2014 CHEVROLET SS MAKES ITS LIVE DEBUT

By Jonathan Ramsey, Autoblog.com - Chevrolet showed off the new 2014 SS in an airport hangar this weekend, and it's clear that this new performance sedan will be far more entertaining than the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Impala.  This is the sedan that Chevrolet sees as the final piece in restoring its performance credentials.  For thos of you looking for a manual transmission, however, that wish will go unfulfilled -- at least for now: the only two options buyers will have are the colour and whether or not they want a sunroof.

What lies beneath the skin was designed by GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden.  We're pleased to have officially confirmed that GM is bringing this performance Holden to North American shores under the badge of the 2014 Chevrolet SS.

Sadly, General Motors has also announced the 2014 Chevrolet SS will not be available in Canada.  The Globe and Mail reports the automaker has confirmed the high-performance sedan won't hit Canadian dealers, though GM hasn't offered up any reasoning as to why that is.

The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.  Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 liters, more than the 5.5-liter V-8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors.

The LS3 is married to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.  With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, the Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds -- making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.

To ensure that it turns and stops as well as it accelerates; the Chevrolet SS also features a sport-tuned chassis, including:

• MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
• Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
• Standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers
• Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear.

Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low center of gravity -- made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.

"Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road," said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs.  "The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits."