If you head over to this link you can find more info and pics.
http://jalopnik.com

Nice Find! Its beautiful.

Great find... gotta love the lower grill protection!

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1132843105_c06c1a39b5_o.jpg

Nice Find, its my Bday today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like this!
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1133681990_3cde3b5f50_o.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1133682440_0fc01faa77_o.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1133681538_4cf1e32020_o.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1133680710_870f63c488_o.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1132838651_2d80dbfa7a_o.jpg

My favorite part is the window switches located on the (gasp) drivers door!

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1132838183_0c5c9ba64d_o.jpg

Very nice Pics! I love the new instrument cluster. Kinda looks like the boost guage may block the side window defrost, but with 260 HP who gives a turkey. :lol: I'm a bit disappionted they are not offering dual exaust on the SS, but I guess ya can't have everything.

I think this is what most of us have been wondering.....

What the rear bumper and running boards look like!

I'm a little disappointed.
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1132842297_f03e9f9c5e_o.jpg

Very nice Pics! I love the new instrument cluster. Kinda looks like the boost guage may block the side window defrost, but with 260 HP who gives a turkey. :lol: I'm a bit disappionted they are not offering dual exaust on the SS, but I guess ya can't have everything.
Yeah, and I wonder where the tweeter for the 6-speaker sytem is going to go?

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1132844831_86e95e3207_o.jpg

Yeah, and I wonder where the tweeter for the 6-speaker sytem is going to go?

Good eye! From these pics, it won't be on the A pillar.

Did you notice the window switches are on the front doors

My favorite part is the window switches located on the (gasp) drivers door!


Good eye! I wonder if they would put them in the center for me.. I like them there.

I think this is what most of us have been wondering.....

What the rear bumper and running boards look like!

Yeah, but there are no "bumps" on the bumpers!!!:thumb:

Doesn't appear the running boards are fuctional either. Looks like they sloope down from the door, and there is no pad. :confused: I don't care for that at all. I like to use my running boards to stand on so I can clean the roof. Us short people need all the help we can get. :lol:

So how much do you think it would cost us to upgrade our engine to an SS?

I so whant that front bumper and grill.
all it's missing is a cowl hood.

Nice. :thumb:

well there's room for improvement in the charge piping...

dual exhaust is nice for looks but it really won't do anything besides add weight and possibly a different exhaust note if you have a muffler on it...

anyone know what KIND of turbo is in there?

if you watch the video the tweeters are still located on the pillars (at least on the passenger side). that's one really hot looking HHR. If she can do 13's I'm on the way to another trade!

At least companies will now notice the HHR and make aftermarket parts for it (suspension, body kits, etc).

Here is some more information on the performance specs of the SS, notice the automatic is listed with a DECREASE in HP :(


HHR SS PERFORMANCE FORGED AT GERMANY’S FAMED NÜRBURGRING

DETROIT – With the SS moniker on its front doors and liftgate, GM Performance Division (GMPD) engineers made sure the ’08 Chevrolet HHR SS lived up to the heritage of those badges. The HHR SS is not the first production SS model developed by GMPD, with such standouts as the TrailBlazer SS and Cobalt SS Supercharged under its belt, but it is certainly the most important since the group is now responsible for the “go, stop and turn” credibility of all future SS models.

The HHR SS is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter Ecotec DI engine that delivers 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) with the standard five-speed manual transmission. It is rated at 235 horsepower (175 kW) with the available automatic transmission.

Features such as “no-lift shift” and other driver-selectable performance modes help the HHR SS achieve 0-60 mph performance in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds at 98.5 mph. The top speed is more than 150 mph, with the manual transmission.

“The HHR SS offers drivers a totally integrated performance driving experience,” said John Heinricy, GM Performance Division executive. “It was developed on some of the most challenging tracks in North America and Europe, and has been tuned to deliver confident handling and road manners, while also maintaining overall ride comfort.”

As with other GM Performance Division-developed vehicles, the HHR SS was validated on Germany’s famed Nürburgring racing circuit, where it set a new lap record of 8:43.52 minutes for its class, besting the previous record of 8:54.38 held by the Opel Zafira OPC.

“It’s not often that you see a vehicle like the HHR at Nürburgring – and you certainly don’t see one lapping the track as quickly,” said Heinricy. “Frankly, the HHR SS is going to surprise a lot of enthusiasts with its improved control and feel on both the street and the track.”

2.0L Ecotec DI turbo engine details

The Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kW per liter) and is the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family. Gasoline direct-injection technology helps the Ecotec engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine.

With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system. Direct-injection technology works well with turbocharging and helps deliver a great balance of power and economy.

Highlights of the HHR SS’s Ecotec 2.0L DI turbo engine include:

* Steel crankshaft
* Forged connecting rods
* Oil-spray piston cooling
* 9.2:1 compression ratio
* Aluminum cylinder head with stainless steel intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves
* High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump
* Mobil 1 synthetic oil

Components including the steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods are high-strength items that provide strength and enhance durability. Oil-spray piston cooling helps reduce cylinder temperatures and promotes longevity by delivering pressurized oil that continuously lubricates the pistons, which reduces friction. To enhance combustion, the piston tops feature a dish shape that deflects incoming fuel toward the spark plugs.

To accommodate the direct-injection system, the Ecotec 2.0L DI turbo has a unique cylinder head and intake manifold. The cylinder head incorporates mounting locations for the fuel injectors – items that are typically mounted in the intake manifold on port-injection engines. Specialized and extremely precise multi-hole fuel injectors are used to meter fuel and deliver it in a finely atomized manner. They are supported by an engine-mounted high-pressure fuel pump.

Apart from the mounting positions of the fuel injectors, the cylinder head has conventional port and combustion chamber designs. Large stainless steel intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves are durable components designed to stand up to the high-performance capability of the engine.

The unique cylinder head, fuel system, pistons and intake manifold are the major components that differentiate the 2.0L DI turbo from other members of the Ecotec engine family. Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil is installed at the factory. Synthetic oil was selected for its friction-reducing capabilities and high-temperature performance.

Turbocharger and charge air cooler

Pumping up the HHR SS’s 2.0L Ecotec engine is an intercooled turbocharger system. The turbo blows pressurized air into the combustion chambers to enhance horsepower and torque, while the system’s intercooler circuit cools the turbocharged air charge to maximize its effect. The turbocharger is sized to deliver a significant horsepower boost and almost no spool-up lag. Maximum pressure is almost 20 psi.

Because the pressurized air pushed by a turbocharger becomes heated, the HHR SS’s system employs an air-to-air intercooling system. With it, the pressurized air passes through a heat exchanger mounted behind the grille in the lower front fascia, where it is cooled before it enters the engine. Cooler air is denser, enabling the combustion chambers to draw in more air for maximum power. The cooler air also staves off the possibility of detonation at higher temperature, which allowed engineers to tune the engine for maximum power and ensure consistent performance in all driving conditions.

Transmissions

Backing the turbocharged engine is a standard GM Powertrain Sweden F35 five-speed manual transmission; the optional automatic is GM Powertrain’s 4T45 electronically controlled four-speed. Semi-synthetic transmission fluid is used for its capability of absorbing heat and resisting breakdown during high-performance driving.

A performance-oriented feature referred to as “no-lift shift” allows maximum performance with the manual transmission – upshifts can be performed very quickly without lifting the throttle. An algorithm in the engine’s controller enables this high-performance feature, which helps maximize acceleration and gear changes.

A short-throw shifter with stiffened shifter bushings and modified cables and attachments enhances confidence behind the wheel, giving the driver a firmer, more direct and quicker shift feel. The manual shifter also is located higher than other HHR models, placing it in a more intuitive position for performance driving. An SS-specific center console is wrapped around the short-throw shifter.

A limited-slip differential is available with the manual transmission.

Chassis tuning and brakes

Conveying the HHR SS’s turbocharged horsepower to the pavement is an FE5 sport suspension that includes a host of other chassis, steering and braking revisions – and a set of gorgeous 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. The elements pull together to give the vehicle surprisingly agile ride and handling characteristics, as well as an enviable maximum lateral acceleration rate of 0.86 g (with the manual transmission) – grip comparable to many sports cars on the market.

The MacPherson strut independent front suspension uses SS-specific gas-charged twin-tube struts, unique steering knuckles with optimized geometry, 28 N/mm linear coil springs with specific damper tuning, stiffer control arm handling and stabilizer bar bushings, and a direct-acting, 23-mm solid stabilizer bar. At the rear, the SS’s semi-trailing twist beam axle uses monotube gas-charged shocks with specific damper tuning, a 24-mm solid stabilizer bar, stiffer axle bushings and multi-rate coil springs (30-40 N/mm). StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control are standard.

A unique electric power steering (EPS) system is tuned to match the SS’s handling prowess. The rack-and-pinion gear has a quick 14.8:1 ratio, which is 20 percent quicker than other HHR models, and the new EPS provides improved precision and a more viscous feel. A smaller-diameter steering wheel enhances the quick, sporty steering capability.

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. They consist of 11.65-inch-diameter (296 mm) front vented rotors with 54-mm single-piston calipers in the front and 9.84-inch-diameter (270 mm) rear solid discs with 38-mm single-piston calipers. The standard anti-lock brakes are connected to the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to enhance stopping and handling in emergency driving situations.
The disc brakes are visible behind one of the HHR SS’s most distinguishing features: a set of 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. The wheels have a Corvette-inspired split-spoke design and ride on SS-specific Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires that are rated for all-season driving.

Please take special note for the Driver Information Center Section


2008 CHEVROLET HHR SS OFFERS TRUE DRIVER’S ENVIRONMENT

DETROIT – With 260 turbocharged horsepower (194 kW) on tap and a new, FE5 Sport suspension that is tuned to adhere to even the hairiest of hairpin turns, the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS is a driving enthusiast’s dream. And like the balanced powertrain and chassis systems, its interior is also tuned to deliver maximum functionality and driver satisfaction.

Everything from the seats and gauge readouts to the shifter are optimized to support the driver’s needs. Here’s a look at the elements that contribute to the SS’s driver-focused environment:

Sport seats: The HHR SS’s seats don’t just look sporty; modified seatback bolsters provide more support during spirited driving. The seat features contemporary, mesh-style impression cloth coverings with ultra suede inserts in the center section for additional grip. “SS” logos are embroidered on the front seats.

Contrasting interior colors, including Ebony, Victory Red and Light Grey, contribute to the sporty look and are offered in SS-only combinations. Color-matched door panel inserts complete the theme. Also, a six-way, power-adjustable seat with lumbar support is standard for the driver. The rear seats are trimmed to match the front seats and feature enhanced bolster styling to also match the front seats.

Shifter: Compared with other HHR models equipped with a manual transmission, the SS features a shifter mounted higher and farther forward, owing to its shorter-throw operation and an optimized placement for high-performance driving. Throws between gears are 30-percent shorter – 94-mm throw versus non-SS models’ 135-mm throws – with a firmer and more precise feel, thanks to revised bushings, cables and mountings.

The new shifter and its placement are matched with a new leather shift knob and boot trim ring. The center console for the SS was redesigned to accommodate the manual shifter. Automatic-equipped SS models feature a specific console that includes a flip-down armrest and a pocket large enough to store a cell phone.

No-lift shift: An algorithm in the engine’s controller allows upshifts to be performed very quickly without lifting the throttle.

Steering wheel: HHR SS has a smaller-diameter steering wheel that complements a quicker-acting, more precise steering system. It is emblazoned with the SS logo and offers controls for the radio and other features.

140-mph speedometer: A new instrument panel gauge cluster is standard; it includes a 140-mph readout (225 km/h) illustrated with large, easy-to-view graphics.

A-pillar gauge: In what is now a signature feature of models with the turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec, the HHR SS comes with a standard A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge.

Driver Information Center: The standard Driver Information Center located in the gauge cluster allows the driver to engage several SS-specific features, including a “competition” mode that is designed for closed course performance driving and adjusts chassis controls (including turning off traction control) in controlled driving conditions. A launch control function is part of the competition mode and enables consistent acceleration performance.

Additional changes: In addition to the performance-oriented features, the interior also incorporates a number of additional changes, such as the relocation of the power window switches from the center console to the door panels. Also, SS-specific satin nickel trim accents the cabin, enhancing the distinctive and performance-oriented theme of the SS’s driver environment

Looks like those that have to buy the auto loose a lot of the good things. 25HP and a LSD are two big things to give up.

Did anybody notice that the available colors are not what we thought they would be?

"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."

We thought that we could get Imperial Blue Metallic (which we now know we can't), and "Light Tarnished Silver Metallic" isn't even shown as a color in the 2008 HHR brochure.

yeah would be nice to have a white SS. I think ill opt for the Blue though. anybody got dates yet. those going to Dealers asking?

So how much do you think it would cost us to upgrade our engine to an SS?
$1.25

Did anybody notice that the available colors are not what we thought they would be?

"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."

We thought that we could get Imperial Blue Metallic (which we now know we can't), and "Light Tarnished Silver Metallic" isn't even shown as a color in the 2008 HHR brochure.
I wouldn't write that in stone yet. But I guess it makes sense to limit color choices. It would be nice though if they offered a color not available on other HHR's.

yeah would be nice to have a white SS. I think ill opt for the Blue though. anybody got dates yet. those going to Dealers asking?
I've been asking and they don't have a clue.

From what I understand, cars take about two months from the time they start building them at the factory to the time they are available on the lot. If they are going to be available in late November / early December (the end of the fall), that must mean that dealers will be able to start ordering these cars at the end of September / or early October. It's just a guess, but it makes sense to me... not too much more of a wait! I would be SO pissed if I just bought an HHR; this SS model was worth the wait!

i'm impressed... from the factory they're making this thing pretty impressive. enjoy it.

nice link and pics, I was hoping that it would look meaner, yes the front dose but the back needs more attention... just my 2 cents. I like the 18's. Its a nice style!

Great links and info! I loved it when Lutz said, "...seats five in comfort and when necessary, goes like hell!" You go Bob! :banana:

I am bummed that the automatic will have 25 less HP, though. Prolly the auto they're sticking in there just can't handle 260. Those are great pix I love the new front fascia but I'm disappointed in the rear end fascia. Not very exciting in my mind.

Overall, great job and I want one! :thumb:
would like to know the price, wonder when they'll announce that!

...I love the new front fascia but I'm disappointed in the rear end fascia. Not very exciting in my mind....

I would agree, especially when that is the last view you would want the other driver to have, as you are pulling away.......

Looks great! I do wish the auto had the same features though. My days of manual shifting are over.

Can't wait to see more pix of this thing at the Woodward Dream Cruise Saturday night. Dan, are you listening? :lol:

They just posted some more pix! A whole 'nother gallery at Athens Coney Island on Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, MI. Mostly they're views of the vehicle of what has already been shown, but fun to look at nonetheless.

http://jalopnik.com/
the new gallery is located at:
http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/2008ChevroletHHRSSL/

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/08/Chevy_HHR_SS_Undercover.png

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2007/08/Bob_Lutz_2008_Chevy_HHR_SS.jpg

who's got links to full size new HHRSS images??

Doesn't appear the running boards are fuctional either. Looks like they sloope down from the door, and there is no pad. :confused: I don't care for that at all. I like to use my running boards to stand on so I can clean the roof. Us short people need all the help we can get. :lol:
Remember, they're not running boards anymore....they're ground effects!:lol:

who's got links to full size new HHRSS images??
Those links will give you will give you 800x1200. How much bigger do you want!?:p:

THeres also an AutoBlog for the HHR....

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-hhr-ss-1/354211/


Has hi-Res images as well!

Three pretty cool videos too!

I loved the interview with Bob. I just love that name for some reason!

missing arm rests? wonder if they replaced it with something else?

Did you notice the window switches are on the front doors

Yes I didn't and I'm not happy about it. We get too much rain here and the switches tend to fail when they get wet. Chevy should have learned from Ford's mistake.

As someone who has purchased a HHR Panel so recently that it hasn't been delivered yet, I'm not really sure what to do. My original plan was to use the HHR as an in between vehicle (98 S-10 - 08 Panel - Imreza STI:bow:)

I think panels can be modified to look much better than the SS, but the SS has a turbo, so that evens it out so far. How much will the SS be though? If it's around 5K more, that's getting pretty close to Impreza territory. If under though, I might have to trade in the Panel. Although I do like to work on vehicles myself.

Who am I kidding? I'll probably just stick with my plan and try to act like the SS never existed. Well, maybe just one test drive. :p:

Yes I didn't and I'm not happy about it. We get too much rain here and the switches tend to fail when they get wet. Chevy should have learned from Ford's mistake.

Okay, for all the complaints that were posted about the window switches being moved to the center stack, of course we're going to hear about it when they move 'em back to the door! :lol:

Love me that SS! If I wasn't so in love with Daytona Blue Metallic and broke as hell, I'd buy me an SS.

Oh well. I'll just run mine 'til the wheels fall off and buy a '10 Camaro 'vert.

So am I the only person on here to notice that there are no center arm rests?

I have to tell you, I would not like that. Tell me I am missing something in the photos.

The automatic version will have an armrest with a cell phone holder built in (not shown in the photos). The manual does not get one because it will get in the way (I think)...

Can't wait to see more pix of this thing at the Woodward Dream Cruise Saturday night. Dan, are you listening? :lol:


So now do you believe me guys that i know very well Bob Lutz, like i said in a past thread Bob was there at the cruise with the HHR SS :thumb: :one:

i still wonder what the mpg will be?another thing i didnt buy a cobalt SS cause of no arm rests that sucks they will only have them on the auto.

updated a page on here with a short url for easy reference

http://chevyhhr.net/hhrss

The automatic version will have an armrest with a cell phone holder built in (not shown in the photos). The manual does not get one because it will get in the way (I think)...

So do you know for sure that they will have an automatic??

They seem to only discuss the 5 speed.:confused:

Looking at those interior pics does it look like the driver and passenger seats are different?? I wonder if that's just for testing, I wonder which seat they are putting in, if indeed they are different?

Maybe I'm just going nuts, I was hit in the face with a tennis racquet earlier this evening!

So do you know for sure that they will have an automatic??

They seem to only discuss the 5 speed.:confused:

Oh how rare is it when you can answer your own forum question:

From the Chevy Web Site:


Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turbocharged, direct-injected, dual overhead cam, ECOTEC 260-hp(1) 2.0L I-4 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Estimated 27 MPG highway(2)
High-performance, Nürburgring-tuned suspension
High-flow performance induction and exhaust
Five-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or available automatic transmission
"Zero-Lift" shifting
Available limited slip differential
Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available late fall 2007.

1 Based on preliminary internal GM data.

2 Estimate based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available.

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I want to like it more.
Needs more chrome,:D I'm not a blackout sorta guy. Arm rests, only in the auto. I guess they know we auto folks are kinda lazy:lol:

Gotta agree, the back needs a bot more of.... something.
I'm betting the aftermarket will have a great time with this car:thumb:

I'll go for a test drive, but boy, that 25 HP hit on the automatic kills it for me.
My guess they'll only have the standard shift for tests anyway at my local dealer.
It's kind of like with my SHO. Ford kept blowing up automatics with the engine . It took years until they got an automatic in the SHO . I drove my standard for twelve years.

My last standard was with an '05 Vibe and it was the worst manual experience I've ever had. No sort of positraction when one wheel spun, the other just sat there.
Now, I only really want automatics. :roll: Oh well.