i just thought of this a few seconds ago, a company can only keep the look of a car for so long before the consumers consider it outdated (this excludes the wrangler for some reason)...do you think the hhr is a car that really can be updated? it seems like a tough one to change the exterior apperence much...obviously this wont be the case for quite a while seeing as its a new model pretty much...but do you guys think the hhr could survive a facelift and not destroy the look of it?

 

Have you noticed any changes from the 06 to 07 models?

Why mess with a good thing!!

 

Well if you think about it, they started with the look of the 49 Suburban...


which didn't get a facelift until 1955.

So when they get ready to update the HHR, they could start with this, the 1955 Suburban and take it and run with it. Might make an interesting looking ride. Certainly looks retro.

 

The PT has remained unchanged (basically) for it's run. Time will tell.

 

But, the comparison to the PT is a little inaccurate. The PT enthusiam is "dieing off". According to D-Chrysler, the retro look is losing enthusiasm.

Like the PT, the HHR is a "pocket segment" vehicle. It will probaby get minor face lifts for the first 5 years. Then a relatively major change in styling, after that it will probably die.

Hell in 10 years, if nothing is done about oil, the 30 MPG now recognized by the HHR, will be in the middle range of needs. Still could use the same drivetrain with some improvements, but would need to lighten the body by 500 pounds....there goes the styling and aura.

 

"Chevrolet is planning a major face lift for its HHR. That means a new front end, with more angular, truck like lines replacing the curved forms of the current model. Other differences are minor, and the sheetmetal aft of the cowl appears to be unchanged".

This is from DEC popular mechanics. I have included a link to the page that has a photo of this unholy monster. Looks like they hired Doctor Frankenstein at GM.
Why? Why? Why? Why? sob sob sob

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...66.html?page=3

 

Yeah, Mew....

the members have discussed this article and picture on another thread someplace.

The picture is of a probable "SS" type vehicle. IT is a test mule. As such, the bumper work displayed is far from being the finished product. GM is experiencing engine cooling problems with the propose turbo engine. The front bumper design has been revised at least 3 times that I know of.

Also, the text from the writer is misleading. We determined the appearance of a squared hood is not really so. It is the angle, distance and light that gives that appearance of the original style hood.

 

Does'nt look half bad IMHO

 

It may be a decent looking machine if it is actually still rounded. It is hard to see from the picture now that you mention it. But.....the current HHR front end looks ALOT like the 49 suburban it is supposed to be styled after. Was there a chevy back then with a square-ish grill? Maby, but if not your'e mixing a modern grill with an extremely retro car. I luv that it looks like the 49 suburban so much that I keep a photo of the 49 handy; to silence the PT crowd that thinks the HHR is a PTC knockoff.

 

Once again I say time will tell. The PT may be loosing steam. Maybe that because after as many years, the ones that want to buy one, already have it. Dunno. Personally, I would not mind if they stopped making the HHR after a couple of years. Update styling, hopfully if it is dramatic, they will just have a new vehicle come out. Hopefully nothing like the new Uplander that was nothing more than a Venture with a new front end. Yea, that fooled everyone.