“SS,” like other acronyms have quite a few different meanings on cars, and the implications refer to the feature or its function in the specific component to which they refer to in a car, in case you are wondering, “What does SS mean on a car?”.
The Chevrolet “SS” is a common phrase used to refer to that specific car model among the various kinds of vehicles manufactured by General Motors. The car is unique for the special features designed to distinguish it from other vehicle models out there.
The Chevy SS is acclaimed to be one of GM’s amazing releases within the time frame when the 1961 Impala was first made available.
Other SS model cars were manufactured after that until the time of discontinuation of the car model and the closure of Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors in Australia.
What does SS mean on a Car?
The abbreviation “SS” stands for “Super Sport.” This is a significant distinctive performance package produced by General Motors and typically found with the Chevrolet.
Chevrolet Impala (built in 1961), Nova, Camino, Camaro, Monte Carlo, Chevelle, and the Chevrolet truck are a few examples of Super Sports automobiles. Holden, a division of General Motors, marketed the Chevrolet SS in Australia.
In addition, they provided SS variants for the Holden Commodore and a variety of sports wagons. From 1978 to 2017, the vehicles were made in Australia, while from 1979 to 1990, they were made in New Zealand.
The Chevrolet Impala was the first Super Sport vehicle. The replacement of the original 3.5 Liter V6 engine with a 5.3 Liter V8 engine improved it over the original.
In addition, the V8 engine’s higher power output compared to the V6 engine allowed the car to accelerate significantly more quickly.
On October 20, 2017, local SS vehicle production was stopped in Australia. After that, Holden’s brand and nameplate were discontinued in 2020, which also happened to be the year that the Commodore’s sales were eliminated.
The “SS” is a unique designation for the General Motors Chevrolet car model with the highest performance package. It provides excellent power and efficiency, precisely as those who were brand fans enjoyed it.
The supercharger in the car makes it possible for more oxygen to be released during each engine’s intake cycle, increasing the amount of gasoline burned and the engine’s output.
As a result, the power surge offers the same level of strength as a cheetah’s speed. The Camaro SS and Sedan, two examples of Chevrolet Super Sport vehicles, are insanely supercharged with tremendous power for acceleration.
The Different Meanings of SS on Cars
In addition to Super Sport, SS has also been given alternative meanings depending on the automaker. For instance:
- Chevy Impala SS: This designation originally stood for Super Sport. However, from 1994-1996, Chevy redefined it to mean its own package, which featured a much more sophisticated suspension setup.
- Pontiac Firebird: The 1971-1981 Pontiac Firebirds featured an optional Formula Package. Adding the Code SSO option converted this into the iconic Trans Am pack.
- Nova SS: Initially, this SS badging was adopted in 1962 when the Nova was merely a trim option for Chevy’s compact II chassis. Later in 1963 and onwards, new first-gen Nova’s could also be ordered with an enhanced performance package that included higher-performance engines, different gear ratios, larger brakes, and suspension enhancements.
What Makes a Car SS?
The qualifications for SS cars vary depending on the model, but they’re generally superior to their standard versions. Here are some of the features that set Super Sport variants apart from their standard counterparts:
- More powerful engines
- Better suspension systems
- Enhanced braking systems
- Sportier styling (like customized wheels and tires)
- Performance upgrades
History and Evolution of SS in the Automotive Industry
The term “SS,” which stands for “Super Sport,” has a long and storied history in the automotive industry. Originally used to denote high-performance variants of Chevrolet vehicles, the SS designation is now found on cars from a variety of manufacturers.
The First Car Model to Use SS
The first car model to use the SS label was the 1961 Impala from Chevrolet. The original Impala SS boasted a 348-cubic-inch V8 engine and could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around 7 seconds.
This performance-oriented version of the already-popular Impala quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts, and it didn’t take long for other automakers to take note.
Chevrolet continued to use the SS designation throughout the 1960s and 70s, applying it to models like the Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, and Monte Carlo.
These Super Sport versions typically featured larger engines, sportier suspension systems, and various aesthetic enhancements like racing stripes and badges.
How SS Evolved Over Time in the Automotive Industry?
In the decades since its introduction, the SS label has expanded beyond just Chevrolet vehicles. For example, Pontiac introduced an SS variant of the Firebird called the Trans Am in the late 1960s, while Ford offered an SS package option for the Mustang in the early years of that model’s development.
Today, many different automakers offer cars with SS designations or packages. One example is the 2021 Dodge Challenger Super Stock, which features a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that can produce up to 807 horsepower.
Another example is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI Type RA, which includes upgraded brakes, suspension tuning, and lightweight wheels.
While the specific features that come with an SS package can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and model, these designations generally indicate that a given vehicle is aimed at performance enthusiasts.
They often include upgrades to engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, and aerodynamics, among other things.
“The term ‘super sport’ has an almost mythic quality for auto enthusiasts,” says Matthew de Paula of Edmunds.com. “In its modern usage, it suggests serious performance chops that are meant to separate certain cars from their more pedestrian siblings.”
SS designations have become so popular in recent years that some automakers have begun using similar labels to denote high-performance electric or hybrid vehicles.
For example, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo offers 670 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful production wagons ever made.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s lineup includes Performance versions of its Model S, Model X, and Model 3 electric vehicles that boast faster acceleration and higher top speeds than their standard counterparts.
The evolution of the SS designation over the years reflects the enduring appeal of performance-oriented cars among driving enthusiasts.
Whether you’re drawn to older muscle cars or the latest supercars, there’s something uniquely thrilling about a car that lives up to its Super Sport name.
The List of SS Models
The first car to have the SS badge was the first-generation Corvette, built as a custom racing sports car.
However, the first commercially available Super Sport was made available in 1961 for the Impala. Its price was $53.80 which would translate to $520 today.
The package added the SS badges, performance suspension and brakes, whitewall tires, and a 7,000rpm tachometer among other features. Out of 491,000 Impalas manufactured in 1961, only 453 were equipped with the SS package.
The List of SS Cars:
- Chevrolet Commodore SS
- Chevrolet Cobalt SS
- Chevrolet HHR SS
- Chevrolet Impala SS
- Chevrolet Malibu SS
- Chevrolet Camaro SS
- Chevrolet El Camino SS
- Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS
- Chevrolet Nova SS
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
The List of SS Trucks:
- Chevrolet 454 SS
- Chevrolet S10 SS
- Chevrolet SSR SS
- Chevrolet Silverado SS
- Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
SS on the Global Market
The domestic SS cars made their way around the world, as everyone wanted to get one of these high-performance cars.
Besides the standard cars, special SS vehicles were made for certain markets. These were sometimes just a rebadge of the domestic model, but there were also some new ones.
- Chevrolet Caprice SS- a rebadge of the Impala SS and Holden Caprice for the Middle Eastern market.
- Chevrolet Lumina SS – a rebadge of the Holden Monaro for the Middle Eastern market.
- Chevrolet Opala SS – a derivative of Opel Rekord and Commodore for the Brazilian market.
- Chevrolet Astra, Corsa, and Meriva SS – derivatives of Opel models with the same names for the Brazilian market.
- Chevrolet Captiva SS – built for the Indonesian market.
Holden SS
The Australian car manufacturer Holden is a subsidiary of GM and mostly sells rebadge GM vehicles on the Australian market. The company has released a lot of SS models with most based on the Commodore and the Holden Ute, one of their most famous models.
Current SS Models
The only SS model to survive to this day is the Camaro SS, however, even its fate is uncertain as Chevrolet plans to discontinue their classic muscle car in favor of an electric vehicle.
Whether or not they’ll retain the SS badge is uncertain, but we can be sure that the new model will not capture the essence of a proper Super Sport car.
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.
How much is a SS car worth?
The value of a classic SS car can vary greatly depending on factors such as rarity, condition, model, and demand.
According to Hot Cars, classic Chevrolet Chevelle SS prices can start at $40,000 to $50,000 and easily go above the $100,000 mark.
However, these prices are subject to change depending on factors such as roadworthiness, mileage, and the authenticity of restoration parts.
lists some Chevrolet Chevelle SS vehicles for sale, ranging from $49,995 to $62,500. It’s important to remember that these values are not set in stone and can fluctuate depending on the market and the specific vehicle’s condition.
You can consult valuation guides from industry authorities such as Hemmings and Hagerty to determine how much a specific SS car is worth.
These guides can offer insights into classic car values by analyzing sales data and providing recommended prices based on make, model, and condition.
In conclusion, the worth of an SS car relies on various factors, and consulting valuation tools and resources is an effective way of determining a specific vehicle’s value.
FAQs.
Q: What makes a car an SS?
SS or Super Sport cars have an exterior “SS” inscription that distinguishes them. It is a sign that depicts the performance option package of some specific limited number of vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet.
SS car models include a bigger motor, unique exterior, and interior trim package, chassis reinforcements, specialty wheels or tires, performance braking system, and a stronger suspension system.
You may want to take time to observe these features outline above to enable you to identify an SS car when next you think you see one and you’re not sure about it.
Q: Is an SS a V8?
Yes, the SS car models offered by Chevrolet possess a star performance lineup with the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine, having a 455 lb.-ft. of torque and a 455 horsepower capability.
These features empower the 8-speed automatic Chevy Camaro SS to accelerate from 0 to 60 within a time frame of 4 seconds.
The Chevy Camaro SS, with its variable valve timing, direct injection, active fuel economy, and 8-speed automatic, offers power and efficiency when you need it.
Q: How do you tell if a car is a true SS?
Ascertaining whether a car is a true SS is pretty simple. Take a moment and verify the following to know a true SS car.
- Check out the SS package.
- Locate the trim tag in the car’s interior around the driver’s door area.
- Check the back seat for the specific build sheet.
- Check the engine number.
- Run the VIN – Vehicle Identification Number.
If the vehicle meets the criteria of SS cars as spelled out above, then it’s a true SS. Otherwise, it is some other vehicle looking like an SS model car.
Q: What does SS mean in Ford cars?
The SS inscription in Ford cars means that they have a Stop/Start system that helps to improve the car’s efficiency. This is quite different from the meaning of the inscription “SS” in some other cases.
In case you are asking, “What does RS mean on a car?” It is yet another acronym that is also captured in Ford cars that indicates a specific feature like the “SS” inscription.
Others may also be wondering, “What does SRT stand for on a car?” They all indicate a speed or racing feature.
Q: Is the Chevy SS a rare car?
The Chevy SS is rare because, despite General Motors’ plans to sell as many as 15,000 units yearly, they only succeeded in uploading a total number of about 13,000 between 2014 and 2017.
The figure is pretty below expectations for four years when the plan was to sell up to 15,000 units per year. Out of the 60,000 units expected sales, they only sold about 21% of the figure in 4 years.
The Chevy SS is a rare gem that may be pretty difficult to get at the moment because of its limited supplies due to less manufacturing of the car model.
Q: Are Chevy SS supercharged?
Chevy Super Sportscar models are supercharged. The supercharger possesses an air compressor responsible for increasing the density or pressure of air distributed to the internal combustion engine.
The supercharger enables an operation that gives more oxygen to each of the engine’s intake cycles, thereby burning more fuel and boosting the power output of the car’s engine.
A supercharged car flies with so much power boost, like a war jet launching out to attack a troop of enemies. The Chevrolet Super Sports cars are crazily supercharged with monster energy for racing.
Q: How fast is a Chevrolet SS?
The Chevrolet SS Sedan is a force to be reckoned with, as it speaks of power and efficiency.
The Super Sportscar makes about 1,120 wheel horsepower with a time frame of 9.1 seconds at 151 mph. The 2017 model Super Sportscar runs the quarter-mile within 13.2 seconds at 109.2 mph.
The speed of some other vehicles cannot be compared with that of a Chevy SS, as it is like comparing the speed of light to sound. Of course, light travels faster than sound; so is the Chevrolet SS, compared to many other vehicles.
If you enjoy crazy speed like racers, you may want to consider the Chevy Camaro or Sedan SS. However, the limited production and supply was a setback in buying the car.
The discontinuation of the production in 2018 was a bigger setback for people who had a serious affection for the vehicle due to its features.
Final Words
Information about the Chevrolet Super Sport car has been unveiled in this article in case you were wondering, “What does SS mean on a car?”
The Chevrolet Super Sport car models are amazing spec designed with top-notch features that completely distinguish them from other cars.
If you are a lover of speed, the supercharged Chevy SS model would have been your best bet for power and efficiency, as the car would deliver just the way you want it.
The limited production and discontinuation of the production of the Chevrolet SS model cars was a setback for all stakeholders.
However, lucky used car lovers may come across a Chevy SS model for purchase. A Chevy SS car price ranges from around $25,000 to $30,000.