New HHR Concept a Real Head Turner
SEMA, short for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), opens the doors to its 2005 show, held in the Las Vegas Convention
Center, on Tuesday, the largest of its kind in North America. But what was once a varied assortment of niche manufacturers now includes the biggest players in the industry, using the opportunity to connect with the early adapting trend setters that frequent the event.
Among these manufacturers Detroit's big three play a big role, with specially tuned versions of common rolling stock designed to inspire North America's youth and young in heart to buy their products and customize them using OEM and aftermarket parts.
Expect
DaimlerChrysler to make a big showing, with a bevy of tricked out Dodge Chargers and maybe a modified Jeep Commander, or two, while Ford would be crazy not to have at least one Fusion, possibly a new Lincoln Zephyr and no doubt a half dozen Mustangs to complement the hundreds of independent parts suppliers using Mustangs as display booth eye candy.
What about GM? As expected there will be many new production and concept cars on display, the former tuned to appeal to the SEMA crowds and the latter already exclusive enough to garner attention to their respective brands. No doubt, Pontiac will be displaying its Solstice, front and centre, and possibly its new G6 coupe and convertible models, while it would be crazy not to arrive with a tweaked Saab 9-3 SportCombi or 9-5. When it comes right down to it, GM has many new cars worthy of personalizing, but none fits the bill better than its HHR compact crossover.
SEMA, short for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), opens the doors to its 2005 show, held in the Las Vegas Convention
 |
| Chevy's HHR joins a host of rival manufacturers to display its customized wares and aftermarket parts. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Among these manufacturers Detroit's big three play a big role, with specially tuned versions of common rolling stock designed to inspire North America's youth and young in heart to buy their products and customize them using OEM and aftermarket parts.
Expect
 |
| A unique grille treatment puts a racy spin on the HHR's otherwise zoomy personality. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
What about GM? As expected there will be many new production and concept cars on display, the former tuned to appeal to the SEMA crowds and the latter already exclusive enough to garner attention to their respective brands. No doubt, Pontiac will be displaying its Solstice, front and centre, and possibly its new G6 coupe and convertible models, while it would be crazy not to arrive with a tweaked Saab 9-3 SportCombi or 9-5. When it comes right down to it, GM has many new cars worthy of personalizing, but none fits the bill better than its HHR compact crossover.