The 2014 Chevrolet SS, a new car for the U.S manufacturer but assembled in Australia, is a five-passenger, full-size sedan with muscle car overtones.
It is Chevrolet‘s first rear-wheel drive V8 sedan available to the general public in 17 years since the fourth-generation Chevrolet Caprice and the seventh-generation Impala SS.
Key Takeaways
- Engine: 6.2-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive; assembled in Australia.
- Debut: unveiled during Speed Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, in February 2013, and on sale in the United States since June.
- Standard: 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen and a nine-speaker Bose sound system.
- One trim: the Chevy SS has only two independent options, a sunroof and a full-size spare tire with a matching alloy wheel.
- City: In city driving, the SS has astute steering.
- Freeway: In freeway driving, the Chevy SS is a comfortable, in-command cruiser.
The vehicle was unveiled during Speed Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, in February 2013 and became available in the United States last June. A 6.2-liter V8 engine with 425 horsepower, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission powers it.
The Weekly Driver’s Test Drive
The new Chevrolet SS is among the few vehicles The Weekly Driver has driven in 2014 that attracted instant attention. Because it’s a new vehicle for 2014, the stares and comments made sense. But the Chevy SS styling and aggressive engine growl didn’t hurt.
As the odd, pleasing combination of family sedan and muscle car, the Chevrolet SS has a long, varied list of standard equipment: 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, foglights, heated power mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, remote start, automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar), driver memory settings, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and leather upholstery.
Standard technology features include: Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an automated parallel parking system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, a navigation system, a rearview camera, an 8-inch center touchscreen with Chevrolet’s MyLink interface, OnStar, voice controls and a nine-speaker Bose sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, and iPod/USB connectivity.
Available in only one trim, the Chevy SS has only two independent options, a sunroof and a full-size spare tire with a matching alloy wheel.
Driving Impressions
I drove the SS equally in city and freeway situations. In city driving, the SS has astute steering. It maneuvers through traffic with ease and has good visibility. My only issue with the SS is similar to the problem I have many other new, mid-to-high price range vehicles: technology overload.
The Chevy SS has lane departure and side blind zone alert systems, which are great. But both sensory systems are extraordinarily sensitive. On several occasions, the side blind zone alerts sounded in parking lots when I backed out of spaces with nothing but bushes and curbs nearby, and neither was that close.
2014 Chevrolet SS Verdict
In freeway driving, the Chevy SS is a comfortable, in-command cruiser. The front and rear seating is spacious and the sedan/muscle car powers down the road smoothly. And just in case a tight situation requires a fast, steady maneuver, don’t hesitate. The Chevy SS got the job done every time.
Likes
Impressive engine growl.
Acceleration to spare.
Spacious interior.
Handsome styling, inside and out.
Large, clear, intuitive navigation system.
Dislikes
Gas-guzzler tax.
Console trim distractingly shiny.
Rough idle.
Facts & Figures: 2014 Chevrolet SS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Seating | 5 |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
If you are a recently licensed high school boy, and the family lets you take the car to school, do you get kudos from your friends, or do you park away from the crowds and stay inconspicuous? I’m guessing you’re not thrilled to drive the big car to show off…unless you are designated to transport the gang to the malt shop and mom and dad have given you a gasoline credit card.