Even with the huge number of improvements to this SSR, GM showed unusual restraint by up-pricing base models $945. Of course, when you have a low-volume two-door sport truck with an undersized bed (oversized trunk?), 2500 pounds of towing capacity, and no place for a gun rack, $45K may seem a lot to pay. Oddly, though, there may be a good value here, as misplaced as it might be. For some (and we can't imagine more than 800 of them a month), opting for a unique boulevard roadster pickup with a retractable hardtop, now with 90 more horses, vastly improved ride and handling, and a chance to row through the gears just like the C6 Corvette, the new SSR may not be a bad choice.
GM expects the model split between manual and automatics to duplicate the Corvette numbers, with 65 percent opting for the automatic. Clearly, not many truck guys will want a "Corvette truck," but for the ones who do, this is the best one yet.
Rick Wagoner, Chairman and...
Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO (and now North American Product Czar) of GM, standing next to the first Chevy SSR concept from 2000, made a big push to ensure this retro-rod reached production. Gen I had its problems, but the current Gen II version (especially with the six-speed manual) will make a bigger splash with enthusiasts.