2003 CHEVROLET SSR 6.0L V8 6MT (396 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Have you ever thought of a pick-up roadster? Well, nobody did, besides Chevrolet. The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) was unveiled to the public in 2003, after the concept car released in 2000 at the Detroit Auto Show.

Inspired from the 40’s Chevrolet pickups, the SSR nicely blended the tough appearance of a muscular car with the joy provided by a roadster, into a retro-modern vehicle.

Based on the hydroformed-steel platform of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the SSR had a body-on-frame architecture. The platform was shortened by 13 inches, while the other dimensions were kept the same.

Fitted with an all-aluminium 5.3-liter V8 engine, the SSR had 300 ponies under the hood. The unit was mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission that sent the power to the rear wheels.

Other features that helped the SSR to provide the sporty experience were thick anti-roll bars, big brakes and returned shock absorbers.

The SSR had a real pick-up’s utility, with a fully usable cargo bed and a retractable hard-top.

Having a limited production, the quality of the materials used throughout the cabin was not the best as Chevrolet needed to somehow keep costs under control.

The leather wrapped sport seats were firm and supportive, maybe the most appreciated part of the cabin.

It took around 20 seconds to lower the top and around 24 seconds to close it. With the top down, the cabin was pretty quiet compared to other convertibles. However, why would you want to put the top down instead of enjoying the sound of the V8?