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In the middle of the rear roof area you will find the antenna of the optional XM satellite radio. They did a pretty good job making it low profile and not immediately noticeable in an effort to keep them from being an eye sore.
Interior
The particular model I tested was a black on black model with power heated leather seats, which bear the SS emblem. Unfortunately, it does not look like memory programmed seats are an option. The seats were very firm, almost too firm. It felt like I was sitting on top of the seats and not "in" the seats. Perhaps this is from lack of ample support from the sides of the seats, making you feel like you won't go anywhere if you were turning hard.
The steering wheel holds audio and cruise control buttons, all located on the sides and easy to see. At first glance, it looks like a lot of buttons, but upon further inspection it doesn't seem as intimidating. The stereo seemed pretty straight forward too, but the blue green digital read out of both the DIC (Driver's information center) and the stereo looked like early 90s technology and to me, and didn't seem easy to read. It would definitely take some getting used to. Standard on this model, like most GM vehicles, is OnStar. The trunk was quite large, more spacious than it appeared from the outside. At 6'2'', I had more than enough leg room sitting in the back seat too.
Performance
The engine is a 5.3 Liter all aluminum V8 that boasts 303hp. With start up, which can be done with a standard remote start key fob, it has a V8 sound to it, but is very much quieted from the two rear mufflers. It has a nice pur to it at idle and the installation of an after market muffler would make this engine sound like the beast that it is.
Technology has definitely gotten better with the AFM (Active fuel management) engines. During my test drive, I played with the throttle quite a bit and it was in and out of 8 cylinder mode like it was butter. I felt almost no hesitation once the accelerator was pressed. With the foot to the floor and traction control on, the engine winds up quite quickly and breaks the tires loose, even with a rolling start. It only took a moment for the TC to kick in and stop the fun. With the traction control off, not only did the tires spin, but gave the front end a very loose feeling in which it produced more oversteer than I would have predicted. Keeping it straight would not be a challenge for someone who knows better, but for someone not expecting it, it pulls back and forth and could get away from them.
Accelleration was exactly as I would expect from 303hp in a sedan. It was smooth and hard enough to put a smile on my face. GM claims a 6.4 for a 0-60 and I think you will find that quite easily.
Very little body roll was noticed, but then again, I didn't want the salesman to make a mess in his pants, so I took it easy with my cornering. I did, however, give it some throttle coming out of a tight, low speed turn and found it breaking loose, but holding it's line of travel.
Transmission/Clutch Chevy placed a 4 speed automatic transmission in this SS and no option for a manual transmission. There is little to complain or praise. It works well, that's about it.
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