Hit it right on the nailhead.
Since GM is dropping the HHR-SS after the 2010 model, they are using up stock that did'nt sell prior. Guess many people did'nt want the display,ect, so they made it standard. Personally on my 09, I'd rather have the storage space on the dash, instead of a mickey mouse display, thats just BLING.
Glad I got a 09 SS, before this happened.
I'd also be a little suspect at a 10 model, since it's going to be the last model built. May be a little parts subsutiton going on, when parts get low. "Moon"

 

I have heard that all the HHR SS's were run in October. No more. If you place an order it is coming from stock somewhere.

 

Well,not to disagree,,,,,but: I ordered mine through my dealer on Nov.18. The manager who took this order is a friend, so I know he would have told me if it was not a special order.Called back on Dec.8 for an update.He called for a status check. The status check showed build date set for Dec.14. After build, car must be delivered within 2 weeks per GM. Manager said the plant is set to close for holidays on Dec.18 so delivery will be after 1st of year.
If this car were to come from "stock" I would think it could already be delivered.When it does arrive I will check the build date and look for my name on the window sticker.This is not the first vehicle that I have special ordered and hopefully this one is too.

George"the fireman"

 

+1 ... I checked every box on the option list EXCEPT for that display. The dash is so much cleaner and storage bin so much more practical than that item. I also turned down 2 in-stock units that the dealer located for me because they were equipped with it.

 

I got mine out of stock. dealer had just gotten a 09 Black SS, loaded, except for the display[which i did'nt want anyway], and from the time I even considered getting one, was three days. Got lucky and found this one on the lot, so got it. Even while it was being prepped, three other people were trying to get it.
Oh, forgot to mention, the lady I live with[been together for thirty five years], bought it for me[paid cash], so it happened rather quickly[In case she changed her mind].
Yeah, I know ,lucky on both counts. Believe me I let her know about a dozen times a day, just how lucky I am. Really good lady and new car, what's not to like. "Moon"

 

I bought a 08 at a very cheap price on a new SS once I saw the performance dash. If the dash was better I would have waited for an 09 and paid more but I would rather have my Aeroforce and storage.

 

The only change is the addition of a new color, I think it's Crystal Red. You'll love the sunroof. You'll miss the dash storage. Most of that info is avail on the D.I.C.. I personaly am in favor of the Black and Red interior. I didn't know they nixed it. I hope they offer a Stage 2 this year. Enjoy.

 

Cool! Another production run. I'd guess this is the last, since the 2.0 engine and the aero packages are special enough that the SS Orders were all grouped together to run on a given day/time.

 

Like some of the other quotes I am glad I got my '09 I love the storage and I have most of the options anyway.

 

No stage 2. The truth us there really was no stage 1. GM calls it a Turbo Upgrade.

They had to detune the torque already for the transaxles as it is so I would not expect any more power from GM.

Right now a lot of people are still looking for the upgrade kit for the Cobalt SS since it never arrived yet.