I always thought those HHRs were funky cool. A well kept secret, like you said. They are incredibly rare to see. GM even sold SS panel truck versions to order.

I know the Cobalt SS had a mechanical LSD, but that car didn't come in automatic. Does yours have one?

The Manual HHR SS had the LSD and Brembo package.

The Auto it was not offered as the diff is a little weaker. Though most times I get pull on both wheels and no real pull to the right. It is open but it is not a torque steer monster.

The Brembo brakes were only a front option and they really are not all that much better than the standards. I have heard complaints on the Brembos when they are cold.

My buddy has a manual and it is already getting funky on him. I know he likes it but he is not happy with the feel.
The manuals also with wheel hop can crack the cases on the tranny.

I am pretty easy on mine in first gear. I am not a burn out nut as tires cost too much and spinning them just slows you down. I have masters to launch in most conditions pretty well and once I hit second gear I put the boost to it. It makes a fast shift anyways.

Yes the panels were in the hundreds made and should be a popular collectable someday. The half panels are almost as rare. I have only seen a couple of each.

This and the Cobalt SS from the GM Performance Division really in my eyes were real SS models. You only have to drive one to find these were much more modified than people think. The engine has much more power but the suspension were so well sorted in these vehicles. It was a shame that the rest of the car like the interior quality was up to the level of the performance.

All I know is I can take off and keep with a Mustang GM and then they want to know how I did that.

Thanks for the info! I agree that the interior and build quality were a let down. GM just didn't "get it" as far as interiors went until the late 2000s.

Honestly though, the HHR had better fit and finish than the Cobalt, so that's something. The dash and center stack pieces were just designed better. HHR's are way more livable, Cobalts are awful inside.

Yes the HHR was done under Lutz so it did see some improvement.

GM did get it about interiors but they lacked money to really finish a car. Scott Settlmire of the F body program said they always had just enough money to do the suspension and engine but always ran short with the interior. Today that is no longer a problem on each new model and the old ones are replaced.

GM back then could not even afford to market the HHR SS. That is why you never heard of them and they only has a little flyer insert at the dealer.
Things at GM were bad much longer than many realize. That is what is so exciting today as they for once in a long time are really finishing cars. The new Malibu will shock many how well it will be refined for the segment.

I'm a big Bob Lutz fan. My Malibu and the 2008 CTS were two of the first products he oversaw from start to finish, and they were a BIG deal for the company.