Chevy and SS.

I got a chance to read GM's press kit on the history of SS and where they may be taking it in the future.

It was laced with afew inaccuracies (ie Camaro switched to the F-body in 1970 joining the Firebird....or words to that affect)....but it was an intersting read none the less.

We know about the SS(r), Impala SS and Silverado SS......

What other Chevies do you guys think should be in line to get the "SS treatment".

Well......come on. What direction will the SS be going?? :o

Originally posted by guionM
Well......come on. What direction will the SS be going?? :o

Got me???:confused:

Darn. Guess they need to rewrite that press kit! :D

I can tell you how Chevy defines "SS"


......"most enhancements have been to provide "go", more than"show", though there were also the expected exterior and interior upgrades. The shared characteristics of SS models over the years have included:

-Performance

-Suspension

-Tires

-Wheels

-Stripes/Ground Effects

-Engine ID

-Insrumentation

-Interior Trim

-Black-out trim

-Engine-turned metal

-Spoilers"


I would imagine that this is the template for all future SS's.



Any thoughts?............

As long as they keep it off of the Camaro and Corvette it OK with me.

Z28. :metal: :D

Here is more. These are the only passages that reference the future.

" The 2003 Silverado SS will officially begin the SS revival. Additional cars and trucks bearing the SS name will follow, as Chevrolet moves to reclaim it's rightful place in the automotive performance pantheon.

Sorry, one more....this is a quote from Kurt Ritter (GM of Chevy),


"Although SS models had virtually disappeared, enthusiasts have not. The auto market is awash in emmotionless commodity cars. In SS, we have the perfect name with which to re-ignite the flames of passion and performance in the marketplace for Chevrolet. We intend to do just that."

Originally posted by IZ28
As long as they keep it off of the Camaro and Corvette it OK with me.

Z28. :metal: :D


The Corvette won't get the SS designation.

The Camaro that's another story.;)

Camaro SS:D:metal:

Personally, I think this is good news, (not with standing the CamaroSS vs Z/28 debate ).

This would be an easily recognisable and definable performance badge for many Chevy cars and trucks.

I think, if properly executed...this would be great for Chevy.

So, either the practice of putting SS badges on anything with 4 wheels and a Chevy name is over, or they convienently forget that the current Monte Carlo SS has no performance advantage over the base model. I'm going with the former. :D

Either way, I still have confidence in Chevy's boss, Kurt Ritter. He's really pushing for Camaro, and he's also the one who said he'd like to have a RWD sedan "sooner rather than later" (at the New York auto show I believe), becoming the first person in GM to hint one is comming. I truly think he has a grip on what Chevy needs.

I noticed engine ID is also mentioned in what their view of what SS stands for. Does that mean special engines in the future? Impala & Monte Carlo SS will have turbo V6s, but doesn't the Silverado SS have an engine available to other Chey trucks? Does that mean the next Camaro SS will have Z06's engine?

Overall, seems the future of the SS name will be more promising than the past 30 have been, but as far as engine turned metal in the interior, I'd like to see that return to the next TransAm !

Interesting stuff Z! :cool:

I think it is ment to mean that all new SS will be something the be excited about and something to be excited about. Anyone ever hear of a GM white paper called The Esscence(sp?) of SS?

Pretty much the idea orginally was that the SS name came from Corvette inspiration. Though it was never used on the Vette, the SS moniker was to mean that there was a Corevtte inspiration in the model. It's hard to understand...maybe RP could explain better. Pretty much teh SS name is meant to be GM's way of putting a little Corvette in it's regular cars...which is why there is no Corvette SS. It would make no sense to have a Corvette with a little Corvette in it.

I dunno. :think: There are an awlful lot of 6 cylinder Nova and 307 Chevelle SSs out there.

Originally posted by guionM
So, either the practice of putting SS badges on anything with 4 wheels and a Chevy name is over, or they convienently forget that the current Monte Carlo SS has no performance advantage over the base model.

Actually, the Monte SS comes with the 200 horse 3.8 while the base comes with the 170(?) horse 3.4

Originally posted by guionM

I noticed engine ID is also mentioned in what their view of what SS stands for. Does that mean special engines in the future?




Not necessarilly, I quote what GM means by engine ID:

" Nearly every SS ever built displayed the CID on the fenders, grille, or hood. In the case of the 454SS Pickups, it was displayed as part of a large decal on the rear quarter panels."

I take that to mean that on a Monte Carlo SS for example...the fender call-outs would say:

SS 231 or

SS 3800

Insert crossed flags in there somewhere.

....but getting back to the original question....

What Chevys should get the SS treatment next.....

Malibu SS ?

Avalanche SS?

Cavalier SS?

Originally posted by Z28Wilson
Actually, the Monte SS comes with the 200 horse 3.8 while the base comes with the 170(?) horse 3.4

Youre right.

LS: 3.4 liter 180hp at 5200 rpm
SS: 3.8 liter 200hp at 5200 rpm

Doesn't seem like alot of difference though. :think:

As for the original question, I think Cavalier SS should be the next version. Though the Impala or Monte Carlo SS may be aimed at us older guys (and in my case misses), Chevy desparately needs to inject some low priced excitement into their division. Cavalier coupe actually doesn't look that bad, and with a turbo and appearence package would be a great start.

How about making the Impala a real SS and giving it RWD and a V8 already. Same for the others.

Originally posted by guionM
As for the original question, I think Cavalier SS should be the next version. Though the Impala or Monte Carlo SS may be aimed at us older guys (and in my case misses), Chevy desparately needs to inject some low priced excitement into their division. Cavalier coupe actually doesn't look that bad, and with a turbo and appearence package would be a great start.

I tend to agree about the Cavalier SS. This is a segment that Chevy definitely needs to quicken it's step on.

At least a 180 hp Ecotech ( which I believe is in the pipeline BTW)could put it on par with the SVT Focus, Neon and some imports.

A 225 hp blown Ecotech would be even better!

IMO its gonna be a while before you see real good anything from GM.

Originally posted by guionM
Youre right.

LS: 3.4 liter 180hp at 5200 rpm
SS: 3.8 liter 200hp at 5200 rpm

Doesn't seem like alot of difference though. :think:

3.4 torque is 205, 3.8 is 225 as well...

It does make a difference.

It's no street racer, but it provides adequate acceleration. I would like more power though.

Darth, how would you feel about your SS if it had 260-280hp and 17" wheels?

.....and of courseSS s/c3800 emblems.

Originally posted by Z284ever
Darth, how would you feel about your SS if it had 260-280hp and 17" wheels?

.....and of courseSS s/c3800 emblems.

I'd still hate the FWD...

Basically... I look at my car now, not as a performance car, but a great everyday, comfortable , reliable, quiet driver with enough power to be able to not worry about merging and what-not.

Hopefully in a few years (after wedding & house) , I'll be buying a new Vette or a 5th Gen Camaro/Firebird.

Originally posted by Darth Xed

Hopefully in a few years (after wedding & house) , I'll be buying a new Vette or a 5th Gen Camaro/Firebird.

Just a word of advice...buy your toys before you get married!

Originally posted by Z284ever
Just a word of advice...buy your toys before you get married!

heheh... :)

Actually, she's real cool about that stuff... plus her dad restores Corvettes (and Camaro & Chevelles and stuff, but primarily Vettes...) so she knows the whole deal with the cars ;) !!!!

:D

Maybe I'm having second thoughts on what I said about a Cavalier SS......is SS an appropriate name for Cavalier?

I think the SS name slots in perfectly for Impala, MonteCarlo, certain trucks, maybe Malibu and certainly any upcoming RWD V8 Chevy sedan.


Am I off base here or can an SS package work ( name-wise) on a smaller car like Cavalier?

Originally posted by Z284ever
Maybe I'm having second thoughts on what I said about a Cavalier SS......is SS an appropriate name for Cavalier?

I think the SS name slots in perfectly for Impala, MonteCarlo, certain trucks, maybe Malibu and certainly any upcoming RWD V8 Chevy sedan.


Am I off base here or can an SS package work ( name-wise) on a smaller car like Cavalier?

I think a Cavalier SS muddies the name even further... Make a Cavalier Type-R ;) :o

Going back to the 260-280 horsepower Monte Carlo SS, with the Grand Prix coupe history, and GTO being limited to 18-20,000 per year, It seems Monte Carlo should be up for a major jump in sales for 2003. Possible 3rd best selling coupe behind Mustang and Cavalier.

Speaking of Cavalier, if the SS name was on a version that at the very minimum outran an SVT Focus (let alone keeping up with SR/T Neons) I think it would more likely help the SS name instead of muddy it. But just the same, Chevy needs to do something with it. It's the sleekest looking small FWD coupe out there, and it's crying for an honest performance version.

Cavalier type R?! :think:

Originally posted by guionM
Going back to the 260-280 horsepower Monte Carlo SS, with the Grand Prix coupe history, and GTO being limited to 18-20,000 per year, It seems Monte Carlo should be up for a major jump in sales for 2003. Possible 3rd best selling coupe behind Mustang and Cavalier.




I think an upgraded Monte Carlo SS would be a great idea! It would sure pick up where the GTP coupe left off....and some suspension and cosmetic tweaks could really turn it into a scorcher. Plus, it would be good to have a fast coupe in the Chevy line-up.

I know Darth mentioned the fact that it is still FWD....but I've driven plenty of nice FWD cars....and this could be just as nice (if not nicer) than many of them.

Come on Geo SS!!!!!:metal: :D

Huh? Someone even put the words Avalanche and SS next to each other? Alrighty then, I put my vote in for....

SUBURBAN SS!!!!! ;)

Cavalier SS? :barf: That just sounds wrong in SO many ways. Supersport vehicles should include- Monte Carlos, Impala, Silverado, and Camaro (note: it doesn't have to be the top model). I would say Malibu, but isn't that turning into some sort of cross-over vehicle? The SS name doesn't need to go on everything. That will just cheapen the name IMO.

-Mike

Originally posted by Z284ever
I think an upgraded Monte Carlo SS would be a great idea! It would sure pick up where the GTP coupe left off....and some suspension and cosmetic tweaks could really turn it into a scorcher. Plus, it would be good to have a fast coupe in the Chevy line-up.

I know Darth mentioned the fact that it is still FWD....but I've driven plenty of nice FWD cars....and this could be just as nice (if not nicer) than many of them.

I'm all up for a Monte SS with more power... the more the better, even if it is still FWD.

I think a 280 hp Monte SS, even if FWD, makes a great daily driver...

I like mine with 200, but definately would enjoy more power.

BTW...I meant to post this line from the press kit.

Talking about the 4th gen Camaro SS.........

"This was the first SS car that wasn't a Super Sport-just an SS."

Now....what the heck does that mean??????:confused: :confused: :confused:

Originally posted by Z284ever
BTW...I meant to post this line from the press kit.

Talking about the 4th gen Camaro SS.........

"This was the first SS car that wasn't a Super Sport-just an SS."

Now....what the heck does that mean??????:confused: :confused: :confused:

Maybe it was someone's initials. ;) :p :D

Originally posted by guionM
Maybe it was someone's initials. ;) :p :D

The thought crossed my mind.:think:

Hmm, and maybe little green aliens have landed in my room and stolen my boxers. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Z284ever
The thought crossed my mind.:think:

Same here.

Originally posted by Z28Wilson
Hmm, and maybe little green aliens have landed in my room and stolen my boxers. :rolleyes:

Ya, seriously, the Scott bashing is really pretty sad.

:mad:

Bashing??

Why do you say bashing?

Oh no, don't take it as that. I think he is a very cool dude. He takes time out of his schedule to communicate with us and answer the Camaro enthusiasts E-Mails, including mine. But he can make mistakes or not so good decisions just like any1 else can. Why the 4th Gen had to be the way it was I don't know, maybe all the choices weren't his and we know he had to deal with morons and difficulties during it. I just hope the 5th is a success that can be more like the 1st 3 Gens and their captive personalites and success.

I would've liked if the whole Z28 ans SLP SS thing would have been done differently and I know alot agree.

Originally posted by Z284ever
Bashing??

Why do you say bashing?

Oh I dunno, implying that the SS was the top Camaro because the assistant brand manager for Camaro and one of its biggest enthusiasts has the same initials is not only flat out dumb, it's pretty insulting. I've heard some wacked out conspiracy theories before but......

HOLY MOLY!!!! ...you call that bashing!

So if someone states an interesting coincidence (and, as far as I could tell, not in a derogatory way BTW), and one which RP himself openly discusses....that's bashing!?

Have I missed something, or has this forum reached a whole new level of sensitivity? (group hug everyone! ).

Soooo, moving on......

The original intent of this thread was to see which Chevys should get the SS treatment.

In another thread I mentioned the upcoming Epsilon based Malibu and upcomig Colorado.

Any thoughts?

Colorado SS with a turbo I5 !!! or maybe we should leave that engine for a new AWD Syclone. how about Colorado SS with an LS1

Would any one complain if they put and LS1/6 in just about every thing? GTO, Colorado, CTS, Grand Prix, Impala, Monte Carlo, GMC(Insert truck model here)

because I wouldn't

Colorado SS.....I'm torn between turbo I5 and 4.2 I6 !

Originally posted by Z28Wilson
Oh I dunno, implying that the SS was the top Camaro because the assistant brand manager for Camaro and one of its biggest enthusiasts has the same initials is not only flat out dumb, it's pretty insulting. I've heard some wacked out conspiracy theories before but......


Bashing? NO WAY! You ought to see me in a bashing mode. :eek: :D

That was a friendly tweak, in reference to Scott saying on many occasions that his initials are on the side of many Camaros. With Camaro SS not standing for Super Sport according to Chevy's press release, it's an opening waaaay too juicy to pass up. :p :p

I know it's Monday, but don't be so sensitive. :cry: ;)

Originally posted by Z284ever
....but getting back to the original question....

What Chevys should get the SS treatment next.....

Malibu SS ?





According to sources, Chevrolet will showcase a new Malibu SS along side the new Epsilon based Malibu at January's North American International Auto Show.

Originally posted by Z284ever
I tend to agree about the Cavalier SS. This is a segment that Chevy definitely needs to quicken it's step on.

At least a 180 hp Ecotech ( which I believe is in the pipeline BTW)could put it on par with the SVT Focus, Neon and some imports.

A 225 hp blown Ecotech would be even better!

Rumor has it that a 220hp ECOTEC is in the works, or at least is being played with at GM Powertrain.

HMMMMMM.....

I dunno about that Cavalier SS idea........:death:

Definately a Malibu SS, as well as Impala and Monte Carlo SS.

Camaro SS, easy Charles! Z/28 can be there too. :D

Silverado SS, maybe Colorado SS, and of course SSR, if it would grow some balls.

Hey Future....thanks for your input and welcome back!

I agree with guion!! Thats what the reason was. :)

:D

Originally posted by Z284ever
Hey Future....thanks for your input and welcome back!

Thanks!

I just LOVE the new board. But I've been strapped for time lately. Hopefully I'm back to stay.