could do this in house so much easier than when they had Mercury do the ZR1 engines.

But lets just let GM show us what the standard model is before we get too far ahead.

Yeah, let's see the product unveiled to see where GM is aiming at.

I just hope, though, that GM would introduce the engine on a Cadillac and then have it trickle down to Chevrolet. I know it's all GM Engineering so it is (being 100% objective) the exact same thing, but... Cadillac having precedence in the engine's introduction would be a tiny but welcome step in the perception side of things (Chevrolets getting a Cadillac engine and not the other way around)...

There is one big issue. GM has spent too many years promoting this as a Small Block Chevy when in truth it pretty much is a new engine unto it's self. The Cadillac angle would have been nice but difficult at this point to change boats in mid river.

The other issue is GM will not have a car for a V8 till the new CTSv is ready and it is a little ways off yet. As it is the Vette was stated as the first model to show off the new engine and then the rest.

I still wonder what they have planned for the Omega. I really expect something special there and not just a juiced up Gen V.

CTS should have a non-V V8 model, so the car for that V8 is just around the corner, a year or so away

Re the Omega's engine, wasn't there a rumor going around of a DOHC version of the Gen V having been designed by GM?

Also there was a rumor of Caddy using BMW's V8.

Also there was a rumor of Caddy using BMW's V8.

Hard to exceed the travesty of that move WRT image.