The SS moniker has long been used to designate a high-performance model from the Chevrolet brand. The SS stands for Super Sport, and it’s been used off and on throughout the history of the automaker for various cars, trucks, and now SUVs. The SS signature was first used all the way back in 1961, but the latest model to receive the label may just be the most controversial. It’s not just any SUV but the Blazer EV––an all-electric SUV. The automaker is currently targeting customers looking for a performance vehicle, and drivers considering a Chevy Blazer EV for sale might be intrigued by the option of getting a Blazer EV SS.
The SS name hasn’t been used for a stand-alone model since the short-lived Chevy SS (a cool-looking four-door sedan), which had a short run from 2014 through 2017. However, the SS trim has been frequently given to models that fit the expectations of the performance badge, scattered across the over 60-year history of the SS label. This includes a brief stint with the Chevy Silverado, as well as the Chevy TrailBlazer, and currently the Chevy Camaro. But now the Chevy Blazer EV is the one receiving the SS label, and it’s the first EV to receive the designation, so it naturally leads us to the obvious question: does it deserve the SS badge?
What Does the SS Designation Entail and Why Is It Important?
The Chevy SS designation first appeared during the muscle car era, starting with the 1957 Chevy Corvette SS, a time when big block engines and V8s ruled the streets. The Super Sport was a designation indicating that you were getting a car (or truck) that could move at high speeds with plenty of horsepower, lots of torque, and a suspension designed to satisfy your craving for speed. In short, the SS is a performance package for select models.
The Chevy SS label wasn’t applied to just any vehicle, though, but reserved only for select models that could be pushed beyond the basic specs. For instance, the SS was first available for the Impala as a performance package that improved the handling, along with interior and exterior changes to give the vehicle a sportier appearance. It makes sense, given that the Impala was capable of being improved to take advantage of its design for sportier performance and looks.
It also made sense that the SS option was offered for the 1968 Chevy Nova II as a performance upgrade because there was a lot of performance possible for the compact sedan. The Nova SS turned the compact into a real road beast with the optional big-block 396 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 375 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This turned the two-door fastback into a rocket ship on wheels, which is also why the Chevy Nova SS also had a tweaked heavy-duty suspension to enable it to make use of all that extra power.
A similar story applied to the larger big-block-era cars, such as the Chevy Chevelle. It was a two-door muscle car, which gained quite the notoriety with the 1970 Chevelle SS featuring a 454 cubic inch V8 that produced a monstrous 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. As usual, suspension and performance upgrades were applied to make the most use of its additional horsepower and torque output. This would be the typical modus operandi of the SS models from the 1960s all the way up to the present day, with the trim being periodically made available for various cars, trucks, and SUVs to improve their handling, looks, and performance.
Throughout the years, whenever you saw a Chevy SS package, trim, or model appear, it meant that the vehicle received a boost in its performance, handling, and sometimes interior with sport seats or unique cabin details. It was all designed to give the vehicle improved performance while really indulging in a sporty appeal. This ethos has continued throughout the lifespan of the SS designation, including the Chevy S10 SS in the 1990s, the Chevy Silverado Intimidator SS and Chevy Trailblazer SS during the 2000s, the Chevy SS model that was briefly available during the 2010s, and even the more recent generation of the Chevy Camaro SS, available on the market right now.
What Does the Chevy Blazer EV SS Feature as a Performance EV?
Now that we know what the Chevy SS designation is all about, how does it apply to the Chevy Blazer EV SS, and what does this performance EV trim have to offer? Well, I’m here to tell you that the Chevy Blazer EV SS is one powerful machine. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV is available in three different powertrain configurations and three total trims, with the top-end trim being the SS, which is paired with the top-end powertrain. This gives you the most power available in the first-ever all-electric Blazer.
Since the Blazer EV doesn’t use a traditional internal combustion engine, the power is generated by the Ultium platform. In this case, it’s a 105 kWh battery pack that powers dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors on the front and rear axles. In total, it means that the Blazer EV SS manages to generate 557 hp and a whopping 648 lb-ft of torque. Those are impressive numbers for any performance vehicle, especially for a midsize crossover SUV.
The Blazer EV SS also comes with an independent front and rear suspension, high-performance Brembo brakes, and multiple drive modes, including the “Wide Open Watts” (WOW) high-performance mode. The Blazer EV also rides on 22-inch wheels, focusing on precision handling for those who want to make use of all that extra power. These features give you excellent control and stability while also offering some significant power to boot.
Does the Blazer EV SS Live Up to the Name Based on Specs Alone?
The simple answer to the question of whether or not the 2024 Blazer EV SS lives up to the SS designation is an emphatic “Yes!” With the high-end battery pack and dual electric motor configuration, the Blazer EV SS is capable of launching from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds. So you have a midsize crossover SUV capable of posting acceleration times that are usually relegated to sports cars and performance sedans. That’s nothing to scoff at.
Plus, the sporty exterior appeal of the Blazer EV lends itself well to the Super Sport moniker. The recent generation of the Chevy Blazer has always looked extremely cool, with futuristic lines, stylish wheels, and a standout fascia. Bestowing the SS label on the Blazer EV and giving it even more performance appeal with upgraded brakes, a performance battery pack, and a sporty interior all lends itself well towards living up to the legend that is the Chevy SS designation.
The performance specifications and the design of the Blazer EV certainly live up to the standards that Chevy set with previous SS iterations. Is it as intimidating as the Chevy Silverado Intimidator SS? Not quite, but the truck was designed for a different era and a different kind of demographic. Is it as powerful as the Chevy Camaro SS? Absolutely. Will it perform better on the market than the Chevy SS four-door sedan? It’s highly likely. The Blazer EV SS is designed for the modern audience of EV-interested consumers looking for a performance-driven crossover, and it raises the bar in that segment.
Will You Be Buying a Blazer EV SS if Given the Chance?
The only question now is, will you be buying one? Some people are reluctant to give an EV a chance, while others may be reluctant to indulge in an SUV that wears the SS badge. However, if you’re willing to step outside of your allegiance to gasoline and are looking for a powerful, performance-driven SUV, then the 2024 Blazer EV SS fits the bill nicely. Chevy has definitely taken a lot of what has made the SS such a popular and highly regarded name and applied it to the 2024 Blazer EV. It’s just a matter of whether you’re willing to give it a chance if you have an opportunity to buy one.
