Click image for enlargement and one additional scan
Yesterday saw the posting of the complete Porsche 911 GT2 Brochure on the web, making the automaker's official introduction og the car a formality. Today over at ChevyHHR.net, one of the forum members posted a brochure scan showing the 2008 Chevy HHR SS in its full glory for the first time. The topic of the HHR SS has been somewhat controversial, with some readers (and Autobloggers, for that matter) expressing concern that it's going to represent a further dilution of the SS moniker. Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, however, we were assured by Chevy general manager Ed Peper that the Bowtie division would only apply "SS" to truly worthy vehicles going forward (hence the appearance of the 3.6 V6-powered Equinox Sport and not Equinox SS).
Follow the jump for more. Thanks to Josh for the tip!
[Source: ChevyHHR.net]
Well, the '08 turbocharged HHR SS certainly looks the part, and if what we've experienced driving the Solstice GXP and Sky Red Line is any indication, we think that it'll have more than enough punch to live up to the SS badging. The usually friendly-faced HHR gets a big dose of meanness up front, with new, blacked-out grillework and a new front bumper designed to help feed the intercooler lurking behind it. No power numbers are given in the scanned and posted information page, but we do learn that a similarly aggressive rear fascia is included along with a roof-mounted rear spoiler. SS-embroidered sport seats dress up the cabin, where the driver will find a short-throw shifter connected to a five-speed gearbox and a boost gauge mounted to the A-Pillar. 4-wheel discs with ABS are standard, as is a sport-tuned suspension. We'd expect power to be at least the same 260 horses available in the Kappa roadsters, if not more. Power will likely drive the front wheels, which appear to be 18 inches in diameter.The HHR SS will be at Chevy dealers in late fall of this year. This is one we can't wait to get our hands on.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
John R @ Jul 13th 2007 10:53AM
Looks a bit truckish from the front, like the SRT Caliber, except its much better looking. Nice to know GM is supporting the hot-hatch segment. However, I think the Mazdaspeed 3 has it beat when it comes to looks. Too bad one has to wait until fall to see what its capable of.
Barney @ Jul 14th 2007 7:41PM
"Looks a bit truckish from the front"
Probably because it is to look like a 1948 Chev panel truck. I have a 52 Chev pickup and they did do a good job in the resemblance. (1948 -1955 same series)
J.Crew @ Jul 13th 2007 10:53AM
Wow, that looks great! I dig how the hood line flows down the body. It looks mean. I am sensing a comparison test of this, the Caliber SRT4, 4 door VW GTI, and the Mazda Speed3 in the not too distant future. A true hot hatch comparo.
Atomicbri @ Jul 13th 2007 10:58AM
I agree...that could be one hot comparo....would love to see how all of them would pan out together in a test.
geo.stewart @ Jul 13th 2007 4:02PM
the hhr has way too trucklike of a ride to compare to the GTI and MS3
J.Crew @ Jul 14th 2007 10:35AM
I would say the changes GM is putting forth allows the HHR SS to qualify as a true competitor in such a comparison test. How it rides and handles would be determined by the writers of the comparison. It does not matter how you feel the non SS HHR currently handles. The SS may get trashed in the test, but it would be fun to see how it does perform.
CJ @ Jul 13th 2007 10:54AM
Not bad... although I think they should have gone with he grill done for one of the SEMA concepts:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/10360_UZIWHSNFKBPCB.jpg
I just think that works SO much better!
Nick @ Jul 13th 2007 5:57PM
I never understood why they didn't just go with that front end. I mean why bother rolling it out at SEMA and then sticking with the tacky boxy front end? Not to mention that SEMA HHR's front end fits in a hell of a lot better with their new 'design language' than the current HHR's front end does.
Greg @ Jul 16th 2007 12:19PM
Yeah CJ I agree with you on that. It does look much better.
Reuben @ Jul 13th 2007 10:54AM
Haha HHRSS......HEARSE.....
Not too bad though, I like it.
felipe @ Jul 13th 2007 10:54AM
looks better then the std HHR.. but no matter what they do, i can't help but look and think what a poor retarded looking rip off of the PT Crusier... with a big DUH? look to it
looks like that old tow truck from "Cars" movie
Chris K @ Jul 13th 2007 11:44AM
Those who compare the HHR to the PT Cruiser have evidently not driven the HHR; which is in all points in my estimation - a much better drive and superior vehicle.
felipe @ Jul 13th 2007 11:51AM
nope never driven either one and never intend too. Dodge builds rattle traps and i have no doubt the chevy is a more solid vehicle all around ...but, i was commenting on apperance.... further, didnt i read somewhere that tehy were both designed by the same putz? guess he only has 1train of thought. a whoopty moondoggy/giget mobile.
i must say the more i look at the front, the HHR would make a sweet pick up.. that pumper is a big improvment.
rv @ Jul 13th 2007 2:22PM
ChrisK; Car and Driver did a comparo - the HHR sounds like crap, but hey, it did better than the McHonda Excrement...
Fourth Place: 2006 Honda Element EX-P
Third Place: 2006 Chevrolet HHR LT (The Verdict: The Me-Too Cruiser.)
Second Place: 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT
First Place: 2006 Scion xB
"The car feels retro to the driver, too. The shifter catches as it moves through the pattern. The steering is rubbery and very sensitive to road camber; it wants to fall off the road crown. The body bobs and pitches on the suspension. When you let up the clutch in first gear, the nose bobs up. All of this creates a sense of woolly, imprecise control, the way cars used to be.
What's the hurry? That's the mood."
Don @ Jul 13th 2007 2:35PM
@ Chris K:
The PT is better engineered with more creature comforts and more interior room...the back seats are FAR superior to the HHR.
Jay @ Jul 13th 2007 9:44PM
The HHRs looks, shit on the PT
NN @ Jul 13th 2007 11:09AM
I agree 100% w/CJ...they should have gone with that grille from the start, that would have fought off alot of the negative PT Cruiser association. The SS version would have been a great time to upgrade to that, but no, they kept what they've got...a cool and unique Chevy small wagon would be awesome, but their current design isn't unique enough...
psarhjinian @ Jul 13th 2007 11:21AM
My only concern is that, given that the PT seems to be car-for-car better than the HHR now, will the HHR SS be more sporting than the turbo PT GT? Engine power aside, the HHR's total package hasn't been impressive.
Despite the PT's older chassis, most people seem to prefer it to the HHR and it does seem to review better.
Jro @ Jul 13th 2007 11:30AM
I'd like to see the HHR Panel SS...that would be super sharp
J.Crew @ Jul 14th 2007 10:40AM
I agree, that would be a pretty sweet ride to customize.