Back to Chevy SSR Forum
Stirring Concept Becomes Reality
Production-Intent Show Vehicle Displays SSR Design, From Concept to Reality
Styling, one of the most significant points on the Chevy SSR's journey from
concept to reality, is complete. The production-intent design for the Chevy SSR
mirrors the theme set forth by the concept vehicle - a celebration of Chevy
heritage, expressed in a roadster featuring pickup truck-style versatility.
Quintessentially American, uniquely nostalgic, yet contemporary and
innovative, the Chevy SSR concept vehicle made an immediate impact upon its
debut in January of 2000. There was little debate on its design. The SSR
instantly registered as one of the most stirring concept vehicles in recent
memory. Thoughts quickly shifted to "will it go into production, and if so, will
it be true to the concept?" The answer to both questions is a resounding "yes."
"From the start, the design team has had a singular focus to be true to the
concept," says Bill Davis, Vehicle Chief Designer. "The production-intent show
vehicle is the visual essence of the vehicle that will go into production. And,
believe it or not there were some design changes made from the concept vehicle,
but they were done in a way that maintained - or even improved - on the
concept."
The production-intent SSR show vehicle was built in August of 2001, and
driven by GM President and CEO Rick Wagoner at the legendary Woodward Dream
Cruise shortly thereafter. The SSR will make its debut in its production-intent
skin at the North American Auto Show in Detroit in January of 2002.
"Our team's mission is simple: Build the concept vehicle," says Tom
Wallace, Vehicle Line Executive for GM Midsize Trucks. "Just as they did in
inventing the original concept, the design team has hit the mark. We said we
would deliver the concept vehicle, and the production-intent show vehicle does
just that."
Exterior Styling Enhances Bold Forms
The exterior of the production-intent design is embodies the concept
vehicle. Only subtle changes have been made from concept to reality. Unlike many
show vehicles that proceed to showrooms, the changes represent tweaks meant to
improve the vehicle's form, rather than production-necessitated compromises.
The Art Deco styled front grille design - one of the signature features of
the concept - continues virtually unaltered in production. Indeed, horizontal
cross-car bar with the integrated bowtie continues all the way through the
headlamps, just as it does on the concept.
To ensure excellent handling, ride and structural strength, GM's midsize
truck architecture was selected to provide the basis for production version. As
a result the proportions of the SSR needed to be altered, providing a challenge
for designers. The production-intent vehicle has the same wheelbase as the
concept, but is slightly shorter and wider.
These subtle dimensional adaptations were achieved without disturbing the
vehicle's overall form. For instance, the windshield was pulled slightly
forward, and tiny alterations were made to the A-pillar and roof surfaces to
maintain the "fast" forward leaning, rear accented vehicle form.
Critical to the vehicle's overall look, the tire to body relationship was
untouched from the concept with huge 19 and 20-inch wheels in the front and
rear, respectively.
The great majority of body panels are stamped steel, including the large
fenders. The fenders are identical to the concept, with the exception of the
addition of side marker lights added for safety.
The fenders are the boldest expression yet of the "vortex" rear-accented
shape that is a key Chevy brand character cue. The large flares date back to the
SSR's thematic inspiration, the "advanced-design" Chevy pickups of the
late-1940s and early-1950s.
Concept Reveals Opportunities
Other ideas for the production-intent styling were derived from the team's
experience with the concept vehicle.
"One of the great benefits of concept vehicles is that we see other
dimensions to it that might not be evident on a computer screen or in the
studio," says Davis. "For the production design we had the opportunity to
approach SSR as one solid shape rather than a separate cab and box. The tonneau,
deck lid and body sides are more of a complete unit in the production-intent
vehicle."
More examples of contemporary and roadster cues are found in the interior.
The production-intent SSR features sleek, rounded bucket seats, as opposed to
the traditional bench found in the concept. This allows the incorporation of a
useful center console that provides storage space and a home for the shifter.
"The interior is uncluttered, inviting and sophisticated," says Davis. "The
body color flows into the interior in several areas, such as the waterfall
between the seats, the doors, rear deck and windshield."
The interior theme is Chevrolet's twin cockpit approach, with a horizontal
cross-car bar and body-colored accents bringing much of the vehicle's exterior
theme to the interior. The billet aluminum look used on elements of the exterior
continues on the door trim and instrument panel bezels. The clean instrument
panel features gauges with bold graphics, audio controls hidden behind a
moveable panel and a simple three-dial design for all climate controls.
Initial production of the Chevy SSR will begin in late-2002, with regular
production to follow in early-2003.
Back to Chevy SSR Forum
For Release: January 9, 2000
The Chevrolet SSR: Part Heritage, Part Function, Part Flexible ... All-Fun
DETROIT - When you blend two of the auto industry's hottest segments into
one vehicle, you're bound to have something special on your hands, and that's
just what Chevrolet has with the new SSR concept.
The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) seamlessly combines the function and utility
of a pickup with the performance and open-air excitement of a sports roadster.
And it does so by tapping into decades of Chevrolet heritage, evident in its
stylish design and in the take-no-prisoners performance of its 6.0-liter V-8.
This SSR may appear to be a very expressive pickup concept, albeit snazzier
and sportier than most. But when a flip of a switch moves its power retractable
hardtop into the open-roof position, the SSR is revealed to be like nothing
that's ever gone before.
And it's clearly a Chevrolet. It sports a full-width grille bar and proudly
wears a Bow Tie up front, and has another full-width bar across its backside.
Its form-fitting fender flares are distinctly Chevy-even if they're slightly
more outrageous than on any of the SSR's predecessors.
"The SSR will appeal to enthusiasts of all ages," said Kurt Ritter,
Chevrolet general manager. "The design draws you in, and the performance keeps
you there.
"The Chevrolet Bow Tie has long stood for spirited, functional cars and
trucks," Ritter added. "The SSR brings the best of both worlds, to the extreme.
A rear-drive roadster with a 6.0-liter V-8 is about as spirited as it gets, and
what could be more functional than a roadster with a cargo bed?"
Feature Highlights: V-8 Power, Open Air, and a Place For Your Stuff
"It's a very different type of vehicle," said Ed Welburn, director of GM's
Corporate Brand Character Center.
How different? Well, it's powerful, it's rear-drive and it can go topless,
for starters. It's a true sports roadster, in a pickup package. It's a
two-passenger, open-air machine with room on the innovative front bench seat for
a third passenger, or a child seat.
"On one hand, it's a roadster, but people who live with roadsters face hard
challenges as far as having places to put things and carry any sort of cargo-not
with the SSR," said Welburn. "On the other hand, it can carry things for you,
but it's not just about hauling things to an event. Driving it in itself is an
event. It's all about cruising, whether it's on Woodward in Detroit, South
Boulevard in Miami Beach or the autobahn in Germany."
At the heart of the SSR is its 6.0-liter, high-output V-8 engine. The
longitudinally mounted engine powers the rear wheels only, offering true sports
car performance and handling characteristics. Also enhancing the ride and
handling and befitting a sports roadster are the five-spoke alloy sport wheels
and performance tires-19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear.
The SSR's exterior design builds on Chevy styling cues, including the
grille. "The front end design is unmistakable Chevrolet, drawing on its heritage
of the early 1950s," Welburn said. "The strong fender forms, in side view, are
very much a part of Chevy's brand character, especially in that kind of line
that spins off the wheel-Impalas and Monte Carlos have it in a subtle way, and
future Chevrolets will have it.
"Also, the interior has a twin cockpit theme, which is a very strong Chevy
brand character trait-early Corvettes had it-and that theme travels through the
interior to the seats and the headrests."
The interior plays off that twin cockpit theme and presents a clean,
simple, comfortable environment. The storage area between the seats is
multiconfigurable. It can stow away to provide seating for a third person or a
child seat, or it can act as an armrest, with cupholders that slide out from
inside it.
To create the extra space on the bench seat, designers moved the automatic
shifter from the floor to the steering wheel. Inside a dash-mounted panel door
are controls for the climate and stereo including Navigation system, weather
access and Windows computer with internet/email access. GM's OnStarTM System is
also featured in the interior. "It's there when you need it," Welburn said,
"otherwise the door is closed and the design is kept clean."
The SSR's most exciting feature is the power-operated, retractable hardtop.
The two-piece top stows vertically between the seat and the rear storage bed.
It's neatly tucked away, flush behind the passenger compartment. With the top
down, and the sun shining in, the SSR becomes a truck like no other truck and a
roadster like no other roadster.
The rear cargo area can carry a multitude of items for consumers on the go.
It has a lockable storage area to protect the cargo inside. The tailgate can be
operated remotely with a button on the key fob, or opened manually using the
latch on the inside of the gate.
The Development Story: Virtually Amazing
The Chevrolet SSR's creation process is nearly as amazing as the vehicle
itself. Developed at GM's Corporate Brand Character Center, the SSR was designed
entirely in the computer. No clay models were ever built. It went from first
sketch to full-size model in a seven-week period and no model was ever
constructed until the full-size vehicle was built.
"For those concerned about computer-aided design, the fact that such an
emotional design-a vehicle that has really connected with people emotionally-was
absolutely created in the computer is significant," Welburn said. "There were
never sculptors' hands all over a model. In fact, the sculptors worked to
develop the shapes in the computer. These are sculptors with background and
training in the fine arts, working in the computer right alongside the engineers
and chassis teams."
Most of GM's concept cars are developed at the separate brand studios, but
the SSR was developed at the Corporate Brand Center along with the Chevrolet
Brand Center, giving it a broad view unique to GM's concepts. The Corporate
Brand Center and Chevy teams of designers, engineers, and sculptors worked in
concert, under one roof, to create the stunning SSR. "They intermingle and
develop the project-that's how we are able to work so quickly and efficiently,"
Welburn said. "We don't have the designers on one side of the room and the
sculptors on the other and the engineers down the hall. They all work together,
side by side."
In Conclusion: Putting Chevy's Heritage on a Futuristic Road.
Although no decision has been made on the future of such a vehicle in
Chevrolet's portfolio, Welburn says that the SSR was designed from the very
start as a production vehicle, "not just a concept car for an auto show."
With its eye-catching looks and obvious functional characteristics, the SSR
is sure to garner more than its fair share of attention.
"It's powerful, and it's beautiful," Welburn said. "It has a lot of shape
to it. And lots of appeal."
###
Chevrolet SSR Specifications
Drive: RWD
Engine: 6.0L V8
Wheelbase: 116.5" 5-spoke alloy sport wheels and performance tires 19-inch
front/20-inch rear
OAL: 186.1"
Back to Chevy SSR Forum
GROUNDBREAKING CHEVY SSR DOESN’T MISS A BEAT BLAZING A TRAIL FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY
DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2002 – The production version of the Chevrolet SSR takes the stage at the North American International Auto Show today, just two years after the concept version of the souped up convertible roadster/pickup truck turned heads at the same show in 2000.
Production of the Chevy SSR begins later this year at the Lansing Craft Centre in Lansing Township, Mich.
"To see the SSR on the stage today in production form is very gratifying, and very exciting," said Tom Wallace, vehicle line executive for GM Midsize Trucks. "The concept version was such a big hit at the show two years ago, but a lot of people doubted GM would ever build such a vehicle, let alone have it in showrooms so quickly. That this version has remained so true to the original SSR concept is all the more satisfying."
Developed at GM’s Corporate Brand Character Center, the SSR concept vehicle was designed entirely in the computer. It went from first sketch to full-size model in a seven-week period.
"For those concerned about computer-aided design, the fact that such an emotional design was absolutely created in the computer is significant," said Ed Welburn, director of GM’s Corporate Brand Character Center. "It was done by sculptors with background and training in the fine arts, working in the computer right alongside the engineers and chassis teams."
To ensure excellent handling, ride and structural strength, GM’s midsize truck architecture was selected to provide the basis for the production version. Some of the proportions of the SSR concept were altered for production, providing a challenge for designers. The production vehicle has the same wheelbase as the concept, but is slightly shorter and wider.
These subtle dimensional adaptations were achieved without disturbing the concept vehicle’s original overall form. For instance, the windshield was pulled slightly forward, and tiny alterations were made to the A-pillar and roof surfaces to maintain the "fast" forward-leaning, rear-accented vehicle form.
From the start, the SSR production design team had a singular focus: Be true to the concept. Critical to the vehicle’s overall look, the tire-to-body relationship was unchanged from the concept with huge 19- and 20-inch wheels in the front and rear, respectively. A majority of the body panels are stamped steel, including the large fenders, which are identical to the concept, with the exception of side marker lights added for safety.
The production version of the Chevrolet SSR utilizes a frame with fully hydroformed steel side rails. The hydroformed frame features great strength and stiffness, relatively low weight and precise quality. The holes for suspension attachments are laser-cut, providing great dimensional accuracy measured to meet minute standards. This gives engineers maximum control of suspension components, allowing them to tune the suspension to a more precise degree. The frame features eight total cross members, more than the traditional four or six, also boosting structural strength for ride quality, handling control and noise and vibration reduction.
"No other manufacturer has a vehicle like SSR," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. "No one has this much fun and function in one package. The SSR was an attention grabber as a concept vehicle, and as a production vehicle, it will direct that consumer attention right to our showrooms where the rest of our impressive lineup of cars and trucks is also on display."
###