Someone tell relic that he had the wrong answer...

I am still loving my SS Automatic even after owning a Dodge Magnum with a 340 HP 5.7 liter V-8 Hemi engine for 3 years prior to my HHR.

 

So i gave it a shot, put it in low, gradually got up the rpm's and it shifted into 2nd.

now if I can figure out how the competetive mode and launch control works with the auto.

im thinking launch control drops the rev limiter just like the 5spd. still got 100 miles before i hit 500

 

It most certainly does... put it in Launch Control, apply the brake and then gas it. Spool up the Turbo to boost and then release the brake and hold on tight.

The stock tires will lose traction and spin a bit but you'll be on your way shortly.

 

I can't wait to get out of the break-in period!

 

Not sure what the Stage 1 kit offers for the manual transmission but the Auto and the Stage Kit are a GREAT pairing.

I imagine this is what I was missing with the Auto before but now I have in spades.

 

I initially looked at the 5 speed but no cruise put me off. Later when I learned about the lack of remote start and armrests I'm glad I chose the auto.
I find no fault w/ the auto but I'm not racing or auto crossing.

 

I can say the stock auto is a fun car to drive but vs the 5 speed the lack of the extra power in 1st and 2nd gears is noticable. Mine stock would really start to pull at around 80 mph when I.

I have driven both and driven both hard. I had to get the Auto because I am the only one in the family that can drive a standard shift.

The Auto is good but the 5 speed gives the ability for much more boost at the bottom end gears.

Now that the stock part is out of the way. The Auto with a stage kit fixed all of that. I now have the useful bottom end like a 5 speed with equal power and boost.

I am sure the 5 speed might still have a 10th or two better in it the Auto with a stage kit is a great package.

If you have an auto and do not have a stage kit you are missing more than anyone else. You get the most power for your money with the upgrade.

Now if Chevy could have fit the 6 speed Auto in that would have made a great package. GM's new 6 speed is so smooth it is amazing. I have a lot of time behind one in a 3.6 liter Malibu and it is a great tranny. Sadly we will never see this in the HHR since it will not fit.

 

The auto with stage kit is great overall. It is easily the best car for fun I have ever owned, but I miss a stickshift in aggressive driving through corners. It is much easier and more predictable to be able to control the gears yourself during aggressive cornering. In a straight line, many people would do better with an auto in 0-60 times. It depends on how good you are at taking off with the 5-speed. If my wife could drive 5-speed, I'd have one. I just find it more enjoyable and am sure that this car with stick would be even more fun.

 

Don't forget the final drive gear is different between to 5sp and auto..On a head to head the 5 spd would probably gain a nose..........