Section: Woodward Dream Cruise
Written By: Reilly
August 21st, 2007 8:19 AM
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After over a year of speculation (WINDING ROAD broke the story last June), Chevrolet has finally unwrapped the SS edition of the HHR crossover. GM Car Czar Bob Lutz made the announcement at the Woodward Dream Cruise event late last week. To say the car was one of Detroit’s worst kept secrets would be an understatement.
The turbocharged (and intercooled) Mexican-built five-door will pump out 260 hp to the front wheels, making this one of the fastest front drivers available in the marketplace and certainly faster than the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT (230 hp) to which it will be compared. The vehicle comes with either a five-speed manual with “enhanced shifter feel/placement” or a four-speed automatic. 18-inch wheels will be offered as standard, with Michelin Pilot sport tires.
The interior also receives a thorough “SS” treatment–including embroidered seats with the SS logo, ultra suede inserts, a new gauge cluster (with 140mph speedo), A-pillar turbocharger boost gauge, and a new steering wheel. The car was developed by GM’s in-house Performance Division tuning group. It will be available for sale in the fourth quarter of this year.
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Written By: Chris Paukert
August 19th, 2007 5:07 PM
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It’s true that you never know what you’ll find plying Woodward at the Dream Cruise, but even we about walked into a stop sign when we saw this drop-to-your-knees gorgeous 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. Certainly, the owner of this stunning alloy creature must’ve taken a wrong turn on the way to this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours, right?
But no, the custodian of this numbers-matching, recently-restored Gullwing indicates that he “just thought people might enjoy seeing it,” so he gingerly wheeled it along the doorhandle-to-doorhandle crowded side streets abutting Woodward, finally parking it just off of the main drag for all to see. This, despite the fact that it has logged perhaps 40 miles since it left the restoration shop.
Beauty like this isn’t meant to be locked up in a temperature controlled garage, or even on a museum turntable… it’s meant to be regarded and appreciated in its native environ—on the street.
Job done, sir. Job done.
(Click on the thumbnails below to see more of this timeless design)
Written By: Chris Paukert
August 19th, 2007 4:23 PM
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The 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird may not have set the Blue Oval’s sales charts afire, but the throwback convertible still has its devotees, as evidenced by the handful we saw at this year’s Dream Cruise.
It would appear, however, that for at least one owner, the T-Bird’s Fifties design cues weren’t pervasive enough. Check out the spectacular body kit on this red example, complete with faired-in rear wheels and headrests, chromed taillamp bezels, amber fogs, and odd looking canards on the front and rear fascias that reminded us of Fiat’s mid-Nineties Barchetta convertible. Alas, there wasn’t a continental kit in sight.
The owner’s license plate? N DNIAL. Fair enough.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch a high-res gallery)
Written By: Chris Paukert
August 19th, 2007 3:51 PM
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This weekend’s Woodward Dream Cruise here may have been predictably inundated with period Motown muscle, but there were cars and trucks of every color, shape, era, purpose, taste, and value to be seen for miles on end. Despite the malaise that is the Detroit auto industry’s current situation, Woodward appears to be picking up speed with each and every passing year. This weekend’s festivities were no different, and it was all terribly glorious stuff.
Naturally, we’ve never viewed so many classic Chevrolet Corvettes or period Ford Mustangs at one time. Nor have we ever had the privilege of witnessing more than a few bewinged Plymouth Superbirds and Dodge Charger Daytonas in one place, or a pride of 100+ Plymouth Prowlers. Mini trucks, art cars, British roadsters, Italian exotics, vintage Germans, they were all out in force. As the weather held up nicely for Friday and Saturday’s cruising, it was a true joy to walk along Woodward and bask in the thousands upon thousands of classic cars, as well as being surrounded by more than a million people who share our affliction for all things four-wheeled.
A bit of friendly advise: Even if you don’t have a classic car of your own, don’t let that stop you from making the Woodward pilgrimage next year. If nothing else, you’ll probably go home with a few cars added to your ‘Dream Garage’ wish list.
(Click on the thumbnails below for more than 60 high-res glimpses of this year’s Dream Cruise)
Cadillac CTS-V Laps Nurburgring in Sedan Record 7:59:32
Opel Insignia Hatchback Spied Undisguised 
The Rise of Hyundai: From Mitsubishi Borrower to Possible M-B Supplier
First Look At Possible New MG TF
So Long Super Aguri: Financial Woes Cause Formula One Team to Call it A Day
