Chevrolet's muscle truck

The 2005 Chevrolet SSR has been revised for 2005.

http://automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/0502_chevrolet_ssr_04.jpg

The above picture is from Automobile magazine.

It now has a 6.0 liter 390 hp LS2 with 405 lb-ft of torque.

"The most significant improvements to the SSR are chassis stiffness, shock/spring tuning, engine mount strengthening, and bushing reevaluation. The bottom line is that much of the body shake is gone and the ride is much less punishing, thanks to an extra crossbar under the middle section of the frame and a reinforced X-brace that holds the front of the frame rails directly underneath the engine. The resulting frame rigidity allows for better spring and shock tuning and a more controlled and agile ride. In addition to the standard four-speed automatic transmission (now a stronger 4L65E unit), those opting for the six-speed manual ($815) also will get a heavy-duty 14-bolt (9.5-inch ring gear) rear axle with an Eaton locker differential. This combo does without traction control. Automatic SSRs get a smaller 12-bolt rear axle (8.6-inch rear gear) and standard traction control, with an off-switch in the center armrest. Other tweaks include the self-supporting hood struts that replace the flimsy single prop rod as well as the ability to access the seat adjustment switches with the door closed. Previous SSRs didn't have any space--not even for girlie-handed drivers--between the door and seat. Although the steering gear remains the same, new bearings and seals have been upgraded to give the wheel better low-speed feel and make it quieter. Considerable work has been done to improve the retractable hardtop seals . . . The SSR is way faster, too--a worthwhile 1.8 seconds quicker [with a 6 speed] from 0-to-60 than the last 300-horse, automatic-equipped 2004 model we tested. In the quarter mile, our six-speed SSR ran 1.4 seconds faster through the traps and 14 mph faster as well."

- Motor Trend June 2005

This just reinforces my belief to NEVER buy a new GM vehicle, (including major redesigns) in its first or second year of prodution.
Many, many times, significant improvements are made which render the earlier models obsolete and less valuable. Many of these improvements are in the pipeline even before the new model is introduced. GM uses this as a marketing trick to bolster second and third year sales of various models.
In the past it was called 'planned obselescence'.

This has gone on for decades and include such vehicles as the 2004 GTO, late '90s FWD minivans, and the 1984 Corvette and Fiero.

Making improvments and redesigning a car in its first years of productuion says CHevy (or GM for that matter) wants to make the SSR sell. But slow sales should have been foreseen. I mean, making a hot-rod, convertable, Vette V8 (I think) powered truck that can't really make much use of the bed is really a niche vehicle. If you want the power and a useable bed, get a Ford F-150 SVT Lightning or Dodge Ram SRT-10. But if there was a Vette powered Silverado SS, then there would be no need for the SSR. ANd it would be a ot more practical.

BUt it still has NO payload capacity, or towing ability... What's the point? A fast truck? I can build one of those to my specs instead of gm's or ford's and still be able to haul a load.

This just reinforces my belief to NEVER buy a new GM vehicle, (including major redesigns) in its first or second year of prodution.
Many, many times, significant improvements are made which render the earlier models obsolete and less valuable. Many of these improvements are in the pipeline even before the new model is introduced. GM uses this as a marketing trick to bolster second and third year sales of various models.
In the past it was called 'planned obselescence'.

This has gone on for decades and include such vehicles as the 2004 GTO, late '90s FWD minivans, and the 1984 Corvette and Fiero.

The 2007 Corvette Z06 won't have more power than the 2006 Corvette Z06.

It is rumored that the Corvette will get a 6 speed automatic transmission for 2006 or 2007. (The 2006 Cadillac STS-V has a new 6 speed auto and other cars will use it).