SS on a car stands for "Super Sport." It's a high-performance trim level, most famously used by Chevrolet. An SS badge signifies that a vehicle has been upgraded with a more powerful engine, enhanced suspension, improved brakes, and often unique styling cues compared to the standard model. It's a badge that carries a significant legacy in American muscle car history.
The term originated in the early 1960s. The 1961 Chevrolet Impala was the first model to offer an SS package, which initially was mostly a cosmetic upgrade. However, it quickly evolved to represent genuine high performance, epitomized by icons like the 1966 Chevelle SS 396. The SS badge became synonymous with affordable, powerful V8 engines.
In the modern era, Chevrolet has continued the tradition with models like the Camaro SS and the now-discontinued SS sedan. A modern Camaro SS, for example, is a distinct vehicle from the base model. It typically features a powerful V8 engine (like the 6.2L LT1), a sport-tuned suspension for better handling, larger brakes for improved stopping power, and aggressive bodywork.
It's important to note that while Chevrolet popularized "SS," other manufacturers have used the abbreviation for different meanings. For instance, on certain European cars, "SS" can sometimes be found as part of a model name like "SSX" without the "Super Sport" connotation. However, in the American context, seeing an SS badge on a Chevrolet almost always guarantees a serious performance variant.
| Chevrolet SS Model Examples | Key Performance Features | Approximate Horsepower (Varies by Year) |
|---|
| Camaro SS (6th Gen) | 6.2L LT1 V8, Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes | 455 hp |
| Chevrolet SS Sedan (2014-2017) | 6.2L LS3 V8, Magnetic Ride Control, Limited-slip differential | 415 hp |
| Chevelle SS 454 (1970) | 7.4L LS6 V8, Heavy-duty suspension | 450 hp |
| Cobalt SS (Turbocharged) | 2.0L Turbocharged I4, Sport-tuned chassis | 260 hp |
| Impala SS (1994-1996) | 5.7L LT1 V8, Performance suspension | 260 hp |
