Frequently Asked Questions – 2008 MY HHR SS
• What is the new 2008 HHR SS?
• What makes this an SS model?
• How does it drive & handle?
• Is it fast?
• Can I get the HHR SS with an automatic transmission?
• Does the HHR SS have any unique exterior features?
• What about the interior. Is it different as well?
• I hear the HHR SS has a “no lift shift” feature when equipped with a manual trans. What is that?
• Can I get OnStar and XM Satellite Radio?
• What are the fuel economy ratings for the HHR SS?
• When will the HHR SS be revealed to the public?
• When will the HHR SS ordering process start?
• What is the model code for the SS?
• When will vehicles begin to arrive at the dealerships?
• What is the competitive set for the 2007 HHR SS?
• Is there preliminary pricing for the 2008 HHR SS?
• What are the production estimates for the HHR SS?
• How can I get more information on the 2008 HHR SS?

What is the new 2008 Chevrolet SS?
The SS is a new addition to the HHR passenger model lineup. It combines all the style and capability of the HHR family with uncompromising performance, including a turbo charged and intercooled Ecotec 2.0L engine that produces 260 horsepower. The SS also features unique interior & exterior styling.

What makes this an SS model?
The 2008 HHR SS was engineered by GM Performance Division and is the first Chevrolet model since the Performance Division was charged with overseeing all the “go, stop & turn” requirements demanded by any new vehicle that wears the SS badge.

How does it drive & handle?
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 Nurburgring racing circuit. This suspension includes specific stabilizer bar, special gas charged struts with unique spring rates & damper tuning. Consequently the HHR SS delivers a Corvette-like lateral grip of 0.90 g. The brake system is enhanced too with four wheel ABS disc system & Stabilitrak electronically controlled stability control system. All standard! Steering is tuned to match the SS’s handling. The electric assisted rack & pinion system has a quick 14.8:1 ratio, which is 30% quicker than other HHR models.

Is it fast?
Yes. Over 150 mph fast! This HHR SS is so fast, it just broke the class world record at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Can I get the HHR SS with an automatic transmission?
Yes. You can order the SS with an available 4 speed automatic transmission, which includes remote start. The base transmission is the high performance, short throw GM Powertrain Sweden 5 speed manual.

Does the HHR SS have any unique exterior features?
Yes. New front fascia with fog lamps, to mesh-style upper & lower grilles, new rear fascia, rear spoiler, new rocker moldings, Special SS badges, 18” aluminum wheels/tires, body color door handles, body color mirror caps & body color license plate surround.

What about the interior? Is it different as well?
Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the HHR SS, including SS embroidered sport seats with suede-like inserts (think Recaro seats only better), special gauge cluster, pillar mounted turbo boost gauge, special short throw shifter, door panel mounted window & door lock switches & special floor console that actually wraps around the shifter.

I hear the HHR SS has a “no lift shift” feature when equipped with the manual transmission. What is that?
“No lift shift” allows the driver to shift the manual transmission without taking your foot of the accelerator. This segment exclusive feature allows for the lighting fast six second 0-60 time.

Can I get OnStar & XM Satellite Radio in the SS?
Yes, it’s standard.

What are the fuel economy ratings for the HHR SS?
You get 260 horsepower & 27 mpg on the highway. That’s a 432 mile range!

When was the HHR SS revealed to the public?
On August 16, 2007, Bob Lutz revealed the HHR SS at the Woodward Dream Cruise.

When will the HHR SS ordering process start?
Orders for the HHR SS will be accepted late October 2007. The first DOSP is scheduled for mid November.

What is the model code for the SS?
1AU46.

When will vehicles begin to arrive at the dealerships?
The HHR SS is scheduled to begin production December 2007 and will begin arriving in Dealerships in late January 2008.

What is the competitive set for the HHR SS?
The HHR SS is unique to the class since Chrysler PT Cruiser announced the cancellation of their GT during 2008. However, the Dodge Caliber, regular Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Nitro and Scion xB are the competitive set.

Is there preliminary pricing for the 2008 HHR SS?
Pricing is not available at this time, but we are estimating a starting price around $25,000.

What are the production estimates for the HHR SS?
The initial production forecast is for 10,000 units annually, although there is the capability to increase production.

How can I get more information on the 2008 HHR SS?
The HHR SS is featured in the 2008 HHR catalog which is currently in Dealerships now. We also have hero cards that be ordered through Dealer World. Stay tuned to chevylaunch.com, chevrolet.com, chevynation.com & hhrclub.org for even more information & updates.

2008 CHEVROLET HHR SS SPECIFICATIONS

Overview
Model: HHR SS
Body style / driveline: 5-passenger, 5-door / front-engine, front -wheel drive
Construction: welded steel monocoque; galvanized except for roof
EPA vehicle class: sport utility vehicle – 2WD
Assembly location: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
Key competitors: Chrysler PT Cruiser GT

Engine
Ecotec 2.0L DI Turbo VVT
Application: 2.0L DOHC I-4
Type: 122 / 1998
Displacement (cu in / cc): 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86
Bore & stroke (in / mm): cast aluminum
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder; dual continuous variable valve timing
Valvetrain: Individual coil-on-plug
Ignition system: spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control
Fuel delivery: direct injection with a variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio: 9.2:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 260 / 194 @ 5300* (manual trans)
250 / 186 @ 5300* (automatic trans)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 260 / 351 @ 2500-5250*
Recommended fuel: premium recommended but not required
Maximum engine speed: 6300 rpm
Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converters, Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; wide-range O2 sensor
Estimated fuel economy: TBD

Transmissions
GM Powertrain Sweden F35 5-speed manual / Hydra-Matic 4T45 4-speed automatic
Gear ratios: (:1):
First: 3.58 / 2.95
Second: 2.02 / 1.62
Third: 1.35 / 1.00
Fourth: 0.98 / 0.68
Fifth: 0.69 / –
Reverse: 3.31 / 2.14
Final drive ratio: 4.17:1 / 3.29:1

Chassis/Suspension
Front: MacPherson independent strut-type with direct acting, 23mm solid stabilizer bar
Rear: semi-independent torsion beam with montoube gas shocks; 24mm solid stabilizer bar
Steering type: electric, power-assisted variable-speed rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio: 14.8:1 (variable)
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: TBD
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): TBD

Brakes
Type: power 4-wheel disc with standard anti-lock; 54mm single-piston front calipers and 38mm single-piston rear calipers
Disc diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 11.65 x 1.02 / 296 x 26 (vented)
Disc diameter x width (in / mm): rear: 9.84 x 0.55 / 270 x 14 (solid)

Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type: 18 x 7.5-inch split-spoke polished forged aluminum
Tires: P225/45R18 Michelin Pilot MXM4


Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 103.6 / 2631
Overall length (in / mm): 176.5 / 4483
Overall width (in / mm): 69.1 / 1755
Overall height (in / mm): 62.5 / 1588
Track (in / mm): front: 58.7 / 1491, rear: 58.7 / 1491
Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): 6.3 / 159
Ground to rear load floor (in / mm): TBD
Curb weight, base (lb / kg): 3322 / 1510 (manual), 3353 / 1524 (automatic)
Weight distribution (front / rear): 59 / 41

Interior
Seating capacity: 5
Headroom (in / mm): front: 39.6 / 1006, rear: 39 / 991
Legroom (in / mm): front: 40.6 / 1031, rear: 39.5 / 1004
Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 53.5 / 1358, rear: 52.7 / 1339
Hip room (in / mm): front: 50.1 / 1273, rear: 50.6 / 1266

Capacities
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): TBD
Passenger volume (cu ft / L) 97.4 / 2758
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 63.1 / 1787 (w/ rear seats folded)
25.2 / 638 (w/ rear seats up)
GVWR, standard (lb / kg): TBD
Payload, base (lb / kg): TBD
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): not recommended
Fuel tank (gal / L): 16.2 / 49
Engine oil (qt / L): 5 / 4.7
Cooling system (qt / L): TBD

*Pending SAE certification.

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication. Please visit our GM Media web site at http://media.gm.com for updates.

Brakes
Type: power 4-wheel disc with standard anti-lock; 54mm single-piston front calipers and 38mm single-piston rear calipers
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 11.65 x 1.02 / 296 x 26 (vented)
Drum diameter x width (in / mm): rear: 9.84 x 0.55 / 270 x 14 (solid)


Question shouldn't the rear be listed as Rotor also not Drum..
:confused:

Thanks for putting all this info together!

The HP rating for the automatic is incorrect, it should be 235.

Brakes
Type: power 4-wheel disc with standard anti-lock; 54mm single-piston front calipers and 38mm single-piston rear calipers
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 11.65 x 1.02 / 296 x 26 (vented)
Drum diameter x width (in / mm): rear: 9.84 x 0.55 / 270 x 14 (solid)


Question shouldn't the rear be listed as Rotor also not Drum..
:confused:

Everything I posted was a cut and paste from the word document I received from our regional Chevrolet Manager. It should say rotor rather than drum. I will correct it.

The HP rating for the automatic is incorrect, it should be 235.

What is your source?

and change delivery date to Jan 08 from Jan 07!

Another error.... Note that this is NOT the OP's fault, but typical these days from GM, who hires 3rd party firms populated by clueless people....

The F35 trans is NOT manufacured by Getrag (an independendent firm who does manufacture the 2.2 and 2.4 F23 5-speed), but GM Europe.

Just compared the HHR SS brake specs to the published ones from Chevy for the Cobalt SS... Identical.

Right off the shelf, IOW, nothing new.

and change delivery date to Jan 08 from Jan 07!

DONE

Another error.... Note that this is NOT the OP's fault, but typical these days from GM, who hires 3rd party firms populated by clueless people....

The F35 trans is NOT manufacured by Getrag (an independendent firm who does manufacture the 2.2 and 2.4 F23 5-speed), but GM Europe.

According to wikipedia, the F35 transmission is by Getrag and FDF Germany

I've checked a few other sources and they say Getrag.

What is your source?


My source is from the GM Media website and stated in the information I posted from there yesterday.

See the following thread: http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9950&page=3

PS - The manual is being sourced from Sweden per the same resource.

went to gm media online and made corrections to my post.

We just notice those little things...

2008 Chevrolet HHR SS - Car News 1 | 2 | 3

A turbocharger roosts under the HHR’s retro-styled hood.

BY ERIK JOHNSON, August 2007

As Chrysler uses Detroit’s annual Woodward Dream Cruise to roll out another snoozer special edition of the extremely long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser—this time the Sunset Boulevard Cruiser, inspired by a street 2300 miles and several tax brackets away from Motown’s famed Avenue—Chevrolet has decided to inject a little bit of muscle into the event. Make that a very little bit of muscle, because the bow-tie brand has seen fit to unleash upon the world the Chevrolet HHR SS, which is, of course, based upon the diminutive HHR trucklet.

Where’d A Little Truck Like You Get All Them Horsepower?


Of the many things that distinguish the new HHR SS from its more pedestrian sibling, the most important are the turbocharger and intercooler that reside under its hood. That’s because they boost power and torque from the 2.0-liter direct-injection Ecotec four to a stratospheric 260 horses and 260 lb-ft—as seen in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline—all running through the front wheels. This is a huge boost over the regular HHR’s 143-hp or 171-hp naturally aspirated four cylinders and should keep the HHR SS very competitive with the upcoming 280-hp Dodge Caliber SRT4 in terms of straight-line performance, once either vehicle manages to find traction through the fog of wheelspin and torque steer.

Once it gets a grip, though, GM says the HHR SS should be able to achieve the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 6.3 seconds or so, and the company is claiming a 150-plus-mph top speed when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission. There’s also a four-speed auto, but overall power drops to just 235 hp if it’s fitted. So not only do you get the boring transmission, you get a horsepower penalty—do you really need us to tell you to skip it?

It is.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/woodward-dream-cruise/chryslers-jason-vines-slaps-back-at-maximum-bob-290829.php

This site will not allow me to copy from it. Hope the link works.

First Look: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS
Retro wagon gets the Super Sport treatment


By Kirill Ougarov

Chevrolet has finally made official one of the worst-kept automotive secrets of the year: the HHR, its Cobalt-based retro wagon, will be the latest vehicle to wear the brand's famous SS badge.



Having taken flak for previous watered-down efforts like the Malibu SS that had the Bow Tie brigade crying foul, GM has taken several steps to ensure the hopped-up 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS -- developed under the direction of the GM Performance Division -- is worthy of the Super Sport moniker. The vehicle is being revealed on the eve of the Woodward Dream Cruise, where scores of old school SS-badged Chevys are always out in full force.

The HHR SS uses the same 260 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP/Saturn Sky Red Line. The engine is mated to either a Saab-sourced five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, automatic-equipped models have been de-tuned to 235 horsepower -- likely in an attempt help with torque-steer issues and/or reduce stress on the tranny.

To help the vehicle handle the added power, GM has fitted it with a Nurburgring-tuned suspension that it claims can deliver up to 0.86 g of grip. The SS's 14.8:1 steering ratio is 20 percent quicker than that of a standard HHR and provides improved steering response, according to the automaker.



All four wheels are fitted with anti-lock disc brakes -- 11.65 inches in diameter up front and 9.84 inches in rear -- behind 18.0-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. A limited-slip differential (an item that should be standard equipment on any powerful front-drive vehicle) is available as an option with the five-speed.

Chevrolet claims the manual-transmission equipped HHR SS can sprint from 0-to-60 in 6.3 seconds and cover a quarter mile in 14.8 at 98.5 mph with a top speed of more than 150 mph -- respectable numbers given the car's nearly 3300-lb heft.



Cosmetic alterations are plentiful. The exterior is fitted with new front and rear fascias and side rocker panels, mesh-style upper and lower grilles, a rear roof spoiler, body-color door handles, rearview mirrors, license-plate surround, and, of course, SS badges on the front doors and tailgate. Inside, the HHR SS is fitted with an A-pillar-mounted boost gauge, along with sport seats with suede inserts accented with embroidered SS logos. Optional equipment includes side-impact airbags (strange, given that most new cars come with them standard), and a power moonroof.



http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_0708_2008_chevrolet_hhr_ss

thanks for compiling the FAQ's together, but I see one more little edit, you have the question "When was the HHR SS revealed to the public?" lumped in with the "Can I get OnStar" question. Needs to be its own question I should think...

Y LA ENSAMBLARAN ACA¡¡¡ YUJU¡¡¡¡¡, tenia esa duda, sobre si la seguirian ensamblando aca en ramos arizpe, mexico...

And Thanks For The Info Bro¡¡¡

Y LA ENSAMBLARAN ACA¡¡¡ YUJU¡¡¡¡¡, tenia esa duda, sobre si la seguirian ensamblando aca en ramos arizpe, mexico...

.... and my translator says..."AND THEY ASSEMBLED IT HERE YUJU, tapeworm that doubt, on if they continue it assembling here in branches arizpe, Mexico"....

tapeworms in Mexico... it's got to be the translator!
http://www2.worldlingo.com/en/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html

Does anybody know which colors they'll be ?

The HP rating for the automatic is incorrect, it should be 235.

ITS LIMITED TO 235 IN 1ST & 2ND GEAR ONLY. AFTER THAT IN 3 & 4 THAT GOES TO 250 HORSES. I READ ABOUT THE SRT CALIBER, & THEY HAVE SIMILAR POWER SETUPS IN 1ST & 2ND GEAR, WITH MAX HP COMING IN THE 2 (OR 3 IF ITS MANUAL) REMAINING GEARS. BUT YES, THE AUTO IS STILL DOWN ON TORQUE COMPARED TO THE STICK.

ITS LIMITED TO 235 IN 1ST & 2ND GEAR ONLY. AFTER THAT IN 3 & 4 THAT GOES TO 250 HORSES. I READ ABOUT THE SRT CALIBER, & THEY HAVE SIMILAR POWER SETUPS IN 1ST & 2ND GEAR, WITH MAX HP COMING IN THE 2 (OR 3 IF ITS MANUAL) REMAINING GEARS. BUT YES, THE AUTO IS STILL DOWN ON TORQUE COMPARED TO THE STICK.

I keep reading this comment, hp limited in 1st and 2nd only, but WHERE is that mentioned in any GM publication?

I found some of it... Go to http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/08truck.htm. Check out the spec sheet for the LNF 2.0L I4 VVT DI Turbo. It lists the maximum hp for the HHR SS w/ AT as 250 hp (186kW) @ 5900 rpm.

However, it also lists the maximum torque as 222 lb-ft (301 Nm) @ 1650 rpm.

So, the horsepower seems close to the MT5 in higher gears. But acceleration is mostly about torque, and the AT4 is 38 lb-ft lower through all gears. I guess that's what makes the difference between 6.3 seconds and 7.5 seconds.

I have the gold line lowering springs from my LT...I wondered if the SS is already lowered.....If anyone knows if the SS is lowered compared to the LT's I would greatly appreciate the info....I have talked to 3 dealerships and they had no idea.....My plan is to measure the distance from the top of the wheel to the top of the fender for a length and then measure my SS's distance but if anyone knows for sure that would be awesome.....:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Measuring top of wheel to fender sounds like a good idea... with recommended tire pressure, empty of heavy items, and on level ground. Make sure you list your tire size though, since it will have an effect.

Height is listed as 62.5” for LT, LS, & SS. I'd measure mine, but I still probably have several more weeks to wait. My dealer says he can give me a better ETA once they receive the factory invoice.

I keep reading that the SS suspension is lower... so, either someone forgot to list the updated height for the SS since it's a mid-year model...

OR

The tire diameter for the SS's 225/45R18s should be 26.0”. The diameter of the standard 215/55R16s should be 25.3”. Since the difference is 0.7”, the axle of the SS would have to be ~0.35” higher than that of the LS or LT. The only way the total height could still be 62.5” would be if the SS body is ~0.35” closer to the axle.

1.Turbo.. What is it and type? Anyone know? ready to upgrade it
2.Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converters, Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; wide-range O2 sensor is this the same or different as a wide band?

Dont know the type maybe we could find it on the saturn sky redline forum or something because that has the same motor....I would also like to know if anyone has seen some IC tubing to I can install my BOV.....cant what for that whistle after every shit....:thumb:

I am new to this site, I own a hhr ss. Just got mine last week. I got rid of a subaru wrx sti(2004) which is no comparison in power. I love to drive the ss it feels stiff and handles nice, waiting for performance parts to become available. Talking with many companies and there is nothing out there yet. Let me know if you know of any sites or companies that are making anything for the ss.
Scott from ohio

I am new to this site, I own a hhr ss. Just got mine last week. I got rid of a subaru wrx sti(2004) which is no comparison in power. Scott from ohio

Hi and WELCOME

You might want to start a new thread as "an intro to yourself" as you kina lost back here or maybe ????????? the mods will move you, or then again maybe not. What do I know? :smile:

endeavorc, you say the HP on the 2.0L Turbo w/ automatic trans is 235? That makes me curious. My 08 SS was advertised at 260HP on the sticker. I have the MXO transmission. Thanks for the info.

taylors43512. What does your SS look like. I got mine in May. Its a great car.

Auto = 235 in 1st & 2nd 250 in 3rd &4th
Manual = 260

Anyone heard of the SS with bad (weaK) BRAKES AT COLD START UP? General Motors has put out two service bulletins in an attempt to fix the issue; however, mine has been repaired both times and the brakes are still mussy at cold start up. Almost ran through the garage one morning when the brakes never reacted to my foot. GM states that they are "working on the problem" however, refuse to exchange the car out under the NC lemon law. Working on getting a Lemon Law Action against them through an arbitrator. If anyone else has had this problem or knows about it any information would be useful.

Lots of folks here have had the problem and still do! GM is in the process of developing a fix but it hasn't appeared yet!
Mine does it everyday

Lots of folks here have had the problem and still do! GM is in the process of developing a fix but it hasn't appeared yet!
Mine does it everyday

GM has known of the issue for well over a year. First they decided to call it "normal" behavior. Then they tried a half-assed reprogramming that activates the ABS to assist when the vacuum is too low for the brakes to work effectively. Now supposedly they are working on fixing it (even though there's nothing to fix, because they said it's "normal"). But complex and optional stuff like stage kits have clearly taken priority over a simple vacuum fix so the brakes work. It makes me wonder how many staff hours per week (if any) are really being devoted to fixing the issue.

Some bean-counter probably considers executing a recall as just one more cost, since GM would have a hard time charging extra for functional brakes. I'm not holding my breath. All the BS and foot-dragging with a critical safety component is kinda turning me into a GM-hater. I would feel differently if it was an oversight that they started fixing at high-priority as soon as it was discovered.

I would like to know if xm is standard or not, the parts guy says there is no designated part upgrade for it,my 08 doesnt have it. and its a very sticky question at the parts counter, they say beware and buy at your own risk, no refunds because its electrical

they install it but its up 2 you to buy the subscription, install meaning us the little antenna on the back of your roof? if so XM is ready

It was Not standard but was available as an option in 2008.

^^^^ ditto. Just check my window sticker it was an option.

Does the turbo get its oil (SHARES) with the motor, ( which I assume ) Or is it self contained ?

Shares :D:D