Hello to everyone! This is my first post. I don't own an HHR but am in the process of studying them. I have already decided to get one this coming fall. I do have have some questions and observations tho.
I have read online that Chevy is making the engines E85 capable for 2009. They also state that the 2.2 will be getting VVT. Does VVT cause an increase in horsepower? If so, the gap between the 2.2 and 2.4 will be smaller than it already is, unless of course they boost the HP of the 2.4. I know this is alot of speculatin' but what the heck!
Regarding the 2.4 engine and Chevy's recommendation of premium fuel. I know this subject has been beat to death. Some burn regular and see no value in using the more expensive premium. Others say different. In my never ending quest for info I studied the Chevy website. I did a comparison between HHR 2.4 and Malibu 2.4 from the website. HHR = 172hp, Malibu = 169hp. The only differences seen on paper were HHR compression ration 10.5, Malibu 10.4, HHR = 167lb.-ft torque, Malibu = 160lb.-ft torque. In the Malibu info there is no recommendation anywhere for premium fuel. Why the difference in fuel recommendation? Twenty to thirty cents a gallon for 3HP. I realize there are probably differences in the programming of the engines but I don't know what to make of this.
I believe the 2.2 and 2.4 are great engines. Thruout all the threads I have read about HHR problems there are almost zero complaints about durability of these engines. I do have to vent about automotive writers evaluation of them tho. In several HHR reviews the writers have stated the power was adequate but the engines were either thrashy, noisy, unrefined etc. I don't know how to apply those adjectives to understand what they mean from a technical standpoint. In the March 08 Car and Driver test of the the new Malibu they state ". . . velvety inline-four. Can this be a GM product?" It's the same engine as the HHR! They go on further in the article about the quietness of the drivetrain. The article also states that a six-speed auto will be available later in the year with the 4cyl. I have my doubts about that but if it is true maybe it will filter down to HHR.
Finally, regarding the LSD in the SS. I know it is only available with 5spd but I am wondering if there is any technical or mechanical reason it can't or won't be available with autotrans in the future. I would like to see it as an option thruout the line.
I hope I have posted this correctly. If not, please point me in the right direction even if its the door! Thank You All.

 

First, yes the HHR will come E85 capable in 2009.

As far as VVT on 2.2, have not heard on that. But would not suprise me, along with DI hopefully.

HP numbers have not been released for the 2009 models that I know of. As far as closing the gap, that debate will go on forever, but the "gap" is not that big to begin with.

LSD on the HHR, I highly doubt they will offer that with the auto. No cost benefit for GM. When the Delta II platform comes out, we will just have to wait ans see what the HHR brings in store then. Different platform should bring in different options. GM better have dumped the 4speed auto by then. But you have to remember, GM tested the SS and built it for the standand tranny, they later offered the auto to get more sales. In doing so they had to detune the motor. They are not going to dump more money into 4speeds when they are already a dying breed (should be dead already).

 

Automotive writers tend to write about things that nobody in the real world is ever going to care that much about. A "thrashy" engine is just another way of saying "we didn't like the car that much and we can't find any real faults with it, so we're just pulling this stuff out of our hind quarters". The four banger in my girlfriend's Camry is actually quite noisier than my HHR's "thrashy" engine. Go figure.

The LSD will not be offered anytime soon in either the automatic or the five-speed on the non-SS models. Those transmissions cannot support the system that is used on the SS manual cars.

BTW, there's nothing wrong with the 4T45 auto transmission. Given the issues Saturn, Honda, and other import manufacturers have experienced with the Aisin five-speeds and supply issues that Ford and GM have had with the 6T40 transmissions, I'll take a old, reliable, and economic four-speed any day.

There may be a slight boost in power for the 2.2 with the addition of VVT, but it'll probably have more to do with fuel economy as I doubt they're going to boost compression that much.

 

Before I got my HHR, I read those reviews also about lack of power noisy engines at highway speeds, ect. Almost made me want to look for something else. The hell with those idiots writing those reviews. I have an 08 w/2.4L and it has plenty of power and maybe slightly slow leaving a stop light compared to other cars but at highway speeds I have had no trouble passing. I run 87 octane and mix it on the next fill with 89 and it seems fine. And if the car (HHR) seems to be slightly noisy (from from wind noise outside) it helps to drown out any noise from the the passenger seat (you old married guys know what I mean).

 

to the site!!! Wouldn't it be great to see a 6 speed auto in the HHR. We can only hope

 

Given the price of gas, I'm guessing that GM will tune the 2009 2.2 VVT engine for more mileage. I agree that the current non-VVT 2.2 already is close enough to the 2.4 VVT in power. I have read some rumors (don't remember where) that the 2009 2.2 VVT HHR will get noticeably better fuel mileage than the 2008 2.2 or 2.4.

Steve

 

tallwater, i had similar thoughts on the hhr as you . i THINK THE 2009 hhr will most likely have the 6 speed auto that the malibu will be getting. In these times of high gas prices, it makes sense to offer that transmission fr fuel economy and just to stay competitive. Also, it seems that the duretic engine is indeed pretty durable/reliable . Some automotive journalists have called the motor ''thrashy/noisy'', but they are the minority and are entitled to their own opinion. They are just humans getting a paycheck to write their opinion of the cars and trucks they drive...bottom line....do your own test drive comparisons and go with what you like the best.

 

First of all, what does WT stand for? That's a term I'm not familiar with.

Tallwater, do what many have done. Rent a few HHRs to get a feel for them. I have a 2.2L and think it has as good of pickup as my minivan with 3.8L. I'm getting 1 1/2 times the mpg.

This is a great economical car with more room than you would ever believe!

 

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