Upcoming 2006 Chevy Finds Inspiration in New SSR and 1940s Trucks
"Why should Chrysler have all the fun?" Or so the conversation hypothetically at General Motors may have gone when the bowtie brand's latest retro model was first envisioned.
Chrysler may have started the retrospective crossover revolution, with the launch of its ubiquitous PT Cruiser in 2000, but Chevy isn't about to let its domestic rival walk away with all of North America's hotrod fans.
 |
| The HHR's look goes back in Chevrolet's heritage to the late 1940s high-roof truck, and to the current SSR pickup. (Photo: General Motors) |
HHR, three letters that became the official codename for the "heritage high roof" prototype, is now the official name for a new model announced by GM earlier this year.
Like the name implies, the look goes back in Chevrolet's heritage to the late 1940s high-roof truck. GM combines styling cues from its current throwback SSR pickup in the new design too, making the automaker the only company to offer a field of retro models - VW's New Beetle and New Beetle convertible excluded.
 |
| The HHR will start production in the summer of 2005, and compete directly with Chrysler's PT Cruiser. (Photo: General Motors) |
HHR will start production in the summer of 2005 and become available the following fall as a 2006 model. At this time it will be the third vehicle to be based on the General's Delta global small-car architecture, following the Saturn ION that came out last year, Chevrolet Cobalt due to replace the Cavalier, and Canadian only Pontiac Pursuit, that should be replacing the Sunfire.
That makes the HHR a compact, and directly targeting the PT Cruiser's market. Some question this strategy, as the PT hasn't exactly been growing in sales despite its overwhelming initial success. Will the HHR be too late to capitalize on the retro trend?
Only time can tell, but GM obviously feels there are Chevy loyalists that love the idea of a retro people hauler but want to stay true to their brand. This could very well be the case.