Are a Holden and Chevy SS the same?
Not exactly. The Chevrolet SS is GM's US-market rebadge of Holden's Commodore SS, built on the same underlying platform but sold under different brands with market-specific configurations. The Holden version was developed for Australia; the Chevrolet SS was produced for the United States from 2014 to 2017 and is no longer offered in the U.S. market.
Background and branding
To understand the relationship, it helps to know that Holden is GM's Australian brand and Chevrolet is GM's global brand used in the United States. The "SS" badge denotes a performance-oriented trim. The Chevrolet SS was introduced as a U.S. market devotee to GM's Commodore-based performance sedan lineup and was manufactured in Australia for sale in North America during a brief production run.
Branding and markets
The Holdens Commodore SS and the Chevrolet SS share lineage in GM’s performance sedan strategy. The U.S. market car bore Chevrolet branding, while the Australian model wore the Holden badge and accommodated local regulations and preferences. Mechanically, they are closely related, but the branding and market positioning diverge.
Shared engineering foundations
Both cars arise from GM's rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered sedan philosophy and use the same general engineering package derived from the Holden Commodore VF platform. The family resemblance extends to layout and performance intent, even as tuning and features were tailored for each market.
- Rear-wheel-drive layout with a performance-focused chassis setup
- V8 powertrain lineage tied to GM's small-block family
- Underlying platform based on the Holden Commodore VF architecture
- Australian assembly for the U.S.-market rollout
Despite these shared roots, the two market versions differ in branding, interior design choices, and market-specific features, reflecting distinct customer expectations in Australia and the United States.
Key differences by market
Differences between the Holden Commodore SS and the Chevrolet SS reflect distinct market approaches and GM branding decisions. The main contrasts lie in branding, interior/feature packages, and lifecycle realities.
- Branding and market focus: Holden badge in Australia vs Chevrolet badge in the U.S.
- Interior and equipment: market-specific infotainment, materials, and safety/driver-assistance options
- Lifecycle and availability: Chevrolet SS was a limited-run model for the U.S. (2014–2017); Holden Commodore SS remained in the Australian lineup under Holden until brand wind-downs in the late 2010s and early 2020s
- Market tuning: adjustments to suspension, steering feel, and calibrations intended for local road and regulatory conditions
In practical terms, enthusiasts often refer to the Chevrolet SS as a rebadged Holden Commodore SS, with most differences arising from branding and market-specific tuning rather than an entirely separate vehicle. The core platform and engine lineage tie them together, but they are not identical products.
History and current status
The Chevrolet SS represented GM's attempt to bring a Holden-based performance sedan to the United States, but its run was short. Holden, the Australian brand responsible for the Commodore, has since exited the local market as part of GM's global restructuring, with the brand wind-down completed by the early 2020s. The Chevrolet SS, produced from 2014 to 2017, remains a notable but discontinued chapter in GM’s cross-market strategy.
Summary
In short, Holden and Chevy SS are not the same car, but they are closely related. The Chevrolet SS is effectively a US-market rebadge of Holden's Commodore SS, built on the same foundational platform but marketed under different brands with market-specific tweaks. The Holden Commodore SS served the Australian market, while the Chevrolet SS occupied a brief niche in the United States before production ended. The story reflects GM's strategy of using a common platform to serve multiple global markets, paired with branding decisions that catered to local tastes.
What is the Australian version of the Chevy SS?
Holden Commodore
It was based on the Holden Commodore, an Australian-made car that was also sold as the Pontiac G8 in the United States. The SS was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produced 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and it was available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Is Holden made by Chevy?
Holden, formerly known as General Motors-Holden, was an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors. Founded in Adelaide, it was an automobile manufacturer, importer, and exporter that sold cars under its own marque in Australia.
What is a Holden SS?
The SS was an option package for a range of Holden vehicles, featuring V8 engines, unique interiors, body kits, louder and higher flowing exhaust systems, that generally express a more aggressive and performance-centered feel over non-SS models.
Is the Chevy SS the same as the Holden?
The Chevrolet SS is a performance full-size sedan sold by Chevrolet from 2013 to 2017, as a rebadge of the Holden Commodore exclusive to the United States. It was sold in the 2014-2017 model years.
