General Motors has announced that the Chevy SSR will be produced for sale beginning in 2003. The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) was the second of nine North American GM concept vehicles from the 2000 auto show circuit set to move from show stand to production, joining the Hummer H2. The combination sportscar, pickup, and roadster will combine rear drive with a Chevy V8 and retractable hardtop. The two-piece top can be stowed vertically between the seat and the rear storage bed.

The production SSR will be based on an upcoming GM truck platform. Exterior design features include a 19-in front and 20-in rear five-spoke alloy wheel/tire combination. There is a 1600 x 1400 mm (63 x 55 in) covered, lockable pickup box. The tailgate can be operated remotely from the key fob or manually by a latch on the inside of the tailgate. Concealed behind a dashboard-mounted panel door are controls for temperature, sound, and navigation, as well as GM's OnStar system.

Kevin Jost

AEI October 2000