2008 Chevy HHR Features

2008 HHR | Change Year

2008 Chevrolet HHR - Sandstone Metallic

Ecotec-based powertrains

The HHR lineup relies on the renowned Ecotec family of technologically sophisticated inline four-cylinder engines, which balances usable power with fuel and emissions efficiency. The standard engine for LS and 1LT models is the Ecotec 2.2L Ecotec engine. The Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder is available on the 1LT and standard on the 2LT.

To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, the HHR's 2.2L and 2.4L engines receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. The 2.4L engine is rated at 172 horsepower (128 kW) and 167 lb.-ft. of torque (226 Nm)*. The 2.2L engine is rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW)* and 152 lb.-ft. (206 Nm)* of torque..

Both the 2.2L and the 2.4L engine have distinct performance and hardware differences, but share a basic structure and construction that includes:

Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
Twin counter-rotating balance shafts for operational smoothness
Electronic throttle control
Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters
Low-maintenance chain-drive for the camshafts
Direct-mount accessories, which reduce or eliminate traditional sources of noise and vibration
Full-circle transmission mount to reduce noise and vibration
GM Oil Life System, which can reduce the frequency for oil changes
Innovative cast-in oil filter housing, which eliminates the need to crawl under the vehicle to perform oil changes and eliminates throwaway oil filter cans that retain used oil
Catalytic converter located close to exhaust manifold to speed catalyst “light off,” reducing hydrocarbon emissions

HHR's Ecotec engines also benefit from features designed to reduce noise and vibration. The pistons, for example, have a polymer coating and skirt design that reduces noise during cold starts, while a new, two-layer acoustic engine cover is tuned to reduce noise. NVH is also reduced with a new automatic tensioner that maintains optimal tension on the timing chain.

Transmissions include a standard F23 five-speed manual transmission or an available Hydra-Matic 4T45 electronically controlled four-speed automatic, which are available with both engines. The F23 five-speed manual transmission delivers smoothness and durability, with all gears – including reverse – featuring synchronization.

The available 4T45 is a smooth-shifting, highly durable automatic transmission. Like the F23 manual transmission, there are calibration differences to optimize the performance of 2.2L-equipped models and 2.4L-equippped models. All models, regardless of engine or transmission, are designed for flat towing.

Chassis and suspension details

HHR is built on a robust, global small-car architecture. This lower-dominant structure is designed with strength in the lower portions of the chassis, contributing to an overall feeling of rigidity, effectively minimizing noise and vibration. The use of premium materials, such as Quiet Steel laminated panels in the plenum area, further enhances the vehicle's overall quietness.

Extensive use of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel in key structural components, including the rocker panels and cross-vehicle reinforcing beam, bolsters the vehicle's rigid feel while providing additional side-impact support. The cockpit “safety cage” provides load-carrying protection and, along with laser-welded blanks used in the doorframes, front doors and rear doors, contributes to the HHR's NVH characteristics and build quality.

A MacPherson strut front suspension design is used, along with a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension and five-lug wheels. Two suspension systems are available: FE1 suspension standard on LS and 1LT, with an FE3 suspension standard on the 2LT model. The FE1 suspension is tuned for a softer ride and includes 16-inch wheels, while the FE3 provides sportier handling traits and offers standard 17-inch wheels and monotube shocks, which enhance ride and handling. Forged aluminum high-polished 17-inch wheels are available.

All models are equipped with rack-and-pinion steering with electric power steering (EPS) – a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system with specific tuning calibrations to match the performance characteristics of each of the suspension settings. EPS eliminates the use of an engine-driven power steering pump, as well as the corresponding fluid reservoir and plumbing, reducing both fuel consumption and the potential source of an environmental contaminant.

Brakes consist of large front discs and rear drums, with ABS and traction control standard on 2LT models (traction control available only with automatic transmission) and available on LS and 1LT models.

New for 2008 is the availability of StabiliTrak, GM's advanced electronic stability control system. It assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver's intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver's use of the brake pedal. StabiliTrak is integrated with the traction control and ABS brake systems .

Safety

HHR is designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash – a design that helped garner a five-star crash safety rating for both frontal crashes (driver and right-front passenger) and side crashes (front- and outboard rear-seat passengers, when equipped with side air bags) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program tests. Standard safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags with GM's Passenger Sensing System. This system works with the front passenger seat and differentiates between adults – 5 th percentile females and larger – and small children or child seats to adjust air bag deployment.

Additionally, HHR has front safety belt pretensioners, rear-seat center lap-shoulder safety belts and the LATCH child seat retention system. Head curtain side-impact air bags for front- and rear-seat outboard occupants are available.

OnStar is standard on all models and features enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy (with digital service). OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

The OnStar service standard on the 2008 HHR includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.