We are primarily accustomed to race (Super) cars and civilian cars. SS Refers to a new category of supercars named Super Sports Cars. These Magnificent beasts are usually at the top of their kind, providing high performance, comfort, and style.
Today, we’re setting out for knowing everything we can about these SS cars, including how to identify one, and what makes them so special. So buckle up your seat belts, folks. We’re going for a ride!
What Does SS Mean On a Car?
General Motors is one of the largest car producers in the world. They own large car brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.
One huge money maker for the company is the muscle car. They are extremely popular in the American market and General Motors has made many variations of the car. Some of them are differentiated by an “SS” in their name.
“SS” stands for Super Sport. It specifies that a car is the highest performance variant of its model.
The first Super Sport car was the Chevrolet Impala. What made it better than the original was the 5.3 Liter V8 engine instead of the original 3.5 Liter V6 engine. The V8 engine produced more power than the V6 which helped the car accelerate much faster.
How Do I Tell if a Car is a True SS?
Step 1: Check for SS Markers
Super sport cars usually have many differentiating factors. Some of them are better braking systems, powerful engines, special wheels and tires, bigger motors, special interior and exterior trim packages, and stronger suspension.
Super Sport models also carry the SS badge, which should be on both the interior and exterior of the dashboard.
The cars will usually include a different tachometer from regular models and in some cases, other instruments (apart from the ones already mentioned) will set an SS car apart.
Step 2: Check the Engine Number
SS cars usually have a differentiating engine from regular models. Check the number on your engine and check with a parts dealer or mechanic to see if the number matches up with other SS models.
This tip isn’t the “end all be all” though since the engine of a car, especially if it’s an older model, might have been changed at some point.
Step 3: Check the Vehicle Identification Number
A vehicle’s identification number can tell you everything you need to know about the car. You’ll learn the car’s year, model, make, the engine it came with, where it was made, and lots more.
Just enter the number into a Vehicle Identification Number search site and you should be able to get information on your car’s history at no cost. This can help you see whether or not your car is a true SS.
Step 4: Find the Trim Tag
The trim tag should be somewhere in the driver side door. Trim tags can give more information on the car’s original configuration and trim package.
Step 5: Find the Build Package
If there is a build sheet in the car, it will be found in the back seat.
If you have an older or antique car, though, then it’s likely that the build sheet won’t be intact, but it’s still worth looking for.
The build sheet will provide information on things that went into the vehicle when it was being assembled.
Some of the things that will be on the sheet are mirror type, engine size, transmission, and paint codes.
What Makes a Car an SS?
There are certain features that make a car an SS. These features will differ depending on the brand and model, but there is one thing that stays the same.
An SS will always be better than the regular model. That is something all car enthusiasts can agree on.
It would also be safe to say that the SS package makes a car a true SS.
A better motor, unique exterior, special wheels and tires, stronger suspension, unique trim packages, upgraded braking system, and a new and improved engine.
FAQs
1. Are Chevy SS cars supercharged?
Ans. The Chevy SS Sedan can be supercharged. When running, the car pushes about 650-horsepower at the wheels, thanks to the LSA Supercharger.
It would be wise to talk to your mechanic, though, to make sure your car can be supercharged.
2. Why is the Chevy SS considered a rare car?
Ans. Chevy SS cars are considered rare because not many of them are released per year, and not many can be bought.
Only 3,000 were sold per year over the car’s last four years because of a lack of public interest, mostly due to practicality issues, and a lack of advertising on Chevrolet’s part.
3. What makes the Chevrolet Camaro an SS?
Ans. The Chevrolet Camaro SS’ main feature is the upgraded engine. The first engine that the company offered was the 350 cubic inch engine with 295 horsepower, but soon after, the large 396 Mk Iv block with 325 horsepower was also offered.
4. How fast does a Chevy SS go?
Ans. According to Chevy, the SS can go from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. The car can also cover a quarter-mile in about 13 seconds at a speed of 109 mph.
5. Will the Chevy SS hold its value over time?
Ans. Because of the car’s rarity, the Chevy SS is expected to hold its resale value very well over the next couple of years.
6. What do 1SS and 2SS mean?
Ans. 1SS is the base model of an SS car that introduces the new engine and upgrades. 2SS is an improved version with more amenities added.
7. Is 1SS or 2SS better?
Ans. 2SS would be considered better as it has more features and overall, is a more comfortable ride. There isn’t too much of a difference, though.
8. Why did Chevrolet discontinue the SS?
Ans. The Chevy SS was discontinued at the end of 2017 because there was a lack of public interest. People thought it was too expensive, so less cars than were made were being sold.
This disincentivized the company from making it as they were losing money and after trying to ramp up sales to no avail, the decision to discontinue was made.
9. How are a Chevy Camaro LT1 and SS different?
Ans. The Camaro SS has more features than the LT1 and has the upper hand on comfort with things like magnetic ride control and leather seating.
10. What’s the difference between a ZL1 and SS?
Ans. Both cars have the 6.2L V8 engine, but the ZL1 puts out 650 horsepower compared to the SS’ 455 horsepower. The ZL1 is also faster than the SS and puts out more power, making it the superior model.
Leave a Comment