America's 2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel, designed for a myriad of commercial and private uses, adds a new dimension of functionality to the popular HHR’s lineup of stylish, efficient vehicles.

The HHR Panel features windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. A flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 litres) of cargo space, along with approximately 6 cubic feet (170 litres) of additional covered, under-floor storage.

“The HHR Panel is a model unlike anything else in the segment, and it continues HHR’s mission of offering customers a bold, expressive, functional and different vehicle,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It’s great for delivery companies and other small businesses, but we think auto enthusiasts will love it too, as it gives them a large canvas on which to express their individuality.”

HHR Panel production is expected to start late in the first quarter of 2007 in Mexico. It will be offered in LS and LT trims, with 2.2L and 2.4L petrol engines.

Exterior and interior details

HHR’s styling draws upon inspiration from the original 1949 Chevy Suburban, which was built on a platform that also offered panel vans – vehicles that became essential tools for urban and small businesses. Over the years, vintage panel vehicles have become prized by collectors and street rodders. The HHR marks the next chapter in Chevy’s panel van heritage.

The body of the HHR Panel features steel inserts in place of side windows and cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. The cargo doors open wide to enable cargo access from both sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear liftgate. The cargo doors don’t have external handles; they are opened via a dashboard release button. The continuous “canvas” provided by the windowless cargo doors and rear panels provides a large area for business logos, advertising or personalisation.

An auxiliary power outlet is available in the rear of the cargo area, with available 40-amp service for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This also answers the call of upfitters, who have asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.

Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor and the available, robust floor mats enable easier movement of cargo. Two large storage compartments are located under the cargo floor – in the approximate place of the rear seats of passenger models. When ordered with the optional lockable doors, the compartments are secure and large enough to hold small computer equipment, flashlights, service manuals and other valuable equipment that is more secure when hidden.

Standard and available features

HHR Panel is available in LS and LT trim. Both models come with a fuel-efficient 2.2L engine rated at 111 kW. The LT model offers a 2.4L engine rated at 130 kW.

Power front seats, a family of radios with MP3 capability, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar are available on both LS and LT models. LT models also offer 17-inch wheels and leather-appointed seating.

Since its launch, HHR has received five-star crash ratings – the highest rating awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Programme. The five-star ratings were awarded for the driver and right-front passenger in a frontal crash, as well as five-star side-impact crash ratings for front seat and rear seat passengers. The HHR also was the highest-rated SUV for the 2006 model year in NHTSA rollover testing.

Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engine

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels/Tyres

DIMENSIONS

Exterior

Interior

Capacities