Autoblog

Click image for updated gallery of live and media pics of this mini panel van

Chevy had shown the HHR SS at the Woodward Dream Cruise, making dreams come true for a select few who wanted this retro people mover to haul more than just people and stuff. Then we saw Chevy show off a panel van version of the HHR and thought it too could use some SS love. To that GM said, "Here you go." Tonight in Vegas we saw one of those '09 Chevy HHR Panel SSes in all its windowless wonder. Although the red leather accents were a bit over the top for our liking, the mean stance and mechanical upgrades made it much more palatable. This particular example is a SEMA special, but the limited edition production model shouldn't stray too far from the template. The bar-less grille, polished metal accents, custom "suede" paint scheme with a panel graphic, and 20" wheels look great in person. Underhood is the same 2.0L DI turbo found in the HHR SS, although paired to an automatic transmission in this case. No word yet on whether or not the production version will be available with the five-speed manual.

Follow the jump for GM's official press release, and check out galleries of the HHR Panel SS production and show cars below.

[Source: GM]

Click image for a gallery of the Chevy HHR Panel SS SEMA Special

When Chevy introduced the HHR SS during the Woodward Dream Cruise, a few commenters weighed in with the desire for an SS version of the HHR Panel, a variant with windowless sides meant for the commercial sector. Well, the General has granted that wish and will offer the Chevy HHR Panel SS as an '09 limited-production model (shown at right). In advance of that, however, an HHR Panel SS show car 9above) has been prepared for SEMA. It's based on the production vehicle, but because this is SEMA, it's been modified, of course.

The bar-less grille sets the tone up front, polished metal accents dress up the sides, and it's finished in a custom "suede" paint scheme with a panel graphic. 20" wheels fill the openings thanks to the modified FE5 suspension, and the car boasts interior modifications such as billet aluminum tie downs and rails inside the cargo area. Power comes from the same 2.0L DI turbo found in the HHR SS, and the show car has an automatic transmission. Hopefully, buyers of the production machine will be able to select the same five-speed manual available in the standard HHR SS, as well. In any case, if you have a small business that needs to deliver stuff quickly, your dream ride's on the way. Or, if you're one of the customizers GM has also targeted with the standard HHR Panel, you've just been provided a more exciting blank canvas upon which to work. Follow the jump for GM's official press release, and check out galleries of the HHR Panel SS production and show cars below.

[Source: GM]