A/W: Chevrolet SS: Nondescript in the best possible way

[kevm14]

http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews ... -ss-review

The first write-up has so many good points that I'd end up pasting the whole thing, so just read it.

What I will paste is the second opinion which is short:

If there’s more of a performance bargain on the market than the Chevy SS, show it to me. This car is well put together, rides comfortably, and is quiet going about its business. Maybe too quiet? Too sedate? Not when you leg it and cut the V8 loose. Then there’s power aplenty and great sounds. Both are expected.

The ride quality strikes a nice balance between firm and everyday livability with a controlled chassis that doesn’t beat you up. The driving position is good with comfortable seats and logical controls.

Can’t shut up about the power. Stand on the gas and it’s one big smile.

I’d have no hesitation about jumping in this and driving it for days. In fact I’d welcome it.

[kevm14]

If there’s more of a performance bargain on the market than the Chevy SS, show it to me.

You can get cheaper cars that are faster and better handling (Camaro SS). You can get cars as large that are a bit faster (Charger SRT 392). But you can't get this overall package combining space, muscle and finesse, at a lower price.

[bill25]

I wonder why these are not sold as cop cars. Maybe too much money. A V8 Charger is like 35K, which probably exceeds the Crown Vic performance by enough to not even need more.

[kevm14]

Uhh...

http://www.gmfleet.com/specialty-vehicl ... e-car.html

Do you mean specifically why is the PPV on WN (long wheelbase) and not VF (short wheelbase)? Or did you not know about the PPV (model year 2011 to present)? The engines are either V6 or V8, and the V8 is basically the same as the 2008 G8 GT engine, just with a few minor changes.

[bill25]

I knew about the Caprice PPV. It isn't the same as the SS. Even the upgraded engine option is 60 HP less. I don't really understand why Chevy makes both. Different styling, different drivetrain.

[Adam]

I knew about the Caprice PPV. It isn't the same as the SS. Even the upgraded engine option is 60 HP less. I don't really understand why Chevy makes both. Different styling, different drivetrain.

"Late Model" police vehicles are typically engineered for reliability and durability so they don't generally have the highest-performance option engines. See: every standard police model since the late '70s (or possibly earlier).

Also, long wheel base is preferred for ease of prisoner ingress/egress.

The Australian Caprice is sold more as a luxury model, although they now have a V-series variant with an LS3.
https://www.holden.com.au/cars/caprice

[bill25]

That is more of an answer I was looking for.

[bill25]

Kevin, where are you? The internet is on fire.

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/07/08/2017 ... lsa-rumor/
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/07/rum ... 2l-lsa-v8/
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/fu ... percharger

[Bob]

I read some of those articles a while ago and I'm surprised they weren't posted here yet. It would be cool to see a Hellcat challenger from GM.

[kevm14]

Maybe with 2025 CAFE going away, they will actually make something like this, even on Alpha or whatever. I honestly also think, by the way, that 2025 CAFE regs would have ultimately killed the small block. We'd all be driving turbo V6 trucks that get 19 mpg.