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The extra grip in California translated to better braking performance from the big Brembo calipers. The Detroit SS was able to stop from 60 mph in an impressive 107 feet. With slightly warmer asphalt, our L.A.-based car was able to shave 2 feet off the number, stopping from 60 mph in just 105 feet. Both cars had great pedal feel and modulation, stopping consistently on every run. Somewhat to our surprise, the Detroit car managed to pull a slightly higher lateral acceleration number around the skidpad section of our figure-eight course, registering a 0.96 lateral g compared to the California car's 0.92 lateral g. Since we average the lateral g number around the entire skidpad section, it is possible that the California car was overheating its tires by the end of the turn. Overall numbers for the figure-eight lap still go to the California car. The first SS turned a 25.2-second lap, putting it neck and neck with a CTS-V wagon we tested. The second SS was clearly faster in a straight line and managed a 24.8-second lap, which suddenly had it turning times with the likes of a BMW M5 and an Audi RS5. Those are some pretty impressive numbers for a car with relatively low-tech suspension. For comparison's sake, a 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee we tested ran a 25.5-second figure eight.

These numbers are definitely closer to what we expected from the SS. The car has a great chassis, precise steering, and, despite its Aussie roots, an American soul. It's closer to a European sports sedan than a Mad Max musclecar. This was more about the numbers than anything else. (If you are looking for more in-depth analysis and details, revisit the First Test.) The takeaway from this should be that the SS is capable of some pretty impressive numbers. And cold asphalt sucks.

2014 Chevrolet SS
BASE PRICE	$45,770
PRICE AS TESTED	$45,770
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	6.2L/415-hp/415-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3913 lb (53/47%)
WHEELBASE	114.8 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	195.5 x 74.7 x 57.9 in
0-60 MPH	4.6 sec
QUARTER MILE	13.0 sec @ 109.4 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	105 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.92 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	24.8 sec @ 0.80 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	14/21 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	241/160 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	1.18 lb/mile

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