India’s Hindustan Motors Signs Agreement With General Motors
Chevrolet’s heritage-inspired SSR (Super Sport Roadster) concept vehicle debuted to a rousing response at Detroit’s January, 2000, North American International Auto Show. Still, even after then-GM president and CEO Rick Wagoner announced in August that it would go to production, it proved a difficult business case due to its low planned volume, complex and expensive retractable hardtop and all-new body and interior over GMT360/370 (Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy) mid-size SUV mechanicals. Production approval finally came in mid December, 2000.
Steering is rack and pinion with a Camaro-quick 16:1 ratio, while the Trailblazer suspension is tweaked and tuned for the SSR’s lower ride height and sporting aspirations. The concept’s fat Goodyear tires on shiny five-spoke alloy wheels (19-in. front, 20-in. rear) are retained on the production vehicle.