The Chevy "SS" Badge

When you hear about the Chevy SS badge, what do the gears in your cranium crank out? Thoughts of performance, images of a high-end Chevy, or an easy win on the track? All totally understandable. But let me guess, I bet you don't directly think of the Trailblazer SS, the HHR SS, or the Colbalt SS (unless you own one of these vehicles, of course). As an owner of two high powered vehicles and one being a Camaro Z28, I am the first to say that I am happy that Chevy is trying to return to its glory days and bring back the high performance 'SS' moniker, but all I can ask is that GM be more selective on which vehicles will be awarded that badge.

For the 2014 car season, Chevy is going to produce a RW, V8 powered Impala (yet again) that will offer the SS package. I do think it looks sporty and I am sure its numerical outputs are impressive, but will this Impala perform as advertised and earn its "SS" badge? I guess time will tell, but I know the last generation Impalas didn't receive the greatest reviews... 

Here is a glimpse at the 2014 Impala: 

All I ask is that GM takes a little more time and care in choosing what cars or trucks deserve to be designated with a "SS" badge. I know much of the time this just means a higher end trim package, but if GM is truly trying to bring this moniker back to its heritage, the only vehicles that should be able to be called a Super Sport are the vehicles the are built with performance in mind. I don't know if that just means throwing in a large V8 and making it rear-wheel drive, I'm not sure. But what I am sure of is there's something lacking when both a 2-door, 6.2L V8 Camaro with 426 HP and a 4-door 3.6L V6 Impala with 303 HP carrying the kids around are called the same thing. 

Returning to the roots of the Super Sport? I don't think so. We consumers would be seeing more dedicated sports cars if that was the case. Trying to sell customers once again on high-end trim packages? That seems more like GM's watered down plan. Its really a shame...