What platform is the Chevy SS based on?
The Chevy SS is based on General Motors' rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform, derived from the Holden Commodore VF.
Platform lineage and background
To understand the Chevy SS platform, it helps to look at GM's long-running Zeta family, which underpinned several rear-wheel-drive sedans and performance cars across GM’s brands.
Connection to Holden Commodore VF
The Chevrolet SS is essentially a Holden Commodore VF sedan adapted for the American market. The VF generation (introduced in 2013) used the Zeta platform, and the SS leveraged that architecture for its chassis, suspension, and drivetrain mounting.
Here are the key platform facts that underpin the Chevy SS:
- Platform name: GM Zeta (rear-wheel-drive architecture)
- Origins: Holden Commodore VF (Australia, 2013–2017)
- GM family: Shared with Pontiac G8 and early Camaro generations
- Vehicle layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedan
- Production locale: Built by Holden in Australia for Chevrolet's US market
Taken together, these points show that the Chevy SS is built on GM's Zeta rear-wheel-drive platform, anchored in the Holden Commodore VF's engineering.
Summary
Is the Chevy SS the same as the Holden?
Yes, the Chevrolet SS is essentially a rebadged Holden Commodore, a performance sedan built by the former Australian General Motors (GM) subsidiary Holden. It was specifically created to be sold in the United States market from 2013 to 2017.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevrolet SS (Holden Commodore): 58sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2025
- Rebadged for the U.S. market: The Chevy SS was the Holden Commodore with Chevrolet badges for sale in the United States.
- Successor to the Pontiac G8: It was introduced to replace the Pontiac G8 after the Pontiac brand was discontinued.
- Australian-built: The cars were manufactured in Australia at the same plant that produced the Holden Commodore.
This video shows the interior and discusses ownership of the Chevy SS (Holden Commodore): 1mShould I Get It ReviewsYouTube · Apr 2, 2021
What platform is the Chevy SS built on?
The Chevy SS is built on the GM Zeta platform, a rear-wheel-drive architecture that was also used for the Holden Commodore and the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. The platform was stiffened and improved with new, high-strength steel for the SS to create a more controlled drive.
- Platform: GM Zeta platform
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Shared with: Holden Commodore, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Caprice PPV
- Improvements: The chassis was stiffened for improved performance, using a significant amount of new medium and high-strength steel.
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 chassis is the Chevy SS on?
The Holden Commodore / Chevy SS was built on the GM Zeta platform and came in a front-engine, RWD layout.
