The Chevrolet SS is stepping it up a notch. After spending a year on the market saddled with a six-speed automatic and old-fashioned low-tech springs, the 2015 Chevrolet SS is getting a six-speed manual transmission and magnetic ride control suspension tech, according to senior features editor Jonny Lieberman.

GM got much flak when it brought the Holden Commodore SS over to the States as the Chevrolet SS without the six-speed manual transmission available in Australia – after all, what point is a performance sedan with a slushbox? GM could make things right as early as this summer, if Lieberman's source proves to be correct.Starting this summer, a six-speed manual transmission could be available to back up the Chevy SS' 415-hp and 415 lb-ft of torque 6.2-liter V-8. With the six-speed automatic, the SS accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. We suspect a six-speed manual will improve that time.

During a comparison test with the Chrysler 300 SRT8, we found the SS to be a competent handler, "The SS shrink-wraps itself around the driver. Every motion feels like it's happening to the driver, not at a distance as in the SRT. Turn-in involves the entire car. The front and rear of the car respond together and the car's first response is a rotation around the center. In short, the SS feels like a proper sports sedan. "Adding magnetic ride control, which is currently found on the Camaro ZL1, Cadillac CTS Vsport, and Corvette Stingray, would only improve the SS' handling characteristics.

Would a manual transmission make the Chevrolet SS that much more exciting?

With a 6.2-liter V8 under the hood packing 415 hp, the Chevrolet SS boasts an aggressive design for a sedan and with its rear-wheel drive setup, it’s almost a shock that the American automaker didn’t include a manual transmission when the model was first offered. But MotorTrend let slip through Twitter that Chevrolet plans to offer a manual version and that the SS will gain GM’s magnetic ride control suspension.

That combination could propel the SS right into enthusiasts hearts and, perhaps, into more marketable territory. The newfangled performance sedan is supposedly going to debut during the Woodward Dream Cruise in August. A Chevrolet spokesman was unavailable to confirm the rumor.

When Vauxhall imported the Holden Gen-F GTS to the UK and rebadged it as the VXR8 GTS, its goal was to offer an alternative to the segment’s benchmark, the BMW M5. But can the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS rival the M5? To find out, Autocar drove the two cars back to back.

With 577 hp produced by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, the Vauxhall VXR8 sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The BMW M5 Competition Package has 567 hp produced by a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8, allowing it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and to reach a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

While the duel seems to be balanced on paper, the two cars are very differently priced. The VXR8 GTS costs £54,499 in the UK, while the BMW M5 Competition Package starts from £80,205. So how different are the two sport sedans in real life? Find out by scrolling down to watch the review.

"A lovely silly car to do stuff on the limit, but does not feel as crisp as the M5"

"The M5 is The ultimate thunder saloon"

Features minor styling tweaks inside and out

Holden has introduced the Commodore and Ute Storm editions in Australia.
Looking decidedly aggressive, the special editions are distinguished by fog lights, additional chrome trim and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior changes are limited but include faux carbon fiber trim, red accent stitching and Storm badging on the dashboard. The model has also been equipped with a MyLink infotainment system with GPS navigation

Under the hood, two engines are available. The entry-level SV6 Storm has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops 281 bhp (210 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, while the SS Storm has a 6.0-liter V8 that cranks out up to 362 bhp (270 kW) and 530 Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque.

Should be an absolute rocket

If you're tired of waiting for Chevrolet to introduce a high-performance SS, you might want to give Hennessey a call as they have unveiled their HPE1000 package for the Australian-built sedan.

Designed to deliver unrivaled performance, the package includes a 7.0-liter LSX V8 engine that has been equipped with two turbochargers, a new intake manifold, low compression pistons and a Callies 4340 forged steel crank. The engine also has a custom camshaft, upgraded fuel injectors and a stainless steel exhaust system. Other notable highlights include an air-to-air intercooler, a high-flow air filter and a new ECU.

Thanks to all these modifications, the engine produces 1,000 bhp (745 kW). Hennessey declined to say how fast the car will be but the standard model accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately five seconds with its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine that develops 415 bhp (310 kW) and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) of torque.

Besides the performance modifications, Hennessey adds an individually-numbered dash plaque, floor mats and exterior badging. Customers can also order everything from an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel to a CarbonAero body kit.

With the six-speed automatic, the SS accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. We suspect a six-speed manual will improve that time.