Automotive
Despite its impressive performance and striking appearance, the Chevrolet SS failed to achieve commercial success for Holden. Produced in Australia and imported to the United Statesāa rarity among automakersāthe vehicle was marketed as the Holden Commodore in its home country.
The SSās exterior design was surprisingly understated, giving little indication of its true capabilities. What was truly astonishing was its powertrain: a potent 6.2-liter V8 engine generating 415 horsepower. Initially available only with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 6-speed manual option was later introduced.
With a 0-100 kph acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds, the SS was a formidable performer. Upon closer inspection, one could notice that the air vents on the hood and fenders were merely decorative. The carās modest appearance was offset by prominent 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo brake calipers, hinting at its performance potential.
The vehicle offered multiple driving modesāTour, Sport, and Performanceāselectable via a rotary dial. Each mode adjusted steering and throttle response accordingly. The SS featured GMās top-of-the-line magnetic ride control suspension system. A hidden āCompetitiveā mode could be activated by pressing the traction control off button twice, disabling both traction and stability control systems.
An interesting detail was the absence of the SS badge on the engine cover, likely to avoid the need for a specialized spare part. The only visible SS branding was located on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Despite its impressive features, annual sales averaged just 3000 units over its four-year production run. Critics suggested that the car was overpriced and offered too many features for those seeking a basic high-performance vehicle, as no stripped-down base model was ever offered. Others argued that the āSSā moniker was too commonly used across various Chevrolet models, diluting its exclusivity.
Tragically, production of the SS was discontinued after just four years on the market.
