Putting an end to all the rumors, General Motors has finally revealed the images and specs for the 2014 Chevrolet SS, prior to its scheduled debut at the Daytona International Speedway. The new SS will be making its first NASCAR appearance at the Daytona 500.
The new Chevrolet SS is powered by a LS3 Chevrolet V-8 that is speculated to deliver about 415 horses and about 563 Nm of torque. The same is engine has also been used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette. The LS3 displays 6.2 litre more than the 5.5 litre V-8 that powers the Chevrolet SS NASCAR contenders. The engine is couple with a six speed automatic transmission which can also be shifted manual via the paddle shift mounted on the steering wheel of the car. With the incredible 3.27 final drive ratio, the new Chevrolet SS can reach from 0 to 60 mph in just about 5 sec, making it one of the quickest sedans available in the market.
The Chevrolet sedan has largely been built as the rear drive performance vehicles. But it has already been 17 years since company has revealed one, according to Mark Reuss, President of GM North America. He further said that with the new Chevrolet SS, that void has been filled and is better than any vehicle that company has ever made. The comfort space and convenience along with the powerful V8 has made SS as powerful performance package unlike any other car available on the road.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS has been based on the proven and tested rear wheel drive architecture that has also been an integral part of the Camaro, Holden’s VF Commodore and Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. To ensure that the vehicle stops in the same way as it accelerates, it is equipped with the sport tuned chassis that includes the MacPherson Strut in the front and multilink independent rear suspension design. It also comes with Electronic steering system that has been optimized for sport driving and standard brembo brakes that hires 355 mm rotors and two piece four piston calipers along with the forged aluminum wheels wrapped with high performance Bridgestone tires.
Handling has also been improved by the 50/50 weight distribution with the lower center of gravity which has been made possible due to the aluminum hood and rear lid that are about 30 percent lighter than the traditional steel plates.
David Leone, Executive Chief Engineer for GM global program said that the main aim was to create a vehicle that can deliver incredible grip and balance while cornering and still being easy to ride on roads. He further added that the perfect weight balance and lowering the center of gravity were the prime target of the project as it enabled the team to tune the vehicle for more comfortable highway ride without compromising with handling.