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VIDEO: Woodward: Live Reveal of the 2008 Chevy HHR SS
Click the photo for a high res gallery of the HHR SS unveiling
At the Athens Coney Island restaurant on Woodward Avenue yesterday afternoon, as "Maximum" Bob Lutz drove up in the star of the show, Chevy General Manager Ed Peper officially introduced us to the new HHR SS. In what was a fairly low-key affair in the parking lot of the diner, Peper welcomed Lutz, Richard Childress and a couple of guys who apparently make their living driving around in circles really fast.
Bob is almost always eminently quotable, but today's highlights were a really lame joke about an old song ( we'll spare you the details) and a jab at another limited-edition paint job on a the HHR's been widely accused of cloning. After the speeches and photography were done, we did have a chance to talk to Ed Peper for a few minutes and got some more details on the latest SS model from Chevrolet. You can check out the video of the interview and unveiling after the jump.
[Source: Chevrolet]
Gallery: 2008 Chevy HHR SS reveal
Ed Peper Interview
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike 1:11AM (4/21/2008)
I already have one HHR in the family (my wifes, not an SS) and have found it to be pretty far from cheapish or junk. It's well built, gets great gas milage and is actually pretty fun to drive with the standard. I also like the fact that it doesn't look like another boring honda or toyota clone, but has it's own flavor, although sure it's not for everyone. It seems that most that don't "get" the SS version, or pop off things like it's a question never asked are just simply to young and to caught up in the current teenage trends of what they deem to be cool. I'd also bet you don't yet now what it's like to need room for 2 kids, a dog, groceries etc, but still want a car with some balls and handling. Remember, just because you didn't ask the question doesn't mean no one else did. Personally I can't wait till my truck sells so I can go grab an SS.
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Geoff 10:16AM (8/17/2007)
That vehicle is absolutely hideous.
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TrollPetroll 12:03PM (8/17/2007)
"TripleT @ Aug 17th 2007 11:36AM
How many raped monkeys have you seen?"
One in red
Don 4:10PM (8/17/2007)
Eh, it's not hideous...but it's sure not desirable, being the POS it is.
TrollPetroll 10:39AM (8/17/2007)
Looks like a raped monkey but looks are subjective. Let's just hope it's reliable and some thought went into build quality.
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Carl 11:29AM (8/17/2007)
That may be the stupidest comment I have seen yet on here. Wow, I hope you didn't hurt yourself comming up with that knee slapper.
TripleT 11:36AM (8/17/2007)
How many raped monkeys have you seen? Maybe in the cartoons you watch? Grow up.
This car has sold well because its a good size for many people and now it has some pep to it. Nothing wrong with that.
Don 4:11PM (8/17/2007)
Judging by my friend's new '06 HHR, no, build quality was not in the equation.
Johnnie 10:40AM (8/17/2007)
I honestly have no clue who would buy a normal HHR let alone the SS model. This car seems completely stupid to me.
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Dave 11:04AM (8/17/2007)
Someone told me they bought one because they wanted something different...
FThorn 10:45AM (8/17/2007)
You guys have such closed minds.
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felipe 10:50AM (8/17/2007)
that car is really cool if your one of the guys from ZZTop.
but i'm not so i hate it.
reminds me of an old fashion milk delivery truck but the milkman didnt have that horrid interior.
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menice 10:53AM (8/17/2007)
people with closed minds don't leave comments.
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BLS 10:53AM (8/17/2007)
Ed Peper said it is 2.4L turbo not the 2.0L turbo from the Solstice GXP.
Also, what does he mean by it did one of the fastest laps ever on the 'ring. That is a bit vauge.
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J.Crew 12:16PM (8/17/2007)
Lutz clearly stated that it was one of the fastest cars on the 'ring for its class of car, which to me is a FWD Hatch. I think Ed Peper is not a car guy, but more a manager of numbers. I just don't see the passion in him. I would not be surprised if he was incorrect on the 2.4L turbo as he seemed very nervous answering any questions while being put on the spot. I still think it is the 2.0L turbo.
BLS 12:24PM (8/17/2007)
That is kind of what I got from it. It was like he was uncomfortable talking about cars.
BCVW 3:02PM (8/17/2007)
According to C&D - "The HHR SS turned a best lap of 8:43.52, which is, for the record, only about five seconds slower than a lap recorded by an Acura NSX in 1997."
geo.stewart 10:53AM (8/17/2007)
yeah, why buy that when I can buy a CUV with worse gas mileage, less storage room, costs more to buy, costs more to insure, and still wont go anywhere near the offroad.
and the compact hatches dont have as much carrying space. I'll grant that at the price point for an SS, you might be able to get into a base Audi A3 but dont think the same demographics apply for the most part.
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John R 10:55AM (8/17/2007)
I can see why some would appreciate a car like this. If it came in forrest green, had wood paneling along the sides and a roof rack for surfboards it would look cool to me.
But, I'm not feeling it. Mazdaspeed 3, please...
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motorman 11:05AM (8/17/2007)
typical replies by teenagers with computers
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