The Chevy SS stood for Super Sport.
Understanding the Chevrolet Super Sport (SS) Designation
The Super Sport, often abbreviated as SS, is a signature performance option package offered by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. This designation signifies an enhanced, high-performance variant within Chevrolet's vehicle lineup, designed to appeal to enthusiasts seeking more power, sharper handling, and distinctive styling.
Key Characteristics of SS Models
Vehicles bearing the SS badge are typically equipped with a range of upgrades that differentiate them from their standard counterparts. These enhancements commonly include:
- Enhanced Powertrains: Often featuring more powerful engines, such as larger displacement V8s or supercharged variants, for increased horsepower and torque.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: Modifications to the suspension system, including stiffer springs, performance shocks, and thicker sway bars, to improve handling dynamics and responsiveness.
- Upgraded Braking Systems: Larger brake rotors and calipers, sometimes from performance brands like Brembo, to provide superior stopping power and fade resistance.
- Distinctive Exterior Styling: All SS models come with unique "SS" markings on their exterior, prominently displayed on grilles, fenders, and trunks. They often feature specific aerodynamic elements like spoilers, unique wheel designs, and aggressive front and rear fascias.
- Performance-Oriented Interior: The cabin may include bolstered sport seats for better support during spirited driving, unique gauge clusters, SS badging on steering wheels and seatbacks, and exclusive trim materials.
A Legacy of Performance
The Super Sport package first made its debut for the 1961 model year, initially appearing on the full-size Chevrolet Impala. Since then, the SS designation has been applied to a diverse array of Chevrolet vehicles, spanning various vehicle types from iconic muscle cars to modern sedans and even trucks and SUVs. This badging consistently represents a commitment to delivering vehicles with a focus on performance and driving excitement.
Here are some notable Chevrolet models that have featured the Super Sport (SS) trim over the decades:
| Year Introduced | Model | Body Style |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Impala SS | Full-size Sedan / Coupe |
| 1964 | Chevelle SS | Mid-size Muscle Car |
| 1967 | Camaro SS | Pony Car |
| 1969 | Nova SS | Compact Car |
| 1994 | Impala SS | Full-size Performance Sedan |
| 2003 | Silverado SS | Full-size Performance Pickup |
| 2006 | Cobalt SS | Compact Coupe / Sedan |
| 2014 | Chevrolet SS | Full-size Performance Sedan |
The SS badging remains a celebrated symbol of Chevrolet's heritage in high-performance automotive engineering.
For more information on the history and models of Chevrolet's Super Sport line, you can refer to the Super Sport (Chevrolet) Wikipedia page.
