SUPER SPORT ROADSTER
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, May 15, 2005
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
SUPER
SPORT ROADSTER
Chevrolet's Super Sport Roadster has been around
for a couple of years now but most folks aren't sure what to think of it. Where
does it fit into the car market? Or is it a truck? The old-timey styling sure
makes the SSR stand out, but just what is this thing?
Well, this thing is fast. This thing is fun. This thing is a head-turner to beat
all head-turners. But I'll call it a truck to keep things simple.
In response to owner comments, the 2005 SSR comes standard with a 6-liter, 390
hp aluminum V8 under the round hood. Coupled to a four-speed overdrive automatic
or optional six-speed Tremec transmission, the SSR is responsive enough for any
snappy street driving anyone can safely do. A nifty one-touch system stores and
retrieves a retractible hardtop in a matter of seconds, converting the SSR to
and from topless condition with ease.
The LA Car tester came with aqua blue metallic paint. Loosely translated,
that means it can be blue, green, purple, or any variation therein, depending
upon available lighting. We've seen red and yellow SSRs in commercials and
showrooms and prefer it this way. Anything that encourages the police to
overlook our driving suits us just fine.
Behaving yourself in a vehicle as willing to jump up and be noticed as an SSR is
easier than one might think, especially with the 6-speed, which unto itself
makes a driver more aware of increasing speed than an automatic does. The SSR
delivers its power smoothly through a light clutch and effortless shifting.
Braking occurs as directed and, if you're not afraid to turn the wheel, steering
happens in predictable ways. For as spirited a truck as this is, the ride is
well within long-range comfort levels.
Interior space is ample for two adults. That's it. Just the two of you. Getting
in is a simple matter, with the seats at or about hip height for most folks. The
power adjustable seats allow unlimited positions and can accommodate drivers of
virtually any size. Where you must wedge into a Corvette, you slide into an SSR.
When you climb out of a Corvette, you simply step out of the SSR. There is more
head and shoulder room with the SSR. The low-slung Corvette has the driver and
passenger sitting with their legs straight forward while the taller riding SSR
allows for a more natural, bent-kneed position and greater road visibility.
For more one on ones, we rolled out a 1951 Chevy truck and did some side-by-eaching.
This particular '51 has been modified with a late model front clip and 350ci
engine with automatic overdrive. We thought that the addition of disk brakes,
power steering, and 310hp would make a fair comparison for the SSR. No way.
While the SSR borrows some design characteristics from its predecessor,
Chevrolet's application of modern technology easily outweighs the novelty of a
vintage work truck - even a heavily modified, fast, cool version.
Then again, the SSR is not a truck in the classic sense. Yes, it has more of a
bed than a trunk, but it's a carpeted, detailed bed. While capable of carrying a
month's worth of baggage in relative luxury, you'd never get a 4x8 sheet of
plywood into it. You can remove and store the hard bed cover, but it's a
cumbersome process for two people and not something the average owner would want
to do more than once. And the plywood still wouldn't fit.
So what's the bottom line? What role does the SSR fill? Well, if we had a fourth
space in the garage, how about my house? This is a neat truck. Fun and easy to
handle, eye catching, smooth and responsive at all ends of the driving spectrum.
The electronic readout says the test vehicle has gotten 16.8 miles per gallon
over 6500 miles at the hands (and right feet) of multiple drivers. Overdrive and
open highways are wonderful partners.
If you need a work truck, this is not for you. If you need more than two seats,
this is not for you. But if you are looking for an American sports car in the
$40,000 range, you'd be hard pressed to find a better bargain. Yes, a new
Corvette can be had for the same money, but why strain your back getting in and
out of your new car when you can have similar performance with greater comfort?
And, yes, you can maybe find a 1951 pickup for stylish Home Depot runs, but how
many pieces of plywood did you and your sweety need for that drive up the coast,
to Yellowstone, or Dallas?
Chevrolet expects the SSR to draw people into their showrooms where they can
gawk awhile before buying something on the more practical side. Limited
production numbers help explain why we don't see too many on the road. This may
also lead to a collector market in future years. But it'll be tough to buy an
SSR and not pile the miles up. The 2005 Chevrolet Super Sport Roadster is a tall
sports car, a daily driver hot rod, and a clear winner for those not afraid to
turn a few heads en route to anywhere.
SIDEBAR COMMENT The new Chevy SSR is a muscle truck that merges
power with style. With 390 horses, this truck is a true beast that craves to be
unleashed on the highway.
In addition to its stylish lines, the SSR has a 30 second down, retractable
hardtop for quick fun under the sun. The retro look of this truck makes it stand
out on the road. There's plenty of "wow" expressions from people as you
drive by - everybody wants to hop in with you as you cruise.
Taking this monster out is a dream for me. Coming from a muscle car background,
it feels good to get behind a powerhouse vehicle like this. One of the first
things you'll notice about this truck is the brute horsepower and enough
torque to snap your head off as you shift the Tremec T-56 six speed
transmission. Getting on the freeway was all about throwing the hammer down. The
power of this machine is amazing. Instantly getting up to 65 mph, the SSR wants
more, with an endless amount of energy. Where most vehicles top out, the SSR was
barley a touch of the accelerator to over take any other cars on the road.
The handling of this vehicle is also noteworthy. Turning in and out of traffic
on the streets, and driving through the canyons was ease. This thing rates a 9
out of 10 on a cool scale. Taking this hot, sexy roadster down any street with
the roar of this beast's engine, and all heads turn.
On the other hand, the SSR rates a two out of 10 on the practicality scale. With
only two seats, the SSR makes out better as your second or third car. And with
only a 13/20 city/highway mpg rating, this is not your everyday driver. And
being not really a car or a truck, the practicality factor does comes into play
- especially with a price tag of $47,500.00.
- Tommy Grafman
For more information on the Chevrolet SSR, go to www.chevrolet.com/ssr.
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
Chevrolet SSR Super Sport Roadster
Price:
Base $42,430; $47,515 as tested
Engine type:
LS-2 6.0-liter deep-skirted aluminum block OHV V8
Horsepower:
390 @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
405 lb.-ft @ 4400 rpm
Drive configuration:
Front engine / rear-wheel drive
Transmission type:
Standard heavy-duty Hydra-Matic electronically controlled four-speed automatic
that includes 8.6-in. Torsen torque-sensing rear differential
Optional Tremec T-56 close-ratio six-speed manual that includes 9.5-in. Eaton
heavy-duty rear
Suspension:
Front: Double A-arm, with upper and lower A-arms and modular coil-over-shock
design
Rear: five-link solid axle, with two upper and two lower links, a transverse
link (or track bar), steel coil springs and specifically tuned Bilstein shock
absorbers
Wheels and tires:
Front: 19 x 8 aluminum, P255/45R19 Goodyear
Rear: 20 x 10 aluminum, P295/40R20 Goodyear
Brakes:
Front: 12-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 12.8-inch vented discs with ABS
Electronic Traction Control: switch-activated (automatic transmission only)
Overall length:
191.4 inches
Overall width:
78.6 inches
Overall height:
64.2 inches
Curb weight (pounds):
4760
EPA mileage estimates City/ Highway:
13/20
Top Speed, mph:
198
0-60 mph:
5.29 seconds (manual)
5.49 seconds (automatic)