The flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 6 cubic feet (170 L) of additional covered, under-floor storage.

“The HHR Panel is a model unlike anything else in the segment, and it continues HHR’s mission of offering customers a bold, expressive, functional and different vehicle,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

“It’s great for delivery companies and other small businesses, but we think auto enthusiasts will love it too, as it gives them a large canvas on which to express their individuality.”

HHR Panel production is expected to start late in the first quarter of 2007. It will be offered in LS and LT trims, with 2.2L and 2.4L engines – both of which help the HHR deliver 30 mpg in highway driving.

Design

HHR’s styling draws upon inspiration from the original 1949 Chevy Suburban, which was built on a platform that also offered panel models – vehicles that became essential tools for urban and small businesses.

Over the years, vintage panel vehicles have become prized by collectors and street rodders.

The HHR marks the next chapter in Chevy’s panel heritage.

The body of the HHR Panel features steel inserts in place of side windows and cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors.

Chevrolet HHR Panel version	Chevrolet HHR: the original model

The cargo doors open wide to enable cargo access from both sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear liftgate. The cargo doors don’t have external handles; they are opened via a dashboard release button.

The continuous “canvas” created by the windowless cargo doors and rear panels provides a large area for business logos, advertising or personalization.

An auxiliary power outlet is available in the rear of the cargo area, with available 40-amp service for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This also answers the call of upfitters, who have asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.

Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor and the available, robust floor mats enable easier movement of cargo. Two large storage compartments are located under the cargo floor – in the approximate place of the rear seats of passenger models.

(Source: Chevrolet)