2017 Chevrolet SS

After being introduced in 2014, the Chevy SS is now at the end of its life cycle in the USA. But it does not go quietly into that night. The V8 engine is still just as rambunctious as it was three years ago, offering up an impressive 415 horsepower and equal amounts of torque to give the sport sedan more than enough street cred to retire on. It stands apart from the rest of the Chevrolet stable, too, courtesy of its unusual rear-wheel drivetrain and singular trim level. In its final year, there are no all-new updates, but we are still sad to see this old girl go.

The Chevrolet SS sedan is certainly not a small machine. All that V8 power is wrapped in plenty of sheet metal, disguising its sporty nature. The dimensions measure 195.5 inches in length, 57.9 in height, and 74.7 in width. The standard 19-inch alloy wheels attest to the notion that bigger is better, and larger 20-inchers are available, too. High-intensity headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a rear-spoiler all give the vehicle bold curb appeal. A power sunroof is available, too, if you want to really hear how fast you're going. Exterior color options include traditional Heron White and Phantom Black Metallic, while Slipstream Blue Metallic and Red Hot 2 both really bring out the Chevy's sporty side. New for the final year are Orange Blast Metallic and Nightfall Grey Metallic, which show up quite nicely in the promo images.

Only one powertrain is offered, but it is so good that no other is neede! The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 does all the heavy lifting sans-turbocharger, developing 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, or a more hands-on six-speed manual gearbox, this generator moves the rather heavy weight sedan from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. Throttle responses are quick and they sound extremely gratifying. The rear-wheel drivetrain is what really sets the new Chevy SS apart from its performance-model siblings on the US market, which, combined with the cockpit-like styling of the cabin, gives the driver a real jet-pilot experience.

With torquey turbocharged competitors edging out old-fashioned muscle cars, it is nice to be able to sit on a rocket, and even more so to steer it with expertly tuned driving dynamics. No machine this big and heavy should handle so well, but we're sure glad it does. That is not to say that you should try hurtling it around a hairpin turn at top speed, but there is more than enough leeway to have some fun. If that is your goal, we definitely suggest sticking with the manual gearbox, as we found the automatic a little lazy on the uptake in our test drive. You'll also spend most of your time in Sport mode, despite the lower fuel economy figures. Ride comfort takes a hit in this mode, though, so your behind won't thank you for spending all day hooning around town. In Drive mode, it makes for an adequate daily driver.

As a large car, the SS has a thirsty power plant, regardless of the configuration. The manual gearbox is slightly less thirsty, delivering an EPA-estimated 14/22/17 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. By comparison, the combined figure drops by a single mile per gallon when you switch the transmission. This is on par with the competition, as the Dodge Charger returns 15/25/18 mpg with its 6.4-liter V8 spec. The gas tank is quite commodious, though, so 18.8 gallons of premium gasoline will carry you across 320 miles before you pull into the nearest gas station.

The inside of the Chevrolet SS is not nearly as special as what is under the hood. But, you do receive leather as standard, which is a nice touch. It comes in Jet Black only, with Red accent stitching. A definite strength is the amount of space provided. Whether you're up front or in the back, there is more than enough head and legroom for even an adult. Entering and exiting are simple enough. And, even though the rear seats do not fold down, the trunk offers up 16.4 cubic feet of cargo space. That helps it stay relevant as a daily family hauler, and the list of standard features certainly does not hurt, either.

Aside from leather upholstery, the base model comes outfitted with dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, a sizeable eight-inch touchscreen, and a quality Bose sound system. In terms of driver-assistance features, it is the first Chevy to come equipped with automated parking assist, which is supplemented by a rearview camera, and a nifty head-up display. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has conducted a review of the Chevy SS for safety, but it has been recalled numerous times over its short lifespan. This calls its reliability into question, so the lack of a rating from J.D. Power might be for the best.

There are not multiple Chevy SS models, but considering how much you get on the single available trim, it should come as no surprise that it carries a rather hefty price tag. Without any of the optional add-ons, the price of the Chevrolet SS is $46,625 MSRP. This base price excludes the manufacturer's destination charge and the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax you'll be forced to pay. Despite these high-cost downsides of this vehicle, the SS is still beloved by driving enthusiasts, and for good reason. If you manage to get your hands on one of these muscle-bound beauties, you will not be disappointed with its performance.