How many gears does a Chevy SS have?
Six gears. The Chevy SS uses a 6.2-liter V8 paired with a six-speed transmission, offered in two configurations depending on the model: a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
Produced from 2014 through 2017, the Chevy SS is based on the Holden Commodore VF and represented Chevrolet’s return to a rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered sedan in the U.S. This article explains the gear count and how the two transmission options compare in practical terms for drivers and enthusiasts.
Two transmission options for the Chevy SS
The following quick guide explains the two gearbox choices offered with the Chevy SS and confirms the number of forward gears in each.
- Six-speed manual transmission — six forward gears, operated by the driver with a traditional clutch and shifter.
- Six-speed automatic transmission — six forward gears, with automatic operation and often manual shift mode (via gear lever or paddles).
In practice, both transmission options provide six forward gears to harness the car’s 6.2L V8, with the choice mainly influencing driving feel—hands-on engagement versus convenience and smoothness in automatic mode.
Context and model history
The Chevy SS was developed from the Australian-made Holden Commodore VF platform and marketed in the United States for model years 2014–2017. GM offered the SS with two six-speed options to appeal to different buyer preferences: purists who wanted a true manual experience and customers who preferred the ease of an automatic with sport-oriented shifting.
Understanding the gear count is straightforward: regardless of which six-speed option you choose, the Chevy SS delivers six forward gears, designed to balance rapid acceleration with highway efficiency for a V8-powered sedan.
Summary
Bottom line: the Chevy SS has six forward gears in either available transmission—six-speed manual or six-speed automatic—reflecting its performance orientation and GM’s packaging choices for the model years 2014 through 2017.
Why are Chevy SS so rare?
Chevy SS sedans are rare because they were only produced for a short four-year run (2014–2017) with low production numbers, partly due to a lack of marketing and poor sales figures that were only about 3,000 per year. The car was imported from Australia as a Holden Commodore and its production was ultimately limited by the closure of the Holden plant, according to Quora.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevy SS's design and why it was considered a sleeper sedan: 31sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2025
- Limited production: The car was only produced for four model years, ending after 2017, which inherently limits the total number of vehicles available.
- Low sales and poor marketing: Despite being a high-performance sedan with a V8 engine, sales were lackluster, partly because Chevrolet did not heavily market the car.
- Imported from Australia: The Chevy SS was an imported Holden Commodore, and its production run was tied to the Australian Holden plant, which GM later shuttered.
- Short lifespan: The vehicle was essentially a stop-gap model to honor a prior deal to import sedans from Holden after the Pontiac G8 was canceled, and there was no plan for a long-term replacement.
Is the Chevy SS a sleeper?
Corvette. That's right a Corvette engine in a family sedan 415 horsepower and 415 lb feet of torque. And a 0 to 60 time of 4.5. Seconds that's the same as the Porsche Cayman GTS.
What transmission is in a Chevy SS?
| Chevrolet SS | |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed 6L80-E automatic 6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 114.8 in (2,916 mm) |
| Length | 195.8 in (4,973 mm) |
How much horsepower does a Chevy SS have?
The Chevy SS has 415 horsepower from its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine. This powerful sedan also produces 415 lb-ft of torque and features a rear-wheel-drive layout with performance-oriented components like Brembo brakes.
This video shows a review of the Chevy SS, highlighting its engine and driving experience: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Oct 17, 2025
- Engine: 6.2L V8 (LS3)
- Horsepower: 415 hp @ 5,900 rpm
- Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Key features: Standard Brembo brakes, a powerful engine, and performance-tuned suspension
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevy SS and its features: 53sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2025
