From GMI.... Enjoy.

HHR
Deletions
(15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color
(56U) Sunburst Orange II Metallic exterior color
(67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color
(US9) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer
(N85) 17" painted aluminum wheels
(QP2) 17" forged, high-polished aluminum wheels
(J41) Front disc/rear drum brakes
(L61) 2.2L ECOTEC engine
(LE5) 2.4L ECOTEC engine
(K05) Engine block heater
(PDU) Enhanced Sound Package
(PCW) Enhanced Safety Package

New Features
1AU26 Panel SS Turbocharged model
(17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color
(51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color
(61U) Aqua Blue Metallic exterior color
(17A) Smoke accent single stripe color
(96A) Silver accent single stripe color
(47A) Smoke/Smoke accent double stripe color
(49A) Silver/Silver accent double stripe color
(ASA) Dual-stage, frontal driver and front passenger air bags with infant only suppression standard on LS and LT models
(AK5) Dual-stage, frontal driver and front passenger air bags with Passenger Sensing System standard on SS Turbocharged models
(UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface)
(UUI) AM/FM stereo with CD player and USB port
(UAF) Reconfigurable performance display available for SS Turbocharged models
(U2J) XM Satellite Radio delete
(P23) 17" Chrome-Tech cast aluminum wheels
(LE8) 2.2L ECOTEC engine, includes (E85) FlexFuel (gas ethanol) capability, uses gasoline or E85 fuel
(LE9) 2.4L ECOTEC engine, includes (E85) FlexFuel (gas ethanol) capability, uses gasoline or E85 fuel

Changes
(ASF) front and rear outboard head curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models
(U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models
(US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback now standard on all models
(JL4) StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is now standard on all models
(NW9) All-speed, full-function traction control is now standard on all models
(JM4) 4-wheel antilock, front disc/rear drum brakes now standard on all LS and LT models
Front console now has 3 front cup holders except on SS models with manual transmission
(AA5) Solid rear quarter panel is now available on 1AU46 SS
Window switches moved to door
Revised dome lamp placement
Seat bolster material change

Going, going, gone.:D

Deletions: (56U) Sunburst Orange II Metallic exterior color :thumb: :smile:
K05) Engine block heater
(PDU) Enhanced Sound Package

Coming, coming. Here.:D

Changes: (AA5) Solid rear quarter panel is now available on 1AU46 SS :thumb:

Seat bolster material change :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

I like the changes and even though I love my SOM I'm excited to see the new colors for '09. :thumb:

Nice to see a USB port and bluetooth but still using the front disk/rear drum set-up bothers me. I want all disks. I don't see why it would be necessary to have three cup holders in the front. I'd like to see an overhaul of the front console design, it's just not practical or useful.

Be very interesting to see what that does to the bottom line base price.

Before even contemplating the SS, we planned on getting the base of base LS's, except it had to have automatic ($1200), side airbags and ABS (Safety Package $1200 option) remote start ($255), and block heater (those last two fairly standard on all Canadian orders). $23,700 MSRP CDN.

Very few LS's were ordered in Canada, there were 4 as of a few weeks ago in all of Canada with that Safety Package.

Now, with all that standard, plus XM standard and stabilitrak and traction control, in addition to the little things like bluetooth, the base price must increase by a couple thousand one would think..which for something that starts (in Canada) in the low 20K mark, a 10% jump is fairly siginifacant at that price point.

Nice changes though, Bluetooth is the only thing that I would be interested, as well as the preformance display, but no biggie.

No rear back up camera (in the r/v mirror) as rumored.

"(ASF) front and rear outboard head curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models"

Now that sux. That was one of the options I didn't want. Front airbags are bad enough!

I really hate to see ABS standard. Without that I feel in control while driving even if our brake rotors do warp, she'll stop quickly when needed. I've had a couple instances of close calls. And ditto to KP94ss. Can't wait to see the gold mist.

"(ASF) front and rear outboard head curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models"

Now that sux. That was one of the options I didn't want. Front airbags are bad enough!They are supplemental restriants and life savers! Why does that suck!?!?

Cant wait. This is going to make my decision much harder when my time comes.

And I do remember reading an article saying that car manufactures are going "back to black" basically they are going to make more options standard.

Here is the article from GMI:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f12/u-s-car-companies-go-back-black-62608/
Here is the article:
DETROIT (Reuters) - Henry Ford, who created the automotive industry's first mass-market hit with the Model T a century ago, was a proponent of radical simplicity.
In fact, Ford became famous for saying his customers could have the $825 Model T in any color -- so long as it was black.
In the century since the first Model T in 1908, Ford's vision of top-down efficiency has been swamped by thousands of feature and color combinations on new cars, trucks and SUVs.
The result, executives say, has been higher production and inventory costs and headaches for customers and dealers in sorting through a complex matrix of choices.
Now, Ford Motor Co and other embattled U.S. automakers are going back to black, embracing the spirit of Ford's notion in response to mounting losses and the risk of a deeper downturn in the United States, the world's largest market for new cars, in 2008.
Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally said he was amazed by the number of variations Ford offered when he arrived at the No. 2 U.S. automaker from Boeing Co in 2006.
"I was looking at the (Lincoln) Navigator console," Mulally said. "We have 128 different options you could choose on the console. That's just the console."
With so many variations, a customer inevitably will want a vehicle that is not in stock, leading to a frustrated customer and pressure on the dealer to offer a discount, Mulally said.
"They're unhappy and we're losing money," he said of Ford, which posted losses of $2.7 billion in 2007 and $12.6 billion in 2006.
Ford's chief of marketing, Jim Farley, who was hired away from Toyota Motor Co last year, said he was stunned to find that Ford was offering 100,000 combinations of options on its entry-level Focus sedan. Some 80 percent of Ford's sales came from just 4,000 of those combinations, he said.
In response, Ford has cut complexity by reducing the number of "buildable combinations" of the 2008 Focus by 99 percent. On the 2008 Expedition, it has cut combinations by 95 percent.
"Coming from Toyota, I can tell you that the opportunity is there to reduce the complexity of our line-up," Farley told analysts recently.
It's a similar story at Chrysler LLC, where sales chief Jim Press -- another high-level defection from Toyota -- has also pushed the struggling automaker to simplify.
"Previously, we offered too many options," Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli told reporters. "That resulted in too much complexity in the plants that build them, too much confusion for the dealers who order them and no added value to the customers who buy them."
Nardelli said Chrysler had cut ordering complexity by 93 percent over the past two years by dropping some options and repackaging others.
Chrysler, which lost $1.6 billion last year, plans to go further, cutting models and trimming dealers. That represents a stepped-up restructuring under Cerberus Capital Management LP, which bought an 80 percent stake in the automaker in 2007.

More at following link...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080330/...c8XrgAd2r0kPUI

Seat bolster material change :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

I think the bolster is what you call the outside panels on the seat cushion and seat back. You know, the part that wears out fastest, from getting in and out of the vehicle. I've heard them called wings by some people.

They are supplemental restriants and life savers! Why does that suck!?!?

Because it should be MY decision as to what safety equipment, if any, is in my vehicle.

Don't get me wrong, I love ABS, but air bags, NO THANKS! I hate be protected from myself.

Because it should be MY decision as to what safety equipment, if any, is in my vehicle.

Don't get me wrong, I love ABS, but air bags, NO THANKS! I hate be protected from myself.

They deploy during Side Impact, so that is protecting you from someone that slams into the side of your vehicle. Also the side curtains are not like the front air bags, much thinner and less invasive.

Now if you had a large SUV, they do protect you from yourself because the side curtains will deploy in the event of a rollover or near rollover such as a vehicle tilted on two wheels.

They deploy during Side Impact, so that is protecting you from someone that slams into the side of your vehicle. Also the side curtains are not like the front air bags, much thinner and less invasive.

Now if you had a large SUV, they do protect you from yourself because the side curtains will deploy in the event of a rollover or near rollover such as a vehicle tilted on two wheels.

All well and good, but I've made it 50+ years without them. To each their own. I just resent having to pay for something I don't want and will most likely tear out or unhook. That money could be spent on something I really do want.

All well and good, but I've made it 50+ years without them. To each their own. I just resent having to pay for something I don't want and will most likely tear out or unhook. That money could be spent on something I really do want.

I'm with you on the 50+, and I don't wear a helmet when I ride a bicycle. I don't know how I made it through my childhood without a helmet and only a lap belt in the cars, that was buried behind the seat cushion. So as you say to each their own and we're all adults that can do as we please when it comes to safety.

I'm with you on the 50+, and I don't wear a helmet when I ride a bicycle. I don't know how I made it through my childhood without a helmet and only a lap belt in the cars, that was buried behind the seat cushion. So as you say to each their own and we're all adults that can do as we please when it comes to safety.

I respect that 110%!:smile:

So what's going to replace the PDU, Pioneer Audio Upgrade?

Can I ask, where the info came from on the panel SS? Not doubting you, just curious. Went to the dealer today and they don't know anything about it. Trust me I want one, so I really hope you are correct!

They're screwing up. They're gojng to have the base sticker price up too high. Part of the reason I like my HHR so much is the value it represents--I got it for well under $20,000 and walked away with no loan (clear title). Too much base will kill the appeal. It is, after all, an entry level model.

I think the bolster is what you call the outside panels on the seat cushion and seat back. You know, the part that wears out fastest, from getting in and out of the vehicle. I've heard them called wings by some people.

Ummm yep, but the real reason for the question marks was in relation to the problem some are or might be experiencing with the SS performance seat and then realized I was having a seniors moment, in that the lead times are such that it couldn’t be, the General doesn’t react that fast. :smile:

Yep, I like all the changes, but if the price goes up, they will just have to have bigger discounts to bring in buyers. Value for money was the main reason I got my HHR.
Sad to see the orange go, I really liked that color.
And to the guy that wants to remove the airbags, you do know there are laws againt that right, like $5000 or a year in jail?:roll:

anyone know what the 17" Chrome-Tech cast aluminum wheels look like? Looks like the current 17s I have are gone...

Can I ask, where the info came from on the panel SS? Not doubting you, just curious. Went to the dealer today and they don't know anything about it. Trust me I want one, so I really hope you are correct!
As stated, from GMI (GM Inside News forum).

And your shocked a dealer has no clue? :lol:

They're moving the window controls to the armrest? OMG!!!!!!!:eek: :eek:

Yep, I like all the changes, but if the price goes up, they will just have to have bigger discounts to bring in buyers. Value for money was the main reason I got my HHR.
Sad to see the orange go, I really liked that color.
And to the guy that wants to remove the airbags, you do know there are laws againt that right, like $5000 or a year in jail?:roll:

Actually, in the US there are no laws preventing you from removing air bags. My info comes from a phone conversation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Per them, the OWNER can remove them if they want.

Actually, in the US there are no laws preventing you from removing air bags. My info comes from a phone conversation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Per them, the OWNER can remove them if they want.
Uhhh, that contradicts everything I have seen/read/heard. It states on aftermarket steering wheel websites that you cannot remove airbag equipped wheels and replace them with non airbag ones.

I wouldn't want to have to live with the fact of my responsibility to a subsequent owner or want to be involved in a lawsuit by a subsequent owner who got injured/killed because I removed the airbags.

I couldn't even imagine looking into the faces of them or their family if my actions could be deemed responsible for causing death or serious injury.

I wouldn't want to have to live with the fact of my responsibility to a subsequent owner or want to be involved in a lawsuit by a subsequent owner who got injured/killed because I removed the airbags.

That's CYA lawyer speak. As the OWNER, you can remove them if you want.

I couldn't even imagine looking into the faces of them or their family if my actions could be deemed responsible for causing death or serious injury.

You mod while you own it and put it back to stock before you trade it.

Damn, I should of never said anything to begin with!

Factory installed SRS should not be removed or altered.

You mod while you own it and put it back to stock before you trade it.

Damn, I should of never said anything to begin with!

No, it was worth saying. We are just having a healthy discussion. Remember we all have our own opinions and yours is just as valuable as mine. That's what makes a site great.

Window switches moved to door.

That's one I wish mine had. The console mounted switches are a pain.

I really don't care for any of the changes. I, too, bought the HHR because the bottom-line price. These changes will only increase the price significantly. And, I hate the thought of the window switches on the door. How many of you have had to get them repaired so far? You will when they're moved to the door and exposed to repeated rainfall. I know from experience. I also don't care for 4-wheel disk brakes or ABS.

The manufacturers think they need to add every possible safety feature to eliminate lawsuits. All they really have to do is eliminate distractions!

I am, however, intrigued to see what the new gold color looks like.

I would really like the bluetooth. I would love to be able to retro-fit it into my '07. I like how quiet my car is, compared to my old one. hands-free bluetooth would be great

I see there is a listing in new options for the AA5 solid rear quarter panel in the 1AU46 SS, sorry but what is the 1AU46 SS??

I see there is a listing in new options for the AA5 solid rear quarter panel in the 1AU46 SS, sorry but what is the 1AU46 SS??

The 1AU46 is the code the dealer would use to order a Panel SS and the AA5 would add the rear window delete to a regular SS. :thumb:

Now that I look at it though...that doesn't all make sense if the 1AU46 is already a Panel SS...no need for rear window delete. :confused:

Now that might be a good idea! I hadn't really thought about one of those in a SS.

My 06 HHR came off the lot with a 2.4L auto (I wanted). No side air bag curtains, no ABS and no traction control. I didn't want those anyway. I lived through the 50s without a padded dash, the 60s with no seatbelts the 70s & 80s no air bags, ABS or traction control. The more options, the more potential problems.

The 06 HHR had a low price tag and "good" gas milage with room to spare. The 09 will have all these potential problematic options with a $20K+ price tag. I guess I'll keep th 06 a while.

Ok...looking at the numbers again, I think I may have figured it out. One code is 1AU26 which is the Panel SS. The other code is a 1AU46 which I will presume is code for a regular SS...and that by adding the AA5, it would give a regular SS the rear window delete. Am I understanding this right now?

http://www.saturnfans.com/files/images/2009colors.preview.jpg

The finalized 2009 Saturn model year color names are as follows:

Evening Blue
Aquamarine
Crystal Red Tintcoat
Hydro Blue
Eggplant
Quicksilver
Silver Moss
Source: Saturn

***STILL LOOKING FOR CHEVROLET COLORS FOR 2009***

Sunburst Orange! Please don't go!!! that was the most popular color down here. i have 4 on my block alone... oh well, i guess that means their going to be collectors. hehehehe. What they need to do is make the same yellow from the corvette available on the HHR. If they would have had yellow when i ordered mine it would have been a tough choice.:lol:

What they need to do is make the same yellow from the corvette available on the HHR. If they would have had yellow when i ordered mine it would have been a tough choice.:lol:

AMEN TO THAT, JACK!!!

I would love to see that bright Corvette Yellow on the HHR!!!
(like MOTRV8D has been posting around here)

It would have been my first choice if it would have been available...


http://chevyhhr.net/forums/image.php?u=2129&dateline=1191627922

I'm OK with SOM being discontinued because I like the idea of fewer people having the same color car as mine. Instead of the new metallics though I'd like to see more primary colors (solid yellow, solid red, solid blue maybe even a solid green) to emphasize the retro look. As for the Traction Control discussion, I have to say that my experience with it this winter was outstanding. Even with the stock Firestones I had no difficulty in all sorts of snow and ice, and the car was extremely sure-footed with the traction control. I'm glad they offered it on my '07 and hope it continues as an easily found option in '09 (when I may be adding one of those aqua metallics to the fleet!)

Ahh! Changes. You gotta love it! I love reading all the different opinions and emotion on the goods and bads! I have to comment on air bags, while I also grew up without a lot of that stuff, and still ride a bicycle w/o a helmet, I welcome everything they've done to protect me from the other yahoos on the road. Someday, someone in your family might just be thankful that those bags save your life in a bad accident. How much would that be worth to you?

* No more Sunburst orange. Thats OK with me. They out number every other available color in my area by at least 2 to 1.
* Window switches on the door. My Catera had them in the console too, I hated that location and still do. They look cool there though. And in over 20 years of owning cars with lots of toys, I've never had a window switch fail on the door panel.
* 4 wheel anti-lock should be standard on all cars. Much better control, helps you stop/slow down nice and straight on ice! 4 wheel disks should be standard too. Drum brakes are a pain to work on and don't provide much braking power anyway. Ever try to stop a car with drum brakes going 80? Not a fun experience.
*I had traction control on my Catera. Snow traction was excellent and I had no trouble getting it through this past, very snowy winter. My HHR has it, and It'll be interesting to see how well it handles with FWD next winter. Making it standard I think is a good idea.
* Stabilitrak? Have never had it, but I've heard nothing but good things about it.
*Colors, I agree with Docwylie, more primary colors should be offered. The metallics are nice for a custom car look though.

If the gold mist color is the same color (of the same name)that I recently saw on a Tahoe sitting on a dealer's lot it's a really neat color.It's basically a white with color shifting gold pearl in it.

On the GMI forum for Saturn, there are some illustrations of the colors of the 2009 Vue, and they are the same code numbers as listed above but with slight changes in the description ("Aquamarine" instead of "Aqua Blue Metallic" and "Quick Silver" instead of "Silver Mist").

forgot to atach the images...

(US9) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer
:thumbsdown:
Why is this being deleted? I like the option, as I stick in 6 CDs put it on RDM all, and have enough variety for an all day drive. Now I'd have to purchase an MP3 player or I-pod to have lots of variety of my music. Just what I want another piece of a soon to be overpriced obsolete piece of electronic equipment that runs on batteries.

Safety equipment, maybe it should be a option that you can select or not. For me the more they make standard the better. I hate Big Bro making decisions for me but in this case I'm fine with it. If it all was optional it would be hard to find one with everything you wanted and I doubt many dealers would carry one that is void of all safety equipment. Heck make power brakes and power stearing optional it's less to break :) Sorry to be sarcastic but I've never understood why anyone would scrimp on saftey equipment much less disable it when they have it.

If you buy a Ferrari you get a built in roll cage. Would you buy it? I'm glad I didn't have to make that choice. Notice there is no crushing of the roof directly above the headrest. This accident wouldn't ever of happened if I hadn't turned traction and stability control off. Please don't preach how stupid that was, believe me I already know.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/P1010170.jpg


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/P1010176.jpg

I'll check off every single saftey option they offer, every time. Car safety has evolved greatly. By the grace of God I've made it 47 years, My brother would be 50 but only made it 16. Chances are he would have made 50 if 73 Grand Prix's had front and side air bags. Think about it.

Excellent points, Russell. Front airbags saved my life four years ago when I was in a head-on. People resistive to safety items in their car remind me of the parents who refuse to have their kids vaccinated against disease that killed children in past eras on some misguided notion of "freedom". I fail to understand the logic.

perhaps we need to have a real retro version built without Power: Steering, barkes, windows, doorlocks, air conditioning, disc brakes, ABS, Stability and traction control, FM radio, seatbelts etc.

Rim sizing is restricted to 14x6 and tires will be bias ply F-60s.

We can call it the "good old days" or "like it used to be" edition.

Please sign the full legal waiver and release of liability prior to purchase please . . .

perhaps we need to have a real retro version built without Power: Steering, barkes, windows, doorlocks, air conditioning, disc brakes, ABS, Stability and traction control, FM radio, seatbelts etc.

Rim sizing is restricted to 14x6 and tires will be bias ply F-60s.

We can call it the "good old days" or "like it used to be" edition.

Please sign the full legal waiver and release of liability prior to purchase please . . .

Wasn't there one like that a few years ago? I think it was called "Yugo"...or some such thing. :lol:

I still see no option for a factory Nav /LCD unit? I know this is an "Entry level " car, but I gotta tell you, those Nav units are great, but I'd only get one built in to the dash since theft is so high on the portables.

My Odyssey has a 7" one and My Buick did too. Very good options that I poo-pooed until I actually started using them.
We only have on child, but she makes new friends, does events, Girl Scouts, and more. We are always entering some new address and adding to our onboard data base.

Plus now we are going into Boston and other cites more often as our parents are aging and going to more hospitals etc. The onboard Nav is really helpful for the inevitable traffic jams and offers more options than our stack of maps ever did.

Yeah, factory ones cost stupid money. So do properly installed aftermarket ones with a usable sized LCD. But It would be nice to see a factory one as an option since Chevy is kinda bringing the HHR a bit upscale with its price anyway.
I feel silly ripping out the entire factory stereo area to put in a Kenwood screen/Bluetooth/nav/CD/MP3/AAC player, but that's what I'll do to get the nav. I'd rather just check off a box and have a decent factory nav available. Heck, GM has them in other cars.

I picked a Garman Streetpilot 330 last year. I wouldn't want a factory Nav system as they seem to be an expensive option and even more expensive to update.. With the Garmon I can switch it to the other cars I own. The portable units seem to be a cost efficient option. The Nav systems are great to use, many times showing newer maybe better routes that using road maps, plus thet talk to you telling you where to go.

I picked a Garman Streetpilot 330 last year. I wouldn't want a factory Nav system as they seem to be an expensive option and even more expensive to update.. With the Garmon I can switch it to the other cars I own. The portable units seem to be a cost efficient option. The Nav systems are great to use, many times showing newer maybe better routes that using road maps, plus thet talk to you telling you where to go.

Talk to ME.....and I'll tell you where to go !!!!!!:D :D :D :lol: (having some fun buddy....don't take offense).

Talk to ME.....and I'll tell you where to go !!!!!!:D :D :D :lol:


I this the same as being married, just askin’! :D

I hear ya, But around here, they are ripped off daily.:eek: :roll:
Thieves see the tell tale suction ring mark, and know it is in your car somewhere. Even if you have it with ouy, the ring makes'em break your car. Can't win with a portyable. Leave it in, attract theives. Take it out and they still come.:roll:

I'd rather have the more sedentary yet harder to update factory one.
I could pick up a portable one for cheap any day at the pawn shop across the street. No doubt stolen a couple weeks prior from someone in a nearby city. Their thieves sell to our pawn shops and our thieves sell to their pawn shops. The thief brokers do the traveling.


I have yet to see a 7" or larger portable one. 7" is what I prefer and will likely be putting a complete Kenwood setup with HJL amps and Boston Acoustic speakers in our '06 at some point. That is if I don't get out of it and get an '09.

Will there be an '09 SS in white?:confused:
That's what I'd be shooting for. I'm growing tired of red cars, had too many over the years. The HHR looks great in white!
Gonna miss Orange though, that was my favorite HHR color.:(

The Chrome Tech wheels are what is on the 2008 Shadow edition(P/N 19151843).They are an aluminum wheel-the "chrome" is a plastic overlay on the aluminum wheel.The bonus is that the wheel is a 17x7,not the 17x6.5 of the regular aluminum wheel.

We just got a New 08'HHR S/S When I just read the deletion's I was 1st
disappointed that my color was being deleted.But after a thought it will just
make the car more different than it is all ready,and im so glad that the window controls are on the door rest and handsfree radio control with speed volume, but we did have to have seat warmers installed,the Dealer did it,plus did the lowering kit,so it didn't effect the warranty.Then the custom pinstriping,by (Bob Bond) by the way had it over 110mph this weekend and still had petal!

We just got a New 08'HHR S/S When I just read the deletion's I was 1st
disappointed that my color was being deleted.But after a thought it will just
make the car more different than it is all ready,and im so glad that the window controls are on the door rest and handsfree radio control with speed volume, but we did have to have seat warmers installed,the Dealer did it,plus did the lowering kit,so it didn't effect the warranty.Then the custom pinstriping,by (Bob Bond) by the way had it over 110mph this weekend and still had petal!

How expensive was the heated seat option the dealer did for you?

Does anyone have a url that contains all the option codes found in the glovebox?

Thanks.......

Does anyone have a url that contains all the option codes found in the glovebox?

Thanks.......

hvrod has a good post on this, check the following thread he started..........

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10645

Are these SS changes, or will those be different? I'm looking for confirmation on performance options on the '09 vehicles.

Are these SS changes, or will those be different? I'm looking for confirmation on performance options on the '09 vehicles.

General listing of changes across the whole line.

I met Brian Brown at the recent Englistown GM Ecotec Tuner tour. He is the Marketing Manager at Cevy for the Cobalt & HHR. I suggested that a rear view camera should be MANDATORY on all panel wagons, due to horrible blind spots. I am pretty used to driving vans, so I use the mirrors pretty well, but I can't get used to how short the HHR is, and depth perception is not that great with mirrors.
He assured me that this would be available as an option, with the camera image showing up in the inside rear view mirror. He also mentioned changing the panel's door mirrors , so they have some convex inserts, like truckers have on their big rigs.

SOB There adding Bluetooth in the stereo ... I so want that for my phone. I hope you can add that in a later date.

Many good and expected model revisions as to be expected after a couple of years of learning what customers are buying (or not buying), and maximizing the economies of scale of making many items standard (like XM) as the cost of blanket installation is cheaper than order-by-order management.

I really have to admit, for as decidedly as I am NOT a fan of GM or its vehices, the HHR fits both a functional and price points that are nearly ideal for my light-hauling needs. And this is one case when the "toyish" nature of U.S. vehicle design works well, especially as a bit of an eye-catcher for small businesses and "rolling billboards."

If the depreciation hit wouldn't be so horrendous (which is particularly bad on an HHR), I'd update my 2007 2LT Wagon to an '09. It will be interesting to see how feasible it may be to update previous years' models to many of the '09 features. I'd be happy to add the integrated Bluetooth smarts and buy the necessary interior components to make the window switch placement change. Perhaps I can drive my '07 into the ground fast enough to earn enough tax/mileage credit to make it pay off. (I used to be able to do that when gas was $1.50 a gallon). :)

Though it's not bloody likey, I sure as hell wish they'd make On-Star optional again. I simpy refuse to own any vehicle with that homing beacon following me around, and I'd just as soon not have to go through the "rip out" process. But then again, I'm sure the money GM can save by universal installation and make from people who may have never considered ordering it, but buy occasional service as an "impulse" over time make it more than worthwhile to "wire up" the world.

I can't believe they have discontinues the Sunburst Orange. I LOVE mine and have always planned to replace my 2006 2LT with another in the same color. I hope there is a color that I love as much as this one when I am ready for my next car. The color was the only thing that led me to look at (and sit in) the HHR in the dealer showroom in the first place. I guess I'll grieve a little, then go on.

I wonder why they dropped the block heater? Seems like an odd decision since a good portion of the continent could use those in the winter.

I wonder why they dropped the block heater? Seems like an odd decision since a good portion of the continent could use those in the winter.

Synthetic oil? Give the dealers work? To hot in Mexico? :smile:

I wonder why they dropped the block heater? Seems like an odd decision since a good portion of the continent could use those in the winter.

LOL. to the above response, but given the decided southward shift in population over the past decade, a block heater doesn't have the de facto usefulness to the audience it once had. Perhaps they're also hedging their bets due to global warming. :) Maybe it just didn't sell?

The point about synthetic oil is a good one. I've run synthetics exclusively for the past decade or more, and with the petro-dollar consistently weakening, I wouldn't be surprised if the price difference between synthetic and traditional oils continues to narrow making synthetics an even-better value than they already are.

be nice if we can retrofit the Bluetooth in the older models. Especially now that California has a handsfree law going into effect.

be nice if we can retrofit the Bluetooth in the older models. Especially now that California has a handsfree law going into effect.


I cannot express how thrilled I am about that new law. Cell-phone drivers are getting worse than drunk drivers...and the worst part is, they wont even look at you to see you flipping them off because they're too busy chi-chatting about ......


I'd love to see GM devise a way to get a Bluetooth retro-fitted in to the older model HHR's...like my 2006 relic :D

Synthetic oil? Give the dealers work? To hot in Mexico? :smile:
I now use synthetic oil in my HHR and never actually used the block heater this past winter - first time in about 15 years I didn't use one. We didn't get too many nights when it went below -18C so I never used it.

but given the decided southward shift in population over the past decade, a block heater doesn't have the de facto usefulness to the audience it once had.
Those of us in Canada can't really make that southward shift ;)

and with the petro-dollar consistently weakening, I wouldn't be surprised if the price difference between synthetic and traditional oils continues to narrow making synthetics an even-better value than they already are.
That one is still a bit iffy and really depends on where you live....regular price for synthetics here is more than double the cost of traditional oil, unless you find a good sale.

For example, Yellow bottle Pennzoil is $16.99 for a 5 qt jug, whereas Pennzoil Platinum is $34.99 for a 5 qt jug (yes, we get screwed royally on motor oil here in Canada).

That one is still a bit iffy and really depends on where you live....regular price for synthetics here is more than double the cost of traditional oil, unless you find a good sale.

For example, Yellow bottle Pennzoil is $16.99 for a 5 qt jug, whereas Pennzoil Platinum is $34.99 for a 5 qt jug (yes, we get screwed royally on motor oil here in Canada).

Nothing iffy about it at all. And the recommended service interval for synthetics versus traditional motor oil is? As I wrote, with every cent of increase in the cost of oil, synthetics become an even-better value.

I cannot believe that I could not get disc/disc on my 2008. I was sad. It will be a mod in the future if not too spendy.

Also, I hate to say it, but I wish the cup holders were different/more abundant.

Can't believe Victory Red is gone! Love it because it makes mine a little more rare... but I wonder why??

I'd love a USB/Bluetooth system.

It is neat to see Chevy keeping changes coming, gives me hope that maybe someday I'll buy/trade up to a better HHR. As for price, don't be surprised if Chevy can't manage to keep prices down... less options mean easier to build.

How expensive was the heated seat option the dealer did for you?

Mine were 1300 - dealer threw them in to sell me the car!

(US9) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer
:thumbsdown:
Why is this being deleted? I like the option, as I stick in 6 CDs put it on RDM all, and have enough variety for an all day drive. Now I'd have to purchase an MP3 player or I-pod to have lots of variety of my music. Just what I want another piece of a soon to be overpriced obsolete piece of electronic equipment that runs on batteries.

Do you have a CD burner on your computer? The better radios will read MP3's off of CD-R's as well as off of iPods.

silver moss.... :drool:

Do you have a CD burner on your computer? The better radios will read MP3's off of CD-R's as well as off of iPods.
My stock sound system actually sounds better playing a MP3 disc than an audio disc. IMO

Cajun

At least they're showing a modicum of taste by mercifully retiring Sunburst Orange. No more rolling retro cat sick. :)

I'd love to know if the Bluetooth option can be bought as a component and integrated into an earlier model year. Though the Bluetooth Visor clip-on speakerphone works very well, it's an extra item that needs a power cord/recharging. It will be most interesting to see how it integrates into the vehicle and what it uses for a data display.

AFAIAC, the more standard airbags the better. A great deal of the additional cost can be offset by manufacturing standardization (the same with XM); and anything that stands to save the insurance companies is inherntly good as either a premium-payer or stockholder.

I do wish they had the bright idea about the window switches back in '06.

OH, I agree, the window switches should be on the door. I bet they put them in that central location as a cost cutting/easier to manage move as all the wires are in one central place.

But as a user, I'd much rather have them on the door.

I Recently Bought A 2008 Hhr And The Dealer Is Having Problems Getting Me Back Seat Extentions Because The Part Numbers They Have Are For The Front Which Are Different. Do You Know Of The New Numbers For The Back Seat Extentions?

when does production start on the 09 HHR?

any talk as to when the performance display will become available as a upgrade and where it will be located, I was at the show in ECOtec Owners show in Englishtown on May 4th and spoke to someone for GM ( Can't remember his name), he told me that it would replace the aux-glove box and showed me pictures of it on a piece of paper :confused: but then i saw on the cobalt forum that is would replace the gauge :confused: :confused: Just wondering if anyone has heard more about this, and what about the dam stage kit that he was also talking about. Then again, it took over a year for them to come out with the kits for the cobalts so who knows

when does production start on the 09 HHR?

production is already begun most likely. i asked then they would come out and they said August or September. Another dealer told me if i ordered one it would be an 09 and i would have it in 6-8 weeks, but then you get what ever incentives they have when you get it, not when you order it.

when does production start on the 09 HHR?
There were some preproduction/pilot model 2009 HHR's built early in April, I found one with a build date of April 11, 08 and a couple more with build dates of April 14, 08. Regular production 2009 HHR's seem to have been started on June 26.

I just got my 2009 SS
No light in roof by sunroof


Since the switches have been moved to the door it seems there is no need for this now.

Article from MotorTrend on 2009 HHR: First Look: 2009 Chevy HHR (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/wagons/112_0807_2009_chevy_hhr_first_look/index.html)

For those of you wondering about the reconfigurable performace display in the SS:

"a reconfigurable performance display has been placed in the A-pillar and records zero to sixty and lateral acceleration numbers."

Who cares about the other stuff, THEY CHANGED THE CUPHOLDERS. :lol:

Hey guys, I was looking at the new camaro site and it looks like they have pics of silver ice and aqua blue.

http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/explorecamaro/gallery/

Check it out!

New for 2009
* HHR Panel SS model
* Reconfigurable performance display (SS models)
* SS Performance Package featuring Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and limited-slip differential
* Solid rear quarter windows (window delete) available on SS
* Bluetooth interface for phone
* Available rear backup camera :confused:
* AM/FM stereo with CD, with USB port and AUX input jack
* XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
* Three new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic and Aqua Blue Metallic
* 2.2L engine with continuously variable valve timing delivers more power, greater fuel economy
* E85 FlexFuel capability on the 2.2L and 2.4L engines
* StabiliTrak, traction control and ABS standard on all models
* Roof rail side air bags standard on all models
* Center console with improved cupholders and relocated window switches
* Revised overhead lighting
* Driver and passenger performance seats with UltraLux inserts
* New 17-inch ChromeTech wheels standard on 2LT
* Smoke or Silver accent stripes available

they changed the cupholders? i think we need some photos of that and if it would be possible to order a new console and put in an older model...

New for 2009

* Available rear backup camera :confused:




These things are awesome if you've never used one. They would also come in very handy with a panel!

The 2009 seems to have some cool changes.

One thing I wish they would do is put a baffle in the gas tank. The gas in my tank sloshes around so much sometimes it rocks the car. I've never had a car to that.

So what's going to replace the PDU, Pioneer Audio Upgrade?
Strange......I am looking at the first issue 2009 brochere and it shows,

Pioneer seven-speaker sound system standard on the 2LT and SS.
They do not give the RPO number so I can't be sure it is the same as 2008.

Strange......I am looking at the first issue 2009 brochere and it shows,

Pioneer seven-speaker sound system standard on the 2LT and SS.
They do not give the RPO number so I can't be sure it is the same as 2008.

And let me say, I've had many GM cars with stereos and this blows them all away. Easily the best stock sounding system I've ever heard minus cars that are very expensive.

If I were a stickler I'd say a little better tweets with more power and a tad more bottom end... but its unnecessary.

If you're wondering if you want a 1LT or 2LT and it comes down to the stereo... spring for it if you love music.

I can't believe they discontinued the Sunburst Orange Metallic paint. I was even hoping they'd add the Corvette color, Atomic Orange. As far as the new colors go - silver, gold and blue, BOR-RING. Just my .02.

my 2008, 2.2 with a magnaflow exhaust and the CCS cold air intake is great , however I had a stock intake with a KN, it seem to me my mileage has taken a step back, Any suggestions? I`m looking for Yellow fog lamps that fit in the regular slot? I love the car, put hp tires, enjoy the sunroof and the leather interior. how about disks for the back?

You mod while you own it and put it back to stock before you trade it.

Damn, I should of never said anything to begin with!

its a passive safety system and wont be needed unless certain parameters are met. im just saying everyone thinks their a great driver, and if that was gospel they would have never come up with srs in the first place. it only takes once to find out how well the systems do work. as a tech in the industry i have seen more lives save than lost due to srs. if it never is needed for you consider yourself blessed and you have a perfect vehicle to trade in or drive with a clean carfax.

And let me say, I've had many GM cars with stereos and this blows them all away. Easily the best stock sounding system I've ever heard minus cars that are very expensive.

If I were a stickler I'd say a little better tweets with more power and a tad more bottom end... but its unnecessary.

If you're wondering if you want a 1LT or 2LT and it comes down to the stereo... spring for it if you love music.
Interesting you would say that. I was very disappointed with the optional system and subwoofer. I rented a Pontiac G6, and it had an excellent sound system that was far superior to the HHR (in my opinion), much better bass and clarity overall.

So my questions now are;

-Will the rearview camera option be available on a non panel SS?? Looking to get an SS, but not the panel version.
-I have heard the Performance Package was ONLY available in the manual trans SS's, but according to the 09 released info, it doesn't specify auto or manual...The girly and I are looking into getting an auto and would LOVE to get the Brembo brakes and LSD.