What makes a Chevy SS a SS?
The “SS” badge in Chevrolet’s lineage stands for Super Sport, the brand’s performance-oriented line. In practice, a Chevy SS is defined by a high-output powertrain, a rear‑drive chassis, sport‑tuned handling, upgraded braking, and distinctive styling that signals performance beyond the standard LT models. The current and only U.S. market Chevy SS (2014–2017) used a tuned 6.2‑liter V8 and a fixed transmission setup, making it a dedicated performance sedan rather than a mere trim level.
The meaning behind the SS badge and its history
The SS designation has deep roots in Chevrolet’s history, signaling a performance-oriented variant across multiple models. The badge dates back to muscle‑car eras when Chevy paired bigger engines with handling and visual upgrades. Over the decades, SS variants appeared on cars such as Chevelle, Camaro, Impala, and Malibu, each time signaling more power, better braking, and a firmer suspension compared with the base model. In the modern era, the SS badge was revived for a Holden Commodore–based sedan sold in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017, marking Chevrolet’s last dedicated V8, rear‑drive sedan in that period.
What defines the SS across Chevrolet’s lineup is not a single feature, but a package of performance signals: a stronger engine, enhanced driveline/drivetrain characteristics, sharper handling, more capable brakes, and exterior/interior cues that announce its performance intent. Below is a distilled look at those defining elements.
- Powerful engine: An SS badge traditionally means a large-displacement V8 or a similarly potent powerplant, delivering higher horsepower and torque than standard models.
- Rear‑wheel drive and driving dynamics: Most SS variants emphasize a rear‑drive layout with sport-tuned suspension to deliver stronger handling, grip, and a more engaging driving experience.
- Upgraded braking and chassis: Larger or higher‑performing brakes and a stiffer chassis underpin the performance focus, improving stopping power and cornering stability.
- Distinctive styling and interior touches: SS models sport unique badging, exhaust styling, and interior touches such as sport seats or special trim that signal the performance intent.
The following list highlights the core traits that have historically marked an SS and, in the modern era, specifically define the Chevy SS sedan.
In short, the SS badge signals a package that combines power, handling, braking, and visual cues to set a car apart from its non‑SS siblings.
The 2014–2017 Chevrolet SS: the modern interpretation
When Chevrolet revived the SS badge for a modern sedan, it did so on a Holden Commodore–based platform and focused the package around a single, high‑output powertrain paired with a dedicated driving experience. Here are the key attributes of the 2014–2017 Chevy SS that concrete-ize what makes it an SS in the contemporary context.
- Engine: 6.2-liter V8 (LT1) producing about 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, tuned for strong mid‑range power and a satisfying V8 note.
- Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive with a fixed setup designed for steady, confident handling; a limited‑slip differential helps maximize traction during spirited driving.
- Transmission: A 6‑speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode was standard; a manual transmission was not offered for the SS sedan.
- Suspension and handling: A sport‑tuned suspension setup (with performance-oriented tuning) aimed at sharper turn-in and better body control than non‑SS Chevy sedans.
- Brakes and stopping power: Upgraded braking hardware to support the higher power and spirited driving sessions, contributing to safer performance at higher speeds.
- Exterior and interior cues: Unique SS badging, distinctive quad exhaust outlets, and interior trim/branding to emphasize the performance character of the model.
Before listing the defining modern details, note the following points about how this model fits the SS concept:
Together, these elements defined the modern Chevy SS as a legitimate performance sedan within Chevrolet’s lineup, distinct from standard LT trims and from front‑drive or smaller‑engine Chevys.
A look back: how the SS badge has evolved across Chevrolet history
Chevrolet has used the SS badge on a range of models since the 1960s, signaling performance-oriented upgrades beyond the base trim. Notable examples include the Chevelle SS, Camaro SS, Impala SS, and Malibu SS in different eras—each pairing stronger engines with chassis and styling upgrades. While the specifics vary by generation and model, the throughline remains: the SS designation marks a focus on performance, power, and a more aggressive driving experience than standard models. The modern Chevy SS carried that legacy into a full‑size, rear‑drive sedan built around a potent V8, a rarity in the U.S. market during its production years.
Summary
In Chevrolet’s language, SS stands for Super Sport—a badge that signifies performance parity between power, handling, braking, and distinctive styling. The modern Chevy SS (2014–2017) embodied that idea with a 6.2L V8, rear‑wheel drive, sport-tuned dynamics, and exclusive styling cues, offered with a single 6‑speed automatic transmission and no manual option. Historically, the SS badge has appeared on various Chevrolet models as a signal of enhanced power and performance, a tradition the SS sedan carried forward in a modern, Holden-derived package. Together, these elements explain what makes a Chevy SS an SS: a deliberate, performance-focused package rather than just a higher trim level.
What is the Chevy SS based on?
The Chevy SS was based on the Australian-made Holden Commodore. It was essentially a rebadged version of the Commodore for the North American market, sharing its platform and design.
- Holden Commodore: The Chevy SS was the U.S. version of the Holden Commodore, specifically the VF generation.
- Rear-wheel drive performance sedan: It was a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sport sedan manufactured by General Motors' Australian branch, Holden.
- Spiritual successor: The SS is considered the spiritual successor to the Pontiac G8, which was an earlier Holden Commodore sold in the U.S.
What makes a Chevy an SS?
Super Sport, or SS, is the signature performance option package offered by the Chevrolet division of General Motors on a limited number of its vehicles. All SS models come with distinctive "SS" markings on their exterior. The SS package was first made available for the 1961 Impala.
What is the best year of the Chevy SS?
The "best" year for a Chevy SS depends on the specific model, but for the modern performance sedan (2014-2017), the 2015-2017 models are often preferred for upgrades like manual transmission availability and enhanced suspension, with 2016 and 2017 models having an updated exterior and exhaust. For older muscle cars, specific years like the 1967 Camaro SS 396 or 1970 Chevelle SS are highly regarded for their powerful engines.
Modern Chevy SS Sedan (2014-2017)
- 2015-2017 Best for performance upgrades: models are considered the ultimate version due to improvements like the available manual transmission, standard magnetic ride control, and standard Brembo rear brakes (2015-2017).
- 2016 and 2017 Best for aesthetics/features: models have a refreshed front fascia with LED fog lamps, a vented hood, and a new dual-mode exhaust system.
- Best for a "pure" look: The 2015 model is preferred by some enthusiasts for its original, pre-refresh exterior look and the introduction of the manual transmission, while avoiding the vented hood and dual-mode exhaust of later years.
Classic muscle cars (examples)
- 1967 Camaro SS 396: This model is praised for its 375 hp 6.5-liter V8 engine.
- 1970 Chevelle SS: Considered by many to be the peak of the Chevelle SS, particularly the models equipped with the 450 hp LS6 454 V8 engine option.
What makes a car a Super Sport?
In fact back in 1964 you could order up a Super Sport package and still have an inline-six engine! Typically on any car the Super Sport package would include high-performance tires, heavy-duty suspension, and increased power along with some appearance upgrades such as racing stripes or additional chrome.
