Chevrolet HHR SS Escanaba MI

• Turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 260 hp


• Manual transmission from GM Powertrain Sweden


• Chevrolet claims it has "track capable" handling


• New wheels, front and rear styling


• New seats, 140-mph speedometer


• Has a boost gauge mounted to the A-pillar


• Stability control is standard


• On sale before the end of the year

Introduction
After the Chrysler PT Cruiser's initial sales success, General Motors decided it needed a similar vehicle in its lineup. GM hired the designer that penned the original PT Cruiser and turned him loose on the Chevrolet HHR, or Heritage High Roof. Taking inspiration from early Suburbans, the Chevy HHR possesses a distinctive retro design and though it's based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt, it is technically classified a truck by government standards. When it debuted, the HHR was offered only in LS or LT trim, and last year a new HHR Panel model arrived for commercial use or for customizing. Until now, the most potent powertrain offered in the HHR was a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 175 horsepower. With the debut of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS at the annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, Michigan, 260 ponies are on tap, which solves that problem right quick.

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