Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car:
You can't see out of it; the A-pillars are thicker than your thigh. The choppy-chop roof further hinders visibility. The no-lift shift is more gimmick than feature. The steering is a little vague. While worlds better than any other Delta platform interior we've sat in, some of the $0.02 parts (like the window switches) boggle the mind. The optional Brembo kit should be standard. As should the limited slip diff. The GM Performance Driver's Seat is anything but. The automatic is for the birds, the slow birds. Fully kitted out, the HHR SS costs more than a MazdaSpeed3. And the MazdaSpeed3 is a better car.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: Yes
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Yes
Golfing Grandparents: Maybe

Also Consider:
• Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo
• Volkswagen GTI
• Mazda MazdaSpeed3
• Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Chevrolet
• Model tested: HHR SS
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $22,995
• Price as Tested: n/a
• Engine type: 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec I-4
• Horsepower: 260 @ 5300 rpm
• Torque: 260@ 2000 rpm
• Red line: 6,300 RPM
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Curb Weight: 3,280 lbs
• LxWxH: 176.5" x 69.1 " x 62.5"
• Wheelbase: 103.6"
• Tires: P225/45R18 Michelin Pilot MXM4
• Drive type: FWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 6.3 seconds
• 1/4-mile: 14.8 seconds @ 98.5 mph
• Top speed: 150 MPH
• Fuel economy city/highway: 21/29 MPG
• Jalopnik observed: n/a
• NHTSA crash test rating: n/a

[Part 1]

Here's what I'm talking about. A Lotus Exige goes around the Nordschleife in 8:42. A Honda S2000 laps it in 8:39. An NSX does the deed in 8:38. If what Lutz is saying about the HHR SS is true, this milk-delivering bread van is only 3 seconds slower around the most challenging race course in the world than an E39 M5. And a full one minute and 25 seconds faster than Sabine Schmidt's Ford Transit van. How is this possible? How could anything built on GM's awful Delta platform (think Saturn Ion) do anything faster than, well, anything? But think about it, what does a car need to lap a track quickly? Not much: High power relative to its weight, the ability to tackle turns and good brakes. Hmmm.

We know Chevy had no trouble at all with the power. The lag-free turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter Ecotec is a marvel. Lifted straight out of the Pontiac Solstice GXP it cranks out 260 hp and 260 ft-lbs. Think of it this way; the 507bhp 7.0-liter LS7 motor in the Z06 makes less than twice as much power. The blown Ecotec then is pretty mighty. Especially neat is the boost pressure, which is continuously variable. Normal boost is between 15-18 psi, but if conditions (such as high altitude) merit the change, the turbo can whoosh as much as 21 psi. Though it must be said that if you opt for the automatic version, power plummets down to 235 hp and 223 ft-lb o'torque. So forget that. With the stick, Chevy is claiming the 3,280-pound wagon can hustle 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 150 mph.

Chevy's SS boffins went to town on the HHR's chassis. Yes, they even tuned it on the Nurburgring. The result is being called FE5 sport suspension. This consists of independent McPherson struts up front complete with linear coil springs and a beefier control arm and stabilizer bar. Out back is the usual trailing twist beam axle (just like your grandma's minivan) only in SS form it's complimented by gas-charged shocks and multi-rate coil springs. The fact that GM is currently marketing 4-wheel disks with ABS as a feature is telling, but we did drive a car with the optional Brembo kit that sported 12.4" rotors, up from 11.6" on the standard SS. StabliTrak and 18" forged aluminum wheels round out the chassis tweaks.

Our drive started just outside of Phoenix where we caravanned east on highway 10 up through miles of tight twists on our way to Tortilla Flats. I was immediately impressed by how sure-footed and composed the HHR SS felt on the freeway. At 80 mph the engine was hardly breaking a sweat (though a 6th gear would be nice) and a quick downshift made passing almost too easy. While a bit high riding, the comfy seats did their best captain's chair impersonations. The smooth, almost soothing ride coupled with the spacious trunk just screams road trip.

As soon as we hit the back roads, one shortcoming became immediately apparent. There is nothing — nothing — for the passenger to hold onto to. However, for that to be such an annoying omission meant that the HHR SS is capable of tossing the passenger around. Sadly at that moment I was in fact the passenger. Once behind the wheel, the Heritage High Wagon Super Sport's speed was too much for the undulating road. The drive became a series of quick bursts capped off by brake slams. I never felt confident carrying speed into a corner. No question the newest SS was fast, but it didn't come across as a canyon carver. Especially with the variable rate power steering motor coupled by the steering column to the variable rate rack.

Another feature we played with was the "no-lift shift." Actually, before we got to the track, Aaron Gold of About.com: Cars fame (and the world's slowest driver) and I were utterly obsessed with no-lift shift. It sounded like this, "Did you lift? Did you lift? Dude, you totally lifted — no-lift! Don't lift." No-lift shift allows you to keep the gas pedal planted yet clutch shift. The idea is that in a turbocharged vehicle, you never want your revs to drop. No-lift shifting supposedly allows you to keep the engine in the proper power band while changing gears. We found that all it did was bang the engine right into the rev limiter each and every time you depressed the clutch. Chevy claims that not lifting shaves seven 100ths of a second per shift. We claim we could save seven 100ths of a second by skipping breakfast. Or shaving.

During my first few laps at the Bondurant road course I got stuck with both Edmund's Dan Pund and my first taste of a slushbox HHR SS. After two laps each Dan and I were rolling our eyes. This thing was tuned where? Certainly not on Green Hell. The gearbox seemed to shift just for the hell of it and we were totally under whelmed. Sadly Chevy believes that the automatic HHR SS will account for 70% of sales. We're saying sadly because with the stick the car is a blast.

Once allowed to row our own gears, the HHR SS became pure fun on the track. Sure it's front-wheel drive, but torque steer was largely absent as was understeer, unless you really came into a turn hot. With just a touch of trail braking the chassis was happy to rotate and dare I say almost oversteer. Long story short, on the track and with the computer switched into Competitive Mode, the HHR SS was not only easy, but a hoot to toss around. And with that brute of a four-banger punching well above its weight, there was plenty of power ready to pummel the next straight. The brakes were potent and fade-free. Maybe this car could run the 'Ring in 8:43...

So, why the discrepancy? Why was the HHR SS so sketchy on the back roads, yet such a thrill to hoon on the track? In a word, visibility. There isn't any. To achieve the Heritage part of its name, the HHR is chopped and that makes the windscreen too short. Worse, the A-pillars are 11" thick. I measured. Meaning that when you head into a turn you can't see a damn thing. On a two-lane road this is not only annoying, but downright dangerous. However, once on a familiar track with no threat of oncoming traffic, visibility isn't that much of an issue.

At $22,995 the HHR SS is an interesting proposition. The overall performance and handling characteristics are a notch below a WRX but right in line with vehicles like the Dodge SRT-4, VW GTI and Mazda Speed3. Polarizing styling aside, all we'd want changed are the seats, which can't go up or down and provide no lateral support whatsoever. While fun, and we value fun, this Chevy also goes fast, turns well and stops real good. So would we buy an HHR SS? Put it to you this way; we'd be less satisfied with a GTI. Plus there's a panel van version coming in 2009. And yeah, rear-window delete will be an option.

[Part 2]

First up, price: The 2008 Chevy HHR SS will set you back $22,995. That's for the manual, and trust us, you're going to want the manual. If for no other reason than the slushbox sucks up 25 hp. As for Maximum Bob, before taking to the track he and I both made a beeline for the extra large helmets. "I have a big noggin, 7 3/4," he said to me. "7 5/8" I answered back. "You're a pinhead!" was his retort. And that's my story, for now — come back on Monday for the full review but rest assured the world's fastest breadvan still retains the title.

For immediate release

2008 HHR SS FAST FACTS
• Engineered and developed by GM Performance Division
• 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW)
• GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with enhanced shifter feel/placement
• Nürburgring-tuned FE5 Sport suspension delivers 0.86 g grip (with manual transmission)
• SS-specific appearance, including new fascias, rockers and rear spoiler
• 18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires
• SS-specific interior with new sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge and more
• EPA-estimated 29 mpg highway with the manual transmission
• On sale: fourth quarter 2007

CHEVROLET INTRODUCES TURBOCHARGED 2008 HHR SS

DETROIT - During the nation's largest celebration of automotive heritage, the Woodward Dream Cruise, Chevrolet introduced the newest member of the prestigious SS family: the 2008 HHR SS.

The HHR SS combines all of the style and capability of the popular HHR family with uncompromising performance, including a turbocharged and intercooled engine that produces 260 horsepower (194 kW), unique exterior styling and a SS-specific interior. The vehicle was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting high-performance vehicles.

"With its muscular stance, turbocharged power and track-capable handling, the HHR SS is a worthy addition to SS lineup," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "It also reaffirms in a big way Chevy's commitment to the sport compact market."

Standard features include unique exterior appointments, with all-new front and rear fascias, new front grilles, a rear spoiler and 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin performance all-season tires. Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats - with ultra suede inserts - a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel and shifter support the serious driving capabilities.

Along with its high-performance attributes, the HHR SS comes standard with a host of safety and convenience features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Optional equipment includes side-impact air bags and a power-operated sunroof.

"This vehicle delivers all of the style, comfort and convenience found in the HHR portfolio, but also offers outstanding performance and versatility without sacrificing fuel economy," added Peper. "There's simply nothing else like it when it comes to four-door driving fun for the value."

The HHR SS arrives in dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2007.

An SS from the get go
The '08 HHR SS was engineered by GM Performance Division and is the first SS model developed since GMPD was charged with overseeing all of the "go, stop and turn" requirements demanded of any new Chevrolet wearing the SS badge.

"Beginning with HHR SS, all future SS models will have superior power, braking and handling capabilities for maximum credibility with our customers and enthusiasts alike," said John Heinricy, GM Performance Division executive. "The SS badge represents high performance, and the HHR SS delivers with a fully-integrated, balanced driving experience."

To that end, the HHR SS was engineered to offer more than simply increased power. An all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed and tuned at Germany's famed Nürburgring racing circuit. It includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning - all designed to complement the turbocharged powertrain.

Consequently, the HHR SS delivers a sports car-like maximum lateral grip of 0.86 g (with manual transmission). The brake system is enhanced, too, with a four-wheel disc system and standard ABS. StabiliTrak electronically controlled stability control system is standard.

The HHR SS's performance rubber meets the road via Michelin Pilot Sport MXM4 P225/45R18 tires mounted on 18-inch polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels.

SS style
The HHR SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features:
• New air dam-style front fascia with fog lamps
• New mesh-style upper and lower grilles
• New rear fascia with outlet for single bright exhaust tip
• Rear spoiler (mounted above rear glass)
• New rocker moldings
• Body-color door handles, mirror caps and rear license plate surround
• SS badges on the front doors and rear liftgate

Large, five-spoke 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard and are tailored with the specific body enhancements to give the HHR SS a lower, performance-oriented stance. Likewise, the available exterior colors enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle. They include Victory Red, Black, Light Tarnished Silver Metallic, Mystique Blue Flash Metallic and Sunburst Orange II Metallic.

Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the HHR SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement. Three interior color combinations are available: Ebony, Light Grey and Victory Red.

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

CHEVY HHR PANEL SS CONCEPT PREVIEWS LIMITED-EDITION PRODUCTION MODEL

At the 2007 SEMA Show, Chevrolet revealed the HHR Panel SS - a customized vision that previews a forthcoming production model differing only slightly from the stylized SEMA concept. The Panel SS fuses the production HHR SS's turbocharged powertrain and race track-bred suspension with the unique HHR Panel body style.

"It was natural that our designers and engineers brought up the 'what if' question when it came to the HHR SS and the HHR Panel," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "They were given the nod to pursue it and we think the result is fun and exciting; it amplifies the very best attributes that have made the HHR so popular with customers."

The HHR Panel SS concept combines production components with custom details. And while the concept vehicle will be shown at events around the country, the HHR Panel SS limited-edition production model will be offered at Chevy dealers starting in the 2009 model year.

The underpinnings and powertain of the HHR Panel SS concept include the production turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine that produces 260 horsepower (194 kW), unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The exterior details include production SS front and rear fascias, rocker panels, a modified SS front grille and an SS rear spoiler. It also features polished metal body side trim and 20-inch wheels that are unique to the concept vehicle, while a "suede" paint scheme has a satin appearance that recalls classic hot rods.

Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats - with suede-like Ultra Lux inserts - a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel support the vehicle's performance capability. The cargo area - there is no rear seat - has been customized with billet aluminum tie-downs, floor strips and load brackets.

Underneath, a tuned suspension based on the production SS's FE5 Sport suspension enables sharp ride and handling, but was modified slightly for the SEMA concept vehicle to accommodate the larger-than-production 20-inch wheels and tires. The FE5 suspension was developed and tuned at Germany's famed Nürburgring racing circuit and includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning - all designed to complement the turbocharged powertrain. Along with its high-performance attributes, the HHR SS is equipped with a host of safety and convenience features, including the StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Vehicle highlights:

* HHR Panel SS
* 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled DOHC engine with 260 horsepower
* Electronically controlled automatic transmission
* HHR SS FE5 Sport suspension with modifications to accommodate concept 20-inch wheels and tires
* Enhanced brake system
* Production HHR Panel body with production and modified HHR SS exterior panels
* Satin paint finish
* Polished metal exterior trim
* Modified HHR SS interior, including SS-embroidered seats, specific gauges and A-pillar boost gauge
* Customized cargo area with billet tie-downs, rub strips and load brackets
* GM Accessories Personal Audio Link

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance, great value and good fuel economy. Chevrolet offers more vehicles rated at 30 mpg than any other manufacturer. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

# # #

CHEVY HHR PANEL SS CONCEPT PREVIEWS LIMITED-EDITION PRODUCTION MODEL

At the 2007 SEMA Show, Chevrolet revealed the HHR Panel SS - a customized vision that previews a forthcoming production model differing only slightly from the stylized SEMA concept. The Panel SS fuses the production HHR SS's turbocharged powertrain and race track-bred suspension with the unique HHR Panel body style.

"It was natural that our designers and engineers brought up the 'what if' question when it came to the HHR SS and the HHR Panel," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "They were given the nod to pursue it and we think the result is fun and exciting; it amplifies the very best attributes that have made the HHR so popular with customers."

The HHR Panel SS concept combines production components with custom details. And while the concept vehicle will be shown at events around the country, the HHR Panel SS limited-edition production model will be offered at Chevy dealers starting in the 2009 model year.

The underpinnings and powertain of the HHR Panel SS concept include the production turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine that produces 260 horsepower (194 kW), unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The exterior details include production SS front and rear fascias, rocker panels, a modified SS front grille and an SS rear spoiler. It also features polished metal body side trim and 20-inch wheels that are unique to the concept vehicle, while a "suede" paint scheme has a satin appearance that recalls classic hot rods.

Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats - with suede-like Ultra Lux inserts - a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel support the vehicle's performance capability. The cargo area - there is no rear seat - has been customized with billet aluminum tie-downs, floor strips and load brackets.

Underneath, a tuned suspension based on the production SS's FE5 Sport suspension enables sharp ride and handling, but was modified slightly for the SEMA concept vehicle to accommodate the larger-than-production 20-inch wheels and tires. The FE5 suspension was developed and tuned at Germany's famed Nürburgring racing circuit and includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning - all designed to complement the turbocharged powertrain. Along with its high-performance attributes, the HHR SS is equipped with a host of safety and convenience features, including the StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Vehicle highlights:

* HHR Panel SS
* 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled DOHC engine with 260 horsepower
* Electronically controlled automatic transmission
* HHR SS FE5 Sport suspension with modifications to accommodate concept 20-inch wheels and tires
* Enhanced brake system
* Production HHR Panel body with production and modified HHR SS exterior panels
* Satin paint finish
* Polished metal exterior trim
* Modified HHR SS interior, including SS-embroidered seats, specific gauges and A-pillar boost gauge
* Customized cargo area with billet tie-downs, rub strips and load brackets
* GM Accessories Personal Audio Link

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance, great value and good fuel economy. Chevrolet offers more vehicles rated at 30 mpg than any other manufacturer. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

# # #

...looking for consistency of times. The GM engineers tell us the "Launch Control" mode allows for a consistent 6.4 second 0-60 time. Now, if you're a good driver, you'll be able to hit the max low of 6.3 seconds on the zip-to-sixty, but as most of us aren't — 6.4's a reasonable compromise for a consistent time. We're looking forward to playing with each of the modes ourselves. Unfortunately Travis an unnamed GM PR staffer caught us just as we were about to become the first media member to take one for an unauthorized test drive. Although we were the first one to turn the ignition key in one — so we guess there's that. So can the car "Go?" We've no idea — but GM certainly thinks it can.

CHEVROLET INTRODUCES TURBOCHARGED 2008 HHR SS

DETROIT - During the nation's largest celebration of automotive heritage, the Woodward Dream Cruise, Chevrolet introduced the newest member of the prestigious SS family: the 2008 HHR SS.

The HHR SS combines all of the style and capability of the popular HHR family with uncompromising performance, including a turbocharged and intercooled engine that produces 260 horsepower (194 kW), unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The vehicle was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting nothing but high-performance vehicles.

"With its muscular stance, turbocharged power and track-capable handling, the HHR SS is a worthy addition to SS lineup," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "It also reaffirms in a big way Chevy's commitment to the sport compact market."

Standard features include unique exterior appointments, with all-new front and rear fascias, new front grilles, a rear spoiler and 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin performance all-season tires. Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats - with ultra suede inserts - a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel and shifter support the serious driving capabilities.

Along with its high-performance attributes, the HHR SS comes standard with a host of safety and convenience features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Optional equipment includes side-impact air bags and a power-operated sunroof.

"This vehicle delivers all of the style, comfort and convenience found in the HHR portfolio, but also offers outstanding performance and versatility without sacrificing fuel economy," added Peper. "There's simply nothing else like it when it comes to four-door driving fun for the value."

The HHR SS arrives in dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2007.

An SS from the get go

The '08 HHR SS was engineered by GM Performance Division and is the first SS model developed since GMPD was charged with overseeing all of the "go, stop and turn" requirements demanded of any new Chevrolet wearing the SS badge.

"Beginning with HHR SS, all future SS models will have superior power, braking and handling capabilities for maximum credibility with our customers and enthusiasts alike," said John Heinricy, GM Performance Division executive. "The SS badge represents high performance, and the HHR SS delivers with a fully-integrated, balanced driving experience."

To that end, the HHR SS was engineered to offer more than simply increased power. An all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed and tuned at Germany's famed Nürburgring racing circuit. It includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning - all designed to complement the turbocharged powertrain.

Consequently, the HHR SS delivers a sports car-like maximum lateral grip of 0.86 g (with manual transmission). The brake system is enhanced, too, with a four-wheel disc system and standard ABS. StabiliTrak electronically controlled stability control system is standard.

The HHR SS's performance rubber meets the road via Michelin Pilot Sport MXM4 P225/45R18 tires mounted on 18-inch polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels.

SS style

The HHR SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features:

New air dam-style front fascia with fog lamps
New mesh-style upper and lower grilles
New rear fascia with outlet for single bright exhaust tip
Rear spoiler (mounted above rear glass)
New rocker moldings
Body-color door handles, mirror caps and rear license plate surround
SS badges on the front doors and rear liftgate
Large, five-spoke 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard and are tailored with the specific body enhancements to give the HHR SS a lower, performance-oriented stance. Likewise, the available exterior colors enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle. They include Victory Red, Black, Light Tarnished Silver Metallic, Mystique Blue Flash Metallic and Sunburst Orange II Metallic.

Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the HHR SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with ultra suede inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement. Three interior color combinations are available: Ebony, Light Grey and Victory Red.

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

# # #

"The hopped-up HHR will don Chevrolet's ubiquitous SS moniker, but unlike certain cars bearing those once-hallowed letters—namely, the nonsupercharged Cobalt SS and the outgoing Malibu SS—the HHR SS will mean it, powered as it will be by the 260-hp, 260-lb-ft, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line mated to a six-speed manual transmission."

Spied: 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS - Car News [Car & Driver]

Related:
Spy Photos Without Photos: Chevrolet HHR SomethingSomething Spotted In Ann Arbor, We Forget Camera; Spy Photos: Still More on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS; Chevrolet HHR SS Confirmed; Spy Photos: Release the Chevrolet HHR SS Already! [internal]

Eew. Gross. And really, on this college kid produced Super Bowl ad for the General's Chevy brand — that's all we're gonna say about that. I think we may have just vomited in our mouths a little. Although we've got to look on the bright side — at least Johnny O'Connell wasn't in this one as well. I can take the man singing in good humor, but stripping...umm, no. – Ray Wert

Related:
Super Bowl Ad Watch: GM Forces Robot To Kill Self; Super Bowl Ad Watch: Chevy Gives Corvette Racing Driver Johnny O'Connell A Chance To Be An Idol For America [internal]

The ability to run your iPod in your car through your head unit (either via the radio faceplate or the steering wheel) is kind of like the Holy Grail to auto-loving audiophiles with a hankering for digital audio. I already drive, eat, drink and e-mail all at the same time, so throwing the iPod into the mix doesn't help much. So any opportunity I've got to use the iPod via the radio interface makes me almost giddy. Given that, I have to say the General's Personal Audio Link system (PAL) is better than what I've currently got, but nowhere near as robust as other systems out there, but at $159 — it's also cheaper than any other system currently on the market as a dealer-installed feature. Given that, I feel kind of bad for the engineer who had to get into the car with us outside of Cobo Hall the other day at the Detroit Auto Show. I mean, it's hard enough trying to ride in the same car as me when I'm driving — but to also have to deal with my eclectic musical tastes — that's more punishment than anyone should ever have to deal with. Check out the video above for more details on the system and for the fun we had the other morning. – Ray Wert

Related:
Audi's Got Some Hot Apple Head Unit Action; Microsoft And Ford Get N'Sync At The Detroit Auto Show And CES, We Get First Exclusive Hands-On: Part 1 [internal]

Oh yay — another Chevrolet HHR variant. I am so very excited about the prospect of seeing Chevy's most recent preview for the Detroit Auto Show up close and personal next weekend. It's yet another unveiling of a vehicle we've already seen, only in a new color combination. I find myself hardly able to contain the joy inside of me. In fact, I'm so excited I think I've found it's caused me to spontaneously wiggle my little toe. That is how excited I am. And who, other than the four people who aren't Bob Lutz collecting the whole set, wouldn't be excited over the prospect of another HHR variant? I mean, come on — this one has 17" black chrome wheels, a black chrome exterior package, a "special" Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color and a "special" Ebony/Gray two-tone interior. Especially with all that special beginning production early in the first quarter of 2007. If you're really still interested, hit the jump for the press release. We're going to go and do something extreme now, like drink some weak tea. – Ray Wert

Chevrolet HHR Premiere Edition To Debut In Detroit

DETROIT - Chevrolet announced the HHR Premiere Edition, which features a special Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color and a special Ebony/Gray two-tone interior.

Only 4,000 HHR Premiere Editions will be built.

The HHR Premiere Edition begins production early in the first quarter of 2007; it is based on the popular HHR 2LT. The Premiere Edition package is priced at $995 MSRP and includes the following features:

* Seventeen-inch black chrome wheels
* Black chrome exterior package
* Front fog lamps with smoked lenses
* Headlamps with smoked lenses
* Color-keyed running boards
* Color-keyed outside rearview mirrors
* Exterior accent stripe
* Aero wing rear spoiler
* Black, roof-mounted side rails
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting stitching
* Custom floor mats
* Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color
* Ebony/Gray two-tone interior

The HHR 2LT equipment includes a 2.4L Ecotec engine, FE3 sport suspension, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, cruise control and remote keyless entry. Also standard is a 260-watt Pioneer sound system with subwoofer, including a front-mounted auxiliary input jack so that an iPod or similar device can be played through the audio system.

"The HHR has been among the hottest selling vehicles in the industry since its introduction last year," said Cheryl Catton, general director of Chevrolet car marketing. "The HHR Premiere and the previously announced HHR Panel will help us maintain that momentum in 2007."

Since its launch, HHR has received five-star crash ratings - the highest rating awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program. The five-star ratings were awarded for the driver and right-front passenger in a frontal crash, as well as five-star side-impact crash ratings for front seat and rear seat passengers. The HHR also was the highest-rated SUV for the 2006 model year in NHTSA rollover testing.

Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

Related:
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Chevrolet Announces Pricing For HHR Panel

Segment-exclusive model delivers unmatched functionality for less than $17,000

DETROIT - Chevrolet announced today that pricing for the new, segment-exclusive HHR Panel will begin at $16,750 (including destination) for a well-equipped LS model. Orders for the HHR Panel will begin in early January.

"Priced at only $200 more than an HHR passenger model, the HHR Panel demonstrates tremendous value to business customers," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The HHR Panel is a model unlike anything else in the segment, offering commercial customers and expressive enthusiasts a bold, functional and different vehicle - and one that delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway."

The HHR Panel features windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. A flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 5 cubic feet (141 L) of additional covered, under-floor storage. Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor.

The LS model comes with a fuel-efficient 2.2L engine rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW). The LT model is equipped with a 2.4L engine rated at 175 horsepower (130 kW). With either engine, the HHR is rated at 30 mph in highway driving and can provide up to 450 miles of cruising range on a tank of gas.

Power front seats, a family of radios with MP3 capability and OnStar are available on LS and LT models. LT models also offer XM Satellite Radio, 17-inch wheels and leather-appointed seating. There is also a rear power plug connector with available 40-amp service, for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This feature answers the call of upfitters, who asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.

OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation is available on the HHR Panel, enhancing its value as a courier or delivery-type vehicle. OnStar Turn-by-Turn provides verbal instructions to assist the driver with right- and left-hand turn directions; and it establishes a new route if the driver needs to get back on track; for example, if a freeway exit is missed.

Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States , Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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[Zingerman's Delicatessen]

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