2014 Chevrolet SS debut at Daytona 500

As Chevrolet’s first V8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, the new 2014 Chevrolet SS is set to debut this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway as the SS racecar makes its NASCAR debut during the Daytona 500.

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 bhp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2L.

The LS3 is mated to a 6-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 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds.

The Chevrolet SS also features a sport-tuned chassis, including:
• MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
• Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
• Standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers
• Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear

Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low center of gravity – made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.

The staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood 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 SS will comfortably 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 center stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. The Chevrolet SS also offers a long list of technology features as standard equipment including:
• Color, in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system
• Bose Nine-speaker premium sound system
• Color 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 assistant 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 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, with prices set closer to the on-sale date. When it arrives in showrooms, the SS will join the Corvette and Camaro, whose combined sales have made Chevrolet America’s favorite performance brand for the last two years.

2014 CHEVROLET SS SPECIFICATIONS

Overview
Model: Chevrolet SS
Body style / driveline: front-engine, rear-drive
Construction: unitized body structure and frame; two-sided galvanized steel (except roof)
EPA vehicle class: large
Manufacturing location: Elizabeth, Australia

Powertrain
Engine: 6.2L OHV V8
Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Block material: cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners
Cylinder head material: aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve; two valves per cylinder; roller lifters
Ignition system: coil-near-plug ignition
Fuel: sequential fuel injection
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Horsepower (hp/ kW @ rpm): 415 / 309 @ 5900
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 415 / 563 @ 4600
Fuel: premium recommended not required
Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed automatic w/ TapShift

Chassis/Suspension
Front: multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe
Rear: four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Steering type: electric power

Brakes
Front
Type: ventilated disc
Rotor diameter x thickness (mm): 355 x 32
Caliper four-piston fixed
Rear
Type: ventilated disc
Rotor diameter x thickness (mm): 324 x 22
Caliper: single-piston sliding

Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type: 19 x 8.5-inch forged, fully polished aluminum (front)
19 x 9-inch forged, fully polished aluminum (rear)
Tires: P245/40R19 (front)
P275/35R19 (rear)

Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.8 / 2916
Overall length (in / mm): 195.5 / 5185
Overall width (in / mm): 74.7 / 1898
Overall height (in / mm): 57.9 / 1491
Track (in / mm): front: 62.6 / 1590
rear: 62.4 / 1612

Interior
front / rear
Seating capacity: 2 / 3
Legroom (in / mm): 42.3 / 1074 39.7 / 1008