What kind of car is a Chevy SS?
The Chevy SS is a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive four-door sedan produced by Chevrolet from 2014 to 2017. It was built in Australia by Holden and sold in the United States as Chevrolet's standalone V8-powered sports sedan, positioned between the Camaro and the Corvette in capability.
In more detail, the SS uses Holden’s Commodore-based architecture and a 6.2-liter V8 to deliver true muscle-car power with daily-driving practicality. It was a niche model in Chevrolet’s lineup, aimed at buyers who wanted a practical family sedan but with genuine V8 performance and rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
What is the Chevy SS?
The Chevrolet SS is a four-door sedan based on the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore VF/SS platform. It was produced for U.S. customers for model years 2014 through 2017 and slots into Chevrolet's lineup as a dedicated performance sedan rather than a modified version of the Camaro.
Origins and platform
Under the skin, the SS is grounded in Holden’s Commodore platform lineage, adapted for Chevrolet’s U.S. market. Its engineering emphasizes high-power V8 performance, a roomy interior, and a balanced chassis suitable for daily driving as well as highway bursts of speed.
Design and market position
Styling cues emphasize a sport-oriented appearance—bold grille, quad exhausts, and a performance-tuned cabin—while marketing positioned the car as the U.S. market’s most affordable rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan with four doors. It was marketed to enthusiasts who wanted the practicality of a full-size sedan with the thrill of a V8.
Key characteristics
The following bullets summarize the defining traits of the Chevy SS.
- Powertrain: a 6.2-liter V8 producing about 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, depending on the year and configuration.
- Chassis and handling: sport-tuned suspension, with high-performance braking and, in higher trims, magnetic ride control.
- Body and practicality: a four-door sedan with seating for up to five and a trunk capable of handling daily cargo, blending performance with everyday usability.
In summary, the SS offered a rare blend of V8 performance and sedan practicality, making it appealing to enthusiasts who needed space for passengers and luggage without sacrificing speed and handling.
Performance and features
Beyond raw power, the Chevy SS was equipped with features designed to enhance driving dynamics and safety on roads and tracks alike.
- Performance hardware: Brembo brakes and a confident chassis tuned for spirited driving.
- Technology and comfort: modern infotainment and safety features typical of GM’s lineup during its era, with a focus on driver engagement.
- Availability: produced for a limited window (model years 2014–2017) and sold primarily in the United States.
These specifications illustrate why the SS is viewed as a bridge between Chevy’s mainstream sedans and true performance machines like the Camaro and Corvette.
Production timeline and current status
The Chevy SS was introduced for the 2014 model year and was built in Australia by Holden, based on the VF generation Commodore. Chevrolet announced the end of the SS after the 2017 model year as GM restructured its international operations; since then, no direct U.S. model has carried the SS badge, leaving it as a sought-after used-car option for V8 enthusiasts.
Buying, ownership, and legacy
Today, the Chevy SS appears on the used-car market as a rare six- or seven-year-old option if you are seeking a four-door sedan with genuine V8 performance. Its rarity and distinctive combination of practicality and power have cemented its place in Chevrolet history as a niche, enthusiast-oriented model.
Summary
In brief, the Chevy SS is a rare, rear-wheel-drive, four-door V8 sedan produced by Chevrolet from 2014 to 2017. It offered a performance-focused alternative to typical family sedans, drawing on Holden’s Commodore engineering to deliver V8 power, driving dynamics, and everyday usability in a single package. Though no longer in production, the SS remains a notable footprint in Chevrolet’s performance lineup and a prized model for collectors and enthusiasts.
