Does the Chevy SS have a V8?
Yes. The Chevy SS uses a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine.
The Chevy SS was a limited‑run, rear‑wheel‑drive four‑door sedan sold in the United States from 2014 through 2017. It was developed from the Holden Commodore platform and installed GM’s Gen V small‑block V8 in a dedicated Chevrolet package, delivering true V8 performance in a package aimed at enthusiasts seeking a practical sports sedan.
Engine and power details
Here are the core engine specs that define the Chevy SS V8.
- Displacement and configuration: 6.2-liter V8 (Gen V LT1)
- Horsepower: around 415 hp (peak, model years varied slightly around this figure)
- Torque: approximately 415 lb-ft
- Fuel system and tech: direct injection with variable valve timing and active fuel management
- Drive layout: rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode (no factory manual option)
The LT1 V8 in the SS is tuned to provide a strong acceleration profile and characteristic V8 exhaust note, while the car’s chassis and suspension are tuned to balance ride comfort with sportier handling for spirited driving.
Production, platform, and market context
Origins and platform
The Chevy SS draws on GM’s global platform derived from Holden’s Commodore design. While built in Holden’s facilities for U.S. sale, the car was designed to deliver a distinctly American performance sedan experience with GM’s V8 heartbeat at its core.
Availability and lifecycle
Chevrolet offered the SS for model years 2014 through 2017 in the U.S., with production ending as GM shifted focus away from several sedan configurations toward SUVs and trucks. The vehicle was notable for offering a true V8 in a large, rear‑drive configuration at a time when many rival sedans were downsizing or moving away from V8s.
Why it mattered for enthusiasts
The Chevrolet SS gave buyers seeking a practical, all‑weather, rear‑drive V8 sedan a rare option in its era. It combined performance hardware typically found in coupes or higher‑priced sport sedans with the practicality of a four‑door family car. Its limited production run has helped it become a sought‑after model among enthusiasts who value a straightforward, no‑nonsense V8 powered sedan.
Summary
In short, the Chevy SS definitely has a V8: a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 producing about 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. It rode on Holden’s Commodore-based platform and was sold in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017 as Chevrolet’s dedicated performance sedan, a unique chapter in GM’s modern V8 lineup.
