Super Sport

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1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396

Super Sport, or SS, is an option package offered by Chevrolet on many of its vehicle lines since 1961. Some of the better-known models to bear the SS badge include the Camaro, Chevelle, El Camino, Impala, and Nova. Originally introduced in 1961 as an appearance package for the Impala, it became a high-performance package in 1966.

Until the Impala SS was brought back in 1994, the Super Sport package was only available on two-door passenger cars. Since then, however, the SS package has been used on a variety of GM vehicles, including pickup trucks, four-door sedans, and front wheel drive cars.

Both historically and today, the Super Sport package has typically included high-performance tires, heavy-duty suspension, and increased power, along with a variety of other performance and appearance upgrades. All SS models have come with "SS" markings.

Newer SS models are the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Chevrolet HHR SS, Chevrolet Impala SS, Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, and the Silverado SS, along with the Trailblazer SS. Current North American-market SS models are tuned by GM Performance Division. The Impala SS is slated to replace the Monte Carlo SS in NASCAR racing, as the latter is being put on hiatus.

The SS badge is also used by Australian manufacturer Holden on its SS Commodore and SS Utes.

SS models

Current SS models

Previous SS models

South African market

For a short period of time in the early 1970s, a Holden Monaro-based "Chevrolet SS" model, similar in design, size and drivetrain to a Nova SS, was available in South Africa. Unlike the Nova, it was built as a hardtop, without fixed #2 or B-pillars or frames around the door glass.

Concept car

Main article: Chevrolet SS
Chevrolet SS concept (front) at the 2004 Los Angeles Auto Show

In 2003, Chevrolet released a concept car they named the SS. A rear wheel drive sports car with a modern 430 hp small-block V8 engine and race-tuned suspension, it was billed as "a modern interpretation of Chevrolet's Super Sport heritage." Though never intended for production, the vehicle was used as a show car and to hint at what was ahead for Chevrolet sports car design. It could possibly become a future version of the Corvette.

Collectors market

It is usually easy to visually differentiate an SS from a "plain-Jane" model. However, it is more difficult to tell the difference between a genuine SS and a "clone," a non-SS vehicle that has been altered to look like an SS. Because of the number of SS clones in the marketplace, potential buyers are advised to do their research and contact their local car clubs for help to ensure that the vehicle is a true SS by running the VIN codes and casting numbers on the engine.

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