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HHR concept (centre) sketch shows links to new ‘retro’ SSR truck (left) and inspiration from ’49 Chevy Suburban |
The success of the SSR ‘retro truck’ has encouraged General Motors to plan a 2006 model year crossover loosely based on the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban station wagon, a top official said on Thursday.
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Speaking at the annual Traverse City automotive industry conference in Michigan, GM North America president Gary Cowger said one of the early Signature Series SSR production models sold on the internet auction website eBay for $US140,000.
“The overwhelming success of the SSR got us to thinking about another kind of vehicle… one that even more people could appreciate,” Cowger said.
He said the company had looked back about 55 years to the 1949 Suburban.
“That really was the first crossover vehicle, used for hauling people or cargo.”
The planned modern successor, codenamed HHR (for ‘high heritage roof’), will have “striking exterior design and proportions” and a more flexible interior than any similarly sized vehicle in its class. It will seat five, with a flat load floor and folding second-row seat. The HHR platform is reportedly based on an exisiting small GM model which Cowger would not identify.
The HHR will be launched in two years as a 2006 model and will be built in the “tens of thousands” according to Cowger. Production of the SSR is likely to be 10,000-15,000. The retro crossover is one of a line of new models which GM hopes will boost Chevrolet sales by 15% to over three million a year.
“We’ll also give it ‘more-than-expected’ Chevy performance,” Cowger said, but then added, surprisingly, that the HHR would use Ecotec four-cylinder engines ranging from 140 horsepower to over 220 horsepower, rather than anything larger.
“Its DNA requires that only Chevy get this vehicle,” Cowger added. “This vehicle is about Chevy’s proud heritage, and what Chevrolet heritage can do to create a halo for an entire brand.”
The GM chief also ensured headlines by letting slip a few more details of the new C6 Corvette due for unveiling at January’s Detroit motor show.
Cowger said it would be more powerful with a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs and, for the first time since 1962 would have fixed headlamps which, unlike the traditional pop-ups, allow the use of modern, high-technology lighting.
“You’ll notice the Corvette badge is a bit different as well, trimmer and more athletic to match the stance of the car itself,” Cowger said.
