Chevrolet SS returns for 2015 with more performance-oriented features that enhance its dynamic driving experience, including Magnetic Ride Control, a six-speed manual transmission and Brembo rear brakes.
Magnetic Ride Control – the world's fastest-reacting damping system – provides more precise body motion control that correlates with a more responsive, more refined ride. It is standard on SS and features driver-selectable Tour, Sport and Performance modes.
New six-speed manual is available alongside the paddle-shift six-speed automatic, and the new Brembo rear brakes complement the Brembo front brakes that have been part of the SS's equipment roster since its debut.
Indeed, the SS's new chassis features and transmission complement its race-tested, global rear-wheel drive architecture. Power comes from the LS3 V-8, delivering an SAE-certified 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (563 Nm).
With the automatic transmission and its performance-oriented 3.27 final-drive ratio, Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans on the market. Models equipped with new manual transmission feature a more aggressive 3.70 axle ratio for even stronger acceleration.
Handling is also optimized with a nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity – attributes made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.
Additionally, the 2015 Chevrolet SS is better connected with new OnStar 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (includes 3GB/three-month data trial). Five new colors are also added to the exterior palette: Perfect Blue, Some Like it Hot Red, Alchemy Purple, Jungle Green and Regal Peacock Green.
Aggressive design
SS's good looks blend performance cues and premium details. 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 capability 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.
Along the vehicle's sides, a character line extends from hood to the trunk lid, helping create a classic wedge shape by further accentuating the planted appearance and muscular sheet metal. The vehicle tapers at the rear, with the C-pillar flowing into the deck lid – a design cue shared with other Chevrolet sedans.
Bright dual-exhaust tips put an exclamation mark on the rear design, while delivering the throaty note performance enthusiasts expect from their vehicle.
Premium, spacious interior
Spacious interior of the SS will comfortably accommodate five adults, with 42.3 inches of front legroom (1,074 mm) and 39.7 inches (1,008 mm) 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.
SS emblem is prominently stitched onto the soft-touch instrument panel which features two types of chrome finishes – a satin gloss and bright chrome.
An integrated center stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls, while the center console of the SS houses dual cup holders that can accommodate a wide range of container sizes. The cup holders are not separated, so the space can also be used for small item storage. Fold-out rear cup holders are also located at the base of the center rear seating position. In addition, all four doors contain cup holders. An electric park brake frees up additional space in the center console.
Two auxiliary power outlets allow concurrent charging of items such as mobile phones, tablets and portable satellite navigation devices. One is located inside the covered central storage console; the other outlet is conveniently accessible in the forward compartment at the base of the instrument panel.
Powertrain and suspension
6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the power behind the SS's driving experience. It is SAE-certified at 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (563 Nm). The engine's torque is channeled to the limited-slip rear axle via a TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.
A 3.27 axle ratio is standard with the automatic transmission and a 3.70 gear is matched with the manual transmission. An engine oil cooler is standard and a transmission cooler is included on automatic-equipped models.
SS's sport-tuned suspension complements the powertrain with handling prowess and driving refinement. The front suspension is a MacPherson-strut-based multi-link system with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. It features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with individual ball joints at the outer ends.
Brakes and steering system
Track-capable Brembo four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with ventilated 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors and 14.2-inch (360 mm) rear rotors. Four-piston aluminum calipers provide increased stiffness to reduce fluid displacement and caliper deformation without adding weight. The result is an enhancement to braking feel and overall vehicle dynamics.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution optimizes control of rear brake pressure on all road surfaces and under all vehicle loading conditions. Electronic Brake Assist senses how hard and fast a driver depresses the brake pedal and gives extra braking assistance, if required.
SS's steering system employs a variable-assist electric power steering system that saves fuel by drawing energy only when the wheels are turned. The variable-effort design provides lighter parking efforts at low speed and greater effort at higher speeds, for a more direct steering feel. The system is also calibrated to detect constant driver steering wheel load due to factors such as road camber and crosswind. The system will compensate to reduce steering effort to a more neutral level and lessen potential driver fatigue.
Safety features
Chevrolet SS offers a comprehensive collection of standard safety features. It employs advanced technologies – including radar – to help avoid crashes. Visual and audible alerts, depending on the alert feature, help drivers identify potential crash situations. They are designed to identify potential threats with sufficient warning to give the driver time to react and make changes.
SS is also the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. This standard features uses an 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, Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to park the vehicle.
Source: Chevrolet
