The 2014 Chevrolet SS is one of the few, true rear-drive sport sedans built in North America, next to the 2014 Dodge Charger SRT. The 2014 Chevrolet SS has a 415 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 that makes 415 lb-ft of torque. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission available, however, a no-cost six-speed manual will be available in the 2015 Chevrolet SS.
A six-speed manual!? Thank God! This car deserves to have one.
In the past few days, the 2014 Chevrolet SS has thrown me for a loop. It’s not as brash and animal-like as I expected. Sure, it’s less powerful than the Dodge Charger SRT whose big HEMI makes 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, but it’s much lighter, too. As such, it’s an easier car to muscle around a track and it’s a friendlier car in public.
Unlike the Dodge Charger, the 2014 Chevrolet SS is very mild mannered without any in-your-face exterior design to make it stand out. Park it next to a Chevrolet Impala or Chevy Malibu and it doesn’t stand out, unless you look at the tailpipes. The 2014 Chevrolet SS is perfectly happy to rumble along without annoying anyone.
Slam your right foot down, “WHAMMO!!” Clark Kent rips open his shirt that hides the big ‘S. The 2014 Chevrolet SS suddenly becomes a mighty track hero. It is so well balanced, it makes hard driving incredibly rewarding. Push it hard in a corner and the whole car pushes you through without heavy dive or spinning. Sure, the rear will bust loose, just a bit, but it always remains controllable and it will grab the minute you lay off the juice.
Steering feel is a tad too light as is the steering heft. Regardless of the lack of tactile feel, the 2014 Chevrolet SS goes exactly where pointed and you never feel too isolated. Oh, and the brakes? I think they are some of the best I’ve ever sampled in a sports sedan. Excellent stopping power with no noticeable fade.
Interior comfort and layout is surprisingly good. It’s simple, uncluttered goodness with some of the best seats I’ve sampled in any American-built car. There are some silly metal bits on the front seats that resemble seatbelt loops used on true sports cars, but the ones in the 2014 Chevrolet SS are just silly adornment. Shame, the rest of the interior feels as good as anything Cadillac would make. Backseat space is excellent. I fit behind myself with plenty of head and legroom.
The trunk is 16.4 cubic-feet, which is massive. The only problem is that the rear seats do not fold flat for more cargo room. There is a center pass-through for long, thin items, but it’s not very utilitarian. There is extra storage room where the spare tire normally goes as there’s a compressor and no spare/donut encumbering space.
GM loves using its Heads up Display (HUD) and we love it too. This version is pretty bright, but if you’re wearing polarized sunglasses, it can give the HUD image an off-color shimmer. At night, the information from the HUD, which is customizable, is a delight.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS gets 14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway with a combined 17 mpg, which is a bit thirsty. The EPA is slapping a gas-guzzler tax on the 2014 Chevrolet SS. Blame the old-tech 6.2-liter V8 sourced from last generation’s Corvette.
With a total vehicle price of $46,670 including the $900 sunroof, $995 destination charge and the $1,300 gas-guzzler charge, it’s a performance bargain and one that real gearheads will dig. As for the 2015 Chevrolet SS? I am highly anticipating the excellence of the upcoming manual transmission and GM’s lauded Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension as the standard suspension. Joy!
Looking forward to the rest of my drive in the 2014 Chevrolet SS. It’s a blast to drive and no one seems to notice it’s as badass as it truly is. I just wish it looked a little more flash. You know, a little less Clark Kent and a little more Superman.
Speaking of badass V8’s….
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious, delighting in the differences of each one. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
