Chevrolet Chevelle SS. Description and characteristics. "Chevrolet Shevel SS": technical characteristics, description, equipment, power, fuel consumption, advantages and disadvantages of a car Prices and equipment

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Chevrolet is a brand of cars produced and sold by the economically independent division of the General Motors corporation of the same name.
The brand is the most popular among the brands of the concern; in 2007, about 2.6 million vehicles were sold.

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Division (subsidiary of GM)
Production: 1964–1977
Class: mid-size Muscle car
Body type: 2-door coupe / 2-door convertible / 2 and 4-door saloon / 2 and 4-door station wagon
Designer:

Engines:
Carburetor, 4-stroke

194th I6 (3.2 l) 103 kW (140 l / s) 1964-67
230th I6 (3.8 l) 127 kW (172 l / s) 1964-72
250th V8 (4.1 l) 145 kW (195 l / s) 1964-77
283rd V8 (4.6 l) 161 kW (220 l / s) 1964-67
327th V8 (5.4 l) 202 kW (275 l / s) 1964-72
396th V8 (6.5 l) up to 280 kW (up to 375 l / s) 1964-72
307th V8 (5.0 l) 147 kW (176 l / s) 1967-72
400th V8 (6.6 l) 170 kW (230 l / s) 1967-77
402nd V8 (6.6 l) 198 kW (270 l / s) 1967-72
427th V8 (7.0 l) up to 280 kW (up to 375 l / s) 1967-72
454th V8 (7.4 l) up to 373 kW (up to 500 l / s) 1967-77
305th V8 (5.0 l) 101 kW (140 l / s) 1972-77
350th V8 (5.7 l) 121 kW (165 l / s) 1972-77

Transmission:
3-speed mechanical
4-speed mechanical
2-speed automatic
3-speed automatic

Drive unit:
Classic, back

About the car

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a midsize car manufactured by General Motors' Chevrolet Division and produced in three generations between 1964 and 1977. The Chevelle was one of the most successful Chevrolet models. Chevelle badges adorned sedans, coupes, convertibles and even station wagons.

1964–1967


Chevrolet Chevelle 1964

Chevelle was created as a major competitor in both size and concept. Enthusiasts were quick to point out that the Chevelle's 115-inch wheelbase (2900mm) was similar to that of the 1955-57 Chevy. Two-door hardtop coupes and convertibles, a four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon have been offered throughout production history.


Chevelle SS

The Chevelle SS represented the line and was produced since 1964. In addition to the Super Sport nameplate, this package included 14-inch alloy wheels from Impala SS, leather interior, a choice of 2 gearboxes - a 4-speed manual from Muncie or a 2-speed variator from Powerglide.

Z16 SS396

Chevelle Z16 1965

Chevelles Z16 was produced in extremely limited quantities, only 1 batch of 200 copies. It was one of the rarest and most coveted cars Chevrolet ever made. Many enthusiasts have tried to make their 65 Chevelle, but they never succeeded due to the lack of unique parts and trim.

1966–1967


Chevelle 1966

In 1966, the world saw a complete restyling from Chevelle, which received sleek contours, a wide radiator grille, a new bumper and curved side windows.


Chevelle SS 1967

In 1967, changes were made to the taillights, the rest of the innovations were not found. Front disc brakes were already available on all Chevelle models, as was the new twin brake cylinder along with a warning light in the cabin. Subsequently, this new equipment became the standard in safety, including the height-adjustable steering wheel.

1968–1972


Chevelle 1968 Drag

For 1968, the Chevelle received new tapered front fenders with more rounded body lines. Chevrolet produced about 60,500 Super Sport coupes and only 2,286 convertibles in a year. Under the hood, the standard 325 hp languished, and in the Turbo-Jet version, the 396 engine had all 375 "mares".
During this period, it became fashionable to style the panel under a tree, and paint the vinyl in the cabin to match the body color, which is what Chevrolet did.


Chevelle SS 1969

In 1969, the Chevelles were billed as "America's most popular midsize car." The changes were minor, although the designers revised the front of the car and the taillights, which increased in size.

Engine choices in 1970 ranged from a standard six-cylinder 155 horsepower (116 kW) and a 200-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V-8, for a pair of 350 V-8s and a pair of 402 (396).

That same year, the Chevelle SS 396 with Turbo-Jet package included 350 horsepower (260 kW), special suspension, hood on the hood, black radiator grille and wide sports tires, although 375 bhp was also available.


1970 Chevelle SS Convertible with 454 engine

But the most powerful engines were the SS 454 with a volume of 7.4 liters, which had 450 l / s and 680 N * m of torque, covering 1/4 mile in less than 13 s, at a speed at the finish line of 169-174 km / h; ZL1 and L88 with 427, both with 430 hp. (320 kW), but actually produced over 500 hp (373 kW) on the standard configuration.

In 1971, changes again affected the decorative elements of the body - headlights, radiator grill, bumpers and twin taillights.
Like all models, the Chevelle was also affected by the environmental crisis, and the decrease in octane number is logical to imagine, in fact, it had a negative effect on the compression ratio and power in general.


Chevelle Wagon 1972

In 1972, the Super Sport trim could now be ordered with any V-8 engine, including the base 307. The Chevelle SS has a 270 hp upper engine. (201 kW) in accordance with a General Motors decree that all engines were rated on the basis of net engine power.


Chevelle Yenko Super Cars 1972

Don Yenko developed his own Chevelle`s line, along with his own Camaro`s and Nova`s, which became known as Yenko Super Cars. This tuning studio converted the standard Chevrolet 427 V8 engine into the L72 427, which is 425 hp (317 kW).

1973–1977


Chevelle SS 1973

During this period, Chevelle sales totaled nearly 1.7 million.
For most of 1973, Chevrolet was concerned with safety issues that also affected this model. These included glass frames, roof reinforcement, front bumper and an unusually thin windshield frame, which also provided better visibility.


The chassis of the new Chevelle.

In the same 1973, a new chassis design was introduced, which provided both better stability on the road and comfort.

In 1974, Chevelle got a new grille, new bumpers and a new speed division scale - each division corresponded to 5 mph (8 km / h). The innovations also include the new GR70-15 ″ radial tires and coil springs.


Chevelle 1975

For 1975, minor changes were made - bright trim headlights, rectangular taillights are flush with the upper part of the body. Engines ranged from the standard 250 V-6, 350 with a twin-carb V-8, as well as 400 and 454-cubic-inch V8 variants, the latter rated at 235 horsepower.

There was also a Chevelle SE (Special Edition) that was available with front and rear spoilers and F60x15 ″ racing tires. A special suspension was installed on it and marked with “SE” nameplates on the body.


Chevelle 1977

1978 was the sunset for Chevelle.

Initially, the car was designed to compete with the Ford Fairlane - the cars were similar in appearance and dimensions. The following body types were offered throughout the production period: two-door hardtop coupes, convertibles, four-door sedans and similar station wagons. Among the modifications, the SS version, which was produced from the very beginning of Chevelle's history in 1964, stood out especially. It was positioned by the company as a muscle car. The standard equipment of the car then cost one and a half thousand dollars, and for an additional $ 162 an SS (Super Sport) kit was offered, which differed in an updated appearance, SS emblems and 14-inch wheels with caps. There were also some changes to the interior of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS: the interior was trimmed with vinyl, the gear lever was made of aluminum, four indicator lamps and a tachometer were also available. The modification was equipped with a V8 engine (there could be no other way for a real muscle car) with a volume of 4.6 liters and a power of 220 hp.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS
© Photo: Chevrolet

Considering that the rivals of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS were such famous muscle cars as the Pontiac GTO or Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, in 1965 engineers proposed a new 5.4-liter V8 with increased power. In 1966, the high-performance SS 396 was added to the Chevelle lineup. It was based on the old model, and under its hood were real eight-cylinder monsters, developing from 325 hp. up to 375 HP The modification was discontinued in 1968. Although it cannot be said that it has stopped - rather, it can be considered that the version of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 from a separate model becomes one of the trim levels, the choice of which added to the original cost of $ 348.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
© Photo: Chevrolet

In 1970, the car underwent a slight restyling: outwardly, the cars became more "square" and acute-angled. In those days, the Chevrolet Chevelle SS had a special suspension, a power dome hood, a black grille, new bumpers and sports wheels. Thanks to the powerful V8s we mentioned earlier, the car was one of the fastest muscle cars around. When the gas pedal was pressed on the hood, special air intakes were opened. In 1970, there were also produced two particularly fast versions with a 430 hp engine, although only those who had a racing license could buy them.

Even very young boys know what a Chevrolet Camaro is, but the Chevelle 1970, a larger muscle car from Chevrolet, is practically unknown in the CIS countries. You could see this car in the movie Fast and Furious 4, as well as in many games of the NFS series, but very few people will be lucky to see such a car live, especially when it comes to the Chevelle SS 1970, which will be discussed below. SS, which can be found on both Shevel and Camaro, has nothing to do with German criminals, these two letters stand for Super Sport and indicate that this is the most powerful modification of Chevrolet Shevel with an engine. V8 with a volume of 7.5 liters. The 1970 Shevel was a bigger car than the Camaro or something, so its competitors were:, and.

Despite the frame body, the huge engine and the dimensions that determine the wheelbase of 2,900mm, the curb weight of the SS modification is only 1,482kg. 1970 model can be recognized by a specific radiator grille and a more "square" front of the car, and the SS LS-6 version is distinguished by special flaps on the hood, which open when the driver presses on the gas, as a result of which the engine receives an additional portion of air. In the photo of the Chevelle 1970 SS, you can get acquainted with the exterior of this car and compare it with other muscle cars of those years.

The standard equipment of the SS included: heated rear window, radio receiver and even a cassette a player that was broadcast through the two rear speakers. The steering wheel Shevel can be adjusted in tilt angle, adjustment for reach, as in most other American cars, is not provided. It is interesting that on cars with a manual gearbox, not two chairs are installed in front, but a sofa, but the manual gearbox lever is located on the transmission tunnel, but cars with an automatic gearbox were equipped with two separate seats, in the photo you can see how effectively the Shevel automatic gear lever looks. The speedometer is only calibrated up to 120 miles, but of course a car with such a powerful engine will easily overcome this mark.

Specifications Chevrolet Chevelle SS 1970

Shevel SS was equipped with a 454 V8, the volume of which, as mentioned above, is 7.5 liters. The power of such an engine is 360hp, but the power of the SS LS-6 version, which is equipped with an engine of the same size, but with the compression ratio increased to 11.25: 1, is 450hp, the torque of 680N.m is impressive even today - amazing thrust even for a turbocharged engine, but for an aspirated engine, this is completely unthinkable. With such an engine, the Shevel SS driver will gain 100 km per hour in just 6.1 seconds, and this car will need 13.7 seconds to travel a quarter of a mile.

Chevrolet Shevel 1970 price

You can buy a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS in the US for $ 30,000. This is a vehicle in good condition. The price of Chevrolet SS 1970 in Russia is very vryatli that will drop below $ 100,000.

Shevel was one of the most powerful and therefore fastest cars in the golden era of muscle cars. It may not be as famous as Mustang, or Camaro, but today it is more an advantage than a disadvantage, because Shevel, as well as on the avenues of our cities, seem to be aliens from those distant times when gasoline in the States was cheaper than tap water, and the liter difference was the volume of the engine was considered insignificant.

The second half of the last century was marked by a revolution in the American automotive industry. In the 1960s, the famous muscle cars began to appear, which amazed the whole world with powerful engines and a special, unique charisma. These cars gathered around them a huge army of fans, for whom they became objects of worship. The Chevrolet company was also noted for an interesting model, which gained immense popularity among fans of the genre and her name is Shevel.

The Chevrolet Chevelle first appeared in 1964. Even then, the car was a powerful sports equipment, which was faster than the main vehicle mass, while providing the proper level of comfort and spaciousness.

Since its first publication, the model has undergone modernization, and left the assembly line in 1977. However, the most interesting performance of the Chevrolet Shevel is the SS version, which was presented in 1970. The unveiled Muscle Car was able to gain public attention with its defiant exterior design with black stripes and chrome wheels, vintage interior, and outstanding dynamic performance.

For the entire 1970th year, 4,574 Chevrolet Chevelle SS entered the market. But half of these cars have not survived to this day. Therefore, the price for them is very high. On average, a collectible sports car will have to pay 10 million rubles.

Technical component

The main pride of the Chevrolet Shevel SS is the atmospheric power unit of 7.4 liters. With a V-shaped arrangement of eight cylinders, the engine is capable of developing an impressive 450 forces, as well as 677 Newton meters of torque. All this is realized on the rear axle by means of a three-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmission.

Basic data:

According to numerous tests, the American muscle car gets to the first 60 miles per hour (approximately 96 kilometers per hour) in less than six seconds. At the same time, a quarter mile (distance of 402 meters) Chevrolet overcomes in 13.7 seconds (based on tests, as well as reviews of the owners). But this indicator is constantly being updated downward, because the fans of the model are tuning the engine, supplying it with a turbocharger and changing the gear ratio in the gearbox. Detailed information about this is set out in thematic videos on the Internet.

Test Drive

Brutal simplicity

The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS cannot boast of intricate shapes and lines of its body. However, it grabs everyone's attention with two black stripes that run from hood to trunk through the roof, chrome bumpers and wide wheels, and a convex hood. The latter clearly hints that something is hiding in the engine compartment that can leave Chevy's opponents in the rearview mirror.

Reasonable compromise

The interior is notable for the analogue instrument panel, which has a tachometer. On the center console there is a block of the climate system and a radio receiver. The absence of a central tunnel made it possible to place a sofa in front, designed for three passengers, and to increase legroom.

If we talk about the comfort on the second-row sofa, then three riders can also accommodate here. Moreover, their height can reach 180 centimeters, and their knees will not rest against the back of the front seat.

Emotion generator

The Chevrolet Shevel SS sets the tone for the ride. This car is unlikely to be able to drive calmly and there are a number of reasons for this. First, it is worth noting a motor with excess thrust throughout the entire rev range. Any pressing of the accelerator pedal accompanies the slipping of the driving wheels, and the exhaust growls menacingly, scaring away onlookers.

Secondly, when passing bends, the rear axle constantly strives to bring. It is definitely very reckless. However, an unprepared driver runs the risk of losing control and flying off the road. Moreover, the steering wheel is very heavy, with low sensitivity, which forces you to steer at high speeds in order to stabilize the set course.

However, with all the ambiguity in terms of handling, this muscle car is able to bestow a high level of ride comfort. Thanks for this you need a soft suspension, which effortlessly fulfills even large potholes. Therefore, driving long distances will not cause much inconvenience.

Photos of Chevrolet Chevelle SS (1970):



The Chevrolet company has long been famous for its sports coupes. Vivid examples of this are models and, which have become cult for many. But there were not many perky, truly "charged" sedans in the history of the American brand. However, the Americans decided to fix this and brought to the market a representative SS with the makings of a sports car. How good is this car and does it have any drawbacks?

Chevrolet SS (full decoding of the abbreviation ̶ Super Sport) entered the market in 2013. The original donor for it was the Australian Holden Commodore VF.

This sedan became the ideological successor of the model, which was designed on the B-body platform. However, unlike its predecessor, the novelty is designed on a rear-wheel drive platform (Zeta) and has a much more impressive power potential.

The dimensions of the model were also impressive. In particular, the body length of the Chevrolet SS is 5 meters 185 millimeters, and the width is ̶ 1 meter 898 millimeters. The wheelbase of the sedan is 2 meters 916 millimeters. Thus, this car can be considered a full-fledged representative of the E segment.

Chevrolet SS equipment includes:

  • Eight airbags.
  • Multimedia and entertainment system MyLink with a large touchscreen display and Internet access.
  • Rear view camera.
  • Bose premium audio system.
  • Dual-zone climate control.
  • Park assist and more.

Specifications

Under the hood of the car there is an uncontested power unit with a volume of 6.2 liters with a V-shaped arrangement of eight cylinders, as well as distributed injection of petrol fuel.

The declared power is equal to 415 horsepower, and the torque is 563 Newton meters. The motor works in conjunction with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The foundation for the Chevrolet SS was a GM platform called Zeta. It provides for a rear-wheel drive transmission. In addition, the front suspension is designed according to the McPherson scheme, while the rear has a traditional multi-link configuration.

In order to optimize the axle weight distribution, the power plant was moved inside the wheelbase. Also, it allowed to lower the center of mass, which favorably affected the handling of the American sports sedan.

Restyling

In September 2015, Chevrolet presented an updated version of the SS. The new one differs from the pre-reform car in different LED running lights, other wheel disks, and also slightly redesigned bumpers. Interior materials have been improved, the multimedia and entertainment complex has been reprogrammed. It can now support Apple CarPlay / Android Auto.

The technical part of the model remained practically unchanged. Only the automatic gearbox was re-calibrated and the suspension was reinforced.

The minimum price of the Chevrolet SS 2016-2017 model year is 46 thousand 575 dollars.

User opinion

Demand for this sedan is not high. Nevertheless, on the network it is quite possible to find reviews of the owners about it. Below is one of them.

  • Excellent dynamics.
  • Well tuned chassis.
  • Roomy salon.
  • Rigid suspension.
  • Not the best soundproofing.
  • Mediocre sound of the standard audio system.

What else can you add? It should be remembered that frequent abrupt starts from a standstill are fraught with accelerated wear of the drive axle tires. In addition, rear-wheel drive requires some skill when driving on a wet road ̶ feed easily breaks into a skid.

Test Drive

Male toy

The design of the Chevrolet SS is devoid of grace. The body is uncomplicated and there is nothing to catch the eye. In general, the American sedan looks like a kind of country brute - it is large, but it lacks relief muscles.

Nevertheless, sporty notes can still be traced in its appearance. It is worth highlighting the extended wheel arches, a low body kit, a rear diffuser with four exhaust pipes and a front bumper with a protruding splitter.

The main thing is comfort

Sports paraphernalia inside the cabin include a steering wheel with a truncated lower part and pronounced tides, a compact transmission lever (mechanical), as well as a red instrument panel illumination. The latter is recessed into the wells and is perfectly readable under any conditions.

The center console is dominated by the Mylink's eight-inch color screen. The system manages the functions of navigation, rear view camera, and is also able to read files of popular video and audio formats.

The driver's seat has a sporty configuration, but it is not an uncompromising bucket. It allows you to sit comfortably in it thanks to its wide adjustment ranges, and ventilation will add comfort during long trips.

Three of us can easily accommodate on the second row sofa. There is enough legroom even for riders who are up to 190 centimeters tall. However, apart from the folding armrest, there are no other amenities for riders. The luggage compartment volume is 464 liters, which is not too much considering the size of the car.

Brute force

The acceleration of the Chevrolet SS is blood-curdling. It may not be the fastest sedan in its class, but it delivers a lot of emotion when picking up speed. The naturally-aspirated engine growls pleasantly with every accelerator pedal and exhibits excessive traction in the mid-range zone, which causes the rear wheels to slip.

As for the transmission, both the manual gearbox and the automatic gearbox are great for active driving. But the latter is much more convenient in urban use, while the "mechanics" strains with a tight clutch pedal.

The steering wheel requires some effort when turning. He is informative and quite responsive. In the corners, you can notice small banks, however, you need to be careful with the speed on the arc. The fact is that, at the limit of its capabilities, the stern chassis breaks down into a prolonged skid, which only an experienced driver can extinguish. Otherwise, loss of control over the vehicle cannot be avoided.

Comfort has been sacrificed for handling. For the sensitive reactions of the steering wheel, you have to pay with a low smoothness of the course, even on small bumps. At the same time, strong tremors appear on large potholes, which force the riders to look for support in the cabin.

The Chevrolet SS is not for rationalists. This sports sedan is woven of controversy, yet capable of delivering joy to the driver behind the wheel. Passengers will also be able to appreciate the roomy rear sofa, but they are unlikely to like the rigid suspension.

Photos of the new Chevrolet SS: