2005 Chevrolet HHR Review

Specifications

The WCC HHR Boasts Massive Rims, Massive Plasma Screens and Massive Audio

Chevys HHR hadnt even hit the show stand yet and a California chop shop had modified it, prior to displaying it at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

West Coast Customs, the customizer that is regularly featured on MTVs “Pimp My Ride”, did the dirty work, chopping the roof, adding roll pans, a unique front fascia with blacked-out mesh grilles, massive multi-spoke rims and low-profile rubber.

It also gets a completely updated interior with two-tone blue-gray seats, dash, door panels and leather-wrapped steering wheel - the latter featuring a “W.C.C.” logo at center.

GM describes the HHR as having “detailed, jewel-like instrument displays” and “chrome accents”, and fortunately WCC leaves such details alone. The gauges, in stock trim, feature a unique inset tachometer that sits atop the larger speedometer, both surrounded by a thick chrome rim. Fuel and temperature gauges complement the package at each side, all featuring distinctly shaped needles.

Replacing the standard 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, the WCC HHR features a completely non-stock audio-video system, replete with three ultra-large Directed-brand plasma screens embedded into the front console - overkill, no doubt - and another in the 63.1 cubic foot cargo bay, surrounded by twin aluminum-finish amps and two deep-dish Orion subwoofers. A “West Coast Customs” graphic caps off the modified cargo area, backlit in cool blue to accent the interior motif and exterior paint scheme.

Oddly, WCC removed the shifter from the center console in order to make room for its multiple plasma screens, but has made no mention as to how gears are to be selected. The HHR comes stock with a 5-speed manual transmission, featuring synchros on all five forward gears as well as reverse, with a Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled 4-speed automatic optional. Most likely the latter has been chosen for the WCC car.

The custom tuner also doesnt offer any hints to whats under the hood. The base HHR features a 2.2L Ecotec 4-cylinder, putting out 140-horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, while those wanting a little more grunt under the right foot will need to opt for a 2.4L 4-cylinder upgrade producing 170-horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.

Still, this custom HHR would do best with GMs 205-horsepower turbocharged 2.2L four, as currently offered in the Saturn ION Red Line and soon to arrive in the upcoming Cobalt SS coupe. When this engine becomes available, it will be ideal for tuning.

While the new West Coast Customs HHR shows off the talents of the celebrated customizing shop, its also an example of the personalization potential of Chevys newest model.

No doubt, this is just the first customized example of the HHR, with many more to come at various auto shows, highlighted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show later in the year.

The HHRs main rival, Chryslers long-running PT Cruiser, has been the basis of many modified one-offs, some of which were developed by Chrysler itself. Look for future HHR customs, some from the aftermarket and others by GM.