Chevy HHR - H-H-Arr!

JL Audio interconnections and wiring connect the audio components, and a 90-ampere cascade power supply powers the sound system when the HHR resides at a show. Grand also installed electronic door poppers and a remote-start system. By the way, what looks like a fuel intake on the amp rack is just that. Time and the need to keep the exterior of the HHR baby-smooth demanded that Grand colocate the intake with the audio components in the cargo area. It feeds the small fuel cell beneath the vehicle. So, does that gas station warning about cell phones "not being designed for use in explosive atmospheres" also apply to a 1,900-watt sound system...?

Everything was tweaked on Unique's HHR. The white fiberglass flows through the HHR's black interior, popping dramatically from the door panels, cargo area, and center console. Bill's Custom Upholstery in Dallas, finished the seats with black- and cream-colored leather and the floors with black carpet. G-Force four-point harnesses keep occupants securely in place. The Pilot steering wheel frames the view to the Dakota Digital instrument panel. A black rollcage embraces the interior's high-class, high-perf interior.

That color scheme follows through to the exterior, too, in two-tone: Hot Hues black-above-white split by twin green pinstripes that start at the front of the cowl-induction hood, strike across the beltline, and swerve along the rear fenders and the custom rear bumper. Unique's logo represents from the filled rear-side windows. Everything's shaved; the exhaust pokes flush in front of the rear tire; thin LED taillights squint from the rear, and foglamps beam from the custom front bumper.

A 6.0L Gen IV LS2 V-8 fitted with a polished MagnaCharger supercharger replaced the factory four-banger, and a Griffin radiator cools the 525hp powerplant, while an Old Products air conditioner chills the driver and passenger. Mated to the engine is a 4L65E four-speed automatic tranny; the gear ratio was changed to 3.25:1. A rack-and-pinion setup replaces the stock electric, power-assisted rack-and-pinion. Front and rear coilovers smooth out a ride punctuated by 18-1/2-inch Weld Racing Tech-Star wheels and P245/40ZR18 g-Force BFGoodrich tires leashed by Baer's PBR two-piston front and rear disc brakes.

Unique's HHR was debuted in North Hollywood, California, in June and is touring like a rock star right now, along with the other projects from the build-off. Chances are people will like what they see and want to chop, drop, and roll with Chevy's latest retro lovefest. Until then, enjoy Unique's rendition of Chevy's Heritage High Roof.