Chevrolet Lumina SS The World’s Sportiest Bakkie

•Mark MusutuChevrolet Lumina is not a new name. In 1989, it was the name Chevrolet raced under at Nascar and it has also been worn by a couple of Chevys in the past.

A sedan, a coupe and minivan (MPV) – the Lumina name faded as the sedan was replaced by the Celebrity (later the Impala), the coupe by the name Monte Carlo and the MPV was renamed the Venture.

This crop of cars didn’t do very well in the United States as the likes of Toyota started playing their efficiency games. General Motors (GM) realised there is life outside the US and started directing these products to other lucrative markets.

Made in Australia by GM-owned Holden, it is sold as the Lumina SS in the US and South Africa. It is also rebadged for the Middle East and other markets as a Holden.

Especially after focusing on the power hungry Middle East, GM redefined the SS Lumina. It has been built to be a statement of design and has been packed with a feature that Asian efficiency crusaders have no answer to – raw American muscle. Lumina has bought itself a place in history as the world’s fastest utility vehicle or “Ute”, as the Aussies say.

As I did my homework on the Lumina, I halted in my tracks at some point realising that vans have almost completely disappeared from the scene. I recall the names such as Belmont and Datsun which are now only in auto chronicles.

Other car makers such as Toyota and Isuzu leave only the basic commercial vans and workhorse versions in production.

Vans were more prominent in the 1980s and 1990s until the new millennium saw changes in tastes gravitate towards the bakkie and other larger, higher trucks. The trends have continued to favour the bakkie, mainly because of safety concerns as there is a sense of security, safety and control that comes with driving a higher or larger vehicle.

It’s a well justified progression as there is also a lot of practicality attributed to bakkies.

You can access more roads and go more places that a Ute can’t take you. But when it comes to capacity of load, the Ute takes the cake – no wonder we can see DHL and Nampost vans up and down our roads.

The Lumina SS has a very bold design, a statement of clear intent, with long flowing lines. It’s the sleekest thing on four wheels, though you would think it’s a lot less mean – looking than its relatives such as the Dodge Charger and Camaro.

Entering the interior, I was enveloped by the American spirit. I could see this signature on every inch of the interior. Looking at the sporty seats’ bright stitches, it took me back to Knight Rider and the Camaros and Corvettes of the past, it echoes the Nascar legacy which inspired it.

The SS is loaded with comfort features including infotainment with a six-disc shuttle CD/MP3 enabled stereo system controlled via a 6,5-inch multifunction screen. Bluetooth phone connectivity comes standard as well, while most of the interior is covered in luxurious leather, this includes the chunky steering wheel. The spaciousness tells me seven foot tall American basket ballers were given some consideration – its ergonomics are on point.

Designed to get your pulse racing, it makes all the right noises in the right places. The development team worked hard on noise vibration and harshness (NVH). It has a stiffer oil pan and a distinctive engine cover sporting a layer of noise insulation on the underside. When I heard the growl of its engine as it bubbled to life, I was caught up in the moment by the sound so glorious and perfectly pitched. I was instantly smitten by its exhaust note.

Before encountering the Lumina, I thought it very pointless and disturbing to have rumbling exhaust. All that changed at a twist of a key. The acoustics of its exhaust note is sweetest symphony I have ever heard from a car engine.

The SS shares engines with the Chevrolet Corvette, if I end here, I will have said it all.

The SS Lumina is powered by an L98 six-litre engine with an output of 270kw at 57 00 r/minute. It’s a no joke pure American Muscle car.

It ferociously catapults from 0 to 100 km/h in just under five seconds. You will have been mistaken to think it’s just another modern car. It has pure old school raw power yet it is as modern as a hybrid.

The SS appropriately wears Brembo brake discs and original equipment master cylinders synonymous to a number of motorcycles including the Ducati, KTM, BMW and Harley Davidson. Other driver and safety aids include a Bosch electronic stability control, anti-locking braking distribution, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, and traction control. Adding to passenger safety are the dual-stage front airbags together with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The SS Lumina has a charismatic presence and an audacious design with the neatest dynamics, while sporting a spacious interior. It effortlessly churns out a V8 performance – a living legend and true automotive milestone.

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