If there is one thing that is certain, nostalgia is very popular. The Big Three automotive manufacturers noticed that several years ago, and now we have more-powerful-than-ever Camaros, Challengers, and Mustangs. But is there a limit to the popularity that nostalgia can deliver? That depends on who you ask, and how it’s marketed.
We have noticed several websites once again touting the release of a new Chevelle, and this time it’s a 2017 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. For fans of the Chevelle, this is a matter causing heated discussion. Some feel that the nameplate should not be revived, as they are full of nostalgia, and feel that the history of the vintage Chevelle should not be diluted by a new, 21st-Century version.
Anyway, if there is one thing we’ve noticed about these websites showing the new Chevelle, it’s that they seem to all be speculating in an attempt to get you to simply read what they have written. Speaking about the writing, upon further inspection, it seems that these sites are developed by either a student with an elementary-age education, or someone offshore that doesn’t really have a grasp of the English language.
For instance, one website stated, “2017 Chevrolet Chevelle SS new concept is 1 of the most innovative concepts from Chevy. Though it’s a model based from the 1977 model, this is an all new modern concept which will certainly shake the car industry. Everybody actually thought that this car model had been officially discontinued, however, as it turns out the manufacturers are now ready to surprise Chevy fans with a continuation of this magnificent car model.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when reading that, something sounds a little off to me. This website went on to say, “The 2017 Chevy Chevelle SS is said to be manufactured once more by Chevrolet company so as to deal with competitors.” Really, did they think Ford might build a Chevelle?
With all of this “speculation” going on, we decided to contact somebody at Chevrolet, and like we thought would happen, we didn’t get the answer we were hoping for. But, they didn’t deny the possibility of a new Chevelle being released. So, if a new Chevelle is on the horizon, what will it look like, and on what platform will it be built?
Let’s take a look at the current-production Chevrolet SS. It’s a great vehicle, but its sales have been mediocre at best. In 2015, only 2,895 SS models were sold, and the low sales numbers could suggest that the SS model might soon be discontinued. But, since no official announcement has been made about the end of what is called the Zeta platform, we thought we might speculate ourselves. We have heard rumors that the SS will probably cease production beginning in 2017, and that could actually make room for the Chevelle to make a return.
That being said, that also means the Chevelle would probably be a four-door sedan. Before you go off the deep end about the famed Chevelle being a four door, this might actually be cause for – maybe not celebration, but at least a sigh of relief. If this happens, that would keep another rear-wheel-driven V8 Chevy car to complement the Camaro in the line up. Let’s face it, how many people would love to own a rear-wheel drive, V8-powered car, but can’t justify trying to squeeze the kids into the backseat of a Camaro?
By using the SS as the model for a new Chevelle, this possible Chevelle sedan will allow everyone to enjoy the power of a V8 engine, and do so while taking the kids for ice cream. The four-door platform could also bring the car in at price below that of Camaro. We understand that a two-door Chevelle that is designed properly would be a huge success, but that doesn’t mean it would generate into sales. So what do you think, will Chevrolet bring back the Chevelle name, and if they do, will be a four door? We’ll have to wait and see.