View Full Version : GM officially confirms an HHR Panel SS for 2009


misterjensen
10-28-2007, 07:59 AM
PRESS RELEASE:
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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/28/sema-2007-chevy-hhr-panel-ss/

HillsdaleHHR
10-28-2007, 08:02 AM
Interesting, especially the satin appearance paint :thumb:
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/8/8/hhrpanelss_sema001.jpg

GTOMIKE
10-28-2007, 08:40 AM
I hope it can be ordered with a manual and by 09 it should be a 6 speed.

GDZHHR
10-28-2007, 11:45 AM
That can't be a production model. Notice the interior; full custom. Different grill and wheels too. a customized vision that previews a forthcoming production model

Old Ray
10-28-2007, 12:17 PM
Quote “the HHR Panel SS limited-edition production model will be offered at Chevy dealers starting in the 2009 model year”

Hum, what does starting in the 2009 model year mean? When is that? Calendar year 2009? New model release used to be late fall (September 2008) of the previous year but is this going to be an early or mid year introduction as a 2009? :confused:

Opps! Sorry my bad, not awake yet, missed the Panel part, sorry.

ezeerider
10-28-2007, 01:17 PM
I should have waited. Who knew Chevy would be listening?

solman98
10-29-2007, 07:14 AM
I bet they will be extremely limited. Most people will not want to pay the premium for a two seater panel.

88ls1blazer
10-29-2007, 09:43 AM
I bet they will be extremely limited. Most people will not want to pay the premium for a two seater panel.

IDK about you, but I have already started laying the ground work w/ my wife to get her a reg hhr ss, and myself a panel ss

solman98
10-29-2007, 10:25 AM
IDK about you, but I have already started laying the ground work w/ my wife to get her a reg hhr ss, and myself a panel ss

Didn't say some would not sell.. But I don't see a big demand for this either.

I hope the seriously think about that dash. :lol:
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/hhrpanelss_sema003.jpg

Red leather? Tacky.........:laughabov

calgaryhhr
10-29-2007, 11:03 AM
Boy, do I ever love the looks of that leather dash!! Might not be crazy about the red but the leather with the contrast stitch looks awesome! They should really make that an option.

As a side note, the steering wheel looks terrible with that red airbag cover, they should have left it dark grey

MOTRV8D
10-29-2007, 02:04 PM
well I'll be... :confused:

I didn't think Chevy was going to pull the trigger on the Panel SS, at least not announcing it so soon. Hmmmm. I thought the nature of the Panel, it being so focused on being a work vehicle and all that goes with that, such as towing, hauling, etc... I'm just very surprised they're gonna make it. As an '09 vehicle, it will prolly go on sale Sept. of '08.

Since they will be a limited-edition, it almost insures that they will be somewhat of an instant collector car.

O6ChevyHHR
10-29-2007, 03:05 PM
Sweet Panel SS I want one if it comes with the 20s!

LittleChickenRacingTeam
10-29-2007, 06:57 PM
Well, I'm glad I haven't ordered my panel yet. Now I just gotta decide whether I can wait till Sept of next year or not. Even tho it will be a work vehicle, I gotta go with the 5 speed. It's been 20 years since I drove a stick, not counting my '54 Crestline. But it's 3 in the tree.

MOTRV8D
10-29-2007, 07:29 PM
seems odd that it will be offered only as automatic. I wonder why?

LittleChickenRacingTeam
10-29-2007, 09:36 PM
The sema show car is an auto. The article says they hope the 5 speed is available. I can't see why not.

ymerej_mortsdnil
10-30-2007, 07:50 PM
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/ymerej_mortsdnil/hhrpanelsemaedition2.jpg

:thumb:

ymerej_mortsdnil
10-30-2007, 07:54 PM
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/ymerej_mortsdnil/panelssinterior.jpg

:thumb:

ymerej_mortsdnil
10-30-2007, 09:21 PM
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/ymerej_mortsdnil/thumb1280x1280_1801861789_f11fc0391.jpg

:thumb:

itschaboykenny
10-30-2007, 09:45 PM
Sweet Panel SS I want one if it comes with the 20s!

Back again for some more HHR 06..... you miss it yet? :lol:

rockNroad
10-30-2007, 09:57 PM
Boy, do I ever love the looks of that leather dash!! Might not be crazy about the red but the leather with the contrast stitch looks awesome! They should really make that an option.

As a side note, the steering wheel looks terrible with that red airbag cover, they should have left it dark grey
I like the dash !! The red would look great with a red or black car.
later/RnR/mike

GTOMIKE
10-31-2007, 09:32 AM
I like red but that`s way to much red in the dash area for me.

LSchicago
10-31-2007, 11:23 AM
I said in the beginning to expect it in 09. They do read the forums. Anyone want to buy a 07 SOM panel next year? That red interior is on the SEMA car, not the production car. I'm sure it won't make production. It looks like it was designed by a (admin edit) on crack! LS

TomsHHR
11-10-2007, 06:24 PM
HHR SS Panel
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/TomsHHR/hrp1.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/TomsHHR/hrp2.jpg

Sema Panel edition
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/TomsHHR/hrs1.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/TomsHHR/hrs2.jpg

prod
02-24-2008, 02:43 AM
Caught this one at the auto show today (CIAS). I think its a GM SEMA car, dont know if its been posted here yet. I was actually thinking of doing my grille like that, suppose you could call it a no-bar.
The only other HHRs at the whole show were a black panel (getting good traffic) and a red SS. I was hoping to see an AA5 in person, but no luck.
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/0/3/6/DSC00164.JPG
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/0/3/6/DSC00165.JPG

quest51210
02-24-2008, 03:36 AM
dealer here has an AA% with 20's on the lot. didnt really like it at all

Fuzzbuster
02-24-2008, 12:11 PM
Hey Texas dude
Hope your not basing your opinion of an SS on that dealer`s feeble fake attempt at it:confused:

sethwas
08-12-2009, 01:32 PM
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/ymerej_mortsdnil/panelssinterior.jpg


Ignoring the color selection, does anyone have any experience actually doing this to their ride? Grey/Black leather on a Grey interior or Tan leather in a tan interior would be a nice touch. I'm speaking specifically of the dash, not the seats. Is it a leather 'cover' or is the dash replaced entirely (figuring how to accommodate the passenger airbag is what concerns me)?
Are those shiny radio surrounds/trim rings available without resorting to a sticker on top of the OEM one?

Seth