• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2006 Chevrolet Malibu SS, Malibu Maxx SS and TrailBlazer SS Preview

Chevy Adds Three More SS Models to 2006 Lineup

From the multi-million dollar Advanced Technology display, showcasing GMs global efforts in developing fun, practical, and environmentally-friendly vehicles, the biggest of the Big Three switched gears for the New York International Auto Show earlier this year.

The show, which regularly takes place at the Jacob Javits Center in the Big Apple, highlighted GM muscle power through a variety of performance-oriented Chevrolets.

Chevy claims that 2006 is the year in which it will resurrect the SS nameplate, one famed as the designation for its high-performance

Chevy claims that 2006 is the year in which it will resurrect the SS nameplate. (Photo: General Motors)

machines during the 60s and 70s. Vehicles such as Camaro, Chevelle, and El Camino featured the Super Sport badge, packing big cubes with gobs of tire-smoking torque, but in the years since the oil embargo and power-crippling emissions were implemented, Chevrolet has seemingly defiled the legendary name with weak-kneed machines.

As of late, things are starting

The 205-horsepower supercharged Cobalt SS is a respectable performer. (Photo: General Motors)

to look up for the SS name and its values. The 205-horsepower supercharged Cobalt SS is a respectable performer and Chevy finally gave the SSR the power its hot-rod looks deserved by dropping the new Corvettes LS2 V8 under the hood. Elsewhere, the lackluster supercharged V6 Impala and Monte Carlo SS have been replaced by an all-new V8-powered version, which offers big cubes, but iffy performance from their front-wheel drive layout.

The latest additions

The latest additions to the SS family, which just debuted at the New York event, include the Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS. (Photo: General Motors)

to the SS family, which just debuted at the New York event, include the Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS. This duo, however, might make a true fan of the famed double-consonant designation seriously question the scruples of Chevrolets marketing team. The big change with the Malibu is the addition of the new 3.9-liter "3900" V6, which features variable valve timing for its OHV pushrods. This mysterious layout (why not use the DOHC motor from the LaCrosse?) makes a less-than-impressive 240 horses and 241 lb-ft of torque, especially when compared to many competitors

Inside, ebony sport buckets are matched to a special three-spoke steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. (Photo: General Motors)

on market with more in their less flashy base V6 trim (even the bread and butter Camry is expected to offer its 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 as an option next year). The new SS is also linked to a four-speed automatic transmission, which is hardly state of the art.

Also included in the SS package is a special body kit with monochromatic sport fascias, black-out grille, fog lamps, a rear spoiler and dual exhaust. The SS includes special suspension tuning as well, which stiffens the stock cars floaty ride, while massive 18-inch chromed alloy wheels replace the stock undersized wheel and tire package. Inside, ebony sport buckets are matched to a special three-spoke

Chevrolets other addition to the SS lineup will come in the form of a tarted-up Trailblazer. (Photo: General Motors)

steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. Exciting stuff!

GM will also be offering the 3900 in the Pontiac G6 GTP, which will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox in addition to the automatic. It appears that the components that back up the SS name are no longer an SS exclusive.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo