But given that this article is intended to be a road test and not an article for Psychology Today, its time we get down to the nuts and bolts. Not long ago the SSR was a stunning concept vehicle that I dare say, seemed too radical for Chevy. Imagine? A roadster
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| Never before have I seen such curvaceous sheet metal on a vehicle that wasn't handcrafted. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
pickup truck based on a 1947 to 1953 GMC pickup design theme. Who would have thought? Well apparently the execs at Chevy thought and today the SSR is an eye-catching reality that is remarkably faithful to its concept origins, except for its toned-down V8 incapable of pumping out the necessary ponies true hot-rodders appreciate. My SSR tester was finished in "look at me" Slingshot Yellow. Of the few colors Chevy coats on to its SSR, Slingshot Yellow is definitely the standout. I could never really see myself owning a yellow car, but then again the SSR is already an exhibitionist by nature so the yellow would be my number one choice. The brilliant color accentuates the
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| There isn't a single aspect of the SSR's exterior that I would change. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
truck's sensuous lines. Never before have I seen such curvaceous sheet metal on a vehicle that wasn't handcrafted. I marveled at its deeply sculpted hood and beautifully bulging fenders. Incidentally, in order to achieve its incredible fender bulge the Fuji Dietec Corporation, supplier to GM, developed a deep-draw process called "inverted toggle draw," which stamps as much as 46 cm (18 inches) of draw, or depth into the formed area of the Grade 5 steel used in the SSR fenders.
There isn't a single aspect of the SSR's exterior that I would change, including the upper slat of the grill which extends wide enough to bisect each of the circular headlights - what a neat feature.
