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.
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