Chevrolet News:2014 Chevrolet SS To Start At $45,465*

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

June 4, 2013

Chevrolet has announced the pricing for the upcoming SS sedan. The base price is $45,465 (includes $995 destination charge) and comes equipped with an 6.2L LS3 V8 engine with 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the SS hits 60 MPH in under five seconds.

Standard equipment for the SS includes nineteen-inch forged aluminum wheels, Brembo front brakes, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, Bose premium-sound system, color heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and push-button start.

There are two options available for the SS; a sunroof for $900 and a full-size spare tire for $500.

“The all-new SS is engineered for performance enthusiasts who’ve been clamoring for a rear-wheel-drive sedan. Adding the SS to the lineup further solidifies Chevrolet’s position as America’s best-selling performance-car brand that also includes the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray and Camaro Z/28,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

What isn't known at this time is the gas-guzzler tax for the SS. Chevrolet says they will announce that when they get that information.

Source: Chevrolet

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2014 Chevrolet SS Priced at $44,470

DETROIT – The suggested retail price for the 2014 Chevrolet SS sports sedan is $44,470, including a $995 destination charge, Chevrolet announced today. Title and license fees are extra. The SS goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The U.S.-exclusive SS – Chevrolet’s first rear-drive performance sedan since 1996 – comes well-equipped in only one model, with a power-operated sunroof ($900) and full-size spare tire ($500) as the only options.

“The all-new SS is engineered for performance enthusiasts who’ve been clamoring for a rear-wheel-drive sedan,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “Adding the SS to the lineup further solidifies Chevrolet’s position as America’s best-selling performance-car brand that also includes the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray and Camaro Z/28.”

Standard equipment includes:

• High intensity discharge headlamps with Light emitting diode daytime running lamps
  
• Automatic Parking Assist
  
• Chevrolet MyLink with a color touch screen and GPS-based navigation system
  
• Bose® premium audio system – including SiriusXM radio (with 12-month trial)
  
• Color head-up display and color driver information center
  
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
  
• Alloy pedal covers
  
• Heated and ventilated front seats with memory
  
• Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Departure Warning
  
• Rear-vision camera with rear park assist
  
• Keyless access and push-button start.
  

The LS3 6.2L small-block V-8 powers the SS, is SAE certified at 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb-ft of torque (563 Nm), which helps it sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds. It is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

The rear axle has an aggressive 3.27 ratio that enhances the feeling of acceleration. Additional chassis and suspension features include:

• MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension geometry
  
• Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
  
• Standard Brembo front brakes, with ventilated, 14-inch (355-mm) two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers
  
• Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5-inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9-inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires at the rear.
  

Handling is also optimized with a nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity – attributes made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.

The SS will be available in five exterior colors – Mystic Green, Silver Ice Metallic, Red Hot 2, Phantom Black Metallic and Heron White. All interiors will be Jet Black and feature sport front bucket seats.

The SS will be subject to the gas guzzler tax. Pricing information will be updated when the charge is determined.

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[Robert Hall]

Figured it would be up there...about $2k less than it's only competitor, the Charger SRT8. 55hp less than the SRT8, though, but 45hp more than the R/T--for $15k more. Alas, w/ dealer gouge, these will probably be $60-65k for a while...

Edited June 4, 2013 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[smk4565]

Priced about where the Genesis R-spec is, so not surprising.

[Camino LS6]

So I have to assume this is posted in the truck forum by accident - unless there is a Ute version no one has mentioned.

At any rate, I am not impressed with the looks, content, nor price of this SS - I think they did it wrong all the way around.

[William Maley]

So I have to assume this is posted in the truck forum by accident - unless there is a Ute version no one has mentioned.

Ooops.. Sorry about that

[smk4565]

Cars like this depreciate quickly though, see Genesis, Charger/300C and Pontiac G8 as examples. Probably in 3 years you'll be able to snag one for the price of a base Malibu.

[daves87rs]

Not sure how it will do....

[regfootball]

well, it's overpriced, but i guess all vehicles are today.

this pretty much guarantees this as a niche model.

if you want a v8, you're gonna pay

[loki]

not using an lt1 at that price is not surprising cause of it's newness, but also a bad move... wasn't the first 2 years of the GTO using the ls1 when the ls3 ls2 just came out?

[cletus8269]

actually G8 GT's are holding values very well, at least the prices I have seen. there are few G8 GT's with decent miles below 18K in my neck of the woods. that being said, $45K is used CTS-V money if it was my choice. in fact there is a 2011 model just 2 hours away with 20K miles for $46 and change...

[hyperv6]

The G8 models in this area have only gone up do to strong demand and so few of them. I have had several low mileage models here well over $20K and they sold easily. The higher mile models have been just under $20K. keep in mind I could have bought a GT in the last year for $23K out the door, maybe I should have?

GM made it clear this was going to be over $40K as that is where most similar models are. I expected a little higher but I also expected the new engine or a Supercharged engine.

I see complaints but I really do not know what many were expecting. The car is a 2 year car and will be replaced. At that point we are assuming a Alpha bases SS but if they move production here we may see expansion to the V6 and other variations,

The exchange rate is a killer here and the MPG is not any help to GM's issues they already have meeting them. I just have a feeling this car will be in a couple years built on the same line as the Cadillac's and Camaro where it will help on price a little and will be on a new lighter platform to better deal with the MPG using a LT1.

Ruess has been working to bring this car back and his window opened so he took it. Now that it is here he will buy time till the car better suited price wise to our market arrives.

Edited June 5, 2013 by hyperv6

[ZL-1]

To me, the only thing that falls into the "too bad" category is the SS not offering a manual transmission...

[Camino LS6]

To me, the only thing that falls into the "too bad" category is the SS not offering a manual transmission...

That's the dealbreaker more than anything else, but I see this car as a G8 that has changed for the worse in every way. I'd be far happier with a used G8 GXP than I ever would with this car.

[Z-06]

Another 95% effort from GM.

It seems like GM has a trend for these niche models. GTO, SSR and now this - offer with lesser powertrain for a lot more dough to attain nicheness. The press will hammer the car, GM will realise it was a mistake, offer better powertrain but by that time the damage has been done.

Does GM want these niche cars to fail?

[Camino LS6]

It certainly seems that way.

[Robert Hall]

Does GM want these niche cars to fail?

Of course they do..if the sales are too high, they would cut into sales of other models and lower the CAFE ratings...

[cletus8269]

keep in mind I could have bought a GT in the last year for $23K out the door, maybe I should have?

GM made it clear this was going to be over $40K as that is where most similar models are. I expected a little higher but I also expected the new engine or a Supercharged engine.

I see complaints but I really do not know what many were expecting.

yeap. the local BPGMC dealership in my area not only had a solstice coupe, but there was a loaded white on grey G8 GT on the lot marked down to $26K... I kick myself for not pulling the trigger on that, but with the impala 3/4's through the restoration and a truck that wasn't paid for I couldn't justify another payment.

as for the complaints of the SS on my end, it is the powertrain. dollar for dollar the SRT8 is just the better of the two choices to me. as GM loyal as I want to be, its hard to ignore almost a 60hp difference.

[Drew Dowdell]

While I like the SS.. I fail to see how this is a better business case than a new Avalanche.

[GMTruckGuy74]

While I like the SS.. I fail to see how this is a better business case than a new Avalanche.

The Avalanche wouldn't make a good NASCAR racer

[G. David Felt]

While I like the SS.. I fail to see how this is a better business case than a new Avalanche.

The Avalanche wouldn't make a good NASCAR racer

I disagree, the Avalanche would have been a Great NASCAR racer. Use the Supercharged LS9 and just push everyone out of your way to Victory!

Or at least a decent Pace car.

[hyperv6]

Guys you need to look big picture again. You need to look to the future to better understand the present.

#1 This car is a 2-3 year deal to start with on the VF. Holden said they are already well on the way with a replacement car. Most speculate it is a Alpha based car.

#2 No matter if some want to believe it or not the exchange rate between us and down under is a BI$%ch right now. It hurts us on this end greatly. I deal with Australians every day as they are buying as much as they can from the states.

#3 I feel this car was approved and Mark wanted it in to lock a place in the line up as things unfold. If he waits two to three years things could change and he may not get a larger RWD Chevy approved.

#4 If speculation is correct we could be seeing the next gen built here along with the Camaro, CTS and ATS on the Alpha line.

#5 If built here we could see expansions of the lines to include a cheaper V6 and even a Ute.

Now the only thing we do know for sure is the VF will have a very short life and they have a planned replacement but there is a lot to consider and much to understand that could and will happen.

As for now you have a damn good car here with enough HP scare some grown Honda driving men. It has a interior the G8 only could dream of. Also you can B$$#ch all you want about the automatic but 85% of the buyers or more would have chosen it anyways.

The bottom line is I see in the future a lighter LT1 V8 car with a manual option being built in MI. We may see an expanded line up too.

I truly think Mark saw a chance to approve this car with all in GM with the need in NASCAR. It was a need that needed filled and this put this car on the Map. Now once approved he can nurse it along with the older engine and heavier platform from outside the states till the new car arrives. In this business you take your opportunities when they present themselves as for a year or two from now the plan may not have had a chance.

Just be grateful for what you got as you could have had nothing.

As for the Avalanche I would love to see them do something similar with the new Colorado. It needs a open cab design much more than the full size trucks needed. The crew cab Colorado is a waste of little usable space unless you leave it all hanging out. Add the open cab to a Colorado based truck and make it so you can really haul things.
Also the Colorado based truck would be much more affordable. My buddies loaded LTZ is a really nice truck but for what he paid for it I would think twice.

[Camino LS6]

Nonsense.

With this car they tried too hard, and ended up fixing what wasn't broken. This is a luxury car, not a Chevy SS - they missed the mark, and were years late in doing it.

I'm, not giving them a pass on this one.

EDIT: Let me put this another way. The recipe they chose for this car would have been fine - for a Buick.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Camino LS6

[smk4565]

So basically, no one on a board full of GM fans who like sports cars wants to buy one. If GM fans are turned off by it, the mass public probably won't even notice its existence.

I see two problems. The first is the Impala looks better than the SS, the SS looks a bit more rental car than it does Super Sport. Second problem is people looking for sports cars or sport sedans aren't really looking for the big V8 sedan anymore. It is more about light weight and agile handling and turbo 4-cylinders nowadays. I think at $45k a lot of people would rather have a 3-series or ATS than a 4200 lb, 17 ft long V8 sedan that goes well in a straight line and that's it.

[Camino LS6]

That's a bit off, SMK.

[Z-06]

So basically, no one on a board full of GM fans who like sports cars wants to buy one. If GM fans are turned off by it, the mass public probably won't even notice its existence.

I see two problems. The first is the Impala looks better than the SS, the SS looks a bit more rental car than it does Super Sport. Second problem is people looking for sports cars or sport sedans aren't really looking for the big V8 sedan anymore. It is more about light weight and agile handling and turbo 4-cylinders nowadays. I think at $45k a lot of people would rather have a 3-series or ATS than a 4200 lb, 17 ft long V8 sedan that goes well in a straight line and that's it.

No one opposes the car, it is the packaging which can be improved

First off - offer the LT1 with genuine 6 speed or 7 speed manual transmission to at least make it worthy of a 4 door Corvette. Second off - price it at $40,000 not $46,000; if it has less standard equipment then so be it. Thirdly, it weighs ~4,000 not 4,200 lbs.

[Drew Dowdell]

... agreed on the less equipment. If this is supposed to be a drivers car, why does it have automatic parallel park?

[hyperv6]

... agreed on the less equipment. If this is supposed to be a drivers car, why does it have automatic parallel park?

I am sure It is something in the Holden already that if removed would not make the car faster, would not make the car cheaper and it offers another item to the standard item list to help make the higher price look like a better value. So to make a case of that keeping this item in the car does not make it a sports sedan is a little silly.

The reality of the parking system to me is it is a waste of time for any car as if you can not part then you should not be driving. But the way I look at it if it adds sales then God Bless it.

[hyperv6]

So basically, no one on a board full of GM fans who like sports cars wants to buy one. If GM fans are turned off by it, the mass public probably won't even notice its existence.

I see two problems. The first is the Impala looks better than the SS, the SS looks a bit more rental car than it does Super Sport. Second problem is people looking for sports cars or sport sedans aren't really looking for the big V8 sedan anymore. It is more about light weight and agile handling and turbo 4-cylinders nowadays. I think at $45k a lot of people would rather have a 3-series or ATS than a 4200 lb, 17 ft long V8 sedan that goes well in a straight line and that's it.

The reality of it is we have some people disappointed that the car is not be all things to all performance people. They seam to forget that this is a car adapted from Holden that is still a Holden first and that they are not going to make wholesale changes to it for the 10K+ units it will sell.

Add to the fact that they are already working on a replacement I suspect the changes many are upset they did not get will come then.

I am sure GM would have loved to done more here too but the development cost involved to change everything would have drive cost to the point it would never have come here at all.

To be honest I was disappointed that the VF is not much than a VE refresh and did not go any where near where I expected it to go. But once I heard the rest of the story then I was more willing to take what it is now and see where they go in a couple years.

This car is not a profit center and GM is not going to dump a ton of money for a short term vehicle.

You have to look at all the factors as building a car like this under these circumstances you can not just do it all with what they have to work with and the time it will be on this platform.

I see a the new car getting the LT1, less weight and a even better suspension. If they can move production here and share parts with another GM line like a Camaro etc. it would help in development cost and profits.

Too many forget that the goal is to make a good car but also make a profit. when converting a car someone else built for a different market sold in low volumes will always have compromises. The G8 and GTO also were the kings of compromise along with the SS. All good cars but not in a position that you could justify a massive investment to make it all it could be.

Now if GM were planning on selling 50k-100k units here then they could afford the investment.

[Camino LS6]

I see we've lost posts again.

[hyperv6]

Here is some insight of the Big Picture, here is one of the stories that were posted on the future of the VF replacement.

I feel what we do not know on what is coming has had a great affect on what we have now.

http://www.topgear.com/au/car-news/vf-commodore-not-the-last

[G. David Felt]

Good to see holden has a future.

[hyperv6]

I find it interesting to see that Holden is now advertising their line as a made here deal with rebadged Chevys but also they even show the SS as a top line car sold in America.

American cars are very popular in Australia but are very expensive. I know we are selling more Chevy parts down under than ever and are looking at expanding business there even more.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/first-holden-vf-commodore-ad-plays-up-ties-to-chevy-ss/

There is a plan in place for both companies. It will be interesting to see where al they take this. I see Holden having a positive effect on Chevy and the smaller Chevy cars saving Holden from the Asian invasion.