What is it?
Chevrolet SSR
What's special about it?
It's a truck, it's a sports car, it's a roadster -- it's three vehicles in one! The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) looks like a modern compact pickup with a brushed aluminum "1953 Chevy" package installed at first glance, but it's got a two-piece power retractable hardtop to let the sun shine in and a large V8 engine under the hood to keep the entertainment factor high. The 6.0-liter powerplant drives the 20-inch rear wheels through an automatic transmission. Able to carry three passengers on the front bench seat thanks to a stowable center console, SSR's interior caters to the "clean and uncluttered" crowd. But just because you can't see the goodies doesn't mean they aren't there. Behind a panel in the dash resides stereo and climate controls, as well as GM's OnStar concierge service, a navigation system, and Internet email access. And if there's not enough space inside to store stuff, a locking compartment is available in the cargo bed. SSR is expected to appeal to people of all ages. Chevy calls it "spirited and functional," but we simply think it kicks ass.
Why should I care?
Chevy's SSR would make more sense to us if it were available with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, but with the Plymouth Howler's chances of seeing production effectively nil, the SSR could easily become the most desirable pick 'em up on the planet. Furthermore, it offers additional proof that tomorrow's production models will be flexible enough to serve more than one need. If GM actually produced trucks like the SSR rather than crude devices like the S-10, Ford wouldn't be siphoning nearly as much market share from the General. Style, performance and functionality -- SSR has it all in spades.
Chevrolet SSR
What's special about it?
It's a truck, it's a sports car, it's a roadster -- it's three vehicles in one! The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) looks like a modern compact pickup with a brushed aluminum "1953 Chevy" package installed at first glance, but it's got a two-piece power retractable hardtop to let the sun shine in and a large V8 engine under the hood to keep the entertainment factor high. The 6.0-liter powerplant drives the 20-inch rear wheels through an automatic transmission. Able to carry three passengers on the front bench seat thanks to a stowable center console, SSR's interior caters to the "clean and uncluttered" crowd. But just because you can't see the goodies doesn't mean they aren't there. Behind a panel in the dash resides stereo and climate controls, as well as GM's OnStar concierge service, a navigation system, and Internet email access. And if there's not enough space inside to store stuff, a locking compartment is available in the cargo bed. SSR is expected to appeal to people of all ages. Chevy calls it "spirited and functional," but we simply think it kicks ass.
Why should I care?
Chevy's SSR would make more sense to us if it were available with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, but with the Plymouth Howler's chances of seeing production effectively nil, the SSR could easily become the most desirable pick 'em up on the planet. Furthermore, it offers additional proof that tomorrow's production models will be flexible enough to serve more than one need. If GM actually produced trucks like the SSR rather than crude devices like the S-10, Ford wouldn't be siphoning nearly as much market share from the General. Style, performance and functionality -- SSR has it all in spades.
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