But back to ride and handling, GM's small car architecture includes a rigid lower-dominant structure, improving ride and handling, plus
NVH levels and crash worthiness. The HHR also incorporates Quiet Steel laminated panels in the plenum, a sophisticated technology that makes it feel solid, and pricier than its fairly low entry price lets on.
Along with the extensive use of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel in key structural components, such as the rocker panels and cross-car reinforcing beam, a "safety cage" surrounding the passenger cell provides load-carrying protection and, together with laser-welded blanks integrated into the door frames, plus front and rear doors, aids in the new crossover's low NVH levels and crash protection.
Two tuning levels are available, with the LS and LT1 getting the standard FE1 setup
and the LT2 featuring an FE3 suspension. As expected the FE1 undercarriage optimizes ride over handling, with standard 16-inch wheels, while the FE3 is more suited to performance-oriented drivers. Its standard 17-inch wheels and monotube shocks should make for a slightly stiffer ride, but ride and handling should also increase measurably.
Rack-and-pinion steering is standard across the HHR line, complete with a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system dubbed Electric Power Steering (EPS). While tuned separately for each suspension setting, which aids steering feel, EPS rids the car of an engine-driven power steering pump, plus its fluid reservoir and associated plumbing, benefiting fuel consumption and potential environmental contaminants.
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| The HHR incorporates Quiet Steel laminated panels in the plenum, a sophisticated technology that makes it feel solid, and pricier than its fairly low entry price lets on. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Along with the extensive use of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel in key structural components, such as the rocker panels and cross-car reinforcing beam, a "safety cage" surrounding the passenger cell provides load-carrying protection and, together with laser-welded blanks integrated into the door frames, plus front and rear doors, aids in the new crossover's low NVH levels and crash protection.
Two tuning levels are available, with the LS and LT1 getting the standard FE1 setup
 |
| Rack-and-pinion steering is standard across the HHR line, complete with a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system dubbed Electric Power Steering. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Rack-and-pinion steering is standard across the HHR line, complete with a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system dubbed Electric Power Steering (EPS). While tuned separately for each suspension setting, which aids steering feel, EPS rids the car of an engine-driven power steering pump, plus its fluid reservoir and associated plumbing, benefiting fuel consumption and potential environmental contaminants.