2016 Chevrolet SS Takes on E39 BMW M5 on Ignition (W/Video)

The E39-Series (1999-2003) BMW M5 is considered by many to be the pinnacle of luxury sports sedans — something even the current BMW M5 sedans and M6 Gran Coupes cannot emulate. On this episode of “Ignition,” Jason Cammisa takes to the streets and racer Randy Pobst hits the track in the 2016 Chevrolet SS sedan to see how it compares to the classic BMW.

Power for the E39 BMW M5 came from a naturally aspirated 4.9-liter DOHC V-8 backed by a six-speed manual. The engine was rated 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the new Chevrolet SS is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 pushrod V-8 packing 415 hp and 415 lb-ft. The SS is available with a choice of six-speed auto or six-speed manual transmissions. Cammisa, of course, chose a manual for this episode.

Other than the aforementioned M5 sedan and M6 Gran Coupe, the Chevy SS is the only V-8 powered four-door available with a manual transmission. The BMW twins, however, are turbocharged. Braking for the SS comes from four-piston Brembo brake calipers on all four corners. For 2016, the SS also gets revised suspension and steering.

After critiquing the Chevrolet SS on the streets, Cammisa heads to The Streets of Willow race track to meet up with Pobst. In testing, the full-size sedan sprinted to the end of the quarter mile in 13.2 seconds at 109.2 mph, stopped from 60 mph in 110 feet, and pulled 0.95 g on the skidpad. It also lapped the figure-eight in 25.0 seconds flat at 0.77 g average.

Next, Pobst does timed laps in both the new Chevrolet SS and E39 BMW M5 to see how they compare around The Streets of Willow. Check out the video below to see the hosts’ final thoughts about the full-size Chevy sedan.

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