Chevy's Use of "SS" Re-evaluated
Chevy's Use of "SS" Re-evaluated General Motors Corp. is rethinking the way its uses the SS moniker that has adorned souped-up Chevrolets since 1961.
SS -- for super sport -- has traditionally signaled performance versions of vehicles like the Camaro, Impala and most recently the Cobalt sedan.
The automaker felt it was getting a bit carried away with the label after putting it on the most recent version of the Malibu midsize sedan. So now only cars with the best horsepower, braking power and handling will get the title.
It's part of GM's bid to stoke sales by building exclusivity into some models, a move the automaker hopes will burnish the overall image of a brand and make other vehicles from the same nameplate more attractive to buyers.
"Not every car that has some extra features and fancy racing stripes can be an SS," said Ed Welburn, GM Design global vice president.
GM will start the transition with the introduction next year of a new sport version of the Equinox compact SUV. The vehicle will have 42 percent more horsepower than the basic Equinox and other performance enhancing features, but will be labeled a sport as opposed to an SS. At the same time, GM will no longer offer a SS version of the Malibu.
"That's one that probably shouldn't have gotten the SS label," Chevrolet Marketing Director Cheryl Catton said.
The Detroit News
SS -- for super sport -- has traditionally signaled performance versions of vehicles like the Camaro, Impala and most recently the Cobalt sedan.
The automaker felt it was getting a bit carried away with the label after putting it on the most recent version of the Malibu midsize sedan. So now only cars with the best horsepower, braking power and handling will get the title.
It's part of GM's bid to stoke sales by building exclusivity into some models, a move the automaker hopes will burnish the overall image of a brand and make other vehicles from the same nameplate more attractive to buyers.
"Not every car that has some extra features and fancy racing stripes can be an SS," said Ed Welburn, GM Design global vice president.
GM will start the transition with the introduction next year of a new sport version of the Equinox compact SUV. The vehicle will have 42 percent more horsepower than the basic Equinox and other performance enhancing features, but will be labeled a sport as opposed to an SS. At the same time, GM will no longer offer a SS version of the Malibu.
"That's one that probably shouldn't have gotten the SS label," Chevrolet Marketing Director Cheryl Catton said.
The Detroit News
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"Not every car that has some extra features and fancy racing stripes can be an SS," said Ed Welburn, GM Design global vice president.
So going by that Idea the 4th Gen wouldnt have gotten the SS badge since it really didnt offer any better braking or horsepower, handling was better if the upgraded shocks were ordered.....
So going by that Idea the 4th Gen wouldnt have gotten the SS badge since it really didnt offer any better braking or horsepower, handling was better if the upgraded shocks were ordered.....
About damn time they did something about that problem.....even if it does take my camaro out of the line up. i m glad their finally trying to pull their heads out of their asses.
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From: Jamaica, NYC
Now I feel better. Its good that they decided to think about the useage b4 they would've washed down the heritage to nothing. It still makes me sick how they tagged their Malibu Maxx with the 'ss nameplate, especially when you consider that the forebearer of that name was one of the meanest muscle cars to ever hit the street.
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Originally Posted by SOM02WS6
"Not every car that has some extra features and fancy racing stripes can be an SS," said Ed Welburn, GM Design global vice president.
So going by that Idea the 4th Gen wouldnt have gotten the SS badge since it really didnt offer any better braking or horsepower, handling was better if the upgraded shocks were ordered.....
So going by that Idea the 4th Gen wouldnt have gotten the SS badge since it really didnt offer any better braking or horsepower, handling was better if the upgraded shocks were ordered.....
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Joined: Nov 2005
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But many many many threads have shown no real difference in HP between base models and SS 345hp's...THat being said I am not saying the SS camaro isnt worthy of SS nameplate, but many models such as the SS colbalt, SS trailblazer actually have HP differences, where as the camaro was just marketing. I hope that GM makes a SS 5th gen and give us the choice to order a higher HP version with some serious performance upgrades. Camaro and SS is a winning combo for GM..
Originally Posted by SOM02WS6
I hope that GM makes a SS 5th gen and give us the choice to order a higher HP version with some serious performance upgrades. Camaro and SS is a winning combo for GM..
I SAY 500hp+!!!
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 252
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From: Jamaica, NYC
All of the ls1 fbodies performed within the same ranges, regardless of the power ratings. The slp prepared camaro and firebirds gave you some exclusive perks, but pound for pound all ls1 fbodies were on the same performance level in stock form. Not that the ls1 did not hold up the SS' legacy....far from it.
It would be nice with the next generation camaro that they would make a clearer distinction between other camaros with at least different engine and performance options, similar in kind to the 1st generation fbodies.
It would be nice with the next generation camaro that they would make a clearer distinction between other camaros with at least different engine and performance options, similar in kind to the 1st generation fbodies.