Corvette ZR1 LS9 Engine Photos Leaked

As expected, the Detroit Motor Show this January will see the debut of the new Corvette ZR1 packing an all new engine, the LS9. As previously suspected, these leaked photos confirm the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine gets supercharged. The photos show the supercharger in its two main components, the twin intercooler which integrates on top of the main supercharger unit sitting underneath. The LS9 engine is expected to produce approximately 650 hp.



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GM Product Schedule Released

Details of the General Motors / United Auto Workers agreement have been released, including inside information about the future production schedule at the American auto maker. As part of the contract agreement, UAW sought assurances that GM would guarantee that certain products would continue to be built in American factories, as opposed to Canadian, Mexican, or overseas plants.

Included in a document released to the media by UAW were GM's plans to continue building current and future products at 16 of 18 U.S. assembly plants. Also included is apparently confidential information about GM product cycles. These plans include:

• The Corvette and the Cadillac XLR will continue through 2011, with new models to begin production in 2012 at the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant.
• After a couple of years of waiting, the new Camaro is expected to begin production in 2011 at Lansing, Michigan.
• Pontiac's Solstice and the Saturn Sky roadsters will continue assebly through 2012 in Wilmington, Delaware, but they have no announced replacement at this time. The car is rumored to begin production that year in Bowling Green, Kentucky, opening the door for a possible redesign of the two-seaters. Sadly, this could mean the end of the Wilmington plant.
• The Chevrolet Volt, a highly-anticipated electric car, will begin production in 2010 at a plant near Detroit. The MPV7 will also go into production here starting in 2009.
• The Pontiac G6 will continue being made in Orion, Michigan, until 2013. Orion is not yet assigned a new vehicle to manufacture.
• Cadillac models CTS, STS, and SRX will all continue to be built for two years, with a new CTS wagon and CTS coupe starting up in 2009. Two more cadillac styles are expected to be manufactured beginning in 2011. This will all take place in Lansing, Michigan.
• Current models of the Hummer H3 and H3T will end in 2011, with updated models heading into production that year in Shreveport, Louisiana.
• Also in Shreveport, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon will only exist up through 2011.
• Cadillac's DTS and the Buick Lucerne will stay in production through 2010 near Detroit, in Hamtramck.
• Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS continue in Hamtramck until 2010.
• The Lansing/Delta Michigan plant will also see several GMC, Saturn, and Buick products continue assebly through 2011, with replacements coming in 2012.
• A brand new, globally distributed subcompact is to be produced in Lordstown, Ohio, where the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 small cars are already built. Those cars will be phases out in 2009. Two new cars will also be manufactured here starting in 2011.
• GM will be closing a plant in Doraville, Georgia. Workers there have already been notified.

The one assembly plant not mentioned in the deal builds midsize SUVs. The Moraine, Ohio, location is not mentioned because a separate union covers workers there.

``The whole thing looks fantastic,'' said Dave Green, UAW local president in Lordstown, Ohio, where new subcompacts will be built. However, the nearly 1,000 employees in Doraville, Georgia, might not feel the same. They have since discovered their plant will be shuttered.

Despite what others are reporting, this deal is certainly not final. With 16,000 employees becoming eligible for buyouts for carrying out non-essential duties, and new hires in noncore functions expected to get half the starting salary of an assembly line worker, there is the possibility that union employees will not ratify the agreement.

GM's 74,000 UAW members are to vote on the contract, with voting expected to be complete by October 10.

Corvette C6RS

NEW HUDSON, Mich., Oct. 29, 2007 – Pratt & Miller Engineering has designed and developed a new limited edition Corvette C6RS that provides an exceptional level of performance and refinement for enthusiasts. Inspired by the Le Mans-winning Corvette C6.R race cars, the new Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS supercar combines advanced racing technology with everyday driveability. The first production Corvette C6RS will be available in April 2008.

Powered by a Katech Performance 8.2-liter (500ci) all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. torque, the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS employs a purpose-built carbon fiber body to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency. A computer-controlled adjustable suspension system, center-nut forged aluminum BBS wheels with Michelin tires, and massive Brembo monoblock disc brakes enhance vehicle dynamics. A two-tone leather interior and a comprehensive sound control system produce a quiet, comfortable environment for driver and passenger.

"Our goal was to create a Corvette supercar that delivers an extremely high level of performance with extraordinary comfort and reliability," said Gary Pratt, co-owner of Pratt & Miller Engineering. "The Corvette C6RS was inspired by our Corvette race program, but it's not a race car for the street. You can take the Corvette C6RS on a 300-mile road trip, or drive it to a track day and run fast laps."

Conceived, designed, developed and constructed by the championship-winning Pratt & Miller team, the Corvette C6RS bristles with sophisticated materials and race-inspired technology. The aggressively styled lightweight body, made entirely of carbon fiber, measures 1.6 inches wider than a production Corvette Z06. The carbon fiber front fascia has integrated brake ducts and ram air induction. Aerodynamic enhancements include functional front fender louvers, a carbon fiber underwing and rear diffuser, enlarged front wheel vents and rear brake ducts, an integrated rear spoiler, and a front splitter.

"Every body modification has a purpose," Pratt explained. "The features were modeled on the C6.R race cars, and there are no nonfunctional styling elements."

The C6RS chassis is upgraded to complement the improved aerodynamic grip. A Dynamic Ride Height Control suspension system provides three driver-adjustable settings: Low, Drive and High. In the Low mode, the system lowers the ride height to improve handling, while the High setting increases ground clearance to negotiate steep driveways and ramps. The suspension is upgraded with Pratt & Miller-tuned dampers and heavy-duty wheel hubs and bearings.

The same manufacturers who supply tires, wheels, and brakes for the Corvette C6.R race cars also provide the rolling stock for the Pratt & Miller C6RS. The street car's BBS forged aluminum wheels (18 x 11-inch front, 19 x 13.6-inch rear) have racing-style center nuts. The stunning black chrome wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires (P295/30-18 front and P345/30-19 rear). The Brembo Grand Tourismo brake system delivers impressive stopping power with six-piston monoblock front calipers with 14-inch rotors and four-piston monoblock rear calipers with 13.5-inch rotors.

With 600 horsepower on tap, the 8.2-liter C6RS engine rivals the performance of the restricted 7.0-liter engines that powered the C6.R race cars to five GT class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and seven consecutive American Le Mans Series championships. Developed by engine partner Katech Performance, the 500ci small-block V-8 is based on a high-strength 6061-T6 billet aluminum Dart block with linerless Nicom-coated 4.205-inch diameter cylinder bores. The rotating assembly features a forged steel crankshaft (4.500-inch stroke), forged 4340 steel connecting rods, and 11:1 compression forged aluminum pistons. The custom-built CORSA stainless steel exhaust system employs the company’s patented Reflective Sound Cancellation™ (RSC) technology to optimize interior and exterior sound quality. An aluminum flywheel and twin-disc clutch transfer the engine's torque to a blueprinted T56 six-speed transmission.

A luxurious interior is the counterpoint to the Corvette C6RS's cutting edge technology. A Dynamat sound insulation system produces a quiet refuge, while the instrument panel, doors, console, steering wheel and seats are wrapped in premium quality leather with French seams.

"Our goal with the Corvette C6RS was to capture the soul and spirit of the Corvette C6.R race car in a premium GT car for the street," said Pratt. "The C6RS is a car with a legendary racing heritage and an unrivalled engineering pedigree. Just as the Corvette C6.R race car has become the benchmark in production-based sports car competition, we believe that the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS will set the new standard for sports car performance and luxury on the highway."

Founded in 1989 by Gary Pratt and Jim Miller, Pratt & Miller Engineering & Fabrication provides automotive and non-automotive clients with leading-edge engineering and low-volume manufacturing solutions. For more information, visit the Pratt & Miller website at www.prattmiller.com.

Chevrolet CR8 Announced for Middle East

Middle East Exports Get Performance Boost

GM Holden has teamed up with Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) to expand its range of exported vehicles to the Middle East. The new export program, launched overnight in the Middle East, will see a version of HSV’s popular E Series ClubSport R8 model exported in LHD form and badged under the Chevrolet Special Vehicles logo. The new high performance model will be known as CR8. It features the LS2 6.0-litre engine Generation IV V8 engine delivering 307kw of peak performance with 550 Nm* of torque.

With over 200,000 Holden-sourced short and long wheel based vehicles sold into the region since 1998, the Middle East has been Holden’s biggest and most enduring volume export market. Currently Holden exports variants of the VE and WM sedan ranges which are sold in the region as Chevrolet Lumina and Chevrolet Caprice respectively. The Chevrolet Lumina ranges from the LS model (based on the VE Omega) up to the sports-based SS (based on the equivalent Commodore SS model).

Alan Batey, GM Holden Executive Director – Sales and Marketing comments, “This extension of our product range in the region illustrates the growing maturity of the Middle East market. Holden has been able to partner its expertise in tailoring vehicles for the Middle East with the high performance expertise of HSV to deliver a vehicle that will deliver a great driving experience. Local buyers appreciate the luxury brands but also seek great performance and handling from their vehicles. Both the Lumina and Caprice deliver that combination and with the introduction of the CR8, consumers will be offered another exciting option.”

Scott Grant, Managing Director of HSV, said “This announcement adds another important export market to the HSV portfolio, on top of our successful program with Vauxhall in the UK and long standing presence in New Zealand. HSV is already well known brand among car enthusiasts in the Middle East, many of whom are fans of the Aussie high performance cars and our racing activities. We have also been involved in the region through supply and preparation of 20 Clubsport R VZ models for the Lumina CSV Championship which is run by the Bahrain International Race Circuit and sponsored by Chevrolet. The initial response from dealers has been exceptional with the CR8 being praised for its aggressive stance, excellent acceleration and handling.”

Exports represent an increasingly important part of GM Holden’s current business model with total export sales for 2006 reaching 46,074. Of those, over 31,000 were for the Middle East in what was a record export year to the region for GM Holden. Earlier this year, Chevrolet Caprice received its second major award in the Middle East as it was named Best Executive Sedan by Middle East Car magazine. In late 2006, it was announced as Luxury Car of the Year by Middle East Autocar magazine.

The launch of the new export program is timed to coincide with the Desert 400 V8 Supercar round in Bahrain this weekend where the CSV logo will feature prominently on Todd Kelly’s Chevrolet branded Holden Racing Team car. The new CR8 will also be on display at a CSV stand at the forthcoming Dubai Motor Show from 14-18 November.

* Figures quoted using 98 RON (PULP)

1966 Chevy Biscayne - Storm Warning

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible

Project X 1957 Chevy

‘PROJECT X’ ’57 CHEVY IS REBORN WITH THE NEW GMPP ANNIVERSARY 427 ENGINE

It has been the subject of more enthusiast magazine build stories than any other car and has graced the cover of Popular Hot Rodding (PHR) countless times. It even played a supporting role in “Hollywood Knights,” serving as the supercharged transportation for Tony Danza and Michelle Pfeiffer.

The car is Project X, the most famous 1957 Chevy ever built – and rebuilt. Since its debut in PHR more than 40 years ago, Project X has served as a rolling, evolving test bed of high-performance parts and a bell weather of automotive culture trends. But while this perpetual project car has never absolutely been finished, it has undergone several complete rebuilds – transformations that have contemporized its performance and styling.

General Motors and PHR collaborated during the past year to redesign, restore and re-power the iconic yellow shoebox, including the first of a limited number of Anniversary 427 crate engines.

“General Motors is proud to have participated in its latest and most extensive restoration ever,” said Al Oppenheiser, GM Performance Division director for concept and vehicle integration. “This completely ‘restified’ Chevy represents the ultimate form of Project X.”

PHR entrusted Project X with GM Performance Division, which took the car to its Warren, Mich., home for a frame-off revitalization. The car was updated with a contemporary spin on the Pro Street theme, with a modified Corvette front suspension, four-link and mini-tubbed rear suspension and more.

“Working on Project X was like working on a time machine,” said Mike Copeland, GM Performance Division project manager. “The history was clear when we took it apart – there were remnants of past modifications everywhere and the team members truly understood the historical significance of the car.”

But while Project X has traditionally been a platform for aftermarket performance, GM Performance Division restored it with a great balance of O.E.M. parts and craftsmanship, complementing a roster of components supplied by the performance industry’s top manufacturers.

Anniversary 427

Nestled in at the front of the frame rails is the all-new Anniversary 427 big-block crate engine from GM Performance Parts. It is a modern re-creation of the mythical, all-aluminum ZL-1 427 engine. It is underrated at 430 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque – like the production engine was in 1969. Only 427 of the special engines will be built.

Production of the Anniversary 427 is based on the aluminum block’s original tooling, which was thought to be lost after production of the original ZL-1 engine halted in the early 1970s. GM Performance Parts oversaw the refurbishment of the tooling and updated some design features of the cylinder block, such as the addition of screw-in galley plugs. The block casting also was strengthened in key areas.

The Anniversary 427 has a 10:1 compression ratio, all-forged reciprocating parts, a roller camshaft, aluminum oval-port heads with 2.19/1.88-inch valves, HEI ignition and an 850-cfm four-barrel carburetor mounted atop an aluminum dual-plane intake manifold. All of the limited-edition engines come with natural-finish, “427 CHEVROLET”-script valve covers that are serialized, per their build in the 427-unit run. Also, every engine comes with a matching-number owner’s kit, adding to its exclusivity.

Exhaust exits the Anniversary 427 through custom headers that are routed through the front fenders. They are connected to a remote-activated cut-out switch that allows the gases to pass through a conventional exhaust system to the rear of the car during street driving, or through more direct, unrestricted openings behind the front wheels.

Drivetrain details

Backing the Anniversary 427 in Project X is a heavy-duty Richmond five-speed manual transmission, which channels torque to a Strange Engineering S60 rear axle that’s fitted with 3.73 gears. This all helps spin a set of massive 20- x 15-inch rear wheels. Budnik built the one-off rims for Project X, which melds period five-spoke styling with contemporary proportions. They have satin-finished center sections with polished outers, including the matching 18- x 7-inch front wheels. The tires are from Mickey Thompson.

To hold up that heavy-duty drivetrain, while also ensuring safe, comfortable and responsive driving performance, the GM Performance team created a rear suspension featuring a triangulated four-link design with QA-1 coil-over-shock components and Art Morrison control arms. The rear frame rails were narrowed five inches to accommodate the oversized tires.

At the front, sections of C6 Corvette rails are used. They were spliced onto the Chevy’s original frame, enabling a complete Corvette front suspension system to be used, including the disc brake system with 14-inch rotors (Wilwood discs with 10-inch rotors are used at the rear). A custom front stabilizer bar was created for the car by Addco.

Enhanced structure

The Corvette suspension provides Project X with vastly improved ride and handling characteristics – attributes that were enhanced with a strengthened front-end structure.

“Before starting the work, the car’s frame was scanned into our computers for analysis,” said Copeland. “Although it was obvious where opportunities existed for strengthening the front of the car, the analysis helped determine the best way of achieving that goal.”

GM Performance Division engineers and technicians added a new subframe and reconstructed the core support area at the front of the chassis, while also adding structure to other sections of the Project X’s front end – including an pair of additional body mounts. The new core support structure also integrates a custom Griffin radiator and the condenser for the Vintage Air climate system.

To free up more space under the hood – and prevent the classic Chevy headache caused by the bulky latch – the stock hood latch was replaced with Solstice latches. Also, the stock hood hinges were swapped for Cadillac STS trunk hinges and hydraulic support lifts.

Body and paint

Like so many of the details throughout the car, the body and paint work look simple enough at a glance, but represent untold hours of planning, execution and attention to detail.

The body was removed from the frame during the restoration and completely reworked. At the front, the iconic bumper/grille was re-done with a custom, billet aluminum grille bar – outfitted with a “427” emblem – while the grille has a unique mesh pattern.

On the hood, the iconic “gun sight” ornaments were removed and their housings enlarged by 50 mm. They now serve as ram air induction inlets, feeding a custom air box mounted to the underside of the hood. When the hood is closed, the air box fits over the Anniversary 427’s carburetor, which is fitted with an L-88-style flame arrestor.

Along the flanks, the signature ’57 Chevy side trim has been re-created in CNC-milled billet aluminum. In fact, the rear trim section – which was comprised of three pieces originally – was reproduced as a single piece that more than seven feet long. And though Project X is a “210” model, the builders “filled in” the rear trim section with a stylized version of the Bel Air insert incorporating countless brushed-style “X” insignias.

“There are countless details in the body and it really takes an expert to find all of them,” said Copeland. “For example, the front door corners were rounded off and the bumper bolts were removed for a smoother look – even the small front fender slots were recreated to match the angle of the headlamp housings.”

And because Project X has been yellow since its inception, it was re-sprayed with a new Corvette Z06 Millennium Yellow hue.

Hidden amenities

As with the exterior, Project X’s cabin was completely dismantled and rebuilt – with plenty of subtle details and tricks. The dashboard, for example, was custom-built with billet aluminum inserts that carry the same “X” logos as the exterior Bel Air trim panel. A full set of Custom Rod Gauges instruments – built specifically for Project X – fills the panel in front of the driver. The dashboard also houses factory air conditioning vents that serve as outlets for the aftermarket Vintage Air climate system.

The front seats began life as Cadillac STS units and were modified to give them a chopped-down, slimmer look – including the removal of the headrests. The rear seat is from a 1956 Buick and it was modified with an aluminum center trim panel. All the seats are covered in rich, black leather with grey cloth inserts.

Additional interior details include door panel trim that mimics the design of the exterior trim, a sporty steering wheel from a 1963 Impala SS and a ’64 Impala center console that was widened to fit the space between the late-model STS seats. Rising out of the console is a classic Hurst shifter that is used to stir the Richmond five-speed.

Some of Project X’s best interior details are hidden in plain sight, including the power window switches. They’re connected to the original-type manual window cranks, which require only a quarter-turn to lower or raise the windows – giving the interior a great blend of vintage style and modern technology. A Kenwood audio system is also hidden in the interior and it is operated via an overhead touch-screen control panel. The panel also contains controls for the exhaust cut-outs, fog lights and trunk release.

Other hidden features are located in the trunk, which was re-done in hand-formed steel – including the wide wheel “tubs” – and incorporates side access panels for storage and to keep the rear-mounted battery out of view.

Project X partners

• Addco – custom front stabilizer bar
• Akzo Nobel – powder coat
• American Auto Wire – vehicle wiring and harnesses
• Art Morrison – rear control arms
• Budnik – custom wheels
• Classic Industries – 1963-64 Impala components (interior)
• Custom Rod Gauges – dashboard instruments
• Danchuk – 1957 Chevy restoration parts
• DynoMax – 2.5-inch stainless steel mufflers
• Experi-Metal – replacement sheet metal
• Griffin – custom radiator
• Hays – clutch
• Hurst – shifter
• Ididit – tilting steering column
• Kenwood – audio system
• Lakewood – transmission scatter shield
• McLeod – hydraulic throw-out bearing
• Mickey Thompson – tires
• QA-1 – coil-over shocks
• Richmond Gears – five-speed manual transmission
• Royal Purple – engine oil and lubricants
• Strange Engineering – S60 rear axle
• Vintage Air – air conditioning system

Chevrolet HD Crew Z71 'Big Red' at SEMA

Taking cues from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s “Big Red” Silverado that debuted at SEMA in 2006, the ’08 Silverado HD Crew Z71 Big Red demonstrates how that expressive concept’s unique features would look with production-type components. It combines numerous GM Accessories inspired by Earnhardt’s Big Red and features additional custom touches. It also supposes the popular Z71 off-road package on the Silverado 2500HD – a model not offered by the factory. It’s powered by the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 and a six-speed Allison transmission.

Vehicle highlights:

• Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4

• Z71 grille and bumper; underbody protection

• Z71 badging on floor mats, sill plates and instrument cluster

• 6.6L Duramax diesel with Allison six-speed automatic transmission

• “Earnhardt Red” exterior color

• Lifted ride height

• Rancho shocks

• Ballistic nylon seat material

GM Accessories features (production and concept):

• 20 x 35-inch wheel-and-tire package (concept)

• Box storage management system

• Portable DVD player system

• Integrated loading ramp running boards

• Chrome door and tow hooks

• Light bar integrated in GMA box rail

• Fuel door (concept)

• Bed rug

• Two-way remote start

• HD billet grille

• Hood louvers

• Rear wheelhouse liners

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS

2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS FAST FACTS

• Engineered and developed by GM Performance Division

• 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW)

• GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with short-throw shifter

• Nürburgring-tuned FE5 Sport suspension delivers 0.9 g grip

• Brembo fixed-caliper front discs and vented rear disc brakes

• SS-specific appearance with unique fascias and rear spoiler – including available high wing

• 18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheels and Y-rated performance tires

• SS-specific interior with new sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge and more

• On sale: second quarter of 2008

TURBOCHARGED CHEVROLET COBALT SS GIVES A BOOST OF FUN TO THE COMPACT SEGMENT

Celebrating the performance community that comprises SEMA, Chevrolet used the annual convention of all things high-performance to announce the 2008 Cobalt SS coupe. True to its legendary moniker, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features – along with an undeniably fun and youthful character.

Developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) and powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers 55 horses (41 kW) more than the previous Cobalt SS Supercharged, and its driving experience was validated on racetracks throughout North America and Europe, including Germany’s legendary Nürburgring circuit.

“The Cobalt SS is the very essence of Chevrolet’s fun spirit and serious performance,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The horsepower will put a permanent smile on your face and you’ll find yourself wanting to turn around and zip through your favorite stretch of twisty roads again.”

The Cobalt SS coupe arrives in dealerships in the second quarter of 2008. A Cobalt SS sedan, with all of the same high-performance features of the coupe, follows a couple of months later.

Maximum performance – on the street or track

The Cobalt SS was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting high-performance vehicles. It features powertrain and chassis enhancements that are similar to the new HHR SS, but with larger Brembo brakes, a slightly “taller” final-drive ratio and other variances that emphasize the Cobalt SS’s pure performance ethic, as well as maximize its competitiveness on the track.

Engineered to offer more than merely a turbocharged rush of power, an all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed and includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning – all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate afflictions such as torque steer. Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track. The unique “no-lift shift” feature enables manual-transmission-equipped models to achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller.

Ensuring the car stops as confidently as it accelerates and corners are four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. The front brakes are from Brembo and have a performance-oriented fixed-caliper design, which resist fade better than floating caliper designs; the rear discs are vented for better heat dissipation. Along with these high-performance attributes, the Cobalt SS comes standard with a host of safety features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and side-impact air bags.

With its balanced tuning, the Cobalt SS delivers a quick 0-60 time of approximately 5.7 seconds – thanks to the manual transmission’s “no-lift shift” feature – and a sports car-like maximum lateral grip of 0.9 g. This combination enabled the Cobalt SS to set a new class record while circulating the famed Nürburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes.

Unmistakable style

The Cobalt SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features, including a distinctive, air dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps. The new fascia’s grille and the Cobalt’s upper grille sport a new, SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance.

SS-specific rockers and badging adorn the body sides, while a standard deck lid spoiler adds the requisite sporty touch to the rear of the car. The standard spoiler can be replaced with an optional high wing-style aero enhancement that gives the Cobalt SS the look of a racecar. Also at the rear is a prominent, bright-tip exhaust outlet.

Large, five-spoke 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard and are tailored with the specific body enhancements to give the Cobalt SS a lower, performance-oriented stance – while also showing off the large Brembo front brake calipers. They’re mounted on 225/40-series summer tires. Likewise, the available exterior colors enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle. They include Victory Red, Black, Ultra Silver Metallic, Imperial Blue, Rally Yellow, Sport Red Tintcoat and White.

Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the Cobalt SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement.

Chevrolet HHR Panel SS Concept for SEMA

At the 2007 SEMA Show, Chevrolet revealed the HHR Panel SS – a customized vision that previews a forthcoming production model differing only slightly from the stylized SEMA concept. The Panel SS fuses the production HHR SS’s turbocharged powertrain and race track-bred suspension with the unique HHR Panel body style.

“It was natural that our designers and engineers brought up the ‘what if’ question when it came to the HHR SS and the HHR Panel,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “They were given the nod to pursue it and we think the result is fun and exciting; it amplifies the very best attributes that have made the HHR so popular with customers.”

The HHR Panel SS concept combines production components with custom details. And while the concept vehicle will be shown at events around the country, the HHR Panel SS limited-edition production model will be offered at Chevy dealers starting in the 2009 model year.

The underpinnings and powertain of the HHR Panel SS concept include the production turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine that produces 260 horsepower (194 kW), unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The exterior details include production SS front and rear fascias, rocker panels, a modified SS front grille and an SS rear spoiler. It also features polished metal body side trim and 20-inch wheels that are unique to the concept vehicle, while a “suede” paint scheme has a satin appearance that recalls classic hot rods.

Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats – with suede-like Ultra Lux inserts – a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel support the vehicle’s performance capability. The cargo area – there is no rear seat – has been customized with billet aluminum tie-downs, floor strips and load brackets.

Underneath, a tuned suspension based on the production SS’s FE5 Sport suspension enables sharp ride and handling, but was modified slightly for the SEMA concept vehicle to accommodate the larger-than-production 20-inch wheels and tires. The FE5 suspension was developed and tuned at Germany’s famed Nürburgring racing circuit and includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning – all designed to complement the turbocharged powertrain. Along with its high-performance attributes, the HHR SS is equipped with a host of safety and convenience features, including the StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Vehicle highlights:

• HHR Panel SS

• 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled DOHC engine with 260 horsepower

• Electronically controlled automatic transmission

• HHR SS FE5 Sport suspension with modifications to accommodate concept 20-inch wheels and tires

• Enhanced brake system

• Production HHR Panel body with production and modified HHR SS exterior panels

• Satin paint finish

• Polished metal exterior trim

• Modified HHR SS interior, including SS-embroidered seats, specific gauges and A-pillar boost gauge

• Customized cargo area with billet tie-downs, rub strips and load brackets

• GM Accessories Personal Audio Link