Chevrolet News:Return of RWD - Chevrolet Announces SS For 2013

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 17, 2012

After months of speculation, rumor, and hearsay, GM let the cat out of the bag today. Coming late next year as a 2014 model, the Chevrolet SS RWD sedan. (Yes, SS is the actual name).

The SS sedan will be based on the Holden Commodore sedan and it will be it will be used by NASCAR Sprint Cup teams starting at the 2013 Daytona 500.

At the moment, Chevrolet isn't saying much about specifics. We're expecting a small-block V8, manual transmission option, and to be sold in limited numbers.

“As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale. The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America in a press release.

The lead up related to this:

Chevy’s Upcoming SS Sedan May Give Way to a New Ute and Wagon

Did OnStar Accidentally Confirm An SS Model In 2014?

Rumorpile: GM Trademarks SS... Why Now?

Impala Leaping Out of NASCAR, Unnamed Model Taking Its Place

Press Release in on Page 2

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Chevrolet Announces New SS Performance Sedan

Will compete in 2013 NASCAR and arrive in showrooms as 2014 model

DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the return of a V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan to the U.S. lineup, the Chevrolet SS. The SS will also be Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar and will debut in its race configuration at the 2013 Daytona 500.

The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States.

Chevrolet has a long history of using the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates. The SS designation first appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race.

The first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala – 453 were built with the performance upgrades which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. The latest SS model in the Chevrolet lineup is the fifth-generation Camaro, which debuted in 2010.

The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore. The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance.

“As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.”

Chevrolet was America’s best-selling performance car brand in 2011 with Camaro and Corvette accounting for one out of every three sports cars sold in the United States. The addition of the SS should strengthen Chevrolet’s position as a leading performance brand.

View full article

[Drew Dowdell]

So... just no imagination at all on the name then? Not even Commodore?

[z28luvr01]

I wonder how much an SS LTZ with an RS package would cost?

I can't believe they ran with SS, but whatever. At least the Commodore is (officially) back in some form.

[riviera74]

Disappointed about the name . Great news on the car though .

[GMTruckGuy74]

Maybe the badges will spell out SuperSport?

Wishful thinking, I know!!

[Robert Hall]

Surprised they couldn't get more creative with the name. Oh well..nice to see Chevy finally getting a Charger competitor.

[z28luvr01]

Unless the camo is deceiving, it looks like it'll forego the "new" face of Chevy (Traverse, Impala) and keep the crossbar grille that's similar to the '13 Malibu.

[avant1963]

So can we suppose that the Camaro drops the SS in 2014 and goes with Z/28 - then the SS will just be a model and not a trim level?

Camaro Z28, ZL1

Corvette Z06, ZR1

[Robert Hall]

So can we suppose that the Camaro drops the SS in 2014 and goes with Z/28 - then the SS will just be a model and not a trim level?

Camaro Z28, ZL1

Corvette Z06, ZR1

Doubt if that is going to happen... I don't know if they are going to bring back the Z/28 name, maybe w/ the next generation. And then there is the SL1..

Edited May 17, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Camino LS6]

Just "SS" ?

Really?

Glad to see Holden goodness coming back here, despite the silliness of using "SS" as a nameplate.

[Drew Dowdell]

Unless the camo is deceiving, it looks like it'll forego the "new" face of Chevy (Traverse, Impala) and keep the crossbar grille that's similar to the '13 Malibu.

That's the nascar version....

[hyperv6]

While SS seems short it makes little difference. This is the Flag Ship for the Chevy passenger line and will represent the top of all the SS vehicles.

To be honest if they are like many SS owner they take hte badges off anyways. The hot topic with many is how to debadge them anyways.

I left mine on as I paid for it and I am damn well going to show it LOL!

There is another name lurking out htere as a V6 sedan and wagon will not be Super Sport. It will be interesting to see what they do there. We already have a good idea what the Ute will be. You know with their how they are naming things it will be called a Sprint. [Just Kidding]

As far as I am concerned they could have called the the Mud Flap GT as long as they bring it on.

As for the nose I expect it will be similar to Chris Doane's illistration. It fits what has been said and the grill has a Impala tone to it. They have cut back on the silly fender flairs on the car as I had hope per what has been stated so far and Chris's drawing represents that. For the most it looks like a cleaned up Holden.

Maybe the badges will spell out SuperSport?

Wishful thinking, I know!!

I too would like to see it spelled out ala 1966.

[Jamie]

Don't forget, the V8Supercars will be racing at the "Circuit of The Americas" in Austin,Texas in 2013. Do you think Chevrolet will use the event as part of their pre-release advertising?

[smk4565]

So I assume this will be a V8 as the only engine. I wonder how that will sell, and at what cost? And interesting that "in the name of CAFE" the ATS needs a 200 hp 4-cylinder, the CTS is getting a 4-cylinder, yet Chevy gets a V8 sedan. If this is another direct from Australia import I don't see it as a success. GM hasn't been able to convert a Holden or Opel into a successful selling car in the USA yet, the Regal has performed the best yet and that is one of the slowest selling Buicks.

[Robert Hall]

So I assume this will be a V8 as the only engine. I wonder how that will sell, and at what cost? And interesting that "in the name of CAFE" the ATS needs a 200 hp 4-cylinder, the CTS is getting a 4-cylinder, yet Chevy gets a V8 sedan. If this is another direct from Australia import I don't see it as a success. GM hasn't been able to convert a Holden or Opel into a successful selling car in the USA yet, the Regal has performed the best yet and that is one of the slowest selling Buicks.

The Corvette is V8 only also. This is a low volume niche model...I would assume pricing would be in the ballpark of a Charger SRT8... The ATS is intended to be a high volume model.

[SAmadei]

GM hasn't been able to convert a Holden or Opel into a successful selling car in the USA yet, the Regal has performed the best yet and that is one of the slowest selling Buicks.

Correct about Opel, but not about Holden. Holden didn't have the production capacity to build 100K/yr of GTOs or G8s... and both had to fight insane dealer markups initially.

Be interesting to see what the Chevy dealers do this time around... and to see how much Holden capacity Chevy will be allowed to leverage.

[smk4565]

So I assume this will be a V8 as the only engine. I wonder how that will sell, and at what cost? And interesting that "in the name of CAFE" the ATS needs a 200 hp 4-cylinder, the CTS is getting a 4-cylinder, yet Chevy gets a V8 sedan. If this is another direct from Australia import I don't see it as a success. GM hasn't been able to convert a Holden or Opel into a successful selling car in the USA yet, the Regal has performed the best yet and that is one of the slowest selling Buicks.

The Corvette is V8 only also. This is a low volume niche model...I would assume pricing would be in the ballpark of a Charger SRT8... The ATS is intended to be a high volume model.

But the Vette is a sports car, and who knows, it may even get a V6. Even the S-class and 7-series offer a V6/I6, I think if it is V8 only they are going for really low volume. But maybe that is what they want.

[ocnblu]

This is gonna be fantastic. When's the El Camino debut?

[Robert Hall]

So I assume this will be a V8 as the only engine. I wonder how that will sell, and at what cost? And interesting that "in the name of CAFE" the ATS needs a 200 hp 4-cylinder, the CTS is getting a 4-cylinder, yet Chevy gets a V8 sedan. If this is another direct from Australia import I don't see it as a success. GM hasn't been able to convert a Holden or Opel into a successful selling car in the USA yet, the Regal has performed the best yet and that is one of the slowest selling Buicks.

The Corvette is V8 only also. This is a low volume niche model...I would assume pricing would be in the ballpark of a Charger SRT8... The ATS is intended to be a high volume model.

But the Vette is a sports car, and who knows, it may even get a V6. Even the S-class and 7-series offer a V6/I6, I think if it is V8 only they are going for really low volume. But maybe that is what they want.

Maybe they will offer a non-SS version w/ a V6 at some point in the future, if they build it in NA. Chevy already has the Impala, they don't need two big cars w/ V6s...

Edited May 18, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[crunksoulbrotha!!`]

GM should just call it Chevelle and call it a day. People respect that nameplate!!!

[hyperv6]

So I assume this will be a V8 as the only engine. I wonder how that will sell, and at what cost? And interesting that "in the name of CAFE" the ATS needs a 200 hp 4-cylinder, the CTS is getting a 4-cylinder, yet Chevy gets a V8 sedan. If this is another direct from Australia import I don't see it as a success. GM hasn't been able to convert a Holden or Opel into a successful selling car in the USA yet, the Regal has performed the best yet and that is one of the slowest selling Buicks.

You really are out of the loop here.

This is a V8 only sports sedan and it will be low volume. It may start i the mid 30K range but it will reach into the $40K range. This car is not an ATS as the ATS will offer things this car will never have. For one thing it will never touch the ATS 3200 pounds.

The SS will appeal to the meat and potato American more than the BMW freak.

This car as long as it is in small volume will do fine. The G8 still trades at a good price as there is a small market for a car like this. As long as no one expects it to be a volume car like the Caprice of old it will do fine.

There is room here for this car and the V6 version. There are those who want FWD and those who want RWD. With this car being a global car GM can afford the small volumes in this market.

The only reason Holden failed here is Pontiac. The dealer priced the GTO into oblivion and the G8 For the most failed in the end because Pontiac died.

Opel failed here in RWD form because it was not a good choice for Cadillac and few people knew Saturn even sold a version.

[hyperv6]

Don't forget, the V8Supercars will be racing at the "Circuit of The Americas" in Austin,Texas in 2013. Do you think Chevrolet will use the event as part of their pre-release advertising?

I know they won't do it but it would be cool to see them put Chevy badged on the cars at the race in TX. It would make it a Ford vs Chevy battle here and even the folks down under would not be offended. God knows we ship enough Chevy items there daily at work. You would be suprised how many Camaro's they have there.

[SAmadei]

As long as no one expects it to be a volume car like the Caprice of old it will do fine.

Problem is, that on the front side, everyone... GM engineers, bean counters, sales managers, enthusiasts, etc. will agree to this. Unfortunately, in retrospect, many of these groups will still consider it a failure if it does not hit 100K/yr even though everyone agreed ahead of time that that wasn't the goal. All GM niche cars are failures in retrospect, according to some detractor.

[Camino LS6]

This is gonna be fantastic. When's the El Camino debut?

Have a little mercy, Ocn!

[balthazar]

Problem is, that on the front side, everyone... GM engineers, bean counters, sales managers, enthusiasts, etc. will agree to this. Unfortunately, in retrospect, many of these groups will still consider it a failure if it does not hit 100K/yr even though everyone agreed ahead of time that that wasn't the goal. All GM niche cars are failures in retrospect, according to some detractor.

Exactly. Look no further than the Corvette; an expensive 2-seat, blistering-fast sports car... the very mention of sales volume other than to state the fact, misses the point by miles.

Because it's GM.

Google pieces on the BMW 6 and see how often it's called a "failure" because they sell 200/mth or whatever the number is. Let me save you the time: none.

Because it's NOT GM.

[riviera74]

Not Every single Chevy has to sell 100,000 units for it to be a success. As long as it sells at a good price (i.e. not Corvette pricing) and its time on the dealer lot is relatively short, that will be successful. Moreover, Camaro volumes on the new SS should be sufficient in about 3-5 years anyways.

Why anyone holds GM to the sales levels of 1968 (or 1985) is bothersome for one reason: there were few foreign cars sold here in '68 and by '85 BMWs were not selling at the numbers they are now.

[hyperv6]

As long as Gm keeps this car profitable and this platform profitable that is the whole point.

There is little chance in this market that a large RWD V8 sedan will ever sell 100 units. It is not the only platform of choice anymore nor is the car priced a the average price of a new car anylonger. The only way they could meet those numbers are with fleet sales like the Crown Vic but this is not that kind of car.

The reason GM needs cars like the Camaro to sell in greater numbers here is because it is not shared anywhere else. This will change soon as it will be sold elsewhere in the future just as the new Mustang will.

The is a price we pay with global cars where we have to have them meet some odd regs we may not like but on the plus side it gives us a shot at cars like this that would never be built and sold here because it would be diffcult to sell them in the numbers our market would take and make a profit.

I would say there are BMW and Benz that would not be around today if they had to just rely on the Euro market. The US and Asian markets make them profitable as they keep the volume in hand.

Market watchers may squawk about production numbers but most in the general public never know what the real numbers were unless they get posted somewhere. I had to go throrgh a Chevy marketing manager to prove to the HHR people there were more SS than they thought because the numbers were never posted anywhere.

[Camino LS6]

So, does any of this crowd want one of these?

[z28luvr01]

I'd like to see how it looks, and a few things have to bounce in my favor, but yes!

[Camino LS6]

It's a sedan, so I'm out.

But I'd love to take a drive in one - especially if a manual is offered.

[riviera74]

I would be remiss if I said I did not want one. I will say that I have to see it at the dealership before I would say yes. Budget willing, of course.

[Robert Hall]

I definitely want to check it out...I like the '11+ Charger quite a bit, would like to compare this..

[G. David Felt]

I think Chevy is doing this because of the success of the charger. Family sedan with Challenger fun factor.

In this case, SS = Family Sedan with Camero Fun Factor! Rock on GM

[hyperv6]

Chevy is doing this as it helps Chevy better address past Pontiac owners with the only Pontiac that was worth continuing. The Charger to a degree and the lack of RWD at Ford also are factors. Plus you need to factor in the Mark R love factor as well as the need to keep the plant busy down under.

I will have to see the face of the car and what they do to it. Also price. There is a red G8 GT I see daily that I wish I had so I have to say I have an interest but by the time I buy again It depends on what is out. I could go for an ATS Turbo just as easy for the same price. I do not live by cylinder count anymore I live by performance results. Also MPG could be a factor if gas stays up.

I would be more interested in a Ute if it comes.

[Camino LS6]

I wonder how long it will be until we get our first look at the car.

[ocnblu]

Damn soon, I hope.

[SAmadei]

Not Every single Chevy has to sell 100,000 units for it to be a success. As long as it sells at a good price (i.e. not Corvette pricing) and its time on the dealer lot is relatively short, that will be successful.

You know you're preaching to the choir, right? Go tell the media this when the talking heads start denouncing it.

[riviera74]

Not Every single Chevy has to sell 100,000 units for it to be a success. As long as it sells at a good price (i.e. not Corvette pricing) and its time on the dealer lot is relatively short, that will be successful.

You know you're preaching to the choir, right? Go tell the media this when the talking heads start denouncing it.

I agree insofar as the media needs to stop coddling Toyota and Honda and now Hyundai. (The talking heads should not denounce the SS when it sells at Camaro levels!) The media needs to be reminded that 1968 is long over and that profitable success is far more important.

[balthazar]

^ The media is a clueless, swirling vortex of non-think & parroting regurgitation.

[Camino LS6]

The "Chevelle" debate surfaced over at CZ28.com, and I had to post the following:

It is precisely because the Chevelle came in so many bodystyles that the name is right for this car. Especially if there is any truth to the rumors that GM will be adding the wagon and Ute, and V6 cars after a move to North American production.

Chevelles were sedans,coupes, convertibles,wagons and the El Camino. They were post and hardtop cars, they were grocery getters and 1/4 mile heroes. They were dowdy , stripper sedans with a straight six and three on the tree and they were 450HP musclecars. They were automatics and sticks . They were bench seats and buckets with consoles. They were the family wagon and a handsome convetible. But above all they were a killer product in the market that offered something for everyone - and their sales numbers proved it.

In short, the Chevelle line was the most versatile Chevy nameplate ever.

[ocnblu]

Excellent post.

The "SS" name doesn't bother me for the V8 model.

But if we are to have more than one version as the reports indicate, Chevelle is more than apt.

Maybe the Chevelle name will appear on the 6 cylinder versions.

I'd be more than happy to drive a 6 cylinder El Camino with a stick shift and nice rims.

The spy shots seem to indicate a style rework, at least in the front end, v. the current Commodore.

As before we got the hallowed G8, I do hope for a good measure of divisional DNA in this new car. Hope springs eternal.

[Camino LS6]

The dream can't be dead...

[Camino LS6]

Interestingly, Chevy had posted a discussion or poll of reaction to the name "SS" on facebook . But, when I went back to find it, it had been deleted.

[hyperv6]

Would prove to be interesting if they intro the car as the SS and then if they move to a wagon and V6 they add a Chevelle handle to all models. It would not be a diffcult move to do.

Either way we have gained an improved G8 back and that should make those who want a RWD car happy. Now it is up to the public to show GM that there is demand for them in numbers enough to support imports. GM has done their part and now it is up to those who said they wanted one to put up the money. As long as GM keeps the supply up with demand they should prevent the dealers from pulling a Pontiac move of jacking prices.

As for the media too many people have no idea how it works. The media is not some great impartial voice as it is in theory. For the most the media is bought and sold be it magazines, Newspapers or Television.

We will never see anyone admit it but the Asian companies bought and paid for a lot of good will in the media The media is not only unbiased in Politics but they are also unbiased to money paid for MFG for good will to their companies.

To be honest the American companies opened the door with their poor quality as it takes a little truth to portray and support any false statment, commentary or sediment.

Edited May 20, 2012 by hyperv6

[Camino LS6]

They'll have to bring in another bodystyle to capture me, but I watch - with interest.

[hyperv6]

They'll have to bring in another bodystyle to capture me, but I watch - with interest.

You keep telling us what you have no interest in. You need to state what you do what that is plausible in this market. As long as there is a Camaro there will be no other Chevy Coupe on the Zeta and it would be a long shot at Buick getting a Riv on this. Odds are better that a Alpha may provide a coupe for you.

[ocnblu]

How about a nice "sedan pickup", Camino? Would that interest you atall?

Code 130R, please, a little brother fer Camaro, if it's a coupe you want. And I'll have none of that eek-Assist crap. 1.4t, 2.5 or 2.0t would do quite nicely, thank ya.

[Z-06]

I think this car will be where G8 GXP left, not the G8 GT. So I expect the LS3 or similar Gen V with ~425 hp and ~$37K. The car will possibly be a tier above the Impala. Given the content of the new Impala, the price does not seem unreasonable.

I hope it has manual and automatic transmissions. If the car comes in manual, it will certainly perk my interests.

[Camino LS6]

They'll have to bring in another bodystyle to capture me, but I watch - with interest.

You keep telling us what you have no interest in. You need to state what you do what that is plausible in this market. As long as there is a Camaro there will be no other Chevy Coupe on the Zeta and it would be a long shot at Buick getting a Riv on this. Odds are better that a Alpha may provide a coupe for you.

Anything but a sedan will do nicely.

[hyperv6]

I think this car will be where G8 GXP left, not the G8 GT. So I expect the LS3 or similar Gen V with ~425 hp and ~$37K. The car will possibly be a tier above the Impala. Given the content of the new Impala, the price does not seem unreasonable.

I hope it has manual and automatic transmissions. If the car comes in manual, it will certainly perk my interests.

This is what I have predicted for a while. I also would not be suprised if we may see a few HSV based special editions come along too.

The only thing I differ on is I expect more power in the standad model. There were claims the C7 with this engine will be nearing Z06 power levels so I expexct the Camaro and SS to have a ltitle less but more than the presernt SS Camaro.

Look for the Camaro and SS both to have the same engine and tranny options. Less the ZL1 for now. When Al said they were calling this the Camaro 4 door that gave me the impression that he drive lines ans suspension tunes would be similar. I would love to see what this car could do with the magnetic shocks as an option.