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GM Debuts Flex Fuel HHR |
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Monday, 04 February 2008 |
General Motors has finally rolled out their highly anticipated flex fuel vehicle, the 2009 HHR. It will go on sale later this year and will run on E85. Although GM has 11 flex fuel vehicles, the push has been on to offer this option for larger vehicles and it appears that GM is trying to answer the call.
It is available in two main options: a 2.2 liter or 2.4 liter Ecotec engine and boasts a 23% reduction of emissions according to studies done by the company. In addition to running on E85, this vehicle will also operate with regular gas, a point the company feels will help increase sales for those who have not yet embraced the new fuel. Since the current HHR models are doing well, with sales figures on the upswing, it is hoped that this model will continue the trend.
Although the company has not yet released information on the HHR’s gas mileage, analysts believe it will be in line with similar models that also run on E85. While these numbers are usually a little poorer than regular gas models, the overall benefits to the environment may outweigh this problem for many consumers. The new 2009 HHR will retain the popular body style of the 2008 as well as most of its features.
It is expected that the 2009 HHR will include a supercharged engine, capable of reaching 260 hp even with the four cylinder engine. Reviews have called it a little powerhouse that is more than capable of getting nasty when it needs to, with its 0-60 resting at around 6.3 seconds. This should appeal to many consumers who like to have a little extra under the hood when they need it, but still want to get good gas mileage and performance.
Although this model is continually compared to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevy has been adamant that the design harkens back to the 1949 Suburban, a claim that many refuse to believe. It remains a customer favorite despite getting the bum rap as being too cute from many enthusiasts. The 2009 models have been zealously spied upon and should be popular even if people choose to snap up the SS model before the new Flex Fuel model.
GM definitely needs the sales boost and the new Flex Fuel HHR model may be what they are looking for. However, the Flex Fuel Hummer may outshine its smaller cousin when it is released later this year. One thing is certain however, GM is definitely committed to switching their vehicles, even their bigger models, over to E85. Whether consumers agree with the trend remains to be seen, but the company is getting a lot of press, which can only work to their advantage.
Pricing for the Flex Fuel HHR has not yet been announced but it is generally assumed that it will be in line with the regular HHR models, coming in somewhere around $20k. This price point has worked well for previous versions and should continue to remain popular.
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