I actually like all the chrome. It reinforces the "sleeper" status of the car, plus...a lot of the original muscle cars had lots of chrome too. I think it looks good.
Aggressive styling or not, the SS is way better to drive than a Charger, has a much nicer interior, and will be way more reliable in the long run. Nobody is buying the SS because Chevy doesn't really promote or advertise it. It appeals to 1% of the market, a driver's car, and not the 99% of people who float along in barges, considering cars simply another appliance they fail to maintain. That, and a lot of buyers are leery of the asking price. But it really is one of the best sport sedans out there, IMO. You don't have to agree. You're biased because you drive a Mopar, and no argument will convince you otherwise, so why bother? They're both great cars.
That makes sense. When I was test driving one of these, and after the car told me to put it in reverse it just kept backing up. It never turned into any spot. My sales person made the comment that that has never happened before. I have owned my 2015 for just over a year and a half and have yet to use this feature lol
@@grumpycarlsworld actually can do both perpendicular and parallel, you can switch the setting with the self park button. you can also park on the left side on one way streets if you turn on the left turn signal when self park is activated.
Having driven both the AT and MT versions extensively, I can promise that the manual is worth any premium you might have to pay. It’s the one I went with and holy crap is makes me smile every time I drive it.
Sadly Holden is leaving Australia, the last model of commodore to come out of Australia is the HSV GTSR W1 with the 6.2L supercharge LS9 engine pushing around 474KW. My favourite car that they came out with was the VL Commodore (1986) with its RB30 engine and the choice for turbo.
I love the sleeper aspect of the G8 and the SS. I think the G8 definitely looks more mean though, they kind of did go overboard with the sleeper thing on the SS. I really want to get a G8 one day as a daily. Maybe do a lil build on it but mostly my wagon will be the racecar lol. Great video, David
Roman Meissner seems like the g8 so hard to find or all the owners are really keeping the car i see alot of g8's with the v6 for sale but hard to find the gt or gxp
Newer, nicer interior, and the LS3. I have the G8 GT with the L76 and I just wish I had the extra liters and an actual LS engine out of the gate, not the DoD L76. I also do prefer the extra sleeper looks of the SS. The G8 does looks mean, but it's kinda a moot point to me. The only people that will appreciate the aggressiveness of the G8 are the same people that are going to notice an SS in traffic. So I'd rather have the newer, comfier, faster in it's stock form SS than the G8. Especially since I bought my G8 in Montana and took it back to Nevada, there was a lot of surface rust, and worn out bushings that I had to deal with. I love my G8 though, no doubt about it. Even when she gets finicky.
As a SS owner I appreciate the review. A few things tho. 1). The self parking system relies on spatial recognition so objects like cars parked will help the sensors better than just painted lines. The car will always recognize a parallel parking spot and park itself given that it's between two cars. 2). The HUD also has a G meter and shifting lights when put into "S" mode and on the M6 cars. 3). The removal of all the chrome (window trim and door handles) ALONG with the Holden conversion is around $2000 4). I have a A6, the Auto only really snaps shifts if you put your foot into it and get up to 6k before shifting. Shifting under redline is "uninspiring" 5). There is no version with a LT motor. The last one that was made was a 2017 black with a LS3 and a manual.
It's a freshened up G8 GXP. A 6spd manual trans 415hp rear drive 4door sedan for low to mid 40's with a sub 4000# weight, brembo brakes and magnetic ride. What's not to like?🏁
For 2016/17 you can get it in a manual too which makes it even better. Great video David and keep up the awesome work. I really like the SS other than the chrome of course.
Mike VanAmburgh when I was just in cars.com and all I saw was 16-17 cars in manual. If I'm not mistaken 2014-2015 were the first model years of it and they only announced them doing a manual in 2015 for the 2016 model year.
FalconXE302 if they were commodores they'd be called commodores, theyre a commodore body shell with a different interior, exterior trim and body, spoilers, engine, gearbox, wheels and tyres etc. So they're based off commodores, but they aren't commodores as such or they'd be called commodores and be branded as holdens. The only similarity is they way they look and their size.
Thank you for the info on this car...I had no idea it was a Holden until you reviewed it...it was my first time seeing this car ever...I still own my 2009 Pontiac G8 GT Special Edition I bought in California before moving to Japan...where I owned Nissan Sylvia, a Skyline and a Nissan Teana
The 6-speed Manual of this is going to appreciate and be a collectors car down the road. Might be a good idea to buy and daily one of these and take good care of it.
that system probably uses radar sensors to find spots. NOT cameras. which is probably why it couldnt find a spot. it works the same way for the new mercedes without the 360 degree cameras. you should have used two cars with a spot in the middle. remember, it DOES NOT READ THE WHITE LINES. it actually finds a gap between two hard objects. maybe the chevy one works differently but yeah.
Terry Mei I was about to post this. The car was pretty clearly searching for something to park next to. Why the hell would you need auto-park in an empty parking lot anyway?
It’s funny. The SS is definitely a much better looking car in the interior. The exterior goes to the G8. It’s aggressive and just more sporty. The SS is a bit subtle. Still very nice but the G8 is a head turner.
Really is a hell of a car. I have an 09 G8 GT. I love it and Id love an SS one day. A simple badge swap changes the whole attitude of the car. They didnt intend on selling a 100k+ units a year. Their Target sales goal was 2500-3000 units a year and they sold right in those numbers. These cars are basically a Holden Commodore SSV redline model, pretty much fully loaded and the only options being manual/auto, sunroof, paint, wheels. Fun fact, there have been more Chevy SS sold than Dodge Charger Scatpaks/SRT8 models each year it has been on the market. These cars definitely fall into the "its not whats on the outside, but much more about whats on the inside" saying. These cars are impressive to say the least!
I was privileged enough to drive a 2015 SS for two weeks while my Subaru was getting some upgrades. When i finally decide to sell my subie, i'm shooting for one of these.
automan224 the front and rear badge kit is $200, the airbag is around 500, not sure how much someone charges to reprogram the electronics, and also the wheel center caps are 135. So if you wanted to go all out I guess it's more expensive.
i agree with a lot of the comments, sleepers are cool, but the ss is way to lowkey, even many car people wont know that it is special, they should have added slightly more agressive features to it
FYI, the self parking really only works in occupied parking lots, because it uses the proximity sensors to detect vacant spots and measure the gaps. if there are no other cars between which to measure a gap, ain't gonna work.
I own one. This review is right on the money and gives a great insight into the "fast car market." Why drive Smokey Bait? Drive a mom's shopping cart that shocks the hell out of people.
I've been eyeballing this car since it came out and I kind of wanted one. After watching this, I kinda really want one. Honestly, it seems like the perfect "dad car"
IMO they should have just used the Impala as a body for a high-performance sedan. It looks better, has better body lines, and has a badass legacy following it.
A g8 GXP was not under 30k. THE 360 hp get was, but in 09 the Charger RT could have up to 372 for under 30k. The SRT8 was priced online with the GXP and also offered more power. Just an FyI
The park assist looks for a "blank" space that usually next to a car or between two cars. I want to say it detects a blank space, then a car, and is able to estimate where to park. If it's just an empty lot, it's hard for the sensors to know where the spot exactly is without car(s) there.
You guys essentially got a base HSV which is a fully specced commodore still, better seats, bimodal exhaust, heads up display, etc. hell you guys got ventilated seats, we only got heated! and paddles were an option on series II. Y’all didn’t really miss much aside from manual at launch lol
I love these cars. Unpopular opinion, but I find the car extremely good looking. Also the self parking feature needs plenty of cars around so the sensors on the front and the back can detect them and find an empty spot for it to work. That's why it didn't work well in an empty lot.
I work for Holden here in wee New Zealand! these Commodore's are great cars, gotta love em. that thing that came on at the beginning would have been lane keep assist (warns you when you leave the lane)
i knew about this car from forums/youtube but never saw any commercials for it! they didnt advertise it enough. they look sweet and I love my cammed gto!
The Chevy SS was coined as one of the best factory sleeper... just because it doesn't look like its fast...looks too much like an impala and no one knows about it
Nice review! The parking feature works silly good for parallel parking and would likely work better if you were parking between two cars in the parking lot. I usually park in the boonies so I haven't tried parking it into a space. Track mode is similar to Perf (haha) mode but lets you hang the tail out a bit more. With Perf and Track, you should've felt a difference in the gas pedal too. Going from Tour to Track is a very noticeable difference in suspension stiffness. The genuine Holden badges are just $250 front and rear but another $550 if you want to swap the airbag. The $2000 you mentioned might have included the exterior black out bits too (front pieces, side vents, and window trim). I would love to see what you think of the manual version. I'm sure someone in your neck of the woods would let you review one!
I like the SS, G8, GTO and "Caprice PPV". I'm a JDM fanatic at heart but love Australian muscle cars. The Maloo Ute is my dream car even though my heart belongs to JDM.....go figure.
Holding out hope that 3 years from now there will be a low mileage example from an adult owner out there for me. I really like the fact it looks so under the radar, but goes like stink!
Nice review. The 2016-17 received a slight redesign for the body and dual mode exhaust. Also, try a manual transmission equipped car. It's a much sportier experience. Oh, and 2016-17 comes in a wonderful Blue called Slipstream Blue. It's beautiful!
I looked for months for an SS and could not find one anywhere close to me, looked for about 6 months I ended up buying a CTS-V and so far it's been a great car but if I see an SS for sale near me I will own it.
I just picked up a '15 SS around 6 months ago, it had the Holden conversion done already, I get asked "Hey what is that?" Nearly every day. On the highway it pulls effortlessly past 100mph and keeps surging forward, at 140+ it feels very stable and composed, the only negative I have about it for daily use is the gas mileage is horrendous.
Just to put this out there, I found the auto park only works when there are cars to park in between. Open parking lots/parallel spots? It practically tells me to do it myself. Also, they are not making a LT1 version. Production has already finished and the last SS is on a boat somewhere in the Pacific. LS3 is all we're getting. Let me know if you want to try the 6 speed manual some time! I have the '17 facelift and I'm in Roswell.
Chevy decided not to sell the SS in Canada. And I love it. It's my favourite GM vehicle right now. And I want it. But I have to settle for a G8 with a V8 to get close to this.
jeff grabowski I don't even wanna mod it. It was an LS derived engine. Would be a massive step up from my Cruze, lol. Probably tons more fun. Sadly, even the V6 cars go for over 12k up here
Ben Kuyt haha. For a commuter daily driver car cruzes aren't bad at all. I don't have the self control or discipline to not mod my cars. Lol I have a heads cam c6 vette and bought a cts coupe as a daily driver a few yrs back and had to do intake and tune on the cts v6.😀 eventually dumped the cts for a scat pack challenger.
Ben Kuyt I'm a credit analyst/loan underwriter the past several years. I also was injured in an industrial accident as a teen so I'm also a paraplegic. The vette I bought used, as are most of the cars I've purchased in my life. I hate depreciation so I let the previous owners take that big hit. 😀 the scat pack was one of 3 cars in 34 years of driving that I bought new.
I have a G8 GT l76 with a DOD delete so basically it's an LS2 and LS3 combined with a stage 3 cam pushing right over 450 horsepower I love it the SS is more newer with better technology on board but I love my G8 an the SS
I have a G8 GT with a 6.6L stroker kit and a bunch of other upgrades and man do I love it. I think the SS will definitely be my next car, basically just a newer G8 with great tech and a true LS motor. But for now, I'm gonna keep enjoying my G8 cause it is sooo much fun
the main thing IMO thats killing this car is the price. The G8 was $30k plus, while the SS is almost $50 albeit better materials........most people are having a hard time justifying the price when the dodge charger SRT8 which has a nicer interior and faster is in the same price range.
jamaicanlovrboy nicer interiors is an opinion. the SS spanks the charger on track and barely loses in the straights... it's 400lbs or so lighter. you just have to ask yourself do you want to be one of 40k chargers sold this year including TONS of v6's? or do you want a Holden with a Vette engine and no base models?
it doesnt really matter what i prefer, or what a few people want....im just telling why i feel the sale of the SS has suffered. Most people who go buy a SRT8 charger isnt worried that a SS may beat it on the track, they just know they have more power, more space, and more interior features....just FYI i dont do domestic cars, i own a turbo lexus SC300
jamaicanlovrboy that's the problem. it doesn't have more space. the back seat of the SS is significantly more roomy. and it doesn't have more features either unless you consider apple car play a defining feature. Maybe you are referring to the performance pages??? they are both great cars. and yes the hemi scat pack or srt has more power on paper but in the real world it doesn't actually make as big a difference. I drove both and I own an SS because I'd rather have a Chevy than a fiat (Dodge) quality wise
youre still missing what im trying to say....you and a few other chevy fans may like the SS more, but the average car person may not and its evident by the lack luster sales despite your argument that its better than the dodge variant. Since the SS has been out i think ive seen one or two of them, maybe more and i didnt notice....i cant count how many SRT8s ive seen running around, hell.........a few have tried racing me. But you can speak better to roominess and comfort of the SS since you own one.
Yo Man the "base" SS only has 2 options a sunroof and spare there is no cheaper interior option for this car. Also you can find a used ss for 30k with less than 10,000 miles on it.
frank leary they were a high 12's car with a good driver, otherwise they were a very low 13 sec car. The quickest 1/4 mi I've seen on the forums for a bonestock G8 GXP was 12.8 back in the day.
I believe the parking feature works best in a parking lot with cars. I've tested these before and while theyre not great, it will quickly find a spot in a lot with more cars. The reason for this is that it senses for an empty space.
The Chevy SS, Pontiac G8, Chevy Camaro and Cadillac CTS are all based on the same floor pan. Holden designed that floor pan, and the Camaro was developed in Australia. Holden have a tuner division known as Holden Special Vehicles. The last top of the line HSV version of these was known as the W1. Near enough to 600 horsepower, and pure aggression. Everything from the body kit to the brakes and suspension. The Caprice version (yes the Caprice PPV is based on the Australian Caprice) is called the Grange. Cadillac CTS-V levels of comfort, but handles razor sharp. In some ways like a Chevy SS wearing a dinner suit
It's funny how you mention there is a Holden re-badge kit over there sold by the dealer. For our Commodores (which is what this is), Holden sold a Chevy re-badge kit as well. We basically swapped continents!
The auto-parking isn't looking for lines. It's using the proximity sensors to look for a gap in cars. If there are not cars your passing, it'll never tell you to park. Ultimately it's kinda a silly feature but it does work when you know it's limitations.
Since the first time I saw a G8, I've had to have it. Now since they've stopped making them, The SS is the new best thing. It's honestly the best car you can buy IMO it's a Camaro, It's a four door, It's an amazing looking car, It's a LS, V8, Best of everything.
The order books were closed during the last half of february so there are still plenty in the pipeline. Typical discount is $15k here in the U.S. 6 speed manual became available in 2015 and plenty are still out there.
You also missed the other pages on the HUD. There's a page that shows a tach, with a small speed indicator, and there's another one that shows a later G meter and shift indicator arrows.
I don't see why everybody is complaining about the price. look at the same year chargers 392/srt/srt scat pack, and Taurus SHO. this car comes with literally everything fully loadedin ONE trim and is a very competitive price to those cars with with their fully loaded options
is nobody else going to comment about how this isn't a normal upload Day or time? was super confused when I saw this just now. Great video nonetheless.
David if you ever get the chance, try and review a Trailblazer SS or SAAB 9-7x Aero. LS2, comfortable ride, and lots of space. As soon as I get my 07 1SS in working order, I would happily let you drive mine.
I wish we got everything we gave you. It's a Holden Commodore SS, fitted a bunch of stuff we never got (paddle shifters for example) then shipped it over and all for a much cheaper price than the AUDM one. Same deal with the G8, you had cylinder deactivation when we didn't
The Chevy SS is a great car on all fronts except one BIG thing. It looks like a Malibu-biggest downfall of the car. If it was more pronounced or aggressive in some regards like the CTSV, where you know it means elegant business just by looking at it; it probably would have caught on a lot more. You can even get it with a 6spd.
Chevy SS = Holden Commodore Pontiac G8 = Holden/Vauxhall Monaro All in which are rebranded modified versions of each other throughout the last 16 years. Each time getting Uglier! The Vauxhall VXR8 Was a thing of beauty!
That's funny, the sat nav is floorless in Australia. Maybe he's was just a one off? These things are SO popular in Aust. They have a massive racing heritage that dates back to the late 70's with these Commodores, and they're so much fun to drive... Anyone see the white turbo Commodore ute on 1320 last week?!? 8 second daily driver... They're SO underrated in America. And you guys should see the HSV's (Holden Special Vehicles). We have LS7 powered ones, we have LSA powered ones and even LS9 powered ones out the factory from HSV. You can option a Walkinshaw supercharger kit on any of the LS3 engines too, doesn't have to be a HSV. Our Commodores SS can be optioned to 550+hp with a Walky blower and still keep warrantee. Although it's great you got them, you only got half the package, prob even less cause you don't get the utes or wagons and none of the HSV's or Walkinshaw options. You guys should check out the HSV GTS for example, or the HSV GTSR, even the Clubsports and Marloo's. Then we have HSV Statesman's, like your cop car Caprice or whatever you guys call it- there's banging hot versions of them out of HSV like the Grange. Man, only if HSV was offered in the U.S. ANd the reason you feel like your in a CTS- V is because Holden shared the chassis it developed for the Commodore with the CTS- V's
The thing about this is, it has a REAL LS in it. The G8 GT didn't have a real LS in it... Only the GXP. And the GXP was a rare option (the GXP models still selling for 25k+) with only 1829 made. The GXP was also the only one to get a manual trans. The SS is better in every way (to me) but it's just a REALLY expensive sleeper. If you were a family man with the need for a reliable car that you also wanted to have fun with, this is a no brainer...
This car is the best of both worlds!
What do you guys think? Stay awesome.
14th like
this is my dream car!
JC Cox me also
these things sound so mean with an aftermarket exhaust, it probably helps its a LS
ThatDudeinBlue the last US SS Commodore was just made a few days ago. They really were the best of 2 worlds. Australia and I will miss them
Okay I almost always like his videos but when it cut to the "Why is everything chrome? Everything is chrome in the future!" instant like
I actually like all the chrome. It reinforces the "sleeper" status of the car, plus...a lot of the original muscle cars had lots of chrome too. I think it looks good.
Aggressive styling or not, the SS is way better to drive than a Charger, has a much nicer interior, and will be way more reliable in the long run. Nobody is buying the SS because Chevy doesn't really promote or advertise it. It appeals to 1% of the market, a driver's car, and not the 99% of people who float along in barges, considering cars simply another appliance they fail to maintain. That, and a lot of buyers are leery of the asking price. But it really is one of the best sport sedans out there, IMO. You don't have to agree. You're biased because you drive a Mopar, and no argument will convince you otherwise, so why bother? They're both great cars.
Agreed. I absolutely hate the argument against Chrome. Looks MUCH BETTER THAN ALL BLACK Anything. CHROME 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gm tech here. The automatic parking is made to find spots the car can fit in by looking at other cars, not a completely empty parking lot.
That makes sense. When I was test driving one of these, and after the car told me to put it in reverse it just kept backing up. It never turned into any spot. My sales person made the comment that that has never happened before. I have owned my 2015 for just over a year and a half and have yet to use this feature lol
And for parallel roadside parking, not 90º bays.
@@grumpycarlsworld actually can do both perpendicular and parallel, you can switch the setting with the self park button. you can also park on the left side on one way streets if you turn on the left turn signal when self park is activated.
Having driven both the AT and MT versions extensively, I can promise that the manual is worth any premium you might have to pay. It’s the one I went with and holy crap is makes me smile every time I drive it.
Sadly Holden is leaving Australia, the last model of commodore to come out of Australia is the HSV GTSR W1 with the 6.2L supercharge LS9 engine pushing around 474KW. My favourite car that they came out with was the VL Commodore (1986) with its RB30 engine and the choice for turbo.
I love the sleeper aspect of the G8 and the SS. I think the G8 definitely looks more mean though, they kind of did go overboard with the sleeper thing on the SS. I really want to get a G8 one day as a daily. Maybe do a lil build on it but mostly my wagon will be the racecar lol. Great video, David
Roman Meissner seems like the g8 so hard to find or all the owners are really keeping the car i see alot of g8's with the v6 for sale but hard to find the gt or gxp
Jhon Mcuzi it might be everytime the dealer get 1 its gone the next day the dealer only get like 2 or 3 at a time
As a G8 owner, go with an SS unless you can't afford the price difference. I love mine, but I wish I had an SS.
+Gamma052 whats your reasoning for that. Because the ss is newer or? Just curious man
Newer, nicer interior, and the LS3. I have the G8 GT with the L76 and I just wish I had the extra liters and an actual LS engine out of the gate, not the DoD L76.
I also do prefer the extra sleeper looks of the SS. The G8 does looks mean, but it's kinda a moot point to me. The only people that will appreciate the aggressiveness of the G8 are the same people that are going to notice an SS in traffic. So I'd rather have the newer, comfier, faster in it's stock form SS than the G8. Especially since I bought my G8 in Montana and took it back to Nevada, there was a lot of surface rust, and worn out bushings that I had to deal with.
I love my G8 though, no doubt about it. Even when she gets finicky.
auto park is for parallel parking inbetween other actual cars
As a SS owner I appreciate the review. A few things tho.
1). The self parking system relies on spatial recognition so objects like cars parked will help the sensors better than just painted lines. The car will always recognize a parallel parking spot and park itself given that it's between two cars.
2). The HUD also has a G meter and shifting lights when put into "S" mode and on the M6 cars.
3). The removal of all the chrome (window trim and door handles) ALONG with the Holden conversion is around $2000
4). I have a A6, the Auto only really snaps shifts if you put your foot into it and get up to 6k before shifting. Shifting under redline is "uninspiring"
5). There is no version with a LT motor. The last one that was made was a 2017 black with a LS3 and a manual.
It's a freshened up G8 GXP. A 6spd manual trans 415hp rear drive 4door sedan for low to mid 40's with a sub 4000# weight, brembo brakes and magnetic ride. What's not to like?🏁
For 2016/17 you can get it in a manual too which makes it even better. Great video David and keep up the awesome work. I really like the SS other than the chrome of course.
2015 too.
But everything chrome in the future!! 🤣😂😂
Mike VanAmburgh when I was just in cars.com and all I saw was 16-17 cars in manual. If I'm not mistaken 2014-2015 were the first model years of it and they only announced them doing a manual in 2015 for the 2016 model year.
Swift _Star yeah that got me laughing to I remember watching that episode to ive seen it so many time lol.
Shawn Prickett 2015 was first year for manual, I know because I have one sitting in my garage.
Test drove it a couple of months ago and fell in love with it! Looking forward to buying one in the next couple of months...
G8's are basically SS Clubsports, you can get them in australia. Everyone has them and turbo them and supercharge them and they are mint as.
ClownFace1511 ss and clubsport are different. holden vs hsv
G8s are Commodores. Plain and simple.
G8 and SS are just V8 commodores, clubsports are by HSV and theyre based off commodores
FalconXE302 if they were commodores they'd be called commodores, theyre a commodore body shell with a different interior, exterior trim and body, spoilers, engine, gearbox, wheels and tyres etc. So they're based off commodores, but they aren't commodores as such or they'd be called commodores and be branded as holdens. The only similarity is they way they look and their size.
These cars are much closer to a SSV Redline than anything else
@thatdudeinblue you would flip if you seen the GTS version we have here in Australia, most powerful car ever made here
Dfekt Nsc or so Holden claimed.. Then when tested against it's lower powered rival it's competition made more power in reality lmfao.
Darian Murcott-Istead I thought the gts w1 is the fastest production car in Aus what beats it
Thank you for the info on this car...I had no idea it was a Holden until you reviewed it...it was my first time seeing this car ever...I still own my 2009 Pontiac G8 GT Special Edition I bought in California before moving to Japan...where I owned Nissan Sylvia, a Skyline and a Nissan Teana
I've been wanting one of these for a long time and this video only reinforces that. I totally gotta get one of these some day.
The 6-speed Manual of this is going to appreciate and be a collectors car down the road. Might be a good idea to buy and daily one of these and take good care of it.
that system probably uses radar sensors to find spots. NOT cameras. which is probably why it couldnt find a spot. it works the same way for the new mercedes without the 360 degree cameras. you should have used two cars with a spot in the middle. remember, it DOES NOT READ THE WHITE LINES.
it actually finds a gap between two hard objects. maybe the chevy one works differently but yeah.
Terry Mei I was about to post this. The car was pretty clearly searching for something to park next to. Why the hell would you need auto-park in an empty parking lot anyway?
Terry Mei if you can't park in an empty parking lot then you probably shouldn't have your license lol
I love my G8. I think it looks a little more aggressive, but still retains the sleeper aspect. I've tried to keep the sleeper aspect intact.
It’s funny. The SS is definitely a much better looking car in the interior. The exterior goes to the G8. It’s aggressive and just more sporty. The SS is a bit subtle. Still very nice but the G8 is a head turner.
Really is a hell of a car. I have an 09 G8 GT. I love it and Id love an SS one day. A simple badge swap changes the whole attitude of the car. They didnt intend on selling a 100k+ units a year. Their Target sales goal was 2500-3000 units a year and they sold right in those numbers. These cars are basically a Holden Commodore SSV redline model, pretty much fully loaded and the only options being manual/auto, sunroof, paint, wheels. Fun fact, there have been more Chevy SS sold than Dodge Charger Scatpaks/SRT8 models each year it has been on the market. These cars definitely fall into the "its not whats on the outside, but much more about whats on the inside" saying. These cars are impressive to say the least!
Those stripes needa go asap
Zachary Acree Agreed!
I don't think so. I was just thinking Chevy should have released this car with rally stripes for a more sporty look like the Charger.
Anthony Smith LOL it looks like American ricer 🤣🤣🤣. it looks too fat for the racing stripes
I just bought a nightfall grey SS on Monday. It's amazing! I love it.
I was privileged enough to drive a 2015 SS for two weeks while my Subaru was getting some upgrades. When i finally decide to sell my subie, i'm shooting for one of these.
The Holden badge kit from the GM dealer is only $200 lol take a zero off of your 2 grand.
Ty Brink but does it also replace the chevy logo on the airbag & the Chevy my link logo on the head unit?
that logo looks like poo.
leloodallasmultipass I agree. Unless you live in Australia there's no reason to add them to an American car
the ultimate sin :]
automan224 the front and rear badge kit is $200, the airbag is around 500, not sure how much someone charges to reprogram the electronics, and also the wheel center caps are 135. So if you wanted to go all out I guess it's more expensive.
I only found out about this car when Hennessey start tuning them. Totally under radar. Love this car.
i agree with a lot of the comments, sleepers are cool, but the ss is way to lowkey, even many car people wont know that it is special, they should have added slightly more agressive features to it
The SS is pretty awesome, but I like my G8 more. The SS looks too much like a "family car" while The G8 is a much more aggressive looking sedan.
FYI, the self parking really only works in occupied parking lots, because it uses the proximity sensors to detect vacant spots and measure the gaps. if there are no other cars between which to measure a gap, ain't gonna work.
I own one. This review is right on the money and gives a great insight into the "fast car market." Why drive Smokey Bait? Drive a mom's shopping cart that shocks the hell out of people.
I've been eyeballing this car since it came out and I kind of wanted one. After watching this, I kinda really want one. Honestly, it seems like the perfect "dad car"
Heres to hoping we get a good replacement for the G8 and SS not priced as highly as the SS was
well seeing as they are both commodores and the commodore is no more, you wont. not a real replacement anyway...
Its being replaced by an Opel Insignia and all Australian holden fans are mad about it
cts v is probably the closest match since the rwd v8 commodore is going away
Rico Fresh if only it didn't cost nearly 2x the cost of a SS, great car though.
Its 36000 usd in Australia . Because its built here . No export taxes cost
IMO they should have just used the Impala as a body for a high-performance sedan. It looks better, has better body lines, and has a badass legacy following it.
I seriously have a crush on this car. I wish other people knew just how awesome it is.
I have a tuned full suspension 12' GT and raced a bolt on G8 a month or so ago. 55 mph punch. I pulled him barely. those things are fast.
A g8 GXP was not under 30k. THE 360 hp get was, but in 09 the Charger RT could have up to 372 for under 30k. The SRT8 was priced online with the GXP and also offered more power. Just an FyI
I love both the ss and camaro. The camaro is more of that dreamier car everyone wants, while the ss looks like more of a regular sedan.
The park assist looks for a "blank" space that usually next to a car or between two cars. I want to say it detects a blank space, then a car, and is able to estimate where to park. If it's just an empty lot, it's hard for the sensors to know where the spot exactly is without car(s) there.
Americans miss out on all the performance versions too.. Wow. Like the HSV models.
You guys essentially got a base HSV which is a fully specced commodore still, better seats, bimodal exhaust, heads up display, etc. hell you guys got ventilated seats, we only got heated! and paddles were an option on series II.
Y’all didn’t really miss much aside from manual at launch lol
I love these cars. Unpopular opinion, but I find the car extremely good looking.
Also the self parking feature needs plenty of cars around so the sensors on the front and the back can detect them and find an empty spot for it to work. That's why it didn't work well in an empty lot.
I work for Holden here in wee New Zealand! these Commodore's are great cars, gotta love em. that thing that came on at the beginning would have been lane keep assist (warns you when you leave the lane)
i knew about this car from forums/youtube but never saw any commercials for it! they didnt advertise it enough. they look sweet and I love my cammed gto!
The Chevy SS was coined as one of the best factory sleeper... just because it doesn't look like its fast...looks too much like an impala and no one knows about it
James Hurt ya know you just described "sleeper", right?
Slxmmed, yes.. I put it that way for some people who would probably argue because of its power..
sleepybird09, I thought that..but couldn't remember the name..I am forgetful.
sleepybird09, Ha-ha.. at least the person with the SS had more fun driving to work..assuming it wasn't a retired guy/girl
sleepybird09 until you look at the rear head lights
I really like the *Chevrolet SS.* A 4-door with a 6.2 LS3 V8! It's a freaking sleeper. I just don't want to finance $45,000 or more.
The first video I watched of yours was that g8 review that you did, I've been a fan ever since
The self park feature was literally the parking equivalent to peeing right next to someone else when all the other urinals are open, lol.
Nice review! The parking feature works silly good for parallel parking and would likely work better if you were parking between two cars in the parking lot. I usually park in the boonies so I haven't tried parking it into a space. Track mode is similar to Perf (haha) mode but lets you hang the tail out a bit more. With Perf and Track, you should've felt a difference in the gas pedal too. Going from Tour to Track is a very noticeable difference in suspension stiffness. The genuine Holden badges are just $250 front and rear but another $550 if you want to swap the airbag. The $2000 you mentioned might have included the exterior black out bits too (front pieces, side vents, and window trim). I would love to see what you think of the manual version. I'm sure someone in your neck of the woods would let you review one!
Also, not sure where you got your info about the LT1 version. The last SS has already been built. :(
theres one of these in my small town of only 2500 people in the middle of nowhere! i was dumbfounded and loved it when i first saw it
The reverse parking is designed for parallel parking. At least that is what is on the commercials here in Australia
It will parallel or park (back) in a standard parking spot.
"Lets gooooo" @7:20 had some Tj Hunt vibes
I like the SS, G8, GTO and "Caprice PPV".
I'm a JDM fanatic at heart but love Australian muscle cars.
The Maloo Ute is my dream car even though my heart belongs to JDM.....go figure.
Holding out hope that 3 years from now there will be a low mileage example from an adult owner out there for me. I really like the fact it looks so under the radar, but goes like stink!
Nice review. The 2016-17 received a slight redesign for the body and dual mode exhaust. Also, try a manual transmission equipped car. It's a much sportier experience. Oh, and 2016-17 comes in a wonderful Blue called Slipstream Blue. It's beautiful!
Test drove one and 💘 it on the first drive.
I looked for months for an SS and could not find one anywhere close to me, looked for about 6 months I ended up buying a CTS-V and so far it's been a great car but if I see an SS for sale near me I will own it.
It struggled in sales because it's $50,000. Simple.
34000 Australia
Wow 50,000usd is like 71,000aud unbelievable why so expensive over there?
@@coopsnz1 for a fleet-spec, omega V6...
I just picked up a '15 SS around 6 months ago, it had the Holden conversion done already, I get asked "Hey what is that?" Nearly every day. On the highway it pulls effortlessly past 100mph and keeps surging forward, at 140+ it feels very stable and composed, the only negative I have about it for daily use is the gas mileage is horrendous.
Just to put this out there, I found the auto park only works when there are cars to park in between. Open parking lots/parallel spots? It practically tells me to do it myself. Also, they are not making a LT1 version. Production has already finished and the last SS is on a boat somewhere in the Pacific. LS3 is all we're getting.
Let me know if you want to try the 6 speed manual some time! I have the '17 facelift and I'm in Roswell.
Also the most important advantage over the SHO is the RWD.
RIP Holden Australia. You built awesome and affordable sports cars for the working middle-class family man.
Chevy decided not to sell the SS in Canada. And I love it. It's my favourite GM vehicle right now. And I want it. But I have to settle for a G8 with a V8 to get close to this.
Ben Kuyt nothing wrong with the good old G8, especially once modded.
jeff grabowski I don't even wanna mod it. It was an LS derived engine. Would be a massive step up from my Cruze, lol. Probably tons more fun.
Sadly, even the V6 cars go for over 12k up here
Ben Kuyt haha. For a commuter daily driver car cruzes aren't bad at all.
I don't have the self control or discipline to not mod my cars. Lol
I have a heads cam c6 vette and bought a cts coupe as a daily driver a few yrs back and had to do intake and tune on the cts v6.😀 eventually dumped the cts for a scat pack challenger.
What do you do for a living and how do I do it?
Ben Kuyt I'm a credit analyst/loan underwriter the past several years. I also was injured in an industrial accident as a teen so I'm also a paraplegic. The vette I bought used, as are most of the cars I've purchased in my life. I hate depreciation so I let the previous owners take that big hit. 😀 the scat pack was one of 3 cars in 34 years of driving that I bought new.
I have a G8 GT l76 with a DOD delete so basically it's an LS2 and LS3 combined with a stage 3 cam pushing right over 450 horsepower I love it the SS is more newer with better technology on board but I love my G8 an the SS
I have a G8 GT with a 6.6L stroker kit and a bunch of other upgrades and man do I love it. I think the SS will definitely be my next car, basically just a newer G8 with great tech and a true LS motor. But for now, I'm gonna keep enjoying my G8 cause it is sooo much fun
You have the best song choices no doubt!!
David will you be at Caffeine and Octane this sunday?
Possibly! Will try!
Thank you for finally reviewing this car!!! great video!!!
the main thing IMO thats killing this car is the price. The G8 was $30k plus, while the SS is almost $50 albeit better materials........most people are having a hard time justifying the price when the dodge charger SRT8 which has a nicer interior and faster is in the same price range.
jamaicanlovrboy nicer interiors is an opinion. the SS spanks the charger on track and barely loses in the straights... it's 400lbs or so lighter. you just have to ask yourself do you want to be one of 40k chargers sold this year including TONS of v6's? or do you want a Holden with a Vette engine and no base models?
it doesnt really matter what i prefer, or what a few people want....im just telling why i feel the sale of the SS has suffered. Most people who go buy a SRT8 charger isnt worried that a SS may beat it on the track, they just know they have more power, more space, and more interior features....just FYI i dont do domestic cars, i own a turbo lexus SC300
sv66060 very well said. Not too many people think that way.
jamaicanlovrboy that's the problem. it doesn't have more space. the back seat of the SS is significantly more roomy. and it doesn't have more features either unless you consider apple car play a defining feature. Maybe you are referring to the performance pages???
they are both great cars. and yes the hemi scat pack or srt has more power on paper but in the real world it doesn't actually make as big a difference. I drove both and I own an SS because I'd rather have a Chevy than a fiat (Dodge) quality wise
youre still missing what im trying to say....you and a few other chevy fans may like the SS more, but the average car person may not and its evident by the lack luster sales despite your argument that its better than the dodge variant. Since the SS has been out i think ive seen one or two of them, maybe more and i didnt notice....i cant count how many SRT8s ive seen running around, hell.........a few have tried racing me. But you can speak better to roominess and comfort of the SS since you own one.
Had mine since 2014 and never had any problems
You just won my heart with the spongebob clip
they are too expensive!!! I was at the dealer the other day, 48k for a base SS, and 42k for a camaro 2ss...
Yo Man that's why they don't sell if Chevy sold it for under 30k it would had done alot better don't worry it'll lose it's value soon
Apcoolcharles probably not the Pontiac G8 gxp are still selling selling between $28k-$35k and those two are pretty much the same cars.
G8 gxp were fast i think it ran a 12s flat which is flying for a car that size.
Yo Man the "base" SS only has 2 options a sunroof and spare there is no cheaper interior option for this car. Also you can find a used ss for 30k with less than 10,000 miles on it.
frank leary they were a high 12's car with a good driver, otherwise they were a very low 13 sec car. The quickest 1/4 mi I've seen on the forums for a bonestock G8 GXP was 12.8 back in the day.
I believe the parking feature works best in a parking lot with cars. I've tested these before and while theyre not great, it will quickly find a spot in a lot with more cars. The reason for this is that it senses for an empty space.
i like the look of the ss just saw one like a day before i saw your video man.
would you just look at that ford falcon
i've never heard of falcons exploding?
😂😂😂
It's actually a Holden Commodore
Edxander Perez thats the joke....
DragoWeedACorpse didn't get it at first but 😂😂
The Chevy SS, Pontiac G8, Chevy Camaro and Cadillac CTS are all based on the same floor pan. Holden designed that floor pan, and the Camaro was developed in Australia. Holden have a tuner division known as Holden Special Vehicles. The last top of the line HSV version of these was known as the W1. Near enough to 600 horsepower, and pure aggression. Everything from the body kit to the brakes and suspension. The Caprice version (yes the Caprice PPV is based on the Australian Caprice) is called the Grange. Cadillac CTS-V levels of comfort, but handles razor sharp. In some ways like a Chevy SS wearing a dinner suit
It's funny how you mention there is a Holden re-badge kit over there sold by the dealer. For our Commodores (which is what this is), Holden sold a Chevy re-badge kit as well. We basically swapped continents!
In Australia we call it a Holden SS Commedore. And nice video
These intro beats are lit!
The auto-parking isn't looking for lines. It's using the proximity sensors to look for a gap in cars. If there are not cars your passing, it'll never tell you to park. Ultimately it's kinda a silly feature but it does work when you know it's limitations.
... I kinda like it :D
I think if it was a little lighter and those electronics that David mentioned were sorted out, it would be more of a contender
Since the first time I saw a G8, I've had to have it. Now since they've stopped making them, The SS is the new best thing. It's honestly the best car you can buy IMO it's a Camaro, It's a four door, It's an amazing looking car, It's a LS, V8, Best of everything.
The order books were closed during the last half of february so there are still plenty in the pipeline. Typical discount is $15k here in the U.S. 6 speed manual became available in 2015 and plenty are still out there.
You also missed the other pages on the HUD. There's a page that shows a tach, with a small speed indicator, and there's another one that shows a later G meter and shift indicator arrows.
I don't see why everybody is complaining about the price. look at the same year chargers 392/srt/srt scat pack, and Taurus SHO. this car comes with literally everything fully loadedin ONE trim and is a very competitive price to those cars with with their fully loaded options
I really like this car but when the beat dropped I just replayed the beginning for a fat minute 🤣
is nobody else going to comment about how this isn't a normal upload Day or time? was super confused when I saw this just now. Great video nonetheless.
David if you ever get the chance, try and review a Trailblazer SS or SAAB 9-7x Aero. LS2, comfortable ride, and lots of space. As soon as I get my 07 1SS in working order, I would happily let you drive mine.
This has for a long time been my favorite car for under 50k
I saw a G8 with Holden Commodore badges idling like a monster in a cage
I wish we got everything we gave you. It's a Holden Commodore SS, fitted a bunch of stuff we never got (paddle shifters for example) then shipped it over and all for a much cheaper price than the AUDM one. Same deal with the G8, you had cylinder deactivation when we didn't
ssv is cheaper than are chevy ss in Usa .38k usd in Australia . But we can buy entry level ss without leather 35k usd
Btw hsv gets the gadgets, chevy ss got
Holden🇦🇺2017 HSV🏁GTS-R W1 LS9 Gen-F2…🔥
hey David I seen you on TV the other day on caffeine and octane lol I seen you finally got the guy to let you drive the GT350R!
The Chevy SS is a great car on all fronts except one BIG thing. It looks like a Malibu-biggest downfall of the car. If it was more pronounced or aggressive in some regards like the CTSV, where you know it means elegant business just by looking at it; it probably would have caught on a lot more. You can even get it with a 6spd.
Excited to watch this video before getting ready for Pontiacs In Pidgeon Forge with my dad to show off his g8
Ahhhh this makes me more excited than the Fbody Camaro Review!! Thanks a lot!
Yo the intro beat is sick asf
Chevy SS = Holden Commodore
Pontiac G8 = Holden/Vauxhall Monaro
All in which are rebranded modified versions of each other throughout the last 16 years. Each time getting Uglier! The Vauxhall VXR8 Was a thing of beauty!
Nice use of Spongebob, even better would have been "It growled at me"
That's funny, the sat nav is floorless in Australia. Maybe he's was just a one off? These things are SO popular in Aust. They have a massive racing heritage that dates back to the late 70's with these Commodores, and they're so much fun to drive... Anyone see the white turbo Commodore ute on 1320 last week?!? 8 second daily driver... They're SO underrated in America. And you guys should see the HSV's (Holden Special Vehicles). We have LS7 powered ones, we have LSA powered ones and even LS9 powered ones out the factory from HSV. You can option a Walkinshaw supercharger kit on any of the LS3 engines too, doesn't have to be a HSV. Our Commodores SS can be optioned to 550+hp with a Walky blower and still keep warrantee. Although it's great you got them, you only got half the package, prob even less cause you don't get the utes or wagons and none of the HSV's or Walkinshaw options. You guys should check out the HSV GTS for example, or the HSV GTSR, even the Clubsports and Marloo's. Then we have HSV Statesman's, like your cop car Caprice or whatever you guys call it- there's banging hot versions of them out of HSV like the Grange. Man, only if HSV was offered in the U.S. ANd the reason you feel like your in a CTS- V is because Holden shared the chassis it developed for the Commodore with the CTS- V's
I saw this at the mall and tried to look the name. never knew it was just called the ss I thought a malibu ss or something
If could afford one of these I would have one in a heart beat.
groovy The last time i was this early David still lived in Virgina.
I am legitimately heartbroken because they will be discontinued and I love this platform it's so bad ass!!!!!
The thing about this is, it has a REAL LS in it. The G8 GT didn't have a real LS in it... Only the GXP. And the GXP was a rare option (the GXP models still selling for 25k+) with only 1829 made. The GXP was also the only one to get a manual trans. The SS is better in every way (to me) but it's just a REALLY expensive sleeper.
If you were a family man with the need for a reliable car that you also wanted to have fun with, this is a no brainer...