The history of the Chevrolet SS is one of being a great car to bring moonshine across county and state lines and has its roots in what eventually became NASCAR. With this kind of history it’s almost a shame to find out Chevrolet is planning to discontinue the SS after only a couple more years of production as it is really one of the only sedans on the market that can give you the power and drive that can be found from a model that looks to be plain and innocuous enough, but in reality has a lot hidden underneath.
To gain more power for the SS, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Wixom, MI have added a 2.3-liter Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger to the already powerful 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with brings the horsepower up to a very strong 435 horsepower. This added power can be great for “totin’ shine” or for showing off on a deserted road against a cocky sports car that thinks the SS is just another sedan but has to watch as this awesome upgraded beauty blows by it and leaves it licking its wounds near the starting line.
Whether the SS really needs an upgrade is yet to be really determined, but the drive of this awesome sedan is built to run in control on dirt and gravel roads nearly as much as when on the pavement. The SS could have been just as easily the best choice for the General Lee that was featured in the TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard” for so many years, but it has never been as much of a car that begs your attention as the Charger that was featured in the show. With the dynamite suspension and deft steering, the SS is easy to control even at high speeds that might be needed when heading out to the track to show off in front of some fans.
Built around the sports car idea, the SS as a great sedan also offers plenty of creature comforts for us to enjoy. This is where the intelligence of this design really comes into play. Most sports cars are not built for comfort or for driving a long way because they are expected to make short runs, be fun for the weekend and head out to the track. The SS is built for comfort with seating for five to fit comfortably making this a sedan that the entire family can enjoy.
If you feel your new SS is not powerful enough from the V8 engine then see the folks in Wixom, MI and let them add the supercharger, but as a highly powerful and fully engaged driving machine the Chevrolet SS makes a great choice as a car you can enjoy on a daily basis. Probably the only drawback is the fuel mileage, which is certainly what you expect from a V8 engine, but that is the tradeoff when you choose one of the most powerful sedans on the road today.