GM puts the 09' SS auto @ 235hp
 

This is from the 2009 Distribution update for the week of 8/11

* Mechanical section-(LNF) Engine, ECOTEC Turbo 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder DI, updated description to now read "Engine, ECOTEC Turbo 2.0L Variable Valve Timing DOHC 4-cylinder DI (manual 260 hp [193.9 kW] @ 5300 rpm, 260 lb-ft of torque [351.0 N-m] @ 2000 rpm; automatic 235 hp [175.2 kW] @ 5550 rpm, 223 lb-ft of torque [301.1N-m] @ 1650 rpm )".

That's the same for '08. If you look at the GM power train specification sheets the A4 is limited to 235 HP in 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd and 4th is 250 HP. Torque is limited to 222 ft/lb across the board.

This is what it says in the 08' reference guide

Engine, ECOTEC Turbo 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder DI (manual 260 hp [193.9 kW] @ 5300 rpm, 260 lb-ft of torque [351N-m] @ 2000 rpm; automatic 250 hp [186.4 kW] @ 5900 rpm, 222 lb-ft of torque [299.7 N-m] @ 1650 rpm)

If it really is 250hp on the '09 why would GM update the order guide to say 235hp???

It has been mentioned that the input shaft is the weak link in the 4T45E automatic transaxle, and the reason for de-tune. Perhaps if there is a cryo hardened aftermarket piece available, GM ought to brand it under GM performance Products so that 4T45E equipped SS owners could then get a GMPP tune upgrade to 260, or even beyond if they go with a GM stage 2 kit.

Just a thought. Might not be do-able.

I can't speak to GM intentions, but for a long time the '08's were listed at the same horsepower level and it was changed to 250. Go to the GM power train website and look at the specs for the '08 and '09 engines. They are the same, no change. The '09 is a carry over from '08. I've posted links to engine specs and SAE dyno sheets for both '08 and '09 HHR SS, see for yourself.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...59&postcount=4

All documents are in the .zip files.

From my research to date, it's more than just the input shaft. I've been looking around for stronger 45E parts and they are available but are not cheap.

I see that, I guess GM cant make up their minds on what they should be telling people the Auto has. I had an Auto SS and had the brake problem so they let me turn it back in and order an 09' this time i got a 5 spd.

It many times comes down many times to marketing on how HP is listed.

The Fiero V6 over the years gained and lost 5 HP for no reason. It was 140 HP in 1985 and 135HP in 86-87. It went back to 140HP in 88.

There were som minor changes but it was the same engine and GM said it was just in the way they listed it.

The tranny is not going to get stronger. It was designed in a time they did not expect power to increase this much. It is a old out going tranny and I expect that if they continue the HHR as I would expect the Delta II will have the room to install the new 6 speed in it. But untill then Chevy will just have to live with this one.

Besides, they've already built out all of the remaining 4T45's for Cobalt/G5/HHR through the end of the Delta program. These are economy car transmissions and the diffs weren't designed for those kind of power levels and expected abuse.

Honestly, I think the "world car" concept is a bunch of BS. Sure, it saves development costs by sourcing one platform for many cars across many markets, but it stifles innovation in key markets. Take the SS program for example. There is no SS program in Europe and GM Europe is responsible for the Delta platform. But if GM NA wanted to change the specs on the car to fit the newer transmissions that could handle more power, they wouldn't be allowed to do it.

Now take the G6 convertible for an example. It originally had a release target of fall '05, then got pushed clear until summer '06. Why? Well, the Pontiac engineers thought that they could just take the existing Saab 9.3 convertible and adapt it to make a G6 because they're both Epsilon cars. They found that Saab had deviated from the platform spec without telling anyone and the Poncho guys had to start all over and pushed the car out another year.

I just tell everyone my automatic has 260 HP anyway.... :)