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2006 Chevy HHR Preview

Cutting Edge or Yesteryears News?

When Ford brought out its black-on-black high-performance Crown Vic and dubbed it Marauder, touting it as a fresh new idea, the first thing I thought was "been there done that". After all, Chevy had already been and gone from the market with its black-on-black, full-size, rear-drive, performance-oriented Caprice, renamed Impala SS.

I get the same feeling with the new HHR, that will be introduced Wednesday, January 5th at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, although this time it is Chevy mimicking Chryslers now legendary PT Cruiser. The first line in the press release is "unique styling with functional interior", and no doubt it offers all the flexibility weve come to appreciate in crossover vehicles;

Chevy appears to be mimicking Chryslers now legendary PT Cruiser with its new HHR concept, that will be introduced Wednesday, January 5th at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. (Photo: General Motors)

but unique styling?

"The HHR is what you want it to be, whether youre hauling band equipment around the country or hauling your friends across town," said Lori Queen, GM vehicle line executive for small car. "With its unmistakable styling and innovative features, the HHR is further proof that there is a new spirit

Chevy isnt about to let its domestic rival walk away with all of North Americas hotrod fans. (Photo: General Motors)

at Chevrolet."

To Chevrolets credit, the HHR, which stands for "heritage high roof", actually pays tribute to the 1949 Chevy Suburban and other late 1940s high-roof Chevy trucks, unlike the PT Cruiser that looks more like a classic Ford panel van than anything Chrysler, or the now defunct Plymouth brand ever offered.

And after all, why should Chrysler have all the fun? Detroits number three automaker may have started the

The HHR features what GM refers to as "deep-draw, flared fenders", sloping inward at the rockers. (Photo: General Motors)

retrospective crossover revolution, with the launch of its ubiquitous PT Cruiser in 2000, but Chevy isnt about to let its domestic rival walk away with all of North Americas hotrod fans.

GM combines styling cues from its current throwback SSR pickup cum roadster in the new design too, making the automaker the only company to offer a field of retro models - VWs New Beetle and New Beetle convertible excluded.

Like the SSR, the HHR features what GM refers to as

GM has been making dramatic improvements in interior quality. (Photo: General Motors)

"deep-draw, flared fenders", sloping inward at the rockers. Its one-piece, stamped metal hood is similar to that on the 49 Suburban, while the single-cavity headlamp design features jeweled lighting effects. The HHR also gets flared, twin-taillamps, which Chevrolet hopes will conjure up memories of vintage Corvettes.

The mirrors, door handles and roof rack look custom, adding to the HHRs appeal, while its front end is finished off with a unique horizontal slat treatment in chrome brightwork, carrying the brands bowtie at center.

Chevy was sure to mention

GM describes the HHR as having "detailed, jewel-like instrument displays" and "chrome accents". (Photo: General Motors)

that a "variety of expressive exterior colors will be available", important for the compact crossover segment.

From the photos that were released today, theres no sign of expressive interior colors, such as done in the PT Cruiser. Nevertheless, GM has been making dramatic improvements in interior quality evident in its new Buick Allure and Pontiac G6 midsize sedans, Buick, Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn mid-vans, and Chevy Cobalt compact sedan, the model that underpins the HHR. Considering where the new model sources its general architecture, the new higher-grade materials and enhancements in fit

A variety of configuration options make the HHRs cargo area very adaptable. (Photo: General Motors)

and finish experienced in the Cobalt should get passed on.

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