Rather the SSR features conventional pickup truck body-on-frame construction. Its boxed frame uses hydroformed side rails for structural rigidity, further
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| The SSR needed a readily available frame and suspension to keep costs down, but unfortunately the set up makes it weigh too much to feel sporty. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
strengthened with seven crossmembers. This is probably the reason it feels as stiff with the top down as it does with it up. The suspension consists of a double A-arm independent system up front and a creative bit of engineering in back. It's a five-link solid rear axle setup, tuned to optimize handling while still allowing adequate hauling and towing capabilities, or so the story goes. But I have to question the reasoning behind the choice of its Trailblazer-derived frame and solid axle rear end. After all, nobody will use this truck for hauling anything larger than a couple of golf bags. And towing? Well, I
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| It could be argued that performance was never the goal of the SSR; this lowrider rod is all about image. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
wouldn't want to mar the rear fascia with an ugly hook, would you? Besides, it is only capable of a 1,134 kg (2,500 lb) trailer weight, which makes it about as capable as an average SUV - in comparison a Silverado 1500 2WD Regular Cab with a 4.3-L V6 is capable of 3,809 kg (8,397 lbs). In truth the SSR needed a readily available frame and suspension to keep costs down, important for limited run, low-volume vehicles. Unfortunately the set up makes it weigh too much to feel sporty. Instead of looking racy, I pulled my seat back and took on the nonchalant image of a lowrider. You know, the "What? You wanna race me? Sorry, I'm too hot for the likes of you," attitude drivers of slammed Civics take on.
