Chevrolet HHR

## Powertrain

### Engine

2.2 L (130 cu in) Ecotec L61 I42.4 L (150 cu in) Ecotec LE5 I42.0 L (120 cu in) I4 turbocharged Ecotec LNF

## Dimensions

### Length

4,475 mm (176.2 in)SS: 4,480 mm (176.4 in)

## Chronology

### Successor

Chevrolet Captiva SportBuick EnvisionChevrolet TraxChevrolet Orlando (Canada)Chevrolet City Express (HHR Panel version)

The **Chevrolet HHR** (an initialism for Heritage High Roof) is a retro-styled, high-roofed, five-door, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive station wagon designed by Bryan Nesbitt and launched by the American automaker Chevrolet at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2006 model.

The HHR shares the GM Delta platform with the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion. In Mexico, it was marketed with its predecessor, the Opel-sourced Chevrolet Zafira compact MPV.

Chevrolet marketed a panel van variant of the HHR beginning in 2007. Assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and marketed throughout North America, production of the HHR ended in May 2011.

## Design

The vehicle's design was inspired by the late-1940s/early 1950s Chevrolet cars and trucks, specifically the 1947 Chevrolet Suburban and Advance Design pickups, with large, square fender flares and a hemispherical grille. The design of the HHR has been credited to Bryan Nesbitt who was a former designer at Chrysler where he was the lead designer of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Nesbitt was recruited by GM to join its design staff and served for a time as the chief designer of the Chevrolet brand. The HHR had a cargo-carrying capacity of 62.7 cubic feet (1.78 m3). All models had a flat-load floor (passenger models have 60/40 split-bench) and a fold-flat front passenger seat. For the 2007 model year, it was available in five trim levels; LS, LT, 2LT, and Special Edition. A panel van variant was also made available in 2007 for only the LT trim and became available on all trim levels in 2008. A "Half Panel" (RPO code AA5) rear quarter window delete option was available from the 2008-2010 model years.

## Assembly and sales

The HHR was assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, and was available for sale throughout North America. The HHR was also exported to Japan by way of the motor vehicle business unit of Mitsui. Japanese buyers were liable for annual taxes due to the engine displacement and width dimensions that didn't comply with the "compact class" dimension regulations imposed by the Japanese Government. First-year sales exceeded 93,000 through June 2006. The HHR was partially available in Europe and is replaced now by the Chevrolet Orlando. In early 2009, the Chevrolet HHR was discontinued from the Mexican lineup due to poor sales.

## SS Turbocharged

In October 2006, Cheryl Catton, director of car marketing and retail integration for Chevy, confirmed that a high-performance variant of the HHR would be built. The vehicle was expected to be released with SS moniker for the 2008 model year and use the Ecotec LNF turbocharged engine found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line.

On August 16, 2007, Chevrolet officially revealed the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Birmingham, Michigan. It was created by GM's Performance Division and introduced as a 2008 model in the fall of 2007. The SS Turbocharged features a 2.0 L (120 cu in) turbocharged Ecotec LNF I4 engine and intercooler that produces 260 bhp (190 kW) (235 bhp (175 kW) with the optional 4-speed automatic), race-tuned high-performance suspension, five-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter, standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, ground effects with unique front and rear fascias, aggressive black cross-mesh grille, liftgate-mounted aero spoiler, an analog A-pillar-mounted titanium boost gauge, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and unique 18 in (460 mm) high-polished aluminum wheels.

Chevrolet also introduced the **HHR SS Panel Concept** on October 30, 2007, at the 2007 SEMA Show. This was made into a production model for the 2009 model year.

The SS model was removed from the market after the 2010 model year due to the shuttering of the GM Performance Division, also known as the GM High-Performance Vehicle Operations (HPVO) Group. In addition, GM phased out all GM badges from the front doors for the 2010.5 model year, including the Chevrolet HHR.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, Chevrolet announced that the HHR would be discontinued after the 2011 model year, with the last HHR's available in dealerships starting in late January to early February. HHRs were also available for fleet order until May 2011.

## Year-to-year changes

* 2007: HHR Panel launched. Intended for commercial use, the rear side windows & rear seat are deleted & additional floor storage is offered. The 2.4 LE5 engine was retuned for more power while retaining the same fuel economy. The 2.2L L61 engine received some significant internal upgrades including a higher-strength Gen II block and revised cylinder head (enlarged exhaust ports) and camshaft design (increased exhaust valve duration). The engine also switched from wasted spark ignition to individual coil-on-plug ignition. The upgraded engine was controlled by a new 32-bit ECM (E37). These changes increase horsepower slightly and retain a similar fuel economy. The ebony interior now available.
* 2008: New "SS" model introduced. "Half Panel" RPO code AA5, rear quarter window delete, option added. The tire pressure monitoring system now standard (except in Canada). GM's OnStar was also now included with every model. Electronic stability control is available as an option. Four new exterior colors were available.
* 2009: Flex-Fuel (E85) was added to the 2.2 and 2.4 engines. The 2.2 engine now comes with Variable Valve Timing (VVT). The interior was slightly changed: power window control switches were relocated from the lower center dashboard to the more traditional driver-side door; interior overhead lighting was improved; AM/FM stereo with a USB port was now optionally available on LT/SS models. Side curtain airbags & electronic stability control is now standard across all models (except in Canada).
* 2010: GM phased out all GM badges from the front doors halfway through the model year (2010.5). 3 new paint colors added (8 total), down from 10 color options in 2009. Side curtain airbags & electronic stability control is now standard for Canadian models. Last year for "Half Panel" RPO code AA5, rear quarter window delete option.
* 2011: SS model discontinued. Cashmere interior removed from options.