Malibu replacement

[kevm14]

Do doubt, this is probably quick. It is definitely FUGLY.

Disagree. I think it does a nice modern homage to the 1949 Suburban:

1949_Chevrolet_Suburban-2.jpg

And it has actual performance (I'd even argue that the handling is emphasized over the powertrain though the LNF with manual is halfway decent).

[kevm14]

I like this part:

We drove the HHR SS all over creation during its week with us, and because much of that was long-distance driving on the freeway, the trip computer reported that we averaged an incredible 27 mpg

And these parts:

The top 3/10ths of the performance scale have been sacrificed, however, for a ride that's eminently livable on a day-to-day basis and downright comfy on long drives.

Aside from some a sub-par interior, it offers high performance and a level of practicality that aren't often found in the same vehicle at the same time. The HHR SS is much more than its rental fleet relatives would have you think, and for that it deserves a place in the lineup.

All of which greatly enhance the car's potential as a Malibu replacement, imo.

[Bob]

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/racing-d ... ere-39328/

One auto owner reported 15.2 @ 91 stock. Probably more to come if you read on.

[kevm14]

91?? Man. I guess for the class of car (i.e. a cheap, practical vehicle) that's decent.

[Bob]

This is from the end of the era where manuals still ruled. I am sure it drives pretty well. All of the comments about the engine praised the lack of lag.

[kevm14]

So here are the factors:

• A 4-speed designed for late 90s applications (same basic trans that I think came out for the 1997 N-body, the one that is in Jamie's 2000 Malibu and was in my mom's 2007 Impala), which means wide ratio swings after a shift (not historically good for performance in turbo applications)
• The auto version is actually down 25hp
• The trans is probably still operating at the high end of its design capability, so I'd expect heavy torque management through the shift which may really drop boost off (this effect is multiplied by the ratio step across each shift)

I guess all of those things could get you like 8 mph trap. Crazy. It does support launch mode though. But I don't understand what it is besides brake torqueing to build boost that is "allowed." Nothing different than an 87 Grand National lets you do mechanically. With all of the nannies on today's stuff, especially in a FWD turbo application, I can see how this is a "feature."

[kevm14]

Bob....dare I ask. HHR SS to replace the Rio?? I know, it's out there. There is nothing that drives better that is shaped like that. I think that's a fact.

Good visibility isn't a requirement, is it?

[Bob]

I think I am looking for something with a few more luxury touches. Also I think my auto-only restriction for this replacement really sours me on the HHR, since the auto technology is so ancient and the performance isn't stellar. I can trap 91 in a TSX wagon, although probably in a much less satisfying manner. I would ideally like something with at least a 6-speed auto if it has to have an auto.

The prices on the C-Max Energi are dropping quite a bit. This has a similar shape to the Rondo and I could commute without using a drop of gas (and charge mostly at work if I wanted to be super cheap about it). The downside is it's a bit small and the trunk space is less than a regular C-Max due to the battery. On the plus side, it's more useful than a Volt and can seat 5.

[Bob]

I stand corrected on the TSX wagon - it only traps 85 and that was in MT too!

[Bob]

I have been plotting to try to take advantage of this period of very cheap gas by buying an EV or PHEV. Nissan Leaf prices are falling into the low 5 figures now. BMW is leasing the i3 for $129/mo in Georgia with zero down after the state and federal credits. Used Volts are in the mid-teens at the lower end. You could lease a Fiat 500e in California last weekend for under $100/mo with no money down. Unfortunately I don't live in CA or GA so the i3 deals aren't as sweet and the 500e isn't available.

I can then sell whatever I get when gas is $4.50 and buy a CTS-V Wagon for peanuts