Let The Speed Do The Talking

Automakers capitalize on hard work, technology, innovations, and lots of words. Ah-hah. They talk too much that they sometimes go overboard. Without them knowing it, they are etching a perpetual dent on their reputation.

True, words are pretty essential in making a particular model sell. But lies could ruin everything. So let the truth be told. And the rest will follow.

At present, General Motors is rebuilding its reputation. And how should it be done? A good start would be the introduction of Chevy Camaro SS, the performance version of a muscle car. Instead, Chevy chose the HHR, an SUV/car/retro-crossover thingy, to give the badge a Super Spark, writes Scott Burgess. It may not be my first choice, but surprisingly, the HHR SS was fast on the open desert roads, spirited on the track and an all-out hoot to rip around corners during my test drive in Phoenix, he adds.

“The biggest improvement for the HHR SS is that engineers eliminated the car's torque steer,” notes Burgess. “Front-wheel drive vehicles try to drive into a ditch when you hit the gas hard. They pull you to one side because of the power, the driveshaft, the suspension, and how physics connects them all.”

It’s not just the flywheels yah know. There’s more to thank for...

2008 Chevy HHR SS
Type: Five passenger, front-wheel drive SUV.

• MSRP*: $22,995 (*Includes shipping.)
• Engine: Turbo charged 2-liter DOHC 4-cylinder
• Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• Manual: 260 hp @ 5300 rpm / 260-lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
• Automatic: 235 hp @ 5550 rpm / 223-lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
• EPA mileage: Manual: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
• Automatic: 19 mpg / 28 mpg
• Length: 176.5; width: 69.1; height: 62.5; wheelbase: 103.6Notes: Offers a spirited drive with loads of power and good handling.

[credits: GM and Kelley Blue Book]

Report card
Overall: ***

• Exterior: Good: You either love it or hate it. But the HHR SS offers a meaner look than its more sedate brother. The front end was reworked and made especially more aggressive.
• Interior: Good: Comfortable and utilitarian, the seats are upgraded in the SS and instrument gauges were changed. The second row is comfortable.
• Performance: Excellent: More power, reworked suspension and a few add ons such as no-lift shifting and launch control give the car an exciting personality and great road manners.
• Safety: Good: Standard stability control, front and optional side curtain airbags.
• Pros: Fun to drive, offers lots of space, carries five comfortably.
• Cons: The exterior is not for everyone. Visibility is limited.

[credit: DetNews.com]