New MT Has Article about SS Models and the Future of Performance at Chevy

The main focus of this article is the return of the V8 Impala SS, it made the cover photo and there are a couple nice photos in the article with the new Impala SS next to a '64 Impala SS and a '96 Impala SS. But the article is very vague on the new Impala SS, they don't even show a pic. of the interior.

They also touch base with other upcoming SS models like the Monte Carlo SS. They only had the same photo that has been on the internet for 6 months now, red MCSS frontal shot. They also touch base on the upcoming Malibu & Malibu Maxx SS, Trailblazer SS, & Silverado SS 2WD. They state that Chevy has 8 SS models in the pipeline, not including the various Cobalt SS models(N/A Sedan & Coupe) :eek:

They also talk about the future of Chevy performance with the Zeta and Holden connection, everything we've already heard here for a while now. They threw the Chevelle name around a little bit :rolleyes: , but not one word on future Camaro. Nothing new and always vague, thats why I cancelled my subscription to Motor Trend plus the photos have generally gone down hill in the last few years. On top of all that, they rub salt in our wounds by showing the lastest 400hp Holdens that we can't have.

Just read it this evening.

The Impala article was pretty good, but the Zeta article was pretty weak for anyone who drops by here occasionally.

In case no one knew, the new Silverado SS doesn't have AWD anymore. It's still an extended cab, and is no quicker according to the test.

Also, don't expect much class leading performance from Chevy SS in the future. Unlike SVT or SRT, SS focus is on volume over performance. I don't agree with that, but I'm not going to even bother griping about it. :rolleyes:

:rolleyes:

Also, don't expect much class leading performance from Chevy SS in the future. Unlike SVT or SRT, SS focus is on volume over performance.

I'm still pissed off about the Silverado SS. When the name was first dropped I was dreaming of a short cab, big cube small block, Lightning Killer... What we got, well... wasn't that :( I can't understand how GM can show up with a product 5 YEARS after their competition and still have the inferior product :confused:

I mkaes me so sick when I think about it :mad:

In case no one knew, the new Silverado SS doesn't have AWD anymore. It's still an extended cab, and is no quicker according to the test.

Pretty expect. It's about 200lbs lighter, but you're giving up that AWD traction too. In the end, it's a draw and not much of an improvement performance wise. Now, if they ever get around to offering a regular cab version, make the Ls2 available, and lower the ride hight a bit, and perhaps toss a 6spd manual into the mix, then we can expect times somewhere in the high 13's like the SSR.

Also, don't expect much class leading performance from Chevy SS in the future. Unlike SVT or SRT, SS focus is on volume over performance. I don't agree with that, but I'm not going to even bother griping about it. :rolleyes:

My sentiment exactly. Them offering a N/A SS Cobalt on top of the blown version drove that point home. Evidently, SS not only means the highest performing trim, but base-performance trims as well on certain models.

Either way, the new SS's are the best things we've seen in Chevy's lineup in a while. A definite step forward in the right direction. I wish they'd take a more SRT/SVT like approach, but they'll do things their way.

I think I remember reading sometime that there was an Aveo SS in the works...........anyone?

I'm still pissed off about the Silverado SS. When the name was first dropped I was dreaming of a short cab, big cube small block, Lightning Killer... What we got, well... wasn't that :( I can't understand how GM can show up with a product 5 YEARS after their competition and still have the inferior product :confused:

I mkaes me so sick when I think about it :mad:

I think they probably realized there's more of a market for a more practicle truck. C'mon "Nastruck" or any vehicle derivative of is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of...

In short = NO MARKET.

I think they probably realized there's more of a market for a more practicle truck. C'mon "Nastruck" or any vehicle derivative of is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of...

In short = NO MARKET.
Really?

I'd like to see the sales figures for the Lightning and the SS Silverado. I'd be willing to bet the Lightning out sold the Silverado despite it being less "practical".
And while you might think fast trucks are stupid there's plenty of people willing to buy them and there's quite a few trucks out there that would give a lot of so called performance cars a run for their money.

Aveo SS, HHR SS...how about "everything SS that can be because we need to fill an extra product gap with an overpriced AWD SS model."

That answer your question?

I think they probably realized there's more of a market for a more practicle truck. C'mon "Nastruck" or any vehicle derivative of is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of...

In short = NO MARKET.


Woah, take a step back and think what you're saying. It is a high performance truck. If people wanted a "practicle" truck there are more than enough to choose from, Normal Silverados, F-150, Ram, Canyon, Tundra, etc... etc... If they are in the performance market, practicle is out the window, and will NEVER sell, nor make people happy. People don't buy Z06s because they need a reliable daily driver, just the same way someone doesn't buy a Lightning, or SRT-10 Ram to haul dirt.

I think comparing SS to SRT or SVT may be a false analogy. Ford also has GT and ST sub-brands and Dodge has R/T.
SS is all about high volume and attainable performance/style. I can already hear the bitching and moaning if all SS vehicles were restricted to 40 thousand dollar, 3,000 units per year products. Be careful what you ask for.
With that said, Chevy does need to carefully consider what the SS badge goes on.

For example....I think the W-car SS's are worthy of the badge, especially with the upcoming V8. Maybe some people have an issue with their FWD or looks...well, you know, whatever...Chevy's got to work with what it's got. And that's what it's got.

I have no issue with the soon to be released normally aspirated Cobalt SS either. It's not just only about horsepower guys...it's about the total performance package. That's what attracts so many people to fun, cool and easy to own cars like the Mini Cooper. Also, the Focus ST MSRP's for $18,560 and it carries over much of the SVT Focus's content....a N/A Cobalt SS needs to play here. But it must be the total package.

Now, I do have some issues with the Malibu SS. Beyond the fact that I find these SS's to be well, not very handsome - (something that goes far beyond the SS area of responsibility) - I feel that Chevy could have done more with them. The fact that a six speed manual is available and certified for use in 3.9L Epsilons, but won't be offered in Malibu SS, is in a word....inexcusable.

I can already hear the bitching and moaning if all SS vehicles were restricted to 40 thousand dollar, 3,000 units per year products. Be careful what you ask for.
With that said, Chevy does need to carefully consider what the SS badge goes on.


:bow:

I didn't mean that they shouldn't manufacture a "fast truck" even though personally IMO I think it's retarded. But put a Z something name on it and make it a small production run.

I would like to buy a SS truck with alittle more power, with some more bells and whistles - truck features (not race features). That would be more what the SS should be not a "racetruck". By making the SS Chevy a "racetruck", your going to turn away more buyers then gain.

Leave the SS how it is; and create a Special Edition so you guys can go race in a Truck. :eek:

IMO IMO IMO

I think I remember reading sometime that there was an Aveo SS in the works...........anyone?

I recall someone (RP?) saying that was false.

I think comparing SS to SRT or SVT may be a false analogy. Ford also has GT and ST sub-brands and Dodge has R/T.
SS is all about high volume and attainable performance/style. I can already hear the bitching and moaning if all SS vehicles were restricted to 40 thousand dollar, 3,000 units per year products. Be careful what you ask for.
With that said, Chevy does need to carefully consider what the SS badge goes on.

Maybe SRT & SVT would be compared better with Chevy's "Z"? Ya know, Z06...Z28.... :think:

I think the W-car SS's are worthy of the badge, especially with the upcoming V8. Maybe some people have an issue with their FWD or looks...well, you know, whatever...Chevy's got to work with what it's got. And that's what it's got.

:thumb: I think the Impala & Monte SS are most certainly in the spirit of SS. They perhaps are the quickest "SSes" of their nameplate, ever.

I have no issue with the soon to be released normally aspirated Cobalt SS either. It's not just only about horsepower guys...it's about the total performance package. That's what attracts so many people to fun, cool and easy to own cars like the Mini Cooper. Also, the Focus ST MSRP's for $18,560 and it carries over much of the SVT Focus's content....a N/A Cobalt SS needs to play here. But it must be the total package.

Personally, I think anyone who thinks the Cobalt SS doesn't deserve the name needs to have their head examined. The car is hella-quick, and handles extremely well by ever account. Vegas and Novas had "SS" versions. Cobalt has an SS version. It's a coupe & outaccelerates the watermark Chevelle SS. What more do you need? :bow:

Now, I do have some issues with the Malibu SS..... The fact that a six speed manual is available and certified for use in 3.9L Epsilons, but won't be offered in Malibu SS, is in a word....inexcusable.

:bow: :bow:

Again, another example of someone with GM old-think screwing up another item on a otherwise promising product for nothing more than to save a few pennys, leaving the marketing guys to come up with excuses that are complete BS.

GM doesn't want to spend the money needed to ensure enough 6 speeds are produced (they come from an OEM manufacture, not GM), when they have heaps of GM made automatics available at no additional cost to the company.

This type of stuff is why I've focused my criticism of GM to a specific group of people. It's not the whole company, it doesn't even seem to be most of the company. It seems to be a small group of people who aren't taken to the mat (or the woodshed) because they are viewed as being valuable cost hawks, saving the company alot of money. :rolleyes:

An SS model Vega??

After this site , its amazing how pointless magazines are , especially that one . Their new layout is rediculous and a lil hard to follow .

Anyone catch how they penned the Cobalt dead last in a comparo , and Kia got 3rd . I didnt read the article , just skimming at the grocery store .

It seems to be a small group of people who aren't taken to the mat (or the woodshed) because they are viewed as being valuable cost hawks, saving the company alot of money. :rolleyes:
i wish somebody would fire them or at best eliminate that position.

I forget who said it, but if Chevy wants their SS to be a premium, volume trim, fine. The Z can be the top performance model!

An SS model Vega??

My bad.

Vega GT. :)