Autoblog

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn

Citing a defect that can cause a parked vehicle to roll away, General Motors is recalling 277,000 cars and trucks. The models involved, all built for the 2009 model year, may have a loose clip on their transmission shift cable. The failure of the clip to be locked into place may prevent the transmission from moving into Park - even if the driver moves the shift lever into the proper position. GM has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will inspect the transmission shift cable and replace broken units. Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook. NHTSA Safety Campaign after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Continue reading GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nearly 300,000 HHRs to be recalled for latch failure

Merritt Johnson — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Chevrolet, GM

Owners of 2006-08 Chevrolet HHRs should bust out their screw drivers because General Motors will be issuing a recall for deficient instrument panel storage bin latches. The weak latch does not meet federal safety compliance test standards, as it allows the dash bin door to swing open under specific crash conditions. The NHTSA was none too pleased with the possibility of passenger injury from insecure objects. Storage bin latch reinforcement kits will be sent to HHR owners at the General's expense. Recipients will have the option of performing the modification on their own or taking it into a dealership for the necessary repair. Notices will begin flowing once sufficient parts are available, which should be by November.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Nearly 300,000 HHRs to be recalled for latch failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 180,000 Chevrolet HHRs

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM

click above to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Chevy HHR

General Motors stepped up and sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informing them of a defect with the Chevrolet HHR that could pose a head injury risk. After testing the retro-wagon back in December, it was discovered that vehicles not equipped with the optional "roof rail" airbags fail to meet the fed's crash standards. The recall affects 181,516 2006-2008 HHRs and Chevrolet dealers will begin installing an energy-absorbent piece of plastic to the headliner on all affected models next month.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy HHR

[Source: NHTSA]

GM recalling 180,000 Chevrolet HHRs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E85 as a performance fuel? Could be, according to General Motors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Chevrolet, GM

Taking a short break from wrangling the new HHR SS around the track at the Bondurant School for High Performance Driving (see above -- that's me), we got a chance to speak with some of the engineers behind the SS series of vehicles, among others. We took that opportunity to ask whether or not GM has considered using the alcohol-based E85 fuel as a high performance option -- as opposed to just marketing E85 as a "green" fuel. Perhaps not too surprisingly, the idea has been considered at General Motors. E85 happens to have a very high octane rating. The fuel burns at a comparatively low temperature, meaning that additional power can be extracted from a given amount as compared to gasoline. Turbocharged vehicles offer an excellent opportunity to tap into that additional available power, so the fact that it was left off the HHR SS probably means that we're not likely to see that angle of the corny-fuel any time soon.

E85 as a performance fuel? Could be, according to General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, First Drive

The General has been on a roll as of late with new vehicles like the Saturn Aura, Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu and its line of redesigned trucks and SUVs that have been garnering good reviews and the attention of customers. We were invited to test drive the new Chevrolet HHR SS to see if they've knocked one out of the park, hit a foul or, ahem, missed the ball completely when transforming the little retro-mobile into a Super Sport. Our driving and vehicle impressions can be found after the jump, but for starters, remember these two key phrases: launch control and no-lift shifting. Intrigued? We were.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy HHR SS: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy HHR SS will offer automatic transmission

Alex Nunez — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click image for a gallery of leaked HHR SS info

A member of ChevyHHR.net dropped us a line to let us know that his local Chevy dealer had gotten some 2008 Chevy HHRs yesterday. One of his first orders of business was to grab the new owners manual and start flipping through the pages. His perusal bore fruit, as on page 2-47, he found the following passage in the "Cupholder(s)" section (shown at right):

"If your vehicle is an SS model, the automatic transmission vehicles have a cupholder in front of the shifter."

This serves as the first official-ish confirmation (Chevy has not yet made any formal announcements related to the HHR SS) that the 2008 HHR SS will be offered with an automatic in addition to the 5-speed manual that's referenced in the brochure that was leaked earlier in the month. The next question, of course, is which automatic will be offered?

Thanks, Ryan!

[Source: ChevyHHR.net (registration req'd)]

Chevy HHR SS will offer automatic transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Chevy HHR SS brochure leaked!

Alex Nunez — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

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]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy HHR SS

Continue reading 2008 Chevy HHR SS brochure leaked!

2008 Chevy HHR SS brochure leaked! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Art school students wrap-up the Chevy HHR

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Work, Chevrolet

Click the image above for full-size, high-res pics.

In an effort to drum up enthusiasm for Chevy's new HRR panel wagon, The General decided to enlist the help of some art students and the results hit on both the sick and sweet sides of the spectrum.

The "Skull from Hell" version (seriously, check the red headlamps) of the HHR was developed by Jim McCammon, hailing from Detroit's College for Creative Studies, and was picked by a number of suits, including Bob Lutz, as the winner of the design contest. The idea, we're assuming, is to appeal to that much coveted 18-25 year-old Death Metal demographic that's moving out of their parent's basement and heading out on tour.

The other skinned wagon took a slightly more practical approach as a flower shop delivery van. Regardless, both vehicles can come equipped in either LS or LT trims, with a 149 HP 2.2-liter or a 175 HP 2.4-liter four. No matter the mill, GM boasts that you'll still get 30 MPG on the highway -- sans amps and flowerpots, mind you.

We've put together a gallery of both vehicles below, and if you really want us to, we'll grab a few live shots on Thursday.

Gallery: Chevy HHR Panel Wagon Wrapped Up

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Art school students wrap-up the Chevy HHR

New York Auto Show: Art school students wrap-up the Chevy HHR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All future Chevys to be right-hand drive ready

John Neff — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Chevrolet, GM

As evidence by the complete transformation of Saturn from a plastic-bodied, college car brand to an imported reflection of the European Opel brand, General Motors is serious about sharing its platforms the world over. To that end, the company has announced that all future Chevrolet products will be built to accomodate left- or right-hand drive. It's reported that it will take five or six years for the process to be completed, since certain vehicles like the Chevy HHR were never developed with right-hand drive in mind and must complete their product cycles before right-hand drive can be engineered into their designs. New and upcoming vehicles, however, will be available soon. GM has already confirmed that the upcoming Camaro, for instance, will be capable of being built in right-hand drive, which gives those markets around the world that drive on the other side of the road some hope for seeing Camaro muscle on sale in their countries.

[Source: Newspress]

All future Chevys to be right-hand drive ready originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coattails: Audi gets unintentional boost in Chevy spread

Dan Roth — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 14:42:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Chevrolet, GM

Call it a value-add of sorts. Perhaps Chevrolet is hoping that some of the goodwill towards Audi amongst enthusiasts will rub off on their HHR. Either that or someone was asleep at the switch. On page 2 of the February 5th issue of Automotive News, a new Chevy ad depicts a tribal-tattoo-patterned HHR. Above said retro-wagon happens to be a series of interlocking rings. While the rings don't appear to be Audi's actual logo, they're close enough.

We can't help but wonder why the photographer didn't flag this from the get-go, and as it went down the line, someone, somewhere, either with GM or its ad agency certainly should have noticed and considered it. No word on whether heads have rolled, but we're sure there was at least one stern talking-to upon discovery of this anomaly.

Thanks to tipster Christian.

[Source: German Car Blog]

Coattails: Audi gets unintentional boost in Chevy spread originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy HHR Premiere Edition announced for Detroit

John Neff — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

click image to enlarge

General Motors announced this afternoon the impending arrival of the HHR Premiere Edition to Chevy's lineup. The Premiere Edition is actually a package option that will only be made available on 4,000 HHRs at a price of $995. For the extra G you get a unique Cappuccino Frost Metallic paint job and Ebony/Gray two-tone interior (no pics of that available yet). The Premiere Edition is based on the range-topping 2LT model that's powered by GM's 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. Special touches for the PE over a standard 2LT include the use of black chrome on the exterior trim and wheels rather than bright chrome, smoked lenses on the headlights and foglamps, color-keyed body bits including the running boards and rearview mirrors, an acent stripe below the beltline, an aero wing spoiler above the rear hatch, black roof rails, a leather steering wheel and custom floor mats. Though obviously just an appearance package, the Premiere Edition does set itself apart from the obnoxiously colored orange, red and purple HHRs we always see driving around. However, this limited edition HHR will be the first one with a base price above $20k.

Check out GM's press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevy HHR Premiere Edition announced for Detroit

Chevy HHR Premiere Edition announced for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy HHR SS acknowledged

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 12:39:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chevrolet

The Chevy HHR has been quite the sleeper hit for General Motors. Through September, 85,662 units of the High Heritage Roof retro wagon have been sold, with sales up over 14% so far this year over last. That still puts the HHR about 20,000 units behind its direct competitor, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but sales of that model are up only 5%. And General Motors is capitalizing on the HHR by introducing new variants for consumers to consider. The HHR Panel was recently announced for production, and what we've all come to expect, a high performance SS model, has been confirmed. Cheryl Catton, director of car marketing and retail integration for Chevy, told Automotive News at the South Florida International Auto Show that the HHR SS gives buyers, "one more option to think about when they walk in."

SS models in the General's portfolio are a curious lot that includes the Trailblazer SS, Impala SS, Monte Carlo SS, Malibu Maxx SS and Cobalt SS and SS Supercharged. Each offers performance above and beyond their more mainstream counterparts, though many believe affixing an SS badge to models that are four-fifths true performers has diluted the Super Sport moniker. Regardless, the HHR SS is expected to use the Pontiac Solstice GXP's direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 260 hp, which, along with extensive tuning in Germany on the Nurburgring, should add up to an interesting HHR, indeed.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. Required]

Chevy HHR SS acknowledged originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy introduces HHR Panel

Alex Nunez — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Work, Chevrolet

click image to enlarge

Who says slow news days don't yield surprises? Moments ago, we received the GM press materials announcing the all-new HHR Panel. At first, we assumed it was a SEMA thing, but lo and behold, this is an actual production car, and GM is to be commended. Unlike other panel concepts we've seen in the past, such as the Chrysler Panel Cruiser, the HHR Panel does not see the removal of its second set of doors.

Instead, the passenger doors are replaced by solid cargo doors that open via a dashboard release button. This provides easy access to the cargo area, which features a flat load floor and over 57 cubic feet of space. In addition to that, there's an additional 6 cubic feet of covered storage under the floor in the area where the rear seats would be on a regular HHR. Those compartments can be ordered with locks as an option.

As for the rest, there are two trim levels, LS and LT, and both come with the 2.2L Ecotec standard. The LT can be ordered with the 175-horsepower 2.4L Ecotec as well. Interior appointments mirror what you can have in the passenger HHR, so comfort items like power leather seats, MP3 compatibility and satellite radio are all available. You can even get it with a flashy set of 17" wheels -- a nod to the enthusiast/customizer niche Chevy's hoping to grab a piece of as well.

The HHR Panel should appeal to business owners as an economical, stylish delivery vehicle (both engines are good for 30 mpg on the highway).

This is a totally unexpected, completely pleasant surprise from the General. While DaimlerChrysler readies another panel concept for SEMA (this year, it's Nitro-based), Chevy will be taking orders as they prepare to go into production with theirs in Q1. This is a good move, and a great way to give the HHR some added juice.

(Photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevy introduces HHR Panel

Chevy introduces HHR Panel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackout: Chevy HHR Fall Limited Edition

Alex Nunez — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Chevrolet

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
- The Rolling Stones, "Paint It Black"

We know Mick wasn't singing about the the new HHR Fall Limited Edition rolling off the assembly line. It was 1966, after all. Things were all good in Detroit. Those were the days when "SS" really meant "SS" and a compact 4-banger retro-wagon was the last thing on any GM exec's mind. We'd go so far as to say that the mere concept would have been considered heresy.

But times change, and the lyric could very much be applied to this just-announced special-edition HHR. After all, the Fall Limited Edition is very, very black. Black paint, black chrome, black interior, tinted lamps -- the normally perky little HHR is all gothed up, and you know what, it looks pretty good this way.

Chevy will build 4,000 of them, and you can darken your garage with one for the entirely reasonable sum of $20,265*.

*Rolling Stones CD not included

(Additional photo, press release after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Blackout: Chevy HHR Fall Limited Edition

Blackout: Chevy HHR Fall Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy HHR SS

John Neff — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Chevrolet

The production version of the high performance Chevy HHR SS is nearing completion, as these spy shots host over at Winding Road indicate. The black-and-white checkered tape job is but a formality and will soon enough be removed to reveal a deep front air dam that shields the intercooler required for the 2.0-liter turbo Ecotec underhood. While there's no confirmation this 260-hp powerplant will be the mill of choice for the HHR SS, it's an extremely likely candidate. The only other prominent body mods being made to the HHR for SS duty are running boards that create a sill between the front and rear fenders and much larger exhaust tip out back. These particular spy shots were snapped in Germany at the Nürburgring, where the HHR SS mule was about to take a few laps.

[Source: Winding Road]

Related posts:

Spy Shots: Chevy HHR SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy HHR SS caught spooling up

John Neff — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Whoa, is that an intercooler we see buried deep in the lower front bumper of this otherwise quotidian HHR? Indeed it is, and Winding Road is guessing it's connected to the Pontiac Solstice GXP's direct-injected turbo-four that makes 260 hp and 260 ft-lbs. of torque. SS also means bigger wheels and this mule has much larger shoes than the standard High Heritage Roof. The HHR will be refreshened in the near future, so it's not known whether the SS badge will be affixed to the current body style or an updated one. Still, props to Chris Doane for snapping this shot of the HHR's intercooler peaking out. Good eye, kid. Good eye.

[Source: Winding Road]

Chevy HHR SS caught spooling up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flipped off! 2006 SUV rollover resistance improves greatly, says NHTSA

Chris Paukert — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 07:03:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover

According to a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration brief, SUVs are getting smarter about turning turtle. By its count, around seven out of every ten SUVs contain electronic stability control programs, reducing the likelihood of rollovers. In fact, nearly 70 percent of 2006 model year SUVs have it as standard fit-an impressive leap over last year's 43 percent. In fact, this bit of silicon trickery has led to no fewer than 39 models obtaining a four star rollover resistance rating. Of course, the increasing crop of car-based crossovers (and their attendant lower centers of gravity) likely has something to do with the higher scores as well.

Among this year's four-star class: Chevrolet's HHR (inexplicably classified as an SUV due to its flat load floor), Hyundai Tucson, Honda Pilot, and Suzuki's Grand Vitara, which is currently rolling around in the Autoblog Garage.

Chief SUV rollover risk were the Nissan Xterra 4x4 (25 percent chance of rollover), Chevrolet Tahoe 4x2 and Hummer H3 (24 percent chance)... but even these rated well enough to obtain three-star ratings.

Check out the link for more results.

[Sources: Car & Driver; Volvo]

Flipped off! 2006 SUV rollover resistance improves greatly, says NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HHR accessories becoming sizeable revenue stream for Chevrolet

Joel Arellano — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Gadgets, Classics, Trends, Sedan, SUV, CES

Automotive News reports that the Chevrolet HHR is one of three most accessorized vehicles among Chevrolet-brand owner's General Motors lineup. The two other vehicles are Hummer's H2 and H3 models. Over fifty percent of the HHR sold in 2005 were purchased with one or more accessories. That's "...much higher than what our objectives were. We are very pleased." indicated HHR marketing manager Steve McGuire.

Reasons for the high sales include the vehicle's purpose ("It gets back to developing the vehicle for accessories," said McGuire) and aggressive marketing. Most of the accessories are external modifications or add-ons such as chrome wheels and running boards, which make more money than interior add-ons like smoker's kits, floor mats, etc.

[Source: The Automotive News]

HHR accessories becoming sizeable revenue stream for Chevrolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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