Now this is what I was all excited about when the Chrysler P.T. Cruiser was announced but turned out to not be. This is Chevy's HHR Panel with a starting price of $16,750 (including destination) for a well-equipped LS model. Orders for the HHR Panel will begin in early January.


"Priced at only $200 more than an HHR passenger model, the HHR Panel demonstrates tremendous value to business customers," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The HHR Panel is a model unlike anything else in the segment, offering commercial customers and expressive enthusiasts a bold, functional and different vehicle – and one that delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway."

The HHR Panel features windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. A flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 5 cubic feet (141 L) of additional covered, under-floor storage. Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor.

The LS model comes with a fuel-efficient 2.2L engine rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW). The LT model is equipped with a 2.4L engine rated at 175 horsepower (130 kW). With either engine, the HHR is rated at 30 mph in highway driving and can provide up to 450 miles of cruising range on a tank of gas.

Power front seats, a family of radios with MP3 capability and OnStar are available on LS and LT models. LT models also offer XM Satellite Radio, 17-inch wheels and leather-appointed seating. There is also a rear power plug connector with available 40-amp service, for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This feature answers the call of upfitters, who asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.

Now wouldn't this be cool if it came in a 4wd version? Click for more Pics

Click for big photo gallery.

That is pretty cool.
I like that idea and was also expecting the PT Cruiser to do the same.
I dont know about he 4wd but I wish there was a RWD with a v-8 option.

Too bad they didn't have the creative chops or the guts to have developed it ahead of the PT Cruiser. Part of GM's problems with their product line has been a lack of courage in the senior management positions to be innovative and willing to take a risk.

I could be wrong, but I seem to recall that GM hired the former Head Designer from D/C. Maybe this HHR is a result of that injection of creativity.

Red

__________________
2005 Titan KC SE, Helwig, True-Track, ARE MX Canopy

I think that the success of the PT Cruiser caught everybody off guard .... and GM decided to jump on the bandwagon with a little PT Cruiser of their own .... but probably a little too late, I see a few HHR's running around, but not many.

__________________
'04 SexySilver KC XE ....120k miles....the usual mods.

I think it came on the heels of the SSR.
http://www.chevrolet.com/ssr/photogallery/ The tiny convertible truck that costs only $40k to start.

__________________
05 KC SE Smoke
01 Suzuki 600 GSF
88 Fiero 2M4

The point I was making is that the Chevy truely is a van with funtionality of which the P.T. Cruiser only pretended to be. This may be what I get rather than another Titan. At over 40,000 miles a year 30 MPG sounds good. A flat floor with lots of doors for loading and tie downs sounds like it may do the trick. Then when the HD comes out I can trade the 04 for it and at less than $20,000 for the HHR I must say I'm more than a little intrigued.

I mis-understood your post Squid. Is this gem built on a truck chassis or is it a "crossover" type vehicle?
The reason I ask is because you put so many miles on it I wonder if it will hold up to the heavy use you expect?

I do like its looks, and as you said, it is fairly fuel efficient.

Red

Edit: I know it isn't as sharp looking as the HHR, but this Dodge Sprinter Van, might be a better choice. Even with a motorhome built on the chassis, it still gets over 20mpg. Running around with a lighter load than that should yield even better mileage. The diesel is built by MB.

Red

__________________
2005 Titan KC SE, Helwig, True-Track, ARE MX Canopy

I'm not sure this is the first I've heard of one. But there just so happens to be a Chevy dealership I pass by on my nightly drive so I was going to stop and look at one. I'm hoping it's not a little itty bitty thing like the P.T. Just a van with a small engine.

I've never been too jazzed about the PT... This doesn't really change my opinion, sorry.

__________________
Jeremy



JBA Evol Cat-Back's * New Generation Volant Cold Air Intake (thx for the great deal SCMS John) * Airaid TBS Spacer * 2 Degree Timing Advance (thx:RB'sTitan) * AlTezza Custom tinted tail lights * 9006 True Views - Front Low Beams * Foglight modifcation (thx:wakeboarder) * Custom Painted Engine Cover (thx:scottsbro23) * CNC 2.5"Leveling T-6 Kit * 33x12.50x20 Nitto Terra Grapplers * 20x9.5 Axis Titan Rims (thx:vshortt) * Rockford Fosgate System w/subs * (2) 10" Memphis M Series Subs * Custom built 'Firedown' Sub Box * Sirius Satellite System * Viper 560XV Alarm w/ Automatic Engine Starter *

'UpRev - Osiris/Cipher' & Headers coming soon

I don't expect it to thrill a commuter but for a person who is self employed we are always looking for a good work vehicle that meets our needs without costing an arm and a leg to buy and maintain.