Details about the new 2014 Chevy SS

Chevrolet has finally revealed its much anticipated RWD flagship sedan. As expected, the car looks nearly identical to its Australian cousin, the Holden VF Commodore SS-V and bears great resemblance to the late Pontiac G8 GXP. Unlike the Holden and the Pontiac though, the Chevy will only be offered with a 6-speed automatic as the sole transmission option. This is disappointing for those of us who prefer to row their own gears but I doubt it will affect sales.

Since Dodge pulled out of NASCAR, this makes Chevrolet the only maker to have a RWD production vehicle (and a V8 one at that matter) using the same nameplate that's used for NASCAR. It, unfortunately, still isn't mechanically related to the race car but a shared name and front end is a good start.

It will be offered with the LS3 6.2 L V8 making 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque routed to the rear wheels and a 3.27 final drive ratio. Chevy is estimating a 0-60 time of about 5 seconds but I am expecting this to be overly conservative. A mid-high 4 second range is more reasonable, especially when considering that the G8 GXP always posted a sub 5-second 0-60 times.

Braking power comes courtesy of two piece, four piston brembo brakes up front and single pistons sliding callipers out back. Chevy says the weight distribution will be a near perfect 50/50 with a low weight distribution, thanks in part to aluminum hood and trunk lid that save 30% compared to equivalent steel parts. 19 inch forged aluminum wheels are standard, wrapped in Bridgestone tires with a staggered setup - 245/40/19 fronts and 275/35/19 rears. Sport tuned suspension and power steering system round off the handling package. According GM's executive chief engineer of GM global programs, David Leone, the car will deliver incredible grip and handling balance while cornering and a comfortable drive while on the road. Sounds great to me!

The car will come with many standard convenience and safety features and will seat 5 adults comfortable. Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, heads up display, push-button start, 9-speaker Bose audio system, eight-way power front buckets, blue accent lighting, LED daytime running lights and HID headlamps are all standard features. Increasing the premium feel, stitched leather, soft touch materials, embroidered SS decals on the seats and dashboard and chrome trim are also all standard. The seats actually look like they have cutouts for a 5 point harness.

Safety features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind spot monitors, stability control, traction control, a backup camera and rear cross traffic alert. Automatic Parking Assist, a Chevy first, will provide assistance in parallel and reverse right angle parking situations. It will also seat five adults comfortably, which is to be expected from a big Chevy. Power sunroof is expected to be the only option.

Judging by the long list of standard features and the tire-shredding Corvette V8 engine (as the only engine option), the SS is not expected to have an entry level model for masses like the G8. It will stay true to Chevy's tradition of good value for money though, so a price tag similar to that of a luxury car with the same size, power and features is out of the question. I expect MSRP to be close to or under $45k which will be a heck of a bargain for what you get. Will this car be as good or better than the Pontiac G8 and receive the same praise that it did? Will Ford or at least Lincoln be next in line to offer a RWD performance sedan? I sure hope so.