What transmission does a Chevy SS have?
The Chevrolet SS uses a six-speed automatic transmission, not a manual gearbox. Specifically, it’s GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L80-E six-speed automatic paired with the 6.2-liter V8, featuring driver-selectable manual modes and paddle shifters.
Transmission details in the Chevy SS
The SS was built around GM’s rear-wheel-drive platform and the LT1 6.2-liter V8, with a transmission designed to handle the engine’s torque while delivering smooth, controlled shifts for daily driving and performance use. Chevrolet did not offer a factory manual option for this model.
Key features of the Chevy SS transmission include:
- Six forward gears in GM’s Hydra-Matic automatic family (6L80-E)
- Electronic control with both automatic mode and driver-selected manual shift modes
- Paddle shifters on the steering wheel for quick manual control
- Shift logic tuned to complement the 6.2L V8’s performance characteristics
In summary, the Chevy SS relies on a 6L80-E six-speed automatic designed to pair with its performance V8, and it was not offered with a factory manual transmission.
Context and model-year notes
Produced from 2014 to 2017, the Chevy SS represented GM’s return to a dedicated V8, rear-wheel-drive sedan in the U.S. market. The transmission choice—an automatic only—was aligned with the car’s target audience and performance tuning. While enthusiasts sometimes explore manual swaps or alternative GM platforms for different configurations, Chevrolet did not offer a factory manual option for the SS.
Summary
The Chevrolet SS is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission (GM Hydra-Matic 6L80-E) paired to the 6.2-liter LT1 V8. It does not offer a factory manual transmission, and its setup focuses on smooth, performance-oriented shifting with paddle-shift and manual modes.
Why are Chevy SS so rare?
Chevy SS models are rare because they were produced for only a short, four-year period (2014–2017) with low sales figures, totaling fewer than 13,000 units sold in the US. This was partly due to a niche market and poor marketing, as well as the car being built in Australia on the platform of the Holden Commodore, which was also discontinued.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevy SS and why it's so rare: 58sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2025
Factors contributing to the Chevy SS's rarity
- Limited production run: The car was only produced from 2014 to 2017, resulting in a very small total production number.
- Low sales volume: Despite being praised by automotive critics, sales were slow throughout its production run, with only about 3,000 units sold per year.
- Poor marketing: Chevrolet did not heavily promote the SS, and the car was not widely advertised, which hurt its popularity.
- Niche vehicle: The SS was a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan, a niche in the American market which was increasingly favoring other types of vehicles like crossovers, SUVs, and German sports sedans.
- Australian manufacturing: The SS was imported from Australia, as it was based on the Holden Commodore platform. When Holden was discontinued, it sealed the fate of the SS as well.
- Market shift: The automotive market was shifting away from naturally aspirated V8 sedans and manual transmissions towards turbocharged, hybrid, and crossover options.
What transmission comes 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) |
What transmission is in a 2015 Chevy SS?
6-speed manual transmission
Chevrolet SS is the sophisticated performance sedan with an acclaimed global pedigree. The 415-horsepower LS3 V8 is matched to a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic or the newly available 6-speed manual transmission. And new-for-2015 Gen 3 Magnetic Ride Control™ takes ride and response to an even higher level.
What transmission does a 2016 Chevy SS have?
Once again this year, the 2016 Chevy SS in Sanford sports a 6.2L V8 engine underneath the hood that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control.
