Holden VF makes its U.S. debut as Chevrolet SS
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Chevrolet SS sedan - made in Adelaide, Australia
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17th February, 2013
As Chevrolet’s first V8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996,
the new VF Commodore based Chevrolet SS sedan is designed to deliver performance on the street and on the track. The 2014
Chevrolet SS debuted this week-end at the Daytona International Speedway (Florida, USA) as the SS racecar makes its
NASCAR debut during the Daytona 500.
“The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it's been 17 years
since we've offered one,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. “The all-new Chevrolet SS
fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand’s rich history. The comfort, convenience,
spaciousness and V8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today.”
The Chevrolet SS benefits from the proven, race-tested, global rear-wheel drive architecture that is the foundation
for the Camaro,
Caprice Police
Patrol Vehicle and Holden’s
VF Commodore.
The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also
used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 litres, more than the 5.5-litre V8 powering the Chevrolet SS
NASCAR competitors.
The LS3 is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles
mounted on the steering wheel. With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, the Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph
in about five seconds – making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.
To ensure that it turns and stops as well as it accelerates; the Chevrolet SS also features a sport-tuned chassis,
including:
- MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
- Electronic power steering system, optimised for sport driving
- Standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front callipers
- Forged aluminium wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tyres: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19
tyres in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tyres rear
Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low centre of gravity – made possible in part by
the aluminium bonnet and boot lid that are 30 per cent lighter than traditional steel panels.
“Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still
being comfortable to drive on the road,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programmes. “The
perfect weight balance and lower centre of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a
more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits.”
Similarly, the design of the SS blends performance cues and premium details.
“From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance,” said John Cafaro design director Chevrolet
passenger cars and small cross-overs. “The combination of an aggressive rear-wheel drive stance and body-side attitude
with the right balance of detail and refinement inside and out are the perfect home for Chevrolet’s V8 performance
package.”
The staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, 'muscular' stance of
the SS. Up front, the aluminium bonnet features a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the power of the engine underneath. At
the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape contributes to improved aerodynamic performance. Premium cues include jewel-like
chrome accents, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lights.
The spacious interior of the Chevy SS will accommodate five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of
rear legroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as are eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional
side bolstering that hug the driver and front passenger in tight-handling situations. The SS emblem is prominently
stitched onto the soft-touch instrument panel which features two types of chrome finishes – a satin gloss and a bright
chrome. At night, the interior is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting.
An integrated centre stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. The Chevrolet SS also offers a
list of technology features as standard equipment including:
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
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- Colour, in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system
- Bose® Nine-speaker premium sound system
- Colour heads-up display
- Push-button start
- StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear-vision camera Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The SS is also the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. This
efficient ‘hands-free’ parking assistance system uses the ultrasonic sensing system to detect the width and depth of
either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces. While the driver controls the throttle, transmission, and brake,
the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to neatly park the Chevrolet SS. The driver retains
responsibility for the vehicle's behaviour though, of course.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available throughout the USA during the fourth quarter of 2013.
E&OE.
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