New Car: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS

Motown automakers love the local Woodward Dream Cruise. Could there be a better backdrop for introducing the latest high-performance hardware from Detroit?

Chevrolet is using this year's event as the launch pad for the 2008 HHR SS, a high-output turbocharged edition of its compact people hauler, engineered and developed by the GM Performance Division under John Heinricy. The HHR SS goes on sale in late 2007.

The heart of the HHR SS is a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed transmission massaged in Sweden by GM Powertrain.

GM Performance has developed an all-new FE5 sport suspension for the SS edition, complete with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and stability control are standard. The car also gets 18-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport MXM4 tires.

The HHR SS features redesigned front and rear fascias, mesh-style upper and lower grilles, foglamps, new rocker moldings, rear spoiler and SS badging. Exterior colors include Victory Red, Black, Light Tarnished Silver Metallic, Mystique Blue Flash Metallic and Sunburst Orange II Metallic.

Inside, the car gets SS-embroidered sport seats with ultra suede inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement.