Does the Chevy SS Represent a Modern Take on the E39 M5?
BMW’s M engineers were in full magician mode when they created the E39. Greater than the sum of its parts, The E39 M5 became the ultimate representation of a devilishly quick but engaging 4-door. Not before and not since has anyone been able to contend that title. Till the Chevy SS showed up.
Having driven both, I can say that the differences are things you may have already assumed. After all, cars now are not built like they were 15 years ago. However, the ethos and the purpose is strikingly similar: place a V8 with sharp throttle response under the hood, have it power the rear wheels, transfer that power through the use of a gearbox that the driver controls, and make sure it has six gears.
While the SS wins in terms of forward grunt, the M5 edges it out ever so slightly in poise and control. That’s not to say the SS can’t take a corner. Boy, it can, and it will. Someone within GM has found an extra jar of magic fairy dust and sprinkled it all over the chassis and suspension. Press hard, and it remains poised and ready — but if you feel like getting into some tomfoolery, it’ll quench those desires too.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Via [Road & Track]
