Fast-forward 12 years to 2008, when the tire-scorching Holden Commodore-based Pontiac G8 hit the streets. Though popular with enthusiasts, it didn't last long, meeting the axe in 2009 along with the rest of Pontiac. Five years later, the G8's follow-up is here in the form of the 2014 Chevrolet SS, which GM is introducing this weekend in Daytona. The Chevy SS is going to look mighty familiar to Pontiac G8 GXP owners. Like the G8 GXP, the Chevy SS comes to our shores with a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. Those hoping the SS would get the 2014 Corvette's new LT1 V-8 might be a bit disappointed, but the LS3 is a solid choice for Chevy's new sedan. Under the SS' hood, the 6.2-liter V-8 cranks out around 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the rear through a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Unlike in the Holden version of the SS, the VF Commodore SS-V, a six-speed manual isn't available. The lack of a manual transmission might be a disappointment at first, but seeing as the SS' biggest rival, the Dodge Charger R/T, doesn't offer one, it's not surprising.
Chevy expects a 0-60 mph time of about five seconds, thanks in part to a 3.27 final-drive ratio. Considering the 2014 SS has virtually identical specs compared the Pontiac G8 GXP, save for the manual transmission, we expect it to hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile should take about 13 seconds. Performance-tuned electric power steering; two-piece, four-piston front Brembo brakes (rear brakes are single-piston sliding calipers); and forged 19-inch aluminum wheels are all standard. The five-spoke wheels are wrapped in sticky Bridgestone rubber and staggered 245/40/19 up front and 275/35/19 in back. Chevy says the SS will have a low center of gravity with a near 50/50 weight distribution, accomplished by making both the hood and trunk lid from aluminum, meaning the pieces are 30 percent lighter than they'd be if they were made from steel.
Visually, the 2014 SS is virtually identical to the Holden VF SS-V, with the only real changes being the two cars' badging and grilles. The new SS almost has a Mercedes C63 AMG look to it, with wide, low-set HID headlamps and low-mounted LED running lamps flanking the foglights. Other distinguishing features up front include Chevy's corporate grille, an inverted trapezoidal front valence reminiscent of both the Ford C-Max and Scion FR-S, and a "power bulge" hood. Around back, the SS sports dual exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, and a rather shapely rear end. Dimensionally, the SS is about identical in size to the G8. Both the Pontiac and Chevy ride on a 114.8 wheelbase, though the G8 is 0.6 inches longer, 0.1 inch wider, and 0.2 inch lower than the SS. Inside, the SS will come loaded with standard equipment. The sedan, which Chevy says will seat five adults comfortably, will have leather sport seats, eight-way power front buckets, soft-touch materials, chrome trim, and blue accent lighting. The SS will also come standard with Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, a color head-up display, nine-speaker Bose audio system, and safety features like forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitors, and a backup camera. The SS will also be the first Chevy to offer a self-parking feature. Though it'll be making its NASCAR debut this weekend, the 2014 Chevy SS won't be hitting dealerships until late this year. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but we're expecting it to start around $38,000. The 2014 SS could very well be the start of something special for the bow tie brand. Here's hoping GM gives it more than two years to find its niche. After all, the third time's the charm, right?
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