ASC and SO-CAL to Collaborate on 'West Coast' SSR Model
POMONA, Calif., Oct. 9 -- ASC Incorporated, a full-service specialty-vehicle development partner for automotive manufacturers, and SO-CAL Speed Shop, a world-renowned builder and restorer of hot rods and other specialty vehicles for the likes of ZZ Top, today announced that their first collaboration will be a "West Coast" model of the Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster), and released a sketch of the model. The two companies, which in June announced a partnership to create a full-service design and advanced planning studio at SO-CAL's Pomona facility, announced also that a full-scale concept will make its world premiere at a press conference on Monday, Nov. 3, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. PST, in Rooms N101-103 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, just prior to the annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show.
"We couldn't think of a more exciting project to kick off our alliance," said Paul Wilbur, president and CEO of ASC. "As a Tier 1 supplier to General Motors, ASC has been privileged to play a pivotal role in the gestation of the SSR from the very beginning -- from design assistance to engineering assistance, including the introduction of the world's first retractable hardtop on a pickup, to the current manufacture of some 42 subassemblies at our 200-person assembly plant in Lansing, Mich. So it seems very natural now to be working with our partners at SO-CAL to give this great Chevy halo vehicle even more of a West Coast 'attitude.'"
"The SSR already makes a bold statement," said Pete Chapouris, president of SO-CAL, "and we appreciate the opportunity to apply even some more Southern California style to it -- our specialty. The first modification for any self- respecting SO-CAL creation is 'slamming.' And in the case of the concept we'll be showing at SEMA, we've managed to lower the vehicle four inches in the front and almost six inches in the rear -- and yet still have it drivable."
Other external modifications will include running boards and a louvered hood and deck lid. "We wanted the vehicle to look even more nostalgic and truck-like," said Chapouris, "so we'll also be fabricating front and rear bumpers out of steel, adding some beautiful brightwork to the overall package."
Painted "Candy Tangerine" by the crew at SO-CAL using PPG materials, the finished concept will ride on custom-made Budnik Muroc wheels shod with Goodyear tires. While the wheel offsets have been changed to give the vehicle a different look, the overall diameters remain stock. For added performance, Magnuson Products will install one of its intercooled, inlet-forward Manga Chargers developed specifically for the SSR's 5.3L all-aluminum motor. The blower is expected to add in excess of 120 extra horsepower. In addition, Magnaflow Performance is developing a complete stainless-steel exhaust system.
"What you see here are just the early fruits of the relationship between two great specialty-vehicle companies -- ASC and SO-CAL," said Mark Trostle, president of ASC's creative services division. "And you can bet we'll be gauging interest in this concept at the SEMA show, and then deciding if and when we might offer this terrific package, in one form or another, to the public. Stay tuned!"
Once just a sunroof maker, ASC's award-winning programs include vehicle development and sub-assembly of the Chevrolet SSR; convertible systems for the BMW Z4, Toyota Camry Solara and Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder; and numerous appearance and body packages for such products as the Dodge Neon, Dodge Viper, Dodge Ram, Pontiac Grand Am and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Southgate, Mich., the company employs more than 1,000 car nuts at ten facilities in the U.S. and Germany, and is on the Web at http://www.ascglobal.com/ .
Founded in 1946 by Alex Xydias, the SO-CAL Speed Shop is a world-renowned restorer and builder of hot rods, custom cars, motorcycles, racecars and concept vehicles. The company holds a hallowed spot in southern California's automotive culture as the builder of "lakesters," "belly tanks," a "chopped" '34 coupe used in the movie "The California Kid" starring a young Martin Sheen and several cars and motorcycles for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. SO-CAL's restorations have also garnered a total of eight awards at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance annual vintage car show.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031009/DETH003PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com