CHEVROLET CELEBRATES ITS HERITAGE WITH ALL-NEW
SSR Sports Roadster Pickup
"Brings Special
Sizzle to Chevy"
See Press Photos taken at
Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta
See Sam's Photos taken at The Atlanta Auto Show 2002
DETROIT – Chevrolet is adding an innovative,
head-turning vehicle to its lineup as General Motors announced the
Chevy SSR pickup, first shown as a concept vehicle car at the North
American International Auto Sho
w
in Detroit, has been approved for production.
While production plans are still being finalized, SSRs should begin
arriving in Chevrolet dealerships in 2003.
"No other manufacturer has a vehicle like SSR," said Kurt Ritter,
Chevrolet general manager. "No one has this much fun and function in
one package. The SSR is an attention grabber that will act like a halo
for Chevrolet by attracting further consumer attention to our
impressive vehicle lineup."
Ritter noted that SSR is the second major product announcement from
Chevrolet in the past few months -- both breakthrough vehicles that
combine Chevy's heritage with modern day function and flair.
Earlier this year Chevrolet announced Avalanche to create a kind of
vehicle that's never been seen before. Avalanche is part pickup and
part sport utility vehicle, and can be reconfigured to haul cargo in a
five- to eight-foot pickup box or transport from two to five persons.
Avalanche will begin arriving in Chevrolet showrooms early next year.
The production Chevy SSR -- Super Sport Roadster -- will be unique by
combining the rear-drive, open-air excitement of a sports roadster
with the function and utility of a pickup. In the spirit of Chevy
heritage, SSR will be a contemporary thoroughbred -- a V8-powered,
rear-drive street machine with a retractable hardtop. The two-piece
top is neatly stowed, vertically between the seat and the rear storage
bed.
"SSR looks sleek and fast -- just like the process that created it,"
said Ed Welburn,
director
of the General Motors Corporate Brand Character Center. "It went from
first sketch to full-size model in seven weeks using computer-aided
design -- and without missing any of the passion that has made so many
Chevy products fun to drive and show off. You drive some vehicles
because you have to, but you drive this vehicle because you want to."
The strong fender forms are part of Chevrolet's rich heritage, but are
executed in a very contemporary way. Other SSR exterior design
features include the full-width grille bar and prominent Chevy bowtie
logo that currently appear on other Chevrolets. Five-spoke alloy sport
wheels and performance tires (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) promote the
sports car look.
"SSR will appeal to enthusiasts of all ages because the design draws
you in, and the performance keeps you there," Welburn said. "The
Chevrolet bowtie has long stood for spirited, functional cars and
trucks. SSR brings the best of both worlds to the extreme -- a
spirited rear-drive roadster with a functional pickup box." 
The more practical side of the Chevy SSR includes a 5'3" x 4'7"
covered, lockable pickup box for hauling and comfortable leather
bucket seats. A button on the key fob of the SSR concept can operate
the tailgate remotely; a latch on the inside of the tailgate can
operate the gate manually.
"We have been overwhelmed by the positive public and dealer response
to the SSR concept," Ritter said. "The collective response from auto
shows in Detroit, Chicago, New York and Geneva was beyond our wildest
expectations. Chevrolet will fan the flames of that excitement because
our production SSR won't be watered down; it will look strikingly
similar to the concept SSR that played to rave reviews."
The production version of Chevy's SSR, to be based off of an upcoming
GM truck platform, will conceal behind a dashboard-mounted panel door
all c
ontrols
for temperature, sound and navigation, as well as GM's OnStar system.
OnStar is an innovative mobile communications system that combines a
unique blend of cutting-edge technology and attentive personal service
to provide an unparalleled level of safety, security and information
services.
"People from 6 to 60 will turn their heads when SSR comes down their
street," Ritter said, "just as they did with the '57 Chevy Bel Air,
the '63 Corvette Stingray and the '73 Chevelle SS 396. SSR recalls the
fun part of Chevy's proud history. Oozing Chevy heritage, the SSR is
destined to become the next heart-pounding Chevy classic."
Atlanta, 4 Seasons
Hotel April 23, 2002
Atlanta Auto Show April 25 - 28, 2002
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