There! I said it!

I didn't always feel that way. I once felt that that the SSR was, perhaps, a dubious use of resources for GM.

Over the past few months, my stance has softened. Little by little, I'm beginning to like the SSR more and more.

Last weekend I got a chance to drive an '05, LS2/automatic, prototype SSR in Aqua Blur Metallic.

The LS2/auto powertrain suits the SSR's chassis perfectly. It sounds great. It is at least as fast as an LS1 GTO...and I never missed having a manual trans in it...which I did in the C6 and GTO that I drove that day.

I've never driven an '04 5.3 SSR....but those who have, have told me that there is lots of chassis flex. I don't know if GM's done any stiffening on the '05, (BTW, the one I drove, appeared to have an inch or two lower ride height)...but it felt relatively solid to me with the top up. With the top down, you could feel a small amount of flex though.

Really.....to be honest...the LS2 SSR that I drove, felt better to me than the LS1 GTO, eventhough, I liked the GTO alot.

Driving the LS2 SSR...makes me want to check out the mechanically similar, but more usable, Trailblazer SS even more.

 

That's cool. I don't know many people who would give the '04 SSR the thumbs up but it seems like they got it right for '05.

Personally, I think the car looks ok, but I have no use for it and can't afford it for that matter. I'll stick it out and wait for my new RWD V8 COUPE.

 

I dig the LS2 SSR too, and the styling kicks ***. I'm really hoping to drive an M6 soon (I always miss a manual).

But I'm not thinking an SSR with LS2 and auto (or 6 speed, likely) will be as fast or faster than an LS1 GTO. 50 more hp/35 more lb-ft has to deal with an extra 900 to 1000 lbs.

The LS2 certainly does make the SSR feel more like it should, though. I like them (but not better than a GTO, except for the styling impact).

 

Ls2 Overall styling . Despite the styling, it is a cool vehicle .

 

Sssh! GM might hear you. If it ends up they can sell SSR's to the majority of former Camaro buyers and the rest step up to Corvette, what do you think that'll mean for a future Camaro?

 

I'm on of those people that can appreciate a lot of cars regardless of styling. I loved the SSR because it is the definition of a modern Hot Rod. The only thing stopping it from being all over the streets is the price. Personally if I drove an 05 with the LS2 you can bet I would be happy with it..

 

I loved the SSR when it first came out. I never understood why the SSR never got an LS1, especialy after the Fbody died.

 

I also think the SSR is a very nice looking vehicle! My favorite color for them is silver

 

Silver....by far!

 

Red or Yellow....thats all I see. The Silver ones are still on the lots.

 

Yeah I saw an SSR in person and wow it looked awesome! But I don't think its faster than GTO with like an extra 1000 lbs. My general rule is like 100 lbs equals 10 hp.

 

The specific one I drove felt at least as fast as the specific '04 LS1/auto GTO I drove afew minutes before it.

 

With 50 more horsepower, it probably should!! Especially if the GTO was an auto.

 

Make mine Aqua Blur Metallic with a 6 speed.