First Drive: 2014 Chevrolet SS
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
This is a nice muscle car in need of a body. Other than an enlarged front air intake, there is little to nothing denoting this as something more than an ordinary quasi-luxury GM sedan. For this reason, I predict poor sales. A successful niche car has to hit all categaories in today's competitive times.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Seems to have most of the right things needed for good sales. But there is one thing I'm concerned about...the price. 43K to start seems pretty steep, though (and could impact sales), though, granted, SRT8 versions of the Chrysler 300 run even more.
I can't see it selling,Mike.
Looks too generic plain Jane.
No sport flair at all and of course the cost.
Boring!
SRT8 and Charger looks much nicer.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Well, like I said, the steep price may impact some sales.
Personally, I'd also like to see a non-sporting luxury (Caprice) version of it. American car buyers once scooped up RWD Impalas and Caprices in droves. The current 2014 Impala (a superb new product, BTW), is, of course, FWD, but it still leaves room for a non-sporting Caprice flagship above it.
Does that really matter, though, to those who buy traditional American muscle sedans/coupes? Methinks not. Look at the original GTO and Chevy Impala SS of the early/mid 60s, for examples...the cars that started it all on a large scale (the original Chrysler 300 dates back to 1955, but was less popular). They were simply run-of-the-mill sedans/coupes with big engines and little else (besides hood scoops) to differentiate them from less-expensive brothers, and still sold like hotcakes.
Personally, I'd also like to see a non-sporting luxury (Caprice) version of it. American car buyers once scooped up RWD Impalas and Caprices in droves. The current 2014 Impala (a superb new product, BTW), is, of course, FWD, but it still leaves room for a non-sporting Caprice flagship above it.
Looks too generic plain Jane.
No sport flair at all and of course the cost.
Boring!
SRT8 and Charger looks much nicer.
No sport flair at all and of course the cost.
Boring!
SRT8 and Charger looks much nicer.
Well, like I said, the steep price may impact some sales.
Personally, I'd also like to see a non-sporting luxury (Caprice) version of it. American car buyers once scooped up RWD Impalas and Caprices in droves. The current 2014 Impala (a superb new product, BTW), is, of course, FWD, but it still leaves room for a non-sporting Caprice flagship above it.
Does that really matter, though, to those who buy traditional American muscle sedans/coupes? Methinks not. Look at the original GTO and Chevy Impala SS of the early/mid 60s, for examples...the cars that started it all on a large scale (the original Chrysler 300 dates back to 1955, but was less popular). They were simply run-of-the-mill sedans/coupes with big engines and little else (besides hood scoops) to differentiate them from less-expensive brothers, and still sold like hotcakes.
Personally, I'd also like to see a non-sporting luxury (Caprice) version of it. American car buyers once scooped up RWD Impalas and Caprices in droves. The current 2014 Impala (a superb new product, BTW), is, of course, FWD, but it still leaves room for a non-sporting Caprice flagship above it.
Does that really matter, though, to those who buy traditional American muscle sedans/coupes? Methinks not. Look at the original GTO and Chevy Impala SS of the early/mid 60s, for examples...the cars that started it all on a large scale (the original Chrysler 300 dates back to 1955, but was less popular). They were simply run-of-the-mill sedans/coupes with big engines and little else (besides hood scoops) to differentiate them from less-expensive brothers, and still sold like hotcakes.
It's not the 60's.
Today,I think styling matters a lot.
That car has nothing going for it but the engine.
The exterior is boring and the interior blah too.No doubt more cheapo GM interior trim.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
My neighbor has a LaCrosse and the interior is typical gaudy GM cheap looking plastic.
Now Cadillac and some other interiors are nice but most of GM isn't to me.
The Impala has awful faux wood trim , ugly steering wheel and that dash cover is ugly with the two tone buckskin like interior.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I agree the Lacrosse isn't the best example of new GM interiors. Check out the Regal, Cruze, Verano, Encore, Cadillac CTS/XTS, and some of the new Chevy/GMC SUVs and I think you will find them substantially better.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,997
Likes: 248
From: California
This is exactly correct. It's not the 60's anymore and people think differently today compared to back then. The world has evolved into something else when it comes to cars. We are a super competitive and showy society that wants EVERYTHING in one shining package. If one doesn't put out a full plate, he/she suffers (sales). This particular car has the guts, but not the dress. It's like only serving half a dinner. No one goes to Sizzler to eat three shrimp.