Used 2015 Chevrolet SS

Chevy’s 2015 SS looks like an ordinary sedan on the outside but hides a beast within. That’s what results when you stuff a Corvette-derived V8 under the hood of a 5-passenger family car. Now in its second year, the Chevy SS marks the return of a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan to the automaker’s lineup after nearly two decades. Like the late Pontiac G8, the SS is based on Australia’s raucous Holden Commodore. And like the Dodge Charger SRT and Ford Taurus SHO, the Chevy SS serves a small but fervent audience of performance enthusiasts who want family-hauling practicality in a sedan that will embarrass most sports cars. At over $48,000 and with an addiction to gasoline, the SS isn’t cheap but sure is thrilling.

There’s a reason you buy a Chevy SS, and it’s called a 6.2-liter LS3 V8. This big, naturally aspirated engine sends 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. In a straight line, the Chevy SS hits 60 mph in 4.7 seconds – faster than many sports cars. In corners, direct steering, an adaptable suspension and sticky tires conspire to deliver capable handling and, consequently, fun. Really push the handling limits and you’re greeted by docile understeer, making the Chevrolet SS a thrilling but manageable car to drive fast. The biggest issue we had with the SS – besides its thirst – was a taut suspension that could be jarring on rough roads. That promises to be quelled with the addition of GM’s impressive Magnetic Ride Control dampening system. Shift quality is good, and standard Brembo brakes give the SS confident stopping ability.

The Chevy SS pursues performance but never forgets it’s a people-carrying sedan. This is evident in the interior, which offers generous legroom for all. The front seats are supportive and offer ample headroom, though headroom is more limited in back. Leather trim and suede-like material add visual and tactile interest to the otherwise simple layout. Controls for audio and climate functions are easy to identify and operate. New for 2015 is a dial below the gear selector that toggles suspension settings. The 16.4-cubic-foot trunk is generous, but with fixed rear seats, oversized cargo is limited to whatever can fit between the pass-through.

The 2015 Chevy SS is subtle about the mammoth power that lies beneath its sheet metal. Yes, prominent fender vents, large grille openings, a rear lip spoiler and standard 19-inch forged aluminum wheels all hint at the performance waiting to be unleashed, but as a whole, the SS flies under the radar. This is perfect if you want a sleeper, not so much if you’re about boy-racer or testosterone-laden looks. Out back, you’ll find a good-sized trunk but, due to the strange lack of an exterior release, accessing it requires reaching in your pocket to operate the key fob.

LONG LIST OF STANDARD FEATURES
Okay, the Chevy SS isn’t just about performance. Take a break from the burnouts, and you’ll soon find that every model is loaded with goods. From ventilated front seats to a color head-up display, this sedan packs features with its power.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Enthusiasts were thrilled when Chevy resurrected a beloved Holden-based performance sedan for the U.S. market, but some felt snubbed with no manual in the offering. One has arrived for 2015, and the 6-speed cog-changer brings with it a more aggressive 3.70 axle ratio for better acceleration.

Unlike most vehicles, the 2015 Chevy SS is sold as a single trim. As we mentioned in Favorite Features, it’s one very well-equipped trim, which means you don’t have to spend extra on stuff that would be optional in other vehicles. Standouts include heated and cooled front seats, 9-speaker Bose audio system, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Chevy’s MyLink infotainment with 8-inch touch-screen display and navigation, rearview camera and in-car Wi-Fi connectivity. Safety features and driving aids include blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and a system that automatically helps parallel park. Two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance are also included.

A 6-speed manual transmission is now available as a no-cost option in lieu of the 6-speed automatic. The only other options – which do cost extra – for the 2015 Chevrolet SS are a sunroof and a full-size spare tire that replaces the standard tire sealant and inflator kit.

The 2015 SS sedan’s sole engine offering is a big and thirsty 6.2-liter V8 with tremendous power. You can now choose between a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control or a traditional 6-speed gear shifter and three pedals on the floor. All Chevy SS sedans are rear-wheel drive. Premium unleaded gasoline is recommended but not required.

6.2-liter V8
415 horsepower 5,900 rpm
415 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg