chingchonger

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.

hvrod

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..

GDZHHR

Thanks for putting all this info together!

endeavorc

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

chingchonger

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.

chingchonger

What is your source?

sjssk

and change delivery date to Jan 08 from Jan 07!

JoeR

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.

JoeR

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.

chingchonger

DONE