Chevrolet SSR
 | This article needs more citations. (July 2008) |
| Chevrolet SSR | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Production | June 2003 – March 2006 |
| Model years | 2003–2006 |
| Assembly | United States: Lansing, Michigan (Lansing Craft Center) |
| Designer | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Pickup truck |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM GMT368 platform |
| Chassis | Body-on-frame |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2,946 mm)[2] |
| Length |
|
| Width | 78.6 in (1,996 mm) |
| Height |
|
The Chevrolet SSR (an initialism for Super Sport Roadster) is a retro-styled pickup truck with a retractable hardtop manufactured by Chevrolet from 2003 to 2006. The design was inspired by the Chevrolet Advance Design series of trucks.[1]
Design
[edit]
The SSR's design was inspired by the 1947-1955 Chevrolet Advance Design trucks. The frame of the vehicle is a version of the GMT360 platform that GM built exclusively for the SSR, named the GMT368. The SSR featured a bespoke steel body retractable hardtop that was designed by Karmann and built by ASC.[3][4] The majority of body panels on the truck are steel. Several panels, namely the front fenders, were made with deep draw stampings, a forming technique that had not been used for automotive manufacturing in decades, and required a "relearning" of the forming technique. The production model was based on the SuperSport Roadster concept car shown at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show. In contrast to the production vehicle, this concept car used the chassis from the Chevrolet S-10 pickup.[4] An early-production SSR was the pace car for the 2003 Indianapolis 500 auto race. For the 2006 model year, GM Mark of Excellence emblems adorned the vehicle.
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Features
[edit]Options
[edit]The SSR was offered with several valence options, either directly intertwined or entirely disconnected from trim packages. Every SSR that did not have these options inherent to the vehicle trim package would have these additional options available during the ordering process. Available valence options included carpeted floor mats, carpeted floor mats with embroidered SSR logo, brushed-nickel plated engine cover insert marketed as satin chrome, painted running boards color matched to satin chrome, front license plate bracket, cockpit mesh windbreak, trailering hitch, carpeted rear cargo compartment with accent trim in oak wood veneer, carpeted rear cargo compartment with accent trim in brushed aluminum, cargo compartment cargo net and crossbar, painted bedside cover panels for cargo cover removal color matched to body color, wall-mounted cargo cover storage system, and car cover embroidered with the SSR logo.[1][4] Despite the services being provided by GM during all production years, OnStar in-vehicle telematics system, and the subsequently derivative XM Satellite Radio, were never available as optional on any saleable SSR.[4][5]
For the 2003 model year, a set of inboard panniers marketed as locking dual hard shell side saddle storage containers were available for the cargo compartment. Late into the 2004 model year, the option was made available to order a brushed-nickel plated auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod marketed as satin chrome. The gauges in all early gauge pods display from left to right, battery voltmeter, fuel consumption rate in "GPH" gallons per hour, and transmission internal thermometer in Fahrenheit.[1][5] This gauge pod is compatible with every 2003 and 2004 model year SSR, and is not functionally compatible with any 2005 or 2006 model year SSR. For the 2005 model year, a body color painted auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod was available alongside the satin chrome auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod. Additionally, the gauges in all subsequent gauge pods were updated to display from left to right, battery voltmeter, crankshaft torque in "LBS-FT" pound-foot, and an outside ambient air thermometer in Fahrenheit.[5] This gauge pod is compatible with every 2005 and 2006 model year SSR, and is not functionally compatible with any 2003 or 2004 model year SSR. Additional new options for the 2005 model year included body color painted engine cover insert and also body color painted running boards. For the 2006 model year, the option was discontinued for inboard panniers marketed as locking dual hard shell side saddle storage containers, the option was publicly introduced for inboard panniers marketed as dual soft shell side saddle storage bags, and a soft shell cargo organizer for the front wall of the cargo compartment was available for the first time. The option for a Bright Chrome auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod was made available for only the 3SS/1SC Trim Package. For the 2006 model year, seven two-tone paint color options were made available for the SSR.[5]
Standard Equipment
[edit]Every SSR was furnished with ebony black interior cosmetic panels and moisture resistant carpeted flooring for the interior, as well as ebony black leather-trimmed bucket seats and leather wrapped steering wheel.[1] Interior standard equipment on every SSR included keyless entry, power windows and power door locks, electronic driver information center, AM/FM radio with integrated single-disc CD player, six-speaker GM sound system, manually adjustable analog rear view mirror, manually adjustable bucket seats, tilt-adjustable steering wheel with radio controls and driver information controls, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, auxiliary gauge pod connections integrated into the interior wiring harness, driver front and side SRS airbags, passenger front and side SRS airbags, and brushed-nickel plated accent trim marketed as satin chrome.[1] Exterior standard equipment on every SSR included daytime running lights, front fog lights, mast antenna integrated into the windshield, cast-aluminum wheels sized at 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, tinted windows, power hydraulic retractable-hardtop roof, body-colored roof compartment tonneau cover, molded plastic rear cargo compartment with body-colored rear cargo cover, and brushed-nickel plated formal accessories marketed as satin chrome.[1] Mechanical standard equipment on every SSR included power steering, front-engine rear-wheel drive powertrain, rear axle Zexel Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip locking differential, four wheel disc brakes, trailering hitch socket, and trailering equipment connections integrated into the rear wiring harness.[1] Standard equipment on every SSR produced for the Z49 Canadian market is nearly identical to the US market vehicles, with minute label differences around the vehicle, and most visibly, the default maximum reading 140 MPH US market speedometer faceplate is replaced by the optional U19 maximum reading 220 KPH speedometer faceplate.[5] The Z49 Canadian market SSR Monroney Labels were graphically entirely different from the default US market SSR Monroney Labels. The Z49 designation was not explicitly stated on Canadian market SSR Monroney Labels, as the designation was inherent to the market.
1SA/1SS
[edit]The 1SA Trim Package offered nothing more than the preceding standard equipment.[1][5] The 1SA was available during the 2003-2005 model years in all markets.[5] The 1SS Trim Package was introduced in 2006, as a rebrand of the 1SA in the US market, to more adequately align with the incoming Chevrolet trim nomenclature.[5] The 1SS was available during only the 2006 model year, and in only the US market. As documented by GM on the Monroney Labels of Z49 vehicles, Canadian market Z49 SSR's retained the 1SA trim level for the 2006 model year.
1SB/2SS
[edit]The 1SB Trim Package was available during the 2003-2005 model years in all markets.[5] The 2SS Trim Package was introduced in 2006, as a rebrand of the 1SB in the US market, to more adequately align with the incoming Chevrolet trim nomenclature.[5] The 2SS was available during only the 2006 model year, and in only the US market. As documented by GM on the Monroney Labels of Z49 vehicles, Canadian market Z49 SSR's retained the 1SB trim level for the 2006 model year. The 1SB/2SS Trim Package maintained all 1SA/1SS standard equipment, with the collective interchange of comfort upgrades, including the replacement of the radio head unit and integrated single-disc CD player with a stereo head unit and integrated selectable 6-disc CD player, the replacement of the GM sound system with a six speaker Bose premium audio installation, the replacement of the analog rear view mirror with a light-sensitive auto-dimming rear view mirror containing integrated dual reading lights and integrated garage door remote, the replacement of the driver side exterior analog mirror with a light-sensitive auto-dimming mirror, the replacement of manually adjustable bucket seats with heated, electronically adjustable bucket seats retaining dual driver memory, and the addition of the previously available upgrade of a brushed-nickel plated engine cover insert marketed as satin chrome. The addition of this engine cover insert was discontinued for the 2006 model year.[5] For the 2005 model year and the 2006 model year, the 1SB/2SS Trim Package unlocked the ability to furnish the vehicle with the VXM Body Color Accent Package, which applied the replacement of the satin chrome matched painted running boards, brushed-nickel satin chrome engine cover insert, optional brushed-nickel satin chrome auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod, and oak wood veneer cargo compartment accent trim, with running boards, engine cover insert, auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod, and cargo compartment accent trim, each finished in the paint code identical to the exterior of the ordered SSR.[5] For the 2006 model year, the 1SB/2SS Trim Package unlocked the ability to furnish the vehicle with the VYJ Bright Chrome Package, which applied the replacement of the interior brushed-nickel satin chrome accent trim and exterior brushed-nickel satin chrome formal accessories with interior accent trim and exterior formal accessories plated with decorative genuine chrome polished to a mirror reflective finish.[5]
3SS/1SC
[edit]The 3SS Trim Package was introduced in 2006, as an echelon above the newly rebranded 2SS in the US market.[5] The 3SS was available during only the 2006 model year, and in only the US market. As documented by GM on the Monroney Labels of Z49 vehicles, Canadian market Z49 SSR's introduced the 1SC Trim Package for the 2006 model year, as an echelon above the existing 1SB. The 1SC was available during only the 2006 model year, and in only the Canadian market.
The 3SS/1SC Trim Package maintained all 1SS/1SA standard equipment, maintained all comfort upgrades inherent to the 2SS/1SB Trim Package, and accumulated the inherent addition of the previously optional painted running boards color matched to satin chrome on the exterior, and a previously optional brushed-nickel satin chrome auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod in the interior.[5] As with the preceding trim, for the 2006 model year, the 3SS/1SC Trim Package also unlocked the ability to furnish the vehicle with the VXM Body Color Accent Package. With the discontinuation of the optional engine cover insert, however, the body color engine cover insert was no longer available as part of the Body Color Accent Package. As with the preceding trim, for the 2006 model year, the 3SS/1SC Trim Package also unlocked the ability to furnish the vehicle with the VYJ Bright Chrome Package. This 3SS package variant included running boards finished in the paint code identical to the exterior of the ordered SSR. With the discontinuation of the optional engine cover insert, a Bright Chrome engine cover insert was never produced by GM for public distribution. The 3SS/1SC Bright Chrome Package also introduces the inclusion of the Bright Chrome auxiliary instrumentation gauge pod, identically plated with genuine chrome and polished to a mirror reflective finish, an option that was entirely unobtainable by any other means.[5]
LS Model/LT Décor
[edit]Coinciding with every year of marketing for the SSR, Chevrolet showrooms were graced with Super Sport performance option packages for one or more of the Cobalt, Impala, Malibu, Malibu Maxx, and Monte Carlo models. As the HHR was a newly introduced model for 2006, the HHR SS model was also announced during this window of time. The Chevrolet Trucks division provided the Silverado SS and Trailblazer SS models, with the latter 2006-2009 Trailblazer SS sharing the identical 6.0L LS2 with the latest model year SSR.[4] Ironically, the Super Sport Roadster did not receive any similar Super Sport variants, and an SSR SS model beyond concept work was never produced by GM for public availability.[4] Transcendent to option packages, as documented by GM on the Monroney Label of each vehicle, the Chevrolet SSR was only ever available with the SSR LS Model designation in the US market, and equivalently deemed as the SSR LT Décor designation for the Canadian market. This marked every SSR as the entry level model designation, with no available potential for model advancement.[5]
Every saleable VIN SSR released for public sale retained identically patterned Speedline cast aluminum wheels with six lugs and a five spoke pattern, sized at 19x 8 inches for the front wheels, and 20x 10 inches for the rear wheels. Every saleable VIN SSR released for public sale also came with standard equipment on all four wheels of Goodyear Eagle RS-A "Rally Sport- Asymmetric" tires sized at P255/45R-19 for the front wheels, and P295/40R-20 for the rear wheels.[1] For the 2003 model year, and for early production 2004 model year saleable VIN vehicles, every SSR was produced with a Sterling Silver wheel finish. For the 2004 model year, the Sterling Silver wheel finish was replaced by the Ultra Silver wheel finish, which proceeded to be the standard equipment wheel finish for every SSR, during all remaining production years. For the 2004 model year, Chevrolet also introduced the option of wheels plated with genuine chrome, polished to a mirror reflective finish. This option continued availability during all remaining production years.[5]
Powertrain
[edit]For the 2003 and 2004 model years, the SSR used the Generation III LS-based small-block 5.3L LM4 Vortec 5300 V8 engine, producing 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS).[6] Its 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) speed was 7.7 seconds, with 1⁄4 mile (402.3 m) time of a 15.9 second at 86.4 mph (139.0 km/h). The aluminum block 5.3L Vortec ceased production in 2005.
In the 2005 model year, GM selected the Generation IV LS-series small-block 6.0L LS2 V8 as the successor to the 5.3L Vortec in the SSR, as the all-new Generation IV LS platform was introduced for 2005. GM also provided the option for a six-speed Tremec T-56 manual transmission. This framework provided an advertised 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.29 seconds. For 2006, output of the LS2 increased to 395 hp (295 kW; 400 PS).
Sales
[edit]The SSR was introduced as a 2003 model on New Year's Eve 2002 (December 31).[7] In spite of marketing efforts which included the SSR being used as the pace car for the 2003 Indianapolis 500[1], the model year 2003 SSR sold below expectations with under 9,000 sales at a base MSRP of $41,370USD. Citing a 301-day supply of SSRs, General Motors in December of that year announced five weeks of layoffs at Lansing Craft Center, the factory that made the SSR. On November 21, 2005, GM announced that it would close the Craft Center in mid-2006, implying the production ending for the SSR. The final SSR, a unique black-on-silver model was built on March 17, 2006.[8] Analysts estimate that 24,180 SSRs were produced in total. Inherent to this total production, not all SSR's would receive saleable VINs, and of the SSR's that did receive saleable VINs, not all were released as available for public sale.[5] Of the total production, 24,118 SSR's were endowed with VINs designated as saleable.
Production Information
[edit]The Chevrolet SSR was sold in the US market, and also sold in the Canadian market, with the Canadian models receiving the regular production option Z49 trim designation.[5]
Within the VIN of any regular production SSR, the location of assembly can be distinguished, along with the production designation, the sequential value of the individual SSR, and the model year. Every SSR is endowed by a production sequence, with the VIN character "B" used to define the vehicle as a product of the Lansing Craft Center, and every regular production SSR maintains the subsequent character designation of "1" used to define the SSR as a regular production vehicle. The model year of any Chevrolet SSR is able to be distinguished by the number preceding the production sequence in the VIN. Within every regular production VIN, either the "3B1" indicates model year 2003, the "4B1" indicates model year 2004, the "5B1" indicates model year 2005, or the "6B1" indicates model year 2006.
A set of 27 WB9 pre-production model year 2003 saleable VINs were produced. These WB9 vehicles are identified with the characters 3B0 within the production sequence of the VIN. The first 25 of the WB9 SSR's were collectively given the name Signature Series. Coinciding and immediately subsequent to the assembly of the Signature Series vehicles, a set of 69 WD1 Pilot saleable VIN vehicles were produced.[1] These WD1 Pilot vehicles are qualified under the model year 2003 US and Canadian regular production volume. The 2003 WD1 Pilot vehicles retain sequential VINs. As documented by GM on the build sheets of these vehicles, assembly completion for regular production WD1 3B1 SSR's commenced on June 12, 2003.
A total of 35 Pre-Production non-saleable EX VIN SSR's were produced between calendar years 2003 and 2005, including the 2003 Indianapolis 500 Official Pace Vehicle. These vehicles were generally used as test mules, and almost every one was destroyed before production began for the next model year.[1]
The model year 2006 SSR experienced an assembly pause during December of the 2005 calendar year. Upon resuming assembly in the 2006 calendar year, the 826 remaining model year 2006 regular production SSR's were bestowed the regular production option R6K Final Production Run designation.[5] These R6K vehicles are qualified under the model year 2006 US and Canadian regular production volume. The 2006 R6K vehicles retain sequential VINs. As documented by GM on the build sheets of these vehicles, assembly completion for regular production R6K 6B1 SSR's ceased on March 17, 2006.
A total volume of 24,118 regular production saleable VINs were produced over 35 non-consecutive months during the four model year production, with the lowest sequential VIN retaining 3B100001, and the highest sequential VIN reaching 6B124112.[5]
| Model Year | Total US Volume | Total Canada Volume | EX VIN Volume | Total[5] Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 WB9 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| 2003 | 3196 | 161 | 32 | 3389 |
| 2004 | 10313 | 361 | 2 | 10676 |
| 2005 | 7195 | 83 | 1 | 7279 |
| 2006 | 2718 | 91 | 0 | 2809 |
| Total | 23449 | 696 | 35 | 24180 |
Motorsports
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An attempt was made at a land speed record using a highly modified version of an SSR during the Bonneville Speed Week in August 2011. In spite of the team's efforts, the SSR in question was deemed ineligible to race in the class that they intended to compete in due to an air dam that did not conform to the class rules. They were permitted to race the pickup for "time only" but the pickup proved unstable at speeds approaching 200 mph (320 km/h). The pickup never reached speeds anywhere near close enough to take the record. That same year, a 1996 GMC Sonoma put the class record even further out of reach by running nearly 10 mph (16 km/h) faster than the previous record.[9]
See also
[edit]- Chevrolet SS (concept car)
- Chevrolet HHR
- Chevrolet Advance Design, the 1947–1955 Chevrolet pickup
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Witzenburg, Gary (2003). SSR: An American Original. New Albany, IN, USA: Automobile Heritage Publishing and Communications. ISBN 0-9711-468-6-1.
- ↑ Newbury, Stephen (2002). The car design yearbook 1. Merrell Publishers Limited. ISBN 1-85894-190-3.
- ↑ "Production problems slow Chevy SSR introduction". Automotive News. December 14, 2005. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "What A Concept: Chevy's SSR Is More Than Just A New Truck For GM". Auto Week. Roger Hart. August 3, 2003. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Walczyk, Bob (August 1, 2009). "Response to SSRfanatic.com Questions" (PDF). Letter to Marc Carpenter. Chevrolet.
- ↑ Huizenga, Paul (February 27, 2018). "Storm on the Horizon: Tracing Today's Super SUV Origins". Driving Line. NItto Tire.
- ↑ Amanda Silva (May 15, 2015). "The Chevy SSR: A Curious Conversation". Auto Influence. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
But the coolest SSR on-screen moment came in the form of a 2003 Chevy roundup of sorts, a commercial showcasing the year's ten new Chevrolets, directed by Michael Bay of big-budget action film acclaim, like Transformers. How appropriate. Airing on New Year's Eve, this sixty-second spot introduced the SSR to the world. A new car…uh…truck…or convertible…for the new year.
- ↑ Barbara Wieland. "Tearful workers say goodbye Last SSR rolls off Craft Center line". Lansing State Journal. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2006.
- ↑ "Chevrolet SSR Indy 500 Pace Vehicle". Net Car Show.
External links
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