Comments

Ah...I remember Nvember well.

How do you like your Sony sound? Mine isn't bad for factory.

Yes my 08 Malibu shows the Lutz influence he started. He has left people to continue these improvement with each and every model.

The Manual has a no lift shift. I have driven it and it works but you really feel like you are going to break something but the computer controls everything. I do fear missing a shift on the cable sifter. FWD shifters are always crap.

The Turbo upgrade is only two map sensors and a flash. It sets it to 290 HP and 315 FT LBS. The Solstice with the same kit can get up to 340 FT LBS with the stronger transmission. It really drives like a different car.

The auto was 235 in first and second gear with 250 in third and fourth. The upgrade makes it 290/315 in all gears.

MPG went up 1-2 MPG too.

I hope they offer a similar kit for the new Camaro as it can add some real HP and torque if you are ok with Premium Required ratings.

Those HHR SSs are super underappreciated! A real good bud of mine has one and it's a prety awesome car. I love the black. It actually makes it look even less "SS", in a sleeper kind of way.

Doesn't it have a slick shifting feature also? The manual that is..

The GM Performance Turbo, is that the Tune that GM offered that brought your power to something like 300/300? or did you actually get a larger turbo? Which, I'm not trying to down play the 300/300.. It is one quick car at the factory 258(?) at 300/300 that would be one heck of a roll car!

Great lookin' car!

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.

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.