CHEVROLET OFFERS UNPRECENTED SS LINEUP IN ’06

SS– the moniker synonymous with value and Chevrolet performance – is found on nine 2006 models, from the Cobalt SS and SS Supercharged compacts to the Silverado SS and new TrailBlazer SS. There have never been more Chevy SS models offered during a single model year.

The new TrailBlazer SS, with its 395-horsepower (294 kw)* 6.0L V-8 engine, is the first SUV to wear the SS badge and boasts a suspension tuned on racetracks including Germany’s famed Nürburgring. Other members of the ’06 SS lineup include:

Cobalt SS – New for 2006 and available in coupe and sedan body styles, these stylish and attainable performers are equipped with 2.4L Ecotec engine that produces 171 horsepower (124 kw).*

Cobalt SS Supercharged – With impressive performance from its 205-horsepower (152 kw) 2.0L supercharged Ecotec engine, this compact powerhouse is at home on the racetrack as well as the street.

Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS – New for 2006, the Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS bring a level of value-driven performance unique within in the mid-car segment. Each is powered by a new 3.9L V-6 that uses variable valve timing and variable intake technology to help produce 240 horsepower (179 kw).*

Impala SS – Based on the new 2006 Impala, Impala SS is powered by the all-new 5.3L small-block V-8 with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology, which regulates between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder operation and provides up to 8 percent improved fuel economy in certain light-load driving conditions. The 5.3L small-block V-8 is rated at 303 horsepower (226 kw) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque.

Monte Carlo SS – Like the Impala SS, the Monte Carlo SS is equipped with the high-performance 5.3L small-block V-8, which was engineered specifically for front-drive applications. The Monte Carlo SS also includes unique exterior styling that is inspired by its NASCAR heritage.

Silverado SS – A 2WD model joined the lineup interim 2005, offering customers the Silverado SS’s performance at a great value. The 2WD model has an 8,100-pound (3,674 kg) towing capacity. It’s powered by a high-output version of GM’s Vortec 6000 V-8, which pumps out 345 horsepower (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 Nm) of torque.

SSR – A performer with no peer, Chevy’s heritage-style roadster returns for 2006 with increased horsepower of 400 (manual transmission) or 395 (automatic transmission), new accessory choices and new exterior color options, including custom-look two-tone paint schemes. SSR is available with a Ricochet Silver-over-Smokin’ Asphalt color scheme or a Smokin’ Asphalt-over-Ricochet Silver scheme.

All of these 21 st century performance vehicles embody the contemporary SS ethic: strong acceleration, responsive handling and enhanced braking – wrapped in a stylish and affordable package. The SS badge represents high performance that is affordable.

In addition to enhanced powertrain, suspension and braking systems, all SS vehicles feature unique exterior styling and more refined interior appointments – traits that date back to the first production SS car, the 1961 Impala Super Sport. On the inside, vehicles share cues such as SS-specific instrument clusters, seat embroidery and other exclusive touches. The exterior design is unique to each model, but all share sporty, contemporary looks that are complemented by larger wheels and performance tires, lowered ride height and subtle yet aggressive-looking body enhancements.

Historical highlights

Chevy’s SS insignia has been a badge of honor, as well as the stuff of songs and countless “war” stories of the muscle car heyday. Milestones in SS history include:

1957: A Corvette prototype racing car dubbed the SS is introduced at the Sebring racetrack, shortly before a ban on factory-backed racecars scuttles Zora Arkus-Duntov’s plan to enter the car in the famed Le Mans 24-hour race.

1961: The Super Sport package debuts for production vehicles on the full-size Chevy Impala and offers an optional 409-cubic-inch V-8 rated at 360 hp. The engine becomes the inspiration for a popular song.

1967: An SS version of the all-new Camaro is chosen as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 race. The honor is bestowed again in 1969.

1970: Powered by the 450-horsepower LS6 454 big-block V-8, the Chevelle SS 454 is considered by many to be the king of muscle car era.

1983: The Monte Carlo SS debuts, wearing a sleek, aerodynamic nose that helps racing versions run faster on NASCAR speedways.

1990: All-black and accented with chrome wheels, the Chevy 454 SS pickup revives big-block muscle for the street.

1994: The Impala SS returns and is an instant hit. The production version is based on the Caprice 9C1 police car package, as was the concept vehicle that garnered thousands of pleas to put the car into production.

1996: Camaro SS returns with a growling exhaust, prominent hood scoop and muscle car attitude.

2003: The SSR hardtop roadster crosses over from the world of concepts to join Chevy’s production vehicle lineup.

2005i: Silverado SS becomes available in 2WD configuration.

2006: Unprecedented lineup of nine SS production vehicles, including SSR, Cobalt SS, Cobalt SS Supercharged, Impala SS, Monte Carlo SS, Silverado SS, TrailBlazer SS, Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS.