Match Maker

General Motors Corp. announces it will build a new vehicle inspired by the '04 Chevy SSR and the '49 Chevrolet Suburban in 2006.

Gary Cowger, president-GM North America, reveals plans for the HHR — short for High Heritage Roof — during his speech at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI. Based on a small-car platform, which he does not disclose, HHR will utilize the growing family of Ecotec 4-cyl. engines with outputs ranging from 140 hp to more than 220 hp. Able to seat five, its second row will fold flat to form a load floor.

Cowger declines comment on pricing. Nor does he say where the vehicle will be built. He reveals the program while outlining GM's plan to introduce 14 new vehicles next year, on the heels of a 16-vehicle rollout this year. Last year saw GM introduce 14 new cars and trucks.

No other brand will get a version of the HHR, Cowger says.

Highlighting the next crop of new models is the C6 Corvette, which for the first time since 1962 will feature fixed headlamps, Cowger says. It also will have a more athletic stance, which is even reflected in a “trimmer” Corvette badge.

No photos of the new model are shown, so Cowger jokingly tells the audience they must be content with spy photos. Still, he warns: “Looks can be deceiving.”