Chevrolet unveils 2014 production Chevrolet SS as official Daytona 500 pace car
Chevrolet officially unveiled the production model 2014 Chevrolet SS at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday and onlookers couldn’t help but notice the similarities to the model’s Sprint Cup Series counterpart that will officially debut in tonight’s Sprint Unlimited NASCAR race.
Best described as a four-door Corvette, the SS is a rebranded Holden VF Commodore SS V from Australia. The SS is Chevrolet’s latest effort to capture the American rear-wheel-drive sport sedan audience and the start of the 2013 NASCAR season presented an ideal opportunity to roll out the street model.
The car was driven into the Daytona International Speedway infield by four-time Sprint Cup Series champion, Jeff Gordon, and is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that is expected to deliver 415 horsepower. The car is Chevrolet’s first V8 rear-wheel sedan in 17 years.
"Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road," said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs. "The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits."
The SS will pace all four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during Speedweeks – The Sprint Unlimited, both Budweiser Duels and the Daytona 500. And, it will be one of Chevrolet’s three newest models to pace NASCAR’s races at Daytona International Speedway next weekend:
· 2014 Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
· 2013 Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Drive4COPD 300
· 2014 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy 250
Appropriately enough, Chevrolet will compete with the Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Camaro in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
"Chevrolet is extremely proud to be a part of NASCAR’s season-opener by pacing all of the events at Daytona International Speedway," said Jeff Chew, Marketing Manager for Chevrolet Racing. "In 2013, Chevrolet will launch 13 all-new or significantly redesigned products in North America. Included in those models is the Chevrolet SS, which race fans will get a chance to see on track when it paces The Sprint Unlimited tonight, the Budweiser Duels next Thursday, and the Daytona 500 next Sunday."
Photos of the car can be found below:
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