Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The story of the 2014 Chevrolet SS: "Luxury, power, refinement, handling"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/the-story-of-the-2014-chevrolet-ss-luxury-power-refinement/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/the-story-of-the-2014-chevrolet-ss-luxury-power-refinement/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/the-story-of-the-2014-chevrolet-ss-luxury-power-refinement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Not including the women and men who built it, the 2014 Chevrolet SS has only been seen in person by a piddling number of people - fewer humans than would fill the gymnasium at a high school volleyball game. Not including the men and women who built it, no one has driven it. Even so, it is already saddled with two controversies: the way it looks and the way it shifts.

First to that shifting. Did we love the last Americanized Holden, the awesomely sportsome Pontiac G8 GXP, and its six-speed manual? Of course. Do we wish the SS came with a six-speed manual? Of course. But we'd like a toboggan to come with a manual transmission. We'd put a manual transmission on a weasel if we could because we're just wired that way; if it moves, it should come with a stick and a clutch. Or at least the option.

Let's climb down off the ledge, though. We haven't driven the SS and we have no idea how good (or not) the automatic is. And the Hobson's Choice in transmissions when it comes to sport sedans like the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Jaguar XFR-S and, oh yeah, cars-that-really-should-have-manuals like the Nissan GT-R and Porsche 918 and every single Lamborghini and Ferrari, for instance, hasn't stopped us from enjoying what is clearly the gruesome, dual-clutched demise of Western automotive civilization. Because in spite of our ululations at the dying of the six-speed light, we understand.

All we're saying is sure, we're disappointed, but let's drive it first - then we'll find out if this is something more than a philosophical tragedy. When we asked what were the chances of a manual we were thrown the bones of "it's a possibility down the line," and that's all we need to go to Optimism Level: Lloyd.

To that other, bigger controversy: the way it looks - it seems many of you were expecting more, or at least more different. However, as far back as 2009 it was acknowledged that the VF Holden Commodore would be an overhaul of the VE series, and mainly under the skin at that. There was neither the money nor the business case to create a brand new car. If there is an issue with the looks of the SS, it's our opinion that we might have discovered 90 percent of the cure in the sedan's trunk.

Continue reading The story of the 2014 Chevrolet SS: "Luxury, power, refinement, handling"

The story of the 2014 Chevrolet SS: "Luxury, power, refinement, handling" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet ss2014 holden commodorechevroletchevycommodoreholdenssvf commodoreThu, 07 Mar 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/the-story-of-the-2014-chevrolet-ss-luxury-power-refinement/20465250/article-detail.xml 20465250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014ssdaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014ssdaytona.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Daytona 500 start

It's been a huge month, leading up to the Super Bowl of NASCAR, the Daytona 500. This is the first year of the new Car of Tomorrow, the "Gen Six" car, and all of the drivers have been trying to figure out its intricacies. The Ford Fusion and Chevrolet NASCAR SS has joined the field and its street-legal equivalent, the SS, was introduced. A huge wreck in the Nationwide Series race the day before the Daytona 500 tore a car in half, tore a hole in the fence, sent car parts flying into the crowd and injured some 33 spectators.

And then, of course, making just her 11th Sprint Cup Series start, there was Danica Patrick on pole position. She'd lead the way for the 43 cars on the grid to start the 200 laps of the 2.5-mile oval called the Daytona International Speedway, with its five-story-high turns banked at 31 degrees and the 3,000-foot front stretch banked at 18 degrees.

Perhaps all that excitement is why James Franco, the honorary race starter there to promote Disney's new film, Oz the Great and Powerful, yelled "Drivers, and Danica, start your engines!" to begin the 65th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship...

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 500brad keselowskicamrychevroletdale earnhardt jr.dale jrdanica patrickdaytonadaytona 500earnhardtfeaturedfordfusionhendrick motorsportsjeff gordonjimmie johnsonmotorsportsnascarnascar sssstoyotaSun, 24 Feb 2013 22:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/20475416/article-detail.xml 20475416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/day1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/day1.jpg <![CDATA[Holden shows wagon and ute versions of new Commodore]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/holden-shows-wagon-and-ute-versions-of-new-commodore/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/holden-shows-wagon-and-ute-versions-of-new-commodore/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/holden-shows-wagon-and-ute-versions-of-new-commodore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Holden VF Commodore wagon - rear three-quarter view, burgundy

Holden VF Commodore Ute - rear three-quarter view - orangeHolden isn't giving anything away when it comes to specs, but the Aussie outpost of General Motors has offered a few snapshots of the Sportwagon and ute versions of its brand-new VF Commodore. All the company will say for now is that the models are still being tested before final approval and that all three variants will go on sale at the same time later this year.

What are the chances we'll get either one of them - or both - here? Well GM did file to trademark both "El Camino" and "Nomad," but remember how it all ended in heartbreak last time we were so close to this? Let's get the Chevrolet SS here and on sale first, then assuming all goes well, we might dare to dream about rear-wheel drive Chevrolet wagons and car-based pickups again. We'd advise you to likewise keep your hopes in check as you read the press release below.

Continue reading Holden shows wagon and ute versions of new Commodore

Holden shows wagon and ute versions of new Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletcommodorecommodore sportwagoncommodore utegeneral motorsgmholdensportwagonssutevf commodoreFri, 22 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473086/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/holden-shows-wagon-and-ute-versions-of-new-commodore/20473086/article-detail.xml 20473086 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/holden-vf-commodore-wagon-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/holden-vf-commodore-wagon-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM won't sell 2014 Chevrolet SS in Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/gm-wont-sell-2014-chevrolet-ss-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/gm-wont-sell-2014-chevrolet-ss-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/gm-wont-sell-2014-chevrolet-ss-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet SS - front three-quarter view

Allow us to be the first to extend our condolences to our friends to the north. General Motors has 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.

Buyers here in the US of A, meanwhile, can look forward to getting their hands on the 415-horspower, rear-wheel drive SS by late summer. Something tells us it won't be long after that before Canadian officials start seeing individually imported 6.2-liter V8 four-doors in their neighborhoods. Fortunately, Canadian buyers will still be able to take home the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. The C7 bowed at the Canadian International Auto Show last week, reportedly drawing sizable crowds and interest.

GM won't sell 2014 Chevrolet SS in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sscanadachevroletchevrolet sschevyssThu, 21 Feb 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20471458/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/21/gm-wont-sell-2014-chevrolet-ss-in-canada/20471458/article-detail.xml 20471458 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #321]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/autoblog-podcast-321/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/autoblog-podcast-321/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/autoblog-podcast-321/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Ram 1500 Diesel, unibody Ford Ranger replacement, 2014 Chevrolet SS, Mitsubishi doubles its US marketing budget autoblog podcast logo

Episode #321 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2013 Ram 1500 getting a diesel engine, rumors of a unibody replacement for the Ford Ranger, the 2014 Chevrolet SS and Mitsubishi doubling its US marketing budget. We wrap with a couple of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #321:



Topics:


In the Autoblog Garage:
2014 Porsche Cayman
2013 Ram 1500
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross


Runtime: 01:15:12

Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #321

Autoblog Podcast #321 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15002013 hyundai santa fe2013 ram 15002014 chevrolet ss2014 porsche caymanautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 321caymanchevroletdieselfeaturedfordhyundaimitsubishipodcast 321porscheramram 1500 dieselrangersanta fessWed, 20 Feb 2013 18:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #321Autoblog01:15:12 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20470370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/autoblog-podcast-321/20470370/article-detail.xml 20470370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy might've pulled out of NASCAR if it weren't for new Gen 6 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet SS NASCAR racer - studio shot - front three-quarter view

We've been on the fence with NASCAR for some time now. On one hand, it's some of the closest racing anywhere in motorsports, with actual passing and door-handle-to-door-handle action as a matter of course. But on the other, it's become template racing - a personality-driven sport more about the drivers than any sort of loyalty to a particular automaker. The Car Of Tomorrow format really rammed that message home, with a racecar's identity coming down to little more than headlamp stickers slapped on the nose. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, but we've wondered for some time what's in it for the automakers, who pay big money to stay in a series that has had little increasingly little do with street car sales, let alone innovation.

Apparently General Motors was beginning to wonder the same thing. In a new ESPN report, Rick Hendrick, team owner of Hendrick Motorsports, suggests that GM would have seriously considered leaving NASCAR if it wasn't for the move away from the COT to the new Gen 6 racer. According to Hendrick, GM North America boss Mark Reuss spearheaded the charge away from the 2007 COT and toward a racecar with clearer automaker ties - cars like the new Chevrolet SS racer shown above. Learn more about the fight for a closer-to-production look in the ESPN story at the link.

Now, if we could just get more rear-wheel drive V8 coupes into showrooms....

Chevy might've pulled out of NASCAR if it weren't for new Gen 6 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sscar of tomorrowchevroletchevygen 6general motorsgmmark reussmotorsportsnascarrick hendrickssstock car racingWed, 20 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/20469370/article-detail.xml 20469370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #321 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-321-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-321-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-321-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #321 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #321


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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #321 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15002013 ram 15002014 chevrolet ssautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 321autoblog podcast 321 topicschevroletfordford rangermitsubishipodcastpodcast 321ramram dieselrangerssunibody pickupunibody rangerTue, 19 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20467930/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-321-live/20467930/article-detail.xml 20467930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[The 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan is for drivers who value performance above all else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/the-2014-chevrolet-ss-sedan-is-for-drivers-who-value-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/the-2014-chevrolet-ss-sedan-is-for-drivers-who-value-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/the-2014-chevrolet-ss-sedan-is-for-drivers-who-value-performance/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The car you see above is the 2014 Chevrolet SS, and it's important both because it is the first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan from Chevy in 17 years, and because it will be the nameplate the brand uses on NASCAR tracks all across the country starting this year.

Though it wears a name as American as baseball and apple pie, the machine was actually designed and built in Australia, sharing most of its parts with the brand-new VF-model Holden Commodore. That said, the basic chassis bits are shared with other Chevrolet models like the Camaro and Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.

While Chevrolet is happy to sell a Malibu or Impala to anyone looking for a mainstream family sedan, but the SS is reserved for buyers interested first and foremost in performance. Most sedans sold these days are front-wheel drive, which is great for everyday driving and when the weather goes bad, but the SS is instead a rear-wheel-drive vehicle aimed at enthusiasts who love to drive and who prefer speed and performance above all else.

A 6.2-liter V8 engine making an impressive 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque sends all those ponies through a six-speed automatic transmission that can either be left in Drive or controlled using paddle shifters on either side of the steering wheel. It may not be quite as fast as a Corvette, but it's certainly no slouch: Chevrolet says the sedan will get from 0-to-60 miles per hour "in about five seconds."

Large Brembo brakes bring the SS down from speed, and the forged aluminum wheels are 19-inches all around. Optimum weight distribution and various aluminum bodywork allows for a low center of gravity, which should pay dividends in the car's ride and handling.

Inside, leather seating surfaces, eight-way power front seats and a dash made from premium soft-touch materials are standard for a cabin said to fit five adults comfortably with 42 inches of front legroom and 39 inches of rear legroom. We also expect a pretty sizable trunk.

Other high-end features found inside include a nine-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display that projects important information on the windshield in front of the driver and safety tech like Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone alert. A marquee option will be Automatic Parking Assist that can parallel and right-angle park; this is the technology's first appearance on a Chevrolet.

Chevrolet has not yet indicated how much the 2014 SS sedan will cost, but it will be on sale before the end of the year. You can read more about the 2014 Chevrolet SS in the press release below.

Continue reading The 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan is for drivers who value performance above all else

The 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan is for drivers who value performance above all else originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sschevroletssSat, 16 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/16/the-2014-chevrolet-ss-sedan-is-for-drivers-who-value-performance/20465235/article-detail.xml 20465235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Chevrolet SS makes its live debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/2014-chevrolet-ss-makes-its-live-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/2014-chevrolet-ss-makes-its-live-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/2014-chevrolet-ss-makes-its-live-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Chevrolet showed off the new 2014 SS in an airport hangar last night, its first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan in the US since the Impala SS from 1997. We'll have more to say about the SS later today, but this is the sedan that Chevrolet sees as the final piece in restoring its performance credentials. For those 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 color and whether or not they want a sunroof.

We'll work on getting some more angles (in better light) today at Daytona International Speedway, but with fans seeing the car for the first time, we don't hold out much luck of getting a clear shot. So for now, enjoy the high-res gallery above.

2014 Chevrolet SS makes its live debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sschevroletdaytonadaytona international speedwayssSat, 16 Feb 2013 10:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465148/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/16/2014-chevrolet-ss-makes-its-live-debut/20465148/article-detail.xml 20465148 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014sslive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014sslive.jpg <![CDATA[This is your 2014 Chevrolet SS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Think you've waited long enough for this? If so, then you'll want to savor the high-res photos we've so far been given of the 2014 Chevrolet SS, the first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan from The Bowtie in 17 years.

We all know its our version of the brand new VF-model Holden Commodore, but what's under the hood that earns the appellation "performance?" A 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine producing 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. That's 35 hp and lb-ft less than the same engine is expected to produce in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Corvette. Chevrolet says the sedan will get from 0-to-60 miles per hour "in about five seconds."

Shifting comes courtesy of a six-speed automatic with paddles on the steering wheel, while stopping arrive via four-piston Brembo calipers up front, a single sliding piston in back. The forged aluminum wheels are 19-inchers all around, each set supporting right around 50 percent of the sedan's weight, and the aluminum hood and trunk are meant to keep the center of gravity low.

Inside, leather seating surfaces, eight-way power front seats and a soft-touch dash are standard for a cabin said to fit five adults comfortably, along with a nine-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display and safety tech like Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone alert. A marquee option will be Automatic Parking Assist that can parallel and right-angle park; this is the technology's first appearance on a Chevrolet.

We're in Daytona now and we'll have live shots of the car shortly, along with photos of its NASCAR sibling rumbling through the Daytona 500. So stay tuned, and slake your thirst for what's coming with the gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading This is your 2014 Chevrolet SS

This is your 2014 Chevrolet SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet ss2014 chevy ss2014chevysschevroletchevrolet sschevrolet ss 2013chevroletsschevroletss2013chevy sschevysscommodoredaytonadaytona 500holdenssSat, 16 Feb 2013 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20460589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/20460589/article-detail.xml 20460589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet SS previewed by Holden VF Commodore SS V show car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/chevrolet-ss-previewed-by-holden-vf-commodore-ss-v-show-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/chevrolet-ss-previewed-by-holden-vf-commodore-ss-v-show-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/chevrolet-ss-previewed-by-holden-vf-commodore-ss-v-show-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Holden VF Commodore SS V show car

It won't be long before we see the official, production-ready Chevrolet SS sedan (hint: it will be revealed this weekend). And to tide us over until all of the official details are released about the US-spec version, we have this: the Holden VF Commodore SS V show car, a performance-oriented brother to the Calais V that debuted earlier in the week.

What we really want to know about the SS V is what lies underhood, but General Motors' Australian arm is keeping that under wraps until the Chevy model breaks cover this weekend. Nevertheless, it's obvious that the SS V will be a serious performer, with all sorts of aggressive cues driving that home on the car's exterior. Take a look at those 20-inch billet aluminum wheels that hide big Brembo brake calipers up front, the sculpted hood and front fascia, the wide air intakes with LED running lights and the quad exhaust pipes out back. It's like the Pontiac G8 GXP never even left us.

Inside, there's a sporty-looking interior with aluminum accents that mix in with black leather and suede surfaces, all tied together in the middle with an eight-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. It looks great, and again, while we don't know anything regarding powertrain details, it makes us oh-so happy to see a manual shifter smack dab in the middle of the center console.

Stay tuned for the whole kit and caboodle when the SS sedan is revealed this weekend. For now, scroll down to read Holden's press release and click through the attached gallery to see the shape of Chevy things to come.

Continue reading Chevrolet SS previewed by Holden VF Commodore SS V show car

Chevrolet SS previewed by Holden VF Commodore SS V show car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevycommodoregeneral motorsgmholdenssss vvf commodoreThu, 14 Feb 2013 10:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20462232/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/chevrolet-ss-previewed-by-holden-vf-commodore-ss-v-show-car/20462232/article-detail.xml 20462232 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-holden-commodore-vf-ssv-show-car-1360854412_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-holden-commodore-vf-ssv-show-car-1360854412.jpg <![CDATA[New Holden Commodore bows, presages Chevy SS [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Holden Commodore Calais - front three-quarter studio view

2014 Holden Commodore Calais - rear three-quarter studio viewHolden has unveiled its redesigned VF Commodore sedan in Australia, and it's making no secret of the fact that its prized rear-wheel-drive sedan will be exported to the USA as the long-awaited Chevrolet SS.

While the Australian arm of General Motors has held back on details concerning the car's mechanicals and engines, we at least get to gaze upon the new exterior shape and interior design. The trim level Holden went with for the debut is the luxurious, upscale Calais V model.

What we see is an evolution of the current Commodore, the design of which was already well-liked by most. The long, low and wide sedan shape is still there, but with a few more creases in the hood, new fender vents, LED daytime running lamps below projector lamp headlights, and a new rear end with an integrated lip spoiler in the deck lid. What we see is a design different enough from the current car that even if the SS looks exactly like this, we won't be getting something that looks like Pontiac G8 wearing a Bowtie (like the police cruiser Caprice does).

The interior of the new VF Commodore, however, is a much bigger leap forward for the car, upgraded with a slicker design that incorporates the latest infotainment technologies. We're talking a big nav screen (featuring the automaker's MyLink system), electronic parking brake, high-res Heads-Up display and, wait for it, power window switches moved to the doors!

The Commodore will also be available with a host of the latest driver tech, including Reverse Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Auto Park Assist. The latter actually takes semi-automated parking a step forward by not only assisting with parking of the parallel variety, but also working with 90-degree angle parks, as well.

Check out the new VF Commodore in our gallery above, and gander at what official info Holden did provide in the press release below.

Continue reading New Holden Commodore bows, presages Chevy SS [w/video]

New Holden Commodore bows, presages Chevy SS [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet ssaustraliacalais vchevrolet sscommodoregeneral motorsholdenholden vf commodore calais vssvf commodoreSun, 10 Feb 2013 00:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/20455501/article-detail.xml 20455501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this time-lapse build of the Chevy SS for NASCAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/watch-this-time-lapse-build-of-the-chevy-ss-for-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/watch-this-time-lapse-build-of-the-chevy-ss-for-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/watch-this-time-lapse-build-of-the-chevy-ss-for-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There's only about a week left until we get our first look at the production version of the 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan, but Chevrolet NASCAR teams have been looking at the race version of the car all winter. Autoweek has posted a really neat time-lapse video showing just a portion of what it takes to build one of NASCAR's new Gen6 stock cars.

Though the video is quite brief, it does show almost the entire build process starting with just the car's nose, and it gives us a good look at how integral the template is to the final product. As a bonus, Hendrick Motorsports also provided some videos showing two of its teams performing pit stop tests over the winter. The second video shows some of the more detailed aspects of the racecar's rear end, including the stock-looking trunk cutout and a newly mandated rear bumper extension that will be used on super speedways like Daytona and Talladega.

To see what Team Chevy has been up to all off-season, check out all three videos posted after the jump.

Continue reading Watch this time-lapse build of the Chevy SS for NASCAR

Watch this time-lapse build of the Chevy SS for NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 5002014 chevrolet sschevroletchevydaytona speedweeksHendrick MotorsportsnascarssvideoFri, 08 Feb 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20452912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/watch-this-time-lapse-build-of-the-chevy-ss-for-nascar/20452912/article-detail.xml 20452912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascar-chevrolet-ss-build_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascar-chevrolet-ss-build.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet SS prototype - front three-quarter view

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its racing debut for the 2013 Daytona 500, but the production version of the car will get its official unveiling on February 16 in Daytona, a week before The Great American Race. According to a report by Automotive News, the reveal has been confirmed by Jim Campbell, Chevy's US vice president of performance and motorsports. With the departure of the Dodge Charger, the new Chevrolet racecar will be the only competitor to feature a V8, rear-wheel-drive layout in both street and NASCAR form.

NASCAR fans will be able to see the new fullsize performance-oriented sedan on display in the festivities leading up to the Daytona 500, but the car won't go on sale until later in the year. The Australian-built Chevy SS will be a low-volume performance model, and it will be priced above the 2014 Impala, which starts at $27,535.

Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 5002014 chevrolet sschevroletchevydaytona 500nascarpontiac g8ssss sedanzetaWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/20449811/article-detail.xml 20449811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[El Camino revival hopes scuttled by Aussie dollar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Holden Ute

Could Chevrolet sell a reborn El Camino in the United States? Let's ask an expert, General Motors International Operations boss Tim Lee, what he thinks. Speaking to the Aussies at CarPoint.com.au, Lee had this to say: "I think here in the US that vehicle has a tremendous amount of cache so if we could [import it] we would if it makes sense."

Great! So, we'll be getting a pickup car within the year, right? Well, not so much. Lee continues, "You tell me about what the Aussie dollar is going to do over the next 12 to 24 months and I'll tell you the export potential of cars like that." Obviously, nobody can say with certainty what the exchange rate between the US and Australia will be in two years, but as of right now, the Aussie dollar is worth a nickel more than a US dollar.

To quote Mr. Lee once again, "You can't make a business case of something like that." Indeed you cannot.

But what about the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, isn't that built in Australia? Indeed it is, and the upcoming Chevy SS performance sedan will be important from Oz as well. Thing is, Mr. Lee says the SS "will have to take a very premium price position" in order to be sold in the States, and that's apparently not in the cards for an El Camino.

Also not an option: Building the Australian Zeta-chassis machines in the US. Being that we've quoted Lee so many times already, here's one more to close out the discussion: "We will not be investing one penny to implement the Zeta architecture in the United States. I am the chief manufacturing officer of the company - that is written in stone."

El Camino revival hopes scuttled by Aussie dollar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacapricechevroletchevrolet el caminoel caminoholdenholden utessutezetaWed, 16 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/20430250/article-detail.xml 20430250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/holden-ute_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/holden-ute.jpg <![CDATA[How the SS will become Chevy's four-door Corvette halo car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"This is not a return of the Pontiac G8."

Yesterday on a stage on the Encore Theater at The Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Chevrolet revealed its NASCAR SS, the race car that will contest next year's Sprint Cup series. A lot of people are talking about this car, and doing so well beyond the NASCAR fraternity - we were told that 30 minutes after it began the car became the number one trending topic on Twitter. The car looks great, Jeff Gordon showed up for some banter, everyone who was there applauded, the assembled drivers said the the right things.

But it was at lunch after the event with Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, and Jim Caldwell, US vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports, that we learned what we really wanted to know. That story centered on the car that the NASCAR Chevrolet SS heralds, the production Chevrolet SS that will go on sale late next year. Reuss was quick to lay out two of the biggest issues surrounding it: "The only reason we brought this car over is to go racing," and "This is not a return of the Pontiac G8."

Continue reading How the SS will become Chevy's four-door Corvette halo car

How the SS will become Chevy's four-door Corvette halo car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sschevroletchevyfeaturedfour-door corvettemark reussnascar ssssss performanceFri, 30 Nov 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/20391341/article-detail.xml 20391341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/53nascarssrevealed-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/53nascarssrevealed-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/29/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As a throwback Las Vegas magician might say while whipping the sheet of his latest trick, "Alakazam!" The 2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS race car has just been unveiled in Vegas and these are the first images. It will campaign in the top-tier Sprint Cup series next year, replacing the Impala nameplate that has done 12 years in stock car racing over two stints, the most recent from 2007 to the end of this year's season.

There are more hopes resting on the bulging wheel arches of the NASCAR SS than race wins. True, even though it's powered by a small-block Chevrolet V8, its Car of Tomorrow architecture means it bears little actual connection to the coming SS production sedan. But there's every hope the race car can provide an oval-tested halo for that road car, the latter being the first Chevrolet sedan in 17 years to be rear-wheel drive.

Chevrolet says that a "limited production version" of the SS will hit dealer showrooms late next year as a 2014-model-year sedan. Before that, the NASCAR SS will debut at next year's Daytona Speed Week that runs from February 16-23. Supposedly during that week, on February 21, the production car will be revealed, too - the same day as the next-generation Holden Commodore, which birthed the SS, is being revealed in Australia.

There's a press release below with a bit more info, and we'll be bringing you live images and more details on the long awaited Bowtie racer soon.

Continue reading 2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS revealed

2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nascar chevrolet sschevroletnascarsprint cupssThu, 29 Nov 2012 13:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20390661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/29/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-revealed/20390661/article-detail.xml 20390661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy to show SS in Vegas in race trim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/chevy-to-show-ss-in-vegas-in-race-trim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/chevy-to-show-ss-in-vegas-in-race-trim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/chevy-to-show-ss-in-vegas-in-race-trim/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet SS racecar prototype in checkerboard disguise at speed

A lot of speculation has been made with regards to the SS, the promised new Chevrolet rear-wheel drive performance sedan. The Holden Commodore-based muscle saloon will be prowling the open road as early as next year, while a NASCAR version is set to compete in 2013. Shots of the cars testing in their respective natural habitats have led to endless speculation, and it appears we now know which car will debut first.

Word from Speed is that the 2013 Chevrolet SS NASCAR Sprint Cup car is set to bow on Thursday, November 29 at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel and casino. The car will reportedly be shown in full race trim, sans sponsor graphics for Bounty, Skoal or Taylor Swift.

The Vegas debut will mark the introduction of the final vehicle to enter in the 2013 NASCAR season. Dodge unveiled its Charger racecar in March before leaving the race series. Toyota showed off its V8, RWD Camry NASCAR in May, while Ford debuted its race-spec Fusion in January of this year. The remaining entries are expected to (visually) bear a closer resemblance to their road-going counterparts.

While the SS racecar is debuting next month in Vegas, no mention of the production version SS was made. We are still under the impression that February 21, 2013 will still be the launch date for the road-going version of the rear-wheel drive Holden-based sedan that has GM enthusiasts so worked up.

Chevy to show SS in Vegas in race trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet ss nascarchevyholden commodorenascarssss nascarss performanceFri, 19 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20354880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/19/chevy-to-show-ss-in-vegas-in-race-trim/20354880/article-detail.xml 20354880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-chevrolet-ss-nascar-racer-camouflaged_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-chevrolet-ss-nascar-racer-camouflaged.jpeg <![CDATA[HSV testing supercharged V8... could Chevy SS performance model get Camaro ZL1 power?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/hsv-testing-supercharged-v8-could-chevy-ss-performance-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/hsv-testing-supercharged-v8-could-chevy-ss-performance-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/hsv-testing-supercharged-v8-could-chevy-ss-performance-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet SS spy shot

Chevrolet isn't hiding the fact that a new rear-wheel-drive performance sedan - called the SS and seen in full checkered-flag regalia above - is on its way to US shores, courtesy of GM's Australian division. Past its eventual existence, though, we've been kept in the dark. How much will the SS cost? Who, exactly, will it be marketed to? And, perhaps most importantly, what will power the 2014 Chevy SS?

As we all know, General Motors has a cornucopia of engine choices at its disposal, from standard four-cylinder engines to turbocharged four- and six-cylinder units and, of course, the classic V8. Not surprisingly, it's the upper-end of the V8 spectrum we're most curious about. According to the Aussie scribes at GoAuto.com, the SS may be getting the same rockin' and rollin' supercharged mill that so ably (over)powers the Camaro ZL1. Yes, please.

Backing up GoAuto's assertion are some engineering mules being tested by Holden that reportedly have the tell-tale whine of a supercharger underhood. Considering that both the SS and Camaro will be sharing the same basic Zeta underpinnings, the addition of the stupid-powerful V8 seems distinctly possible. Let's hope.

HSV testing supercharged V8... could Chevy SS performance model get Camaro ZL1 power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sscamaro zl1chevroletholdenlsassss performancess superchargedFri, 12 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/hsv-testing-supercharged-v8-could-chevy-ss-performance-model/20347829/article-detail.xml 20347829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/0chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/0chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[Confederate X132 Hellcat Combat prototype breaks Bonneville record [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/confederate-x132-hellcat-combat-prototype-breaks-bonneville-reco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/confederate-x132-hellcat-combat-prototype-breaks-bonneville-reco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/confederate-x132-hellcat-combat-prototype-breaks-bonneville-reco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Confederate Motorcycles land speed record run

James Hoegh's mission to go faster than 168.912 mph on a naked bike on the Bonneville Salt Flats has met success. Hoegh traversed the salt during the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials at 172.211 mph, entering the books in the APF3000 class as the rider on the world's fastest big block American V-twin.

The prototype X132 Hellcat Combat ran with the 132-cubic-inch S&S XWedge engine used in the retail Hellcat, given a knife's-edge tune and plenty of performance bits so it could push through the air faster than any other.

There are three ways to follow in Hoegh's footsteps: break the record yourself, buy one of the limited-production-run Combat Hellcats that Confederate says will be coming next year, or become a physical therapist, which is Hoegh's day job. While you decide, there's a video chronicling the achievement below.

Continue reading Confederate X132 Hellcat Combat prototype breaks Bonneville record [w/video]

Confederate X132 Hellcat Combat prototype breaks Bonneville record [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnevillebonneville salt flatsbubBUB Motorcycle Speed Trialsconfederatehellcatjames hoeghland speed recordlsrssvideovideosx132 hellcatMon, 08 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/08/confederate-x132-hellcat-combat-prototype-breaks-bonneville-reco/20342646/article-detail.xml 20342646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/confederate-bike-lsr-attempt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/confederate-bike-lsr-attempt.jpg -1 2