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06/24/2005, Not one to blend in, the Chevrolet HHR is pushing the audio envelope in a novel way - satisfying demanding audiophiles while maintaining the interior cargo capacity of the vehicle. Chevrolet Accessories has partnered with a pair of in-car electronics experts - Earthquake Sound and Boston Acoustics - to help develop rear speaker systems that cover the full audio spectrum while maintaining the HHR's cargo space and flexibility. Based on public reaction, these audio system concepts will be evaluated as dealer-installed accessories for future production.
The two audio system companies took different approaches to upfitting the HHR with the integrated speaker systems, although each used the production radio head unit with its front-mounted auxiliary input jack for an iPod or other audio sources.
"The speaker systems needed to deliver the full spectrum of sound, but without the intrusive equipment that can reduce cargo space as found in many aftermarket installations," said Greg Papendick, program manager, electrical accessories. "This required the HHR's speaker systems to be hidden within existing production dimensions."
Earthquake "ShockWave" system
Proving that good bass can come from small (thin) packages, Earthquake Sound's new ShockWave audio system for the HHR uses a unique enclosure that is snail-shaped and has multiple layers of wood that are compressed and molded to fit a SWS-12 driver. The system mounts in the HHR's spare tire compartment in the cargo area floor and is enabled by a powerful and slim-profile subwoofer.
Earthquake's patented 12-inch-diameter SWS-12 subwoofer requires less than 4 inches of mounting depth. It is complemented in the enclosure with two 6-inch drivers (woofers) and two TW-35S tweeters (1.5-inch-diameter). A PHD2000W 2000-watt Class D mono-block amplifier powers the subwoofer and a TNT-300 300-watt two-channel amplifier powers the mid-range speakers and tweeters, which also are mounted on the enclosure.
Care was taken when designing the custom Earthquake for the HHR's spare tire compartment so that full and easy access to the tire and tools was retained. There also is a four-band equalizer mounted near the liftgate and the remainder of the HHR's production cabin speakers have been replaced with new VTEK coaxials, four 6.5-inch mid-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters for improved imaging.
The ShockWave system allows the user to operate the full system or shut down the subwoofer and play only through the cabin speakers. This can be useful during tailgating or other times when the full force of the system is simply too much.
Boston Acoustics system
The integrated rear audio system developed by Boston Acoustics for the HHR is centered on the company's GT50 five-channel amplifier and G2 series 10-inch subwoofer. The subwoofer and amplifier are mounted in a custom enclosure that replaces the factory storage tray above the spare tire. To maximize the subwoofer enclosure volume in this concept vehicle, Boston Acoustics engineers created more space by inverting the spare tire and relocating the tire tools.
The G2 subwoofer offers high sensitivity, enabling loads of deep, loud bass - even when used with moderate-power amplifiers. Also mounted in the rear compartment area are two rear-facing 5.25-inch Pro50 Series Competition two-way component system speakers. They are mounted flush to the floor during normal driving but can be raised to a rear facing position while tailgating. These speakers are driven by the same GT50 amplifier that drives the subwoofer and forward cabin speakers.
Boston Acoustics replaced the HHR's production cabin speakers with Pro Series speakers, including two 6.5-inch mid-range drivers in the front, two 5.5-inch mid-range drivers in the rear, and 1-inch tweeters mounted in the A-pillars. The speaker system was designed to offer a full spectrum of sound tuned to The Boston SoundTM. The Boston SoundTM is characterized by smooth octave to octave tonal balance and natural frequency response, with no listening fatigue to the listener - even at high volume.
Custom styling
In addition to the rear audio systems, the HHR concept vehicles carry distinctive, custom appearances, including the wheels, tailored exterior appointments and interior trim. Some of the exterior appointments on the vehicles are accented by Spinelle Metal Finish, a unique finish technology that creates a metal-style appearance on non-metal components. It is developed and manufactured by Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Lacks Enterprises.
Both of the HHR concept vehicles feature Spinelle Metal Finish on the grille, deck lid logo, liftgate appliqué and door handles. One of the vehicles features a unique complimentary-toned finish to the components, while the other ventures over to the dark side with a "black chrome" look. Chrometec bright-finish coating is featured on the wheels of both vehicles. The Spinelle Metal Finish accents create unique, upscale auras for the sound-infused HHR concept vehicles.
Several Chevrolet Accessories are featured on the concept HHR's. The upper deck spoiler and running boards add sporty exterior accents, while the door sill plates with HHR logo and rear bumper cover add protection to high traffic areas.
GM Accessories are sold in North America by Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC and HUMMER dealerships. For more information about GM Parts, GM Accessories or GM Performance Parts, visit www.gmgoodwrench.com. To find out about more ways to personalize Chevrolet vehicles, please visit www.gmaccessorieszone.com. All Chevrolet Accessories can be purchased through over 4,000 Chevrolet dealerships nationwide and are warranted by General Motors for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles if installed at the time of new vehicle delivery.
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Information courtesy of General Motors
Photos taken by www.hhrclub.org
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