This sounds about right for GM, let's build a performance vehicle, over price it and wonder why it was a flop. Do not worry folks, I don't see the Silverado SS staying around for long. It will go down in history as did the syclone, ZR1 vette, Impala SS, Grand National, turbo trans am, and 454 SS.

 

Then ditch it. This isn't a Sierra C3 (this truck is pretty close to the current SS as far as near identical power, extended cab, and AWD). Strip the sucker of all the performance sapping options (AWD, extended Cab, etc...). People that want all that extra fluff should purchase a Sierra c3 or some other loaded Silverado/Sierra. Make this truck one exclusively for the performance enthusiast. GM already sells close to a million some full-sized trucks, so it's not like they're hurting for truck sales. I'm sure bringing the price down would also make it more attainable, therefore boosting sales #'s. The current SS at near 40 grand is way too expensive.

 

If it goes down, it won't go down remembered in the same way those cars were.

 

yeah maybe 5,000 like the Lightning

Everyone loves the Lightning, but out of the 800,000 Ford sells a year only 5,000 or less are Lightnings (or .6%).

In all seriousness the current Silverado SS will out sell the Lightning no problem and because it costs more, will make GM a load of money.....can't blame them for charging it if people are willing to pay $40,000 for it. It's not the all out bruiser, but it has alot more room, AWD, and looks pretty nice. Also 345 HP is nothing to snuff at, C&D ran like a 14.1 with one which is LT1 territory. I think you all really need to step out of your gear head mode once in a while and see what the real world wants.

The standard cab SS has a bench seat and zero amenities...it was also as limited as the Lightning in terms of truck stuff (towing, etc.)...much as I hate to tell you, they would eb lucky to match the Lightning in sales...

I know you all are thing "Oh, GM's just out to make money"....well heres a little hint...they run a business and the goal is to make as much money as you can.

 

Who says they'd price it $15k under the extended cab?

If they priced it in line, with similar / same content, it wouldn't alienate the ext cab from anyone...

 

Hot Rod's GM source.

 

Which is not a guarantee of price by any means....

 

Regular cab may be out for the near term, but a 2WD version is on the way for mid-year '04.

Also, look for some "calibration-type" enhancements to the current powertrian in '05.

 

I'd understand if they didn't offer the M6 in the Reg cab SS like the concept has, but how hard would it be to offer the truck with Reg cab, RWD, A4, and less options.

Lets set this pricing thing strait

$35,245 is the base price of a Siverado 1500 extended cab 4x4 with the LT package

$24,465 is the base price of a Siverado 1500 short cab 2wd with the LS package

based on the price difference between a Silverado LT and the SS I think it is safe to say that the SS upgrade adds $5,000 to the cost of the truck. So add this $5,000 SS upgrade to a Silverado LS 2wd Reg. cab and you get a price of $29,465 for the Reg cab SS.

now 345HP it may not be as fast as the current lightning but by being $4K cheaper it should sell better. 345HP in a 4100lbs. truck is still quick.(only 300lbs. heavier than a CTSv or VR4 and about 100lbs. more than an M5) add CAI and a hypertech and it should be as fast as the lightning.

 

With the latest idiocy from GM (HHR, and now this), it seems like the "road to redemption" may be a very, very long one indeed.

 

They're building the friggin ssr but not a reg. cab ss siverado. Go figure.

 

The Lightning gives Ford good press and that's worth its weight in gold. In that respect, who cares its only selling 5k units a year?

Same two Silverado SS's have been rotting on our local dealer's lot since the beginning of summer. They even put some nice 20" Momos and a billet grille on one of them and it hasnt moved. Useless trucks when you consider we've had the C3 since what, 2000?

 

I wouldn't be so sure about that. People who are looking for a truly sporty truck would buy an L or, if they have to have GM, a ZQ8 Colorado. I see no point in spending over $40k for a truck that doesn't do any one thing particularily well. Period.

 

I think GM knew it couldn't compete with the Lighting, so their marking the Silverado SS as a "gentleman's performance truck". The same two Silverado SS trucks been sitting at the local dealership now for several months also.......SSR.....don't get me started on that lump of $#@*&.

 

The SS apeals to more people than the Lightning...hell my g/f wants one...in blue.