Chevy SSR To Launch With Signiture Edition
 |
 |
 |
DETROIT -The first 25 saleable Chevy SSRs produced will be used in a unique launch program that will create one-of-a-kind "pedigrees" for each vehicle. Both the vehicles and the program carry the name "Signature Series."
Production of the Signature Series SSRs will take place between December 2002 and April 2003. They will be used in a variety of high-profile launch activities around the country during the 2003 calendar year, and many will be part of themed events created specifically around the SSR. Each vehicle will embark on a unique journey, and along the way, Chevrolet representatives will collect memorabilia, photographs, autographs, news clippings and other keepsakes that connect to the journey. These collectibles will create a "pedigree" specific to each SSR, and will be placed in a special scrapbook that will be auctioned off with each vehicle at the end of its road trip.
"We developed the Signature Series vehicles and program concept as a creative way to introduce the new Chevy SSR to as many people as possible," said Russ Clark, marketing director for Chevy's mid-size trucks. "Each SSR will have its own unique adventure - a pedigree of sorts - that could never be duplicated."
Signaling the start of SSR saleable production, the Signature Series vehicles will carry vehicle identification numbers (VINs) 000001 through 000025 (automotive collectors often seek out low numbers).
Specific content
All 25 of the Chevy SSR Signature Series vehicles will be identical in appearance and content. In addition, they will feature content not available on any other 2003 model year SSR:
- Ultra Violet paint
- Signature Series badge on the "waterfall" interior panel between the bucket seat uppers (each chromed badge will be numbered and signed by two or more GM or supplier team members directly associated with the SSR program)
- Silver stitching on the black leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats
- Addition of the SSR logo on the VIN plate
- Signature Series badging on the tailgate
- Body-color engine cover with silver insert
- Auxiliary gauge package located on the floor console
- Floor mats that include the SSR logo
- Cargo compartment trim with wood rub strips, lights and drop-down storage
The SSR Signature Series program will consist of nine themed pedigrees. The following list matches the vehicles by VIN to the specific theme and includes a brief description of each pedigree. Specific details for some pedigrees will be announced at a later date.
| VIN | Pedigree Theme |
| #1 General Motors - | Unlike the rest of the Signature Series vehicles, which will have two signatures on the waterfall interior badge, this special vehicle will have four (GM President and CEO Rick Wagoner, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, GM North America President Gary Cowger, and GM Design Vice President Wayne Cherry). GM will retain this SSR as part of its historic vehicle collection. |
| #2 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Foundation - | Donated by GM, the SAE Foundation will auction this SSR in Spring 2003 to raise funds for the Heinz C. Prechter Scholarship for Automotive Excellence. The SSR, with its retractable roof, was one of the last vehicle programs the late Prechter was involved with at ASC Incorporated, the specialty vehicle and systems company he founded. |
| #3 - 4 "Chevy Racing SSR" - | Select Chevy-affiliated race drivers, team owners and sanctioning body officials representing NASCAR, the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) will be the first to take an SSR for a brisk lap driving around some of America's great racetracks. They'll also likely show up at a variety of public events including autograph sessions and pre-race parades. Potential scrapbook items may include driver's gloves, autographed race programs and photographs taken during these special events. |
| #5 "Stars Car" - | Watch for a Hollywood star arriving at a movie premier, a music award nominee getting set for the big night, or a well-known athlete at a stoplight, the Signature Series SSR might be their ride. |
| #6 - 10 "Street Art SSRs" - | One Signature Series SSR will be dedicated to each of Chevrolet's five U.S. marketing regions. Artists selected from four cities within each region will be commissioned to create original works (i.e., oil paintings, watercolors, pen and ink, etc.) depicting the SSR against a backdrop of America - its geography, landmarks, people and culture. The artists and their finished work will appear at a variety of events within the region, with a public exhibition of all 20 pieces at a special gallery showing upon completion of the program. |
| #11 - 13 "Music Tour SSRs" - | Each of these three vehicles will spend the summer of 2003 on tour with a specific musical artist or group at up to five outdoor concert venues around the U.S. The SSRs will be placed in highly visible locations for concertgoers to see. It's possible the vehicles might be part of an on-stage performance. Memorabilia signed by the artists and photos from the venues will be obtained for the scrapbook to accompany each SSR. |
| #14 - 17 "Feature Car" - | Chevrolet will work with major media properties to create opportunities to feature SSR prominently in their publications, events or television shows to gain national media exposure. The pedigree would include materials from the creation of the feature or event (e.g., writer notes, photos, B-roll, autographs, etc.). |
| #18 "Rock & Roll" - | To be on display at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, this Signature Series SSR is intended to capture the attention of thousands of guests and visitors as well as the many high-profile musicians who perform there. Pedigree scrapbook items will likely include autographed photos of the performers with the SSR and personal items such as drumsticks and guitar straps donated by various artists. |
| #19 - 25 "Media Review" - | Introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models are sure to be sought-after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles has been delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree will range from unpublished photos to author-autographed copies of the publications featuring their SSR stories. |
Ultimately, all of the Signature Series SSRs (with the exception of VIN #1) will be offered for sale through public or GM dealer auctions during 2003. The scrapbook and memorabilia collected in association with the use of that particular vehicle will be included as part of the auction package, adding to the authenticity of the vehicle's pedigree.
The start of SSR regular retail production and shipment to Chevrolet dealers is currently scheduled to begin at General Motors' Lansing (Mich.) Craft Centre in summer 2003.
Part roadster, part pickup
There is nothing else like the SSR in the market today. It's part roadster, it's part pickup - and it's a completely innovative expression of Chevy's proud heritage. A highlight of SSR's design is a unique power-operated retractable hardtop that stores vertically in a compartment between the passenger and rear storage compartments.
The frame and chassis of the SSR are similar in design to Chevy's mid-size TrailBlazer family of sport utilities. All exterior panels are of stamped steel. Power comes from a new aluminum block version of GM's Vortec 5300 (5.3-liter) small-block V-8 and drives the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The SSR's 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires round out its sporty street machine appearance.
A comprehensive program of regular production options and accessories will be available for the 2003 SSR, with additional accessories being added in subsequent model years.
