2008 Chevrolet HHR SS: Official Specs, Photos; 0-60 in 6.3, Tops Out Above 140 MPH

[YSSMAN]

In a not-so-surprising move, it looks like Chevrolet is looking to capitalize on the success of the HHR by adding another high-performance model to the lineup:

Spy photos earlier this year showed a prototype of a Chevy HHR with a modified front bumper and an added-on front intercooler, indicating for the first time that Chevy was working on a high-powered HHR. Now these latest photos, taken just recently at Germany’s famous Nürburgring racetrack, show that work is progressing on making this into a production model for the 2007 model year. The prototype shown has a completely new front bumper, with a large opening feeding air to the turbo's intercooler. The bumper differs from the standard HHR’s design in that this one is shaped more like an air dam, decreasing the amount of turbulent air that gets pushed under the vehicle when driven at speed. The upper grille is also different, with a wide open mesh that will allow more air to flow to the radiator. The engine will likely be the 2.0 liter direct injected Ecotec Turbo also used on the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line.

Thats awesome! A 260 BHP HHR seems like a good idea, atleast for now, as the Caliber SRT-4 has moved into 300 BHP territory. If GM can strike a magic balance with the car by keeping torque steer and understeer at bay, they could have the magic formula to keep up with the competition in a pack that isn't getting any smaller.

...Which all makes me wonder...

Why aren't they doing this to the Cobalt SS first???

 

[Delirious]

Torque steer, anyone?

 

[YSSMAN]

...I wouldn't count it out, but I think GM is smart enough to either equip an LSD or use the "magic GXP trick" in this situation. If they can get a 303 BHP FWD sedan to track pretty straight in a heads-up drag, I'm sure they can do much the same with a 240-260 BHP FWD wagon...

 

[Jay]

In a not-so-surprising move, it looks like Chevrolet is looking to capitalize on the success of the HHR by adding another high-performance model to the lineup:

Is the HHR successful now? Last I heard (while ago) it wasn't doing to good.

 

[harrytuttle]

In a not-so-surprising move, it looks like Chevrolet is looking to capitalize on the success of the HHR by adding another high-performance model to the lineup:

Thats awesome! A 260 BHP HHR seems like a good idea, atleast for now, as the Caliber SRT-4 has moved into 300 BHP territory. If GM can strike a magic balance with the car by keeping torque steer and understeer at bay, they could have the magic formula to keep up with the competition in a pack that isn't getting any smaller.

The HHR is a success? I've seen two in as many years. It seems to be the only car that manages to out-PT Cruiser the PT Cruiser: all image and none of the substance.

I eagerly await seeing the first idiot in a Caliber SRT-4 torque steer himself into oncoming traffic during an impromptu heads-up race.

...I wouldn't count it out, but I think GM is smart enough to either equip an LSD or use the "magic GXP trick" in this situation. If they can get a 303 BHP FWD sedan to track pretty straight in a heads-up drag, I'm sure they can do much the same with a 240-260 BHP FWD wagon...

I think GM is smart enough to think about using an LSD, but cheap enough to not bother. They need sales, and they can't really afford to innovate too much right now. Maybe in two years I could see a 300HP HHR (if it's still around) with an LSD, but GM will have to sell a whole lot of Envoy's & Cobalts between now and then.

Perhaps it's all moot anyway. Why bother supporting the current HHR platform when there's so many Zeta-based cars coming down the pipe? If that's not worth pouring money into, I don't know what is. GM needs rear-drive like the Diebold needs better security.

 

[BlackZ28]

HHRs sell. Sold one yesterday and one Saturday. They mainly appeal to women.

 

[Poverty]

266hp and they think they need to take it to the 'ring. Bit pointless in my mind setting up non sports cars up on the 'ring.

 

[YSSMAN]

Is the HHR successful now? Last I heard (while ago) it wasn't doing to good.

From what I understand, it sells well in certain parts of the country, and in other parts not so much. I had read earlier this year that GM decided to marginially increase production on the HHR given it's popularity, but it was only a few thousand units, nothing outrageous.

...But even GM is "crazy enough" to be putting together a special-edition HHR (only 4,000 units) called the "Fall Limited Edition."

It isn't a bad car at all, as it offers a generous ammount of space at a fairly reasonable price. My only complaint is the electro-mechanical steering, and the lack of "great" transmission option... As the 4T60E sucks out too much fun, and the 5-speed Getrag doesn't inspire enough.

I'd buy one, maybe.

 

[Sakiale]

Its better, in my dads opinion, then the Mazda3. But I got him to buy a 3 and we've grown to love it.

However, the HHR is not a bad car. And an HHR SS sounds cool. Woulda given it 275--325 hp though..

 

[harrytuttle]

...But even GM is "crazy enough" to be putting together a special-edition HHR (only 4,000 units) called the "Fall Limited Edition."

Special like the sticker-toy PT Cruiser PCH?
http://www.motortrend.com/features/...ler_pt_cruiser_pacific_coast_highway_edition/

Can Chevy copy Chrylser any more directly?

 

[YSSMAN]

...Well it certainly seems as though Chevrolet has stolen most of the PT Crusier's thunder being that it is a new product...

 

[harrytuttle]

...Well it certainly seems as though Chevrolet has stolen most of the PT Crusier's thunder being that it is a new product...

I suppose, but being new is not equating to sales where I am (Northeast US). Maybe it's just not a big Chevy market (SUV's aside).

 

[YSSMAN]

A few more photos were taken of the upcoming '08 or '09 Chevrolet HHR SS. The SS model of Chevy's retro hatchback is expected to receive the 260 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec engine that's in the Pontiac Solstice GXP.

Production will start on the HHR SS in December of 2007, which will give General Motors the flexibility in calling this either a 2008 model, or possibly even a 2009.

Sheetmetal changes aren't anticipated at the time of the SS debut, although the car will have a unique grille, huge air intakes and SS trim.
The most recent photos from Auto Express reveal the 18" wheels in greater detail and also give us a good idea of what the air intakes will look like.

Leave it to Chevrolet to stick a thumb in the SRT-4's eye.

But what ever happened to the SRT-4?

Either way, it is promising. I hope they update the interior, but it should all be good. Although, I'd rather see this engine in the Cobalt SS they just killed...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Hmm, this will be a nice little battle here in Americaland:

FF Hatch Turbo Battle USA
1. Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 2.4L Turbo High Output (aka. PT Turbo)
2. Mazdaspeed 3 (aka. Mazda 3 MPS & Mazdaspeed Axela)
3. Dodge Calliber SRT-4
4. Chevrolet HHR SS

-> I can see that big intercooler underneath the bumper.

266hp and they think they need to take it to the 'ring. Bit pointless in my mind setting up non sports cars up on the 'ring.

^ Why not, so they could figure out how to get rid of that virus...torque steer I mean. And hey, the USDM-only the new Sentra SE-R Spec-V went to the big Nurb too.

^ See that Euro-spec DC2 Type-R.

-> But seriously, those brakes looks small to handle humongus (sorry for the spell error) power whatever its capable of.

 

[Duke]

Well it certainly seems as though Chevrolet has stolen most of the PT Crusier's thunder being that it is a new product...

...that Chevy managed to bring to market a solid 2 years after Chrysler should have already redesigned the PT. Chevy didn't steal the PT's thunder - Chrysler gave it away.

 

[Pupik]

But what ever happened to the SRT-4?

If you mean the Caliber, It beat itself with its own ugly stick, that's what.

 

[YSSMAN]

^ Why not, so they could figure out how to get rid of that virus...torque steer I mean. And hey, the USDM-only the new Sentra SE-R Spec-V went to the big Nurb too.

Funny enough, GM took the average Saturn Ion there too (I've seen the test car in Michigan, complete with Nurburgring badging on the back), but that didn't turn out too well, did it?

-> But seriously, those brakes looks small to handle humongus (sorry for the spell error) power whatever its capable of.

Its hard to say how that will work out. I'd assume they'd pull everything off the Cobalt SS and throw it under the HHR SS, if not steal the brakes of the Solstice GXP or Sky Red Line.

My biggest overall worry is the kind of seats they will be using. If you've ever been in the HHR, you know that it is a pretty average interior meant for mostly average folks who are into mostly average driving, and without some serious seat enhancements, I often doubt how well it would work out holding folks in there.

 

[Jim Prower]

The powerful GM dealers around here will unload quite a few of these turbos, but it's a shame the current Cobalt won't be getting the engine. I'd rather the rorty little Cobalt than the PT Cruiser knockoff....

((Apologies for it, but I'm still kinda miffed for G.M. quite obviously riding Chrysler's coattails so exactly, and then improving the idea. I'll admit that Dodge's kinda riding Ford's with the Retro Challenger...))

 

[TopHat]

If Chrysler was really interested in keeping that niche, they would have redesigned the PT Cruiser 2 times by now.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'd rather the rorty little Cobalt than the PT Cruiser knockoff....

You're completely in the clear there. The overwhelming majority of GM fans were quite upset when they found out that the Cobalt SS with the LSJ was being dropped in favor of the HHR SS with the LN1. The LN1 will likely make its way into the Cobalt, but much of that likely depends on what kind of update is on the way for the car.

Most estimates put a 2010 mark for the update on the Delta chassis models, which will see most of the GM small car line roll onto the same chassis.

 

[Jim Prower]

good points on both of you!

 

[McLaren]

It must depend on the part of the country as YSSMAN said earlier, because here in Texas, they don't sell. The last 2 I've seen were Panel Cruiser-like models in the last 3 months.

Then again, this IS Texas, so I guess its not surprising the HHR sales are hidden behind all the Silverado sells.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Here in Vegas, 95% of all HHR's I've seen are fleet (aka. rent-a-car) vehicles.

 

[Jim Prower]

And they sell well here in Cornland, where GM, Ford and Chrysler are still the Big Three, ESPECIALLY GM. Every town big enough to have a new car dealer has a GM dealer of some sort, in fact, we have two Chevrolet dealers within 30 miles of each other, and they DO compete directly...sort of, 'cept that they're now owned by the same guy. To top it all off, the Chevy dealer nearest me also sells Saabs. I'm not even sure, GM's dealer network MIGHT be stronger here than in Michigan!

There's one town nearby, Roanoke (home of Dodge Viper Dealer Roanoke Chrysler) that only had one dealership other than the Monster Mopar dealer, and that's a Ford dealership. But there's a Pontiac dealer within 15 minutes, and the Mega-Chevy dealers aren't much further than that. Most of the vehicles I see have either an Uftring Chevy or Jim MaComb Chevy sticker on the back

GM don't have to worry about the Peoria Market.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ Wehehe, here in Vegas we have 5 Chevy dealerships within a 20mi. diameter area. And 1 (crappy) Subaru dealer in the whole city.

 

[Jim Prower]

Hm....but you still don't see a whole bunch of Chevys? or is it just the HHR that doesn't sell there?

 

[TopHat]

Around here there's Eagle Chevrolet! The cars parked out front are really

2 Vipers (1 used, 1 newish- a trade in) and 2 Z06's facing each other. 👍

I wouldn't be suprised if they are the first with the new Malibu on LI.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm not even sure, GM's dealer network MIGHT be stronger here than in Michigan!

I highly, highly, highly doubt that. Here in Grand Rapids, we have well over 10 Chevrolet dealers in the Grand Rapids area, the main flagship dealer being the legendary Berger Chevrolet just a few miles from my house. Every one of these dealers is a fairly high-volume dealer, places like Berger being one of the top performers in Michigan, if not the United States. Inventory is constantly moving in and out, and nine times out of ten, we usually see the new products here in Grand Rapids before anyone else (with the exception of Detroit of course).

The HHR in question has sold rather well at dealers here in Grand Rapids. Many of them are personal vehicles, however quite a few have been sold to businesses for promotional use. The new HHR Panel will likely pick up those sales, and I'm sure will go crazy in the custom car world. Of course, you're likely to see more HHRs sold here in Grand Rapids at Berger as compared to say Good Chevrolet out in Lowell.

Generally speaking, the ten or so Chevrolet dealers are all somewhat specialized to carrying particular types of products. The Lowell dealer generally carries more trucks and SUVs by comparison to Kool, which generally carries more cars usually in larger sizes, by comparison to Berger which will carry plenty of trucks, normally carries more performance-oriented models (particularly the Corvette).

Overall, GM has a much stronger presence here in Grand Rapids than most other areas I've been to. I don't have a really good reason for it, my only assumption being that we still have at least one GM factory open here, but thats about it.

 

[Jim Prower]

Yeah,I figured as much. Forgive me, I havent' traveled out of state often.

Wonder why the HHR sells so well in the Midwest, though. It doesnt' seem to be doing well on the coasts. I wonder if it's because those markets tend to be Import-dominated.

 

[harrytuttle]

-> Hmm, this will be a nice little battle here in Americaland:

FF Hatch Turbo Battle USA
1. Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 2.4L Turbo High Output (aka. PT Turbo)
2. Mazdaspeed 3 (aka. Mazda 3 MPS & Mazdaspeed Axela)
3. Dodge Calliber SRT-4
4. Chevrolet HHR SS

There is, of course, the problem that three of those aren't hatchbacks. A comparison between those three non-hatchbacks, however, would be kind of interesting, in the same way that watching people drive in circles for two hours is "interesting". I can't imagine that any of those are in any way fun to drive (Mazda excepted, again).


Also: humongous.