The Chevrolet SSR: Part Heritage, Part Function, Part Flexibility ... All Fun

The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) seamlessly combines the function and utility of a pickup with the performance and open-air excitement of a sports roadster. And it does so by tapping into decades of Chevrolet heritage, evident in its stylish design and in the take-no-prisoners performance.

"On one hand, it’s a roadster, but people who live with roadsters face hard challenges as far as having places to put things and carry any sort of cargo — not with the SSR," said Welburn. "On the other hand, it can carry things for you, but it’s not just about hauling things to an event. Driving it is an event in itself. It’s all about cruising, whether it’s on Woodward in Detroit, South Boulevard in Miami Beach or the autobahn in Germany."

At the heart of the SSR is its 6.0-liter, high-output V-8 engine. The longitudinally mounted engine powers the rear wheels only, offering true sports car performance and handling characteristics. Also enhancing the ride and handling and befitting a sports roadster are the five-spoke alloy sport wheels and performance tires-19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear.

The SSR’s exterior design builds on Chevy styling cues, including the grille. "The front end design is unmistakable Chevrolet, drawing on its heritage of the early 1950s," Welburn said. "The strong fender forms, in side view, are very much a part of Chevy’s brand character, especially in that kind of line that spins off the wheel. Impalas and Monte Carlos have it in a subtle way, and future Chevrolets will have it.

"Also, the interior has a twin cockpit theme, which is a very strong Chevy brand character trait. Early Corvettes had it, and that theme travels through the interior to the seats and the headrests."

The interior plays off that twin cockpit theme and presents a clean, simple, comfortable environment. The storage area between the seats is multiconfigurable. It can stow away to provide seating for a third person or a child seat, or it can act as an armrest, with cupholders that slide out from inside it.

To create the extra space on the bench seat, designers moved the automatic shifter from the floor to the steering wheel. Inside a dash-mounted panel door are controls for the climate and stereo including Navigation system, weather access and Windows computer with internet/e-mail access. GM’s OnStar™ System is also featured in the interior. "It’s there when you need it," Welburn said, "otherwise the door is closed and the design is kept clean."

The SSR’s most exciting feature is the power-operated, retractable hardtop. The two-piece top stows vertically between the seat and the rear storage bed. It’s neatly tucked away, flush behind the passenger compartment. With the top down, and the sun shining in, the SSR becomes a truck like no other truck and a roadster like no other roadster.

The rear cargo area can carry a multitude of items for consumers on the go. It has a lockable storage area to protect the cargo inside. The tailgate can be operated remotely with a button on the key fob, or opened manually using the latch on the inside of the gate.

Source:  General Motors

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