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Not just for fun; ASC CHEVROLET SSR BLACKBIRD 425.(Special Report)
Byline: MIKE SUTTON
As cool as Chevrolet's retro-cruiser might look, critics of the SSR point to its excess weight, saying it's under-powered and lacks the handling ability expected of a sport truck. American Specialty Cars, having worked with Chevy to design, develop and build SSR, is uniquely suited to take this truck to the next level. The Blackbird 425 features a host of performance and aesthetic changes that address many of the stock SSR's more mundane characteristics. Named after the U.S. Air Force's SR-71 Cold War spy plane and for the 425 hp underhood, this SSR's stock 5.3-liter V8 gets forced-induction help from a Magnuson Roots-type supercharger rated at six pounds of boost. The cold-air intake integrated with the stock hood and the dual exhaust system (with custom tips) increase airflow through the powerplant, dramatically improving throttle response and overall thrust.
Though weighted by its stout-and very cool-retractable hardtop, the Blackbird is spirited and light on its feet compared to the standard SSR. All of which makes us look forward to the 6.0-liter, 390-hp V8 and six-speed manual combo slated for the 2005 SSR.
ASC uses Bilstein shocks and shorter springs to give the Blackbird an aggressive stance. This suspension modification limits most of the SSR's body roll. With Z06-style wheels from Davin wearing Michelin 245/40R-20 rubber up front and 285/35R-22s out back, handling improves. However, never once during a cruise along ...
- SSR drops its top, along with onlookers' jaws.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) August 7, 2003 700+ words
...when the purple machine is a Chevrolet SSR, or super-sport roadster, which bowed...arriving in production version at dealerships. SSR is a roadster truck with a metal top that...with an enclosed pickup bed. "With an SSR, people will hunt you down," warned SSR...
- Chevy's 2005 SSR shows improvement over last year's model.
- Newspaper article from: The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) May 6, 2005 700+ words
...who bought a 2004 Pontiac GTO or Chevrolet SSR had good reason to be annoyed when General...But the performance difference in the SSR, Chevy's retro-looking pickup truck...6.0-liter V-8. Essentially, the SSR's engine in 2004 was a regular V-8 from...
- Auction Plans Announced for Chevy SSR 'Signature Series' Vehicles; Kruse...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire August 25, 2003 700+ words
...Chevrolet will auction one Signature Series SSR through a GM-sponsored dealer auction...designated charitable organization. The Chevy SSR Signature Series is comprised of the first...until the time it goes to auction. The SSR Signature Series vehicles carry vehicle...
- Chevy counting on hybrid SSR to stack up sales.(Special Report)(Chevrolet SSR,...
- Magazine article from: Crain's Cleveland Business October 27, 2003 700+ words
...might have a simple name, but the Chevrolet SSR is not a vehicle that can be described simply. The SSR, or Super Sport Roadster, is part car, part...nature, which is why Chevrolet is using the SSR as a "halo vehicle'' to spur interest and...
- Back to the future: the 2006 Chevy SSR marks the end of a grand automotive...
- Magazine article from: The Advocate (The national gay & lesbian newsmagazine) Farago, Robert May 8, 2007 700+ words
...toaster"--something like the Chevrolet SSR. When it first arrived on the market in...was greeted with a resounding huh? But the SSR is a many-splendored, um, thing, and now, with the last SSR made, it's a good time to buy one. The...
- Chevrolet Celebrates Its Heritage With All-New SSR.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire August 9, 2000 700+ words
...General Motors announced today the Chevy SSR pickup, first shown as a concept vehicle...No other manufacturer has a vehicle like SSR," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general...much fun and function in one package. The SSR is an attention grabber that will act like...
- Chevrolet and GM Sponsored Auctions to Auction Five Unique Chevy SSR Signature...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire October 20, 2003 700+ words
...rare units. The auctions featuring the SSR Signature Series bidding include: - October...Auction of Orlando (VIN# 000021 Media Review SSR (Orlando, Fla.) - October 23, 2003 - ADESA Boston (VIN# 000025) Media Review SSR (Boston, Mass.) - October 30, 2003...
- Chevy snoops, gets a better handle on SSR.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) February 11, 2005 700+ words
...designers knocked themselves out in creating the SSR, a roadster truck with a retractable metal...stand in line to get one at that price, but SSR starts at $42,000, plus change, and...only lines formed to get their hands on an SSR were the cleaning crews to dust them. General...
Source: HighBeam Research, Not just for fun; ASC CHEVROLET SSR BLACKBIRD 425.(Special Report)