Purpose of the Chevy SSR
The Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster) was an experimental vehicle that aimed to blend retro styling, V-8 sports car performance, and custom truck attributes into a single vehicle. It was introduced during the second half of 2003 as a convertible with a retractable hardtop, providing a resourceful method for transporting cargo typically not possible with a sports car. The SSR was designed to pay homage to classic Chevy pickup trucks of the late 1940s and early 1950s, as well as give a nod to custom boulevard cruisers, muscle cars, and roadsters. However, despite its unique design and features, the reception to the SSR was underwhelming, and it was ultimately discontinued after a short production run.
The SSR was an attempt by Chevrolet to create a halo vehicle that would both pay homage to the company’s past and signal what was to come for its future. It was a distinctive and fun-to-drive vehicle that turned heads with its fast and fierce appearance. However, the SSR’s design, which combined elements of a pickup truck and a performance vehicle, led to confusion among consumers, with many feeling that the design was misleading in terms of the vehicle’s actual performance.
Despite its unique features and powerful engine, the SSR’s experimental nature and mixed reception led to its discontinuation after a few years of production.
Contents
How much horsepower did the Chevy SSR have?
Used 2006 Chevrolet SSR – Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 6.0 L |
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 395 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
Is the Chevy SSR fast?
The SSR we tested in September 2003 took a leisurely seven seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. This 2005 tester, with the six-speed manual, performed that task in 5.5 seconds. The 0-to-100-mph time was even more impressive.
What does SSR stand for Chevy?
Super Sport Roadster
The Chevrolet SSR (which stands for Super Sport Roadster) was in production from 2003 to 2006 and made a splash everywhere it went.
What was the SSR based on?
The SSR’s styled design was inspired by Chevrolet’s late-1940s Advance Design trucks, in particular the 1947–1955 pickups. The vehicle rode on a GMT368 platform specific to it, a version of the period’s highly adaptable GMT360, and featured a steel body retractable hardtop designed by Karmann and built by ASC.
How much is a Chevy SSR worth today?
Prices for a used Chevrolet SSR currently range from $15,785 to $37,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 4,100 to 157,862. Find used Chevrolet SSR inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
Did the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
The SSR got a version of the new 6.0-liter LS-2 V-8 engine that came in the redesigned Corvette for 2005. In the SSR, it is rated at 390 horsepower and 405 foot-pounds of torque.
Why did the Chevy SSR fail?
The Chevy SSR was expensive
Because of the expensive price tag, most consumers were not willing to take the risk on an experimental car when they could get better-performing cars with proven track records from competitors at the same price or less.
Does the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
The lack of impressive power probably hurt the SSR from the start, and GM fixed the problem by changing to a Corvette engine for model year 2005.
