Chevy unveils its new NASCAR race car

Chevrolet has announced its entry for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series -- the Chevrolet SS.

The model, announced Thursday, ties to a V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan that will return to the U.S. lineup as well as being the model that makes its debut in the 2013 Daytona 500.

The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States.

Chevrolet has a long history of using the SS (Super Sport) designation, first in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race.

The first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala. The latest model is the fifth-generation Camaro, which debuted in 2010.

“As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR race car in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it."

Ford and Dodge have unveiled their race models for 2013 as well.