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Chevy's HHR SS is A True Super Sport

Not too long ago, Chevrolet's General Manager, Ed Pepper promised to putan end to the misuse of the SS nameplate. SS, which stands for Super Sport, was a name to be reckoned with during the muscle car era, as it was attached to some of the most powerful Camaros, Novas, Chevelles and Impalas of the day. Unfortunately, Chevrolet began to ride the coat tails of SS fame, especially during the earlier part of this decade with cars like the underwhelming non-supercharged Cobalt SS Sedan and the weak Malibu SS. Following the promise, Chevrolet has just announced the new HHR SS, so what are we to expect?

Since the HHR shares its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Cobalt, we really expected GM's performance division to

The HHR SS packs more power than the Supercharged Cobalt SS... much more power! (Photo: Chevrolet)

drop in the supercharged Ecotec inline-four from the hot, SS Supercharged Coupe. Instead, the HHR SS will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which is the same unit found under the hood of GM's top-line Kappa roadsters, the Saturn Sky Red Line and the Pontiac Solstice GXP. Mated to a five-speed manual witha short-throw shifter, the 260 horsepower it puts out is more than enough to justify the SS nameplate, considering the supercharged 2.2-liter inline-four from the

The engine from the Saturn Sky Red Line / Pontiac Solstice GXP has been stuffed in, and it makes 260 hp. (Photo: Chevrolet)

Cobalt SS Supercharged only makes 205 hp.

Having cranked up the boost, Chevrolet now has a vehicle to compete (and beat) plenty of sport compact cars including the Honda Civic Si, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V, Volkswagen GTI, and even the Mazdaspeed3, not to mention its natural competitor, the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Turbo. The only vehicle that stands a chance of out-powering the HHR SS is the Dodge Caliber SRT4, which packs an unexpected 280 horsepower. Since the HHR SS is also front-wheel drive, it'll be interesting to see how it will put its power to the pavement. Chevrolet claims that it's little HHR SS willsprint to 60 mph from standstill in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 14.8 seconds.Interior is pretty wild too - color inserts on the doors and sports seats really brighten things up. (Photo: Chevrolet) />
Like the PT Cruiser, in terms of the street-smart image it generates, the HHR is more akin with retro hot-rod street cruisers than any import tuner, but GM is seeking to change minds with the HHR SS. The car comes equipped with a new sport grille with diamond mesh and aggressive front and rear valances. There's even a roof-mounted spoiler and a bright tailpipe which should help to turn heads. The HHR SS rides on a lowered sport suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels, which is a step up from what the regular LT offers and plays a big part in why the little wagon can pull 0.86 Gs on the skidpad.

Inside, expect to find the usual SS interior updates, such as new sports seats with SS badges, and a boost gauge mounted on the A-pillar. Otherwise, the HHR is its normal, practical self, offering plenty of room for four plus luggage (five in a pinch), which should make it one of the quickest budget haulers around.

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