HHR Concept Debuts at LA Show

Wasting no time suggesting it will become a favorite of aftermarket aficionados, the ’06 Chevrolet HHR crossover’s debut at the 2005 Greater L.A. Auto Show is joined by a souped-up concept version built by West Coast Customs.

“We are lucky to work on all kinds of cool rides, and add the WCC touch in a variety of ways,” says Ryan Friedlinghaus, WCC owner. “The HHR is one of those vehicles that allows you to customize it mild or wild.”

WCC opted for the latter with the first HHR concept. The top is chopped by 3 ins. (7.6 cm), the door handles are shaved, a huge sunroof is added, the exhaust is center-mounted and there is an all-new front fascia.

The custom package is covered in a silver/blue pearl coat with a mica-finish that gives the look of fiber optic speckles.

“WCC and GM Design worked on giving the WCC concept HHR an outrageously different attitude and the front and rear really deliver on the WCC flare,” says Clay Dean, GM design director-small/midsize cars. “There are so many styling possibilities on how this vehicle can be personalized. This WCC vision may be over the top, but it demonstrates the creativity HHR offers to personalize it your way.”

To complement the modified styling cues, WCC gave the concept HHR some suspension flexibility with a rear airbag suspension. Giovanna 20-in. wheels are wrapped in Pirelli tires.

WCC has converted the 5-passenger HHR into a 4-person ride with bucket seats dressed in suede and 2-tone leather and body color matching interior trim.

A 10-in. (25.4-cm) monitor molded in the dash with a touch computer screen controls functions such as audio and video systems.

The stock HHR is expected to hit dealerships in the second half of 2005.

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