2008 Chevrolet HHR SS Preview

Chevrolet has unwrapped the forever-seen-in-spy-photographs HHR SS, just in time for this weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise.

The Detroit-bred sport wagon will bring big muscle to the compact HHR. A turbocharged version of GM's 2.0-liter Ecotec four is the source; it makes 260 horsepower, sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

Installing the motor in the stock HHR was tasked to GM's Performance Division, which also tweaked and tuned the retro wagon's suspension to "FE5" spec. A few hundred laps around the N�rburgring proved out its new roll bars and suspension tuning, GM says, to the tune of 0.86g of lateral grip. Michelin Pilot Sport 18-inch, 45-series tires provide the grip.

Safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, plus the HHR's usual assortment of airbags. Stability control is also standard, while side airbags are an option.

The sharpened HHR SS profile includes new front and rear end treatments, a new grille and rear spoiler, those bigger 18-inch wheels and specific SS badging. Inside, three different color treatments are available, along with sueded seat trim, a boost gauge, a new steering wheel, and a 140-mph speedometer.

� Source: thecarconnection
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