Chevy prices the HHR panel
Add $200 to the price of a Chevy HHR and you can get yourself a modern-day two-seater panel wagon. Chevrolet says pricing for the Panel will begin at $16,750 "for a well-equipped LS model." The LS has the 2.2L 149hp engine. While the official press release claims the HHR Panel is rated at "30 mph in highway driving" we seriously hope they mean 30 mpg in highway driving. It'll also be available in an LT version which has the 2.4L 175hp engine, also rated at 30 mpg. No official word on LT pricing, though Velocity Journal says it will come in just over $17,500 with the no-option LS costing just $15,800.
With no rear seats to get in the way, the flat panel floor will accept more than 57 cubic feet of stuff, while an under-floor storage area takes five cubic feet more. Tie-downs are available, of course, to keep those cubic feet of cargo from sliding around.
At those prices, Chevy will definitely sell a few Panels, though the versatility of a two-seater wagon to most folks is questionable. We can, however, see this being the stylishly economic choice of large and small businesses alike. And we certainly can't wait to see what the customizers can do with it.
Read GM's full press release after the jump.
[Source: GM, Velocity Journal]
From the GM press release...
DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today that pricing for the new, segment-exclusive HHR Panel will begin at $16,750 (including destination) for a well-equipped LS model. Orders for the HHR Panel will begin in early January.
"Priced at only $200 more than an HHR passenger model, the HHR Panel demonstrates tremendous value to business customers," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The HHR Panel is a model unlike anything else in the segment, offering commercial customers and expressive enthusiasts a bold, functional and different vehicle – and one that delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway."
The HHR Panel features windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. A flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 5 cubic feet (141 L) of additional covered, under-floor storage. Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor.
The LS model comes with a fuel-efficient 2.2L engine rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW). The LT model is equipped with a 2.4L engine rated at 175 horsepower (130 kW). With either engine, the HHR is rated at 30 mph in highway driving and can provide up to 450 miles of cruising range on a tank of gas.
Power front seats, a family of radios with MP3 capability and OnStar are available on LS and LT models. LT models also offer XM Satellite Radio, 17-inch wheels and leather-appointed seating. There is also a rear power plug connector with available 40-amp service, for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This feature answers the call of upfitters, who asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.
OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation is available on the HHR Panel, enhancing its value as a courier or delivery-type vehicle. OnStar Turn-by-Turn provides verbal instructions to assist the driver with right- and left-hand turn directions; and it establishes a new route if the driver needs to get back on track; for example, if a freeway exit is missed.
Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States , Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
JACKIE MORGAN 10:54AM (11/04/2008)
09 ss panel seems to be where the hhr comes full circle.engine ,manual trans,brakes,suspension, appearance has been enhanced to where all componets are on the same page.I waited for this one and i am happy.
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Andy 4:11PM (12/09/2006)
The HHR panel hatch is an excellent alternative to large cargo vans--provided you don't need a cargo van's storage space. The HHR has exceptional range, so this would make sense in delivery. The midsize pickup my uncle wants runs for $22,000 with accessories and a 2.4 L I-4. He wanted a small wagon or hatch, but needed extra room. Oddly, he liked the PT Cruiser for its low price, reliability, and mileage. The HHR fits.
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Steve Henderson 4:11PM (12/09/2006)
Holy blind spots, Batman!
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uncle john 4:12PM (12/09/2006)
2 words: Sedan Delivery! While the FWD setup may detract some, I'll bet that there will be plenty of florists and the like who will snag one or two for the delivery fleet.
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Talis 4:17PM (12/09/2006)
This is awesome. A good friend of mine is a long distance parts driver for the local BMW shop, and has been driving around in a busted up express van for years now. The shop bought a new sprinter, but gave it to the local driver, not my friend.
This would be good for him, because unless he is going to hull a hood or a bumper (at which point he takes the box truck) he almost never fills 57 cubic feet.
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risingsun 4:27PM (12/09/2006)
Someone please make the modern version of the carpeted dog grooming van from Dumb and Dumber with this.
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bad blooooood 4:33PM (12/09/2006)
FINALY, a replacement for a PickUp Truck. This is something REAL business owners, not wannbes will buy.
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spots 5:09PM (12/09/2006)
It'd be really useful for hauling dogs.... too bad it's made in Mexico.
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Gunterson 5:11PM (12/09/2006)
OMG I love that thang!
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Nakagawa 5:19PM (12/09/2006)
oh.. That design is too fat, and ugly.
I hate american car, but american loves our japanese car. LOL
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That One Person 5:20PM (12/09/2006)
If they are bringing out the HHR SS, this thing would be cool for the SS trim.
What would be a million times cooler was if this thing was built on the Solstice platform.
Either way, its a cool vehicle...
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Barney 8:36PM (12/09/2006)
It's still just a specialty vehicle for only consumers like me. It's not as versatile as a mini van and has seating only for two. Hopefully enough will be sold so that they don't just disappear. Someday this panel will sit in my parking spot.
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The Duke 6:11PM (12/09/2006)
I'll take one in satin black with the turbo motor from the Solstice
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chewy 7:28PM (12/09/2006)
Europeans have used this type of vehicle for decades. This offers enought space for any "handyman" so no more trucks are needed. In other words, any carpenter or a plumber will have enough space so they won't need a gas guzzling pickups to carry a few wrenches.
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BCM 12:03AM (12/10/2006)
Now that Chevy's brought back the panel van, someone needs to introduce a modern business coupe.
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Jaymez 8:34PM (12/09/2006)
I'll never give up my truck, but, I'd possibly consider one of these for a commuter vehicle. I never need more than one extra seat, anyway. Granted, it'd all depend on how the supercharged engine performed. I drove a base HHR and hated it because it was completely lacking in power.
However, for commuting back and forth, it could be suitable. No true tradesman would ever give up his truck or fullsize van for one, though. My company runs E350s and those are grossly overloaded.
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Howard Kerr 8:51PM (12/09/2006)
HAHAHA...love that (Fruedian?) slip of rated "at 30 mph (MILES PER HOUR) in highway driving".
People thoght the PT Cruiser was going to be a flash in the pan, a fad, here today....gone this afternoon, but 7 years later it's still around. But what about this sedan delivery HHR. Is this another car that COULD replace a bigger truck or van but WON'T, thanks to poor or no marketing? Did I miss it in all the SEMA coverage here on AutoBlog? Did any tuners/modifiers get an HHR this year?
I bought NEW one of the Vega sedan deliverys, but after two years the novelty wore off, I'm not sure this will even be around that long.
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AM 8:57PM (12/09/2006)
Geez, and I thought the PT Cruiser was ugly enough be it's own segment?
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Sasha 8:57PM (12/09/2006)
Hey, Nakagawa, I'm glad that your Japanese vans are so svelte and sophisticated:
http://www.boners.com/grub/795969.html
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Mr_Oak 9:28AM (12/11/2006)
Hey, Nakagawa:
Chinese like American car, not Japanese. There is a helluva lot more of them than you.
While you do make some good cars in Japan, you also make lots of crappy ones. So bad they won't even be allowed here.
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