What is it?
2003 Chevrolet SSR
What's special about it?
Shown as a concept just two years ago, this production version is scheduled to hit the streets later this year. Few specifics were discussed, but we have heard that this convertible sport truck will get its power from a 5.3-liter 300-horsepower Vortec V8, rather than the 6.0-liter version shown in the concept vehicle.
The truck is built on the same chassis as GM's new midsize sport-utilities, with the production version coming in slightly shorter and wider than the concept. Despite these subtle changes, Chevrolet's designers were able to maintain the same aggressive look of the original. The wheels measure 19 inches in front and 20 inches in the rear, and most of the body panels are unchanged save for side marker lights in the fenders for safety.
Why should you care?
The SSR may only be a small-volume novelty truck, but the fact that GM went out of its way to get it from concept to production shows it's serious about making cool cars and trucks again. In the past, we greeted GM concepts with a yawn, knowing full well that no matter how cool they were, they would never see the light of day. The SSR changes all that, making this year's new crop of concepts — the Solstice, the Bel Air, the Cien — some of the most exciting and enticing new cars at the show. — Ed Hellwig
2003 Chevrolet SSR
What's special about it?
Shown as a concept just two years ago, this production version is scheduled to hit the streets later this year. Few specifics were discussed, but we have heard that this convertible sport truck will get its power from a 5.3-liter 300-horsepower Vortec V8, rather than the 6.0-liter version shown in the concept vehicle.
The truck is built on the same chassis as GM's new midsize sport-utilities, with the production version coming in slightly shorter and wider than the concept. Despite these subtle changes, Chevrolet's designers were able to maintain the same aggressive look of the original. The wheels measure 19 inches in front and 20 inches in the rear, and most of the body panels are unchanged save for side marker lights in the fenders for safety.
Why should you care?
The SSR may only be a small-volume novelty truck, but the fact that GM went out of its way to get it from concept to production shows it's serious about making cool cars and trucks again. In the past, we greeted GM concepts with a yawn, knowing full well that no matter how cool they were, they would never see the light of day. The SSR changes all that, making this year's new crop of concepts — the Solstice, the Bel Air, the Cien — some of the most exciting and enticing new cars at the show. — Ed Hellwig
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