The automobile industry has come a long way, with many cars being a hit and some a total miss. However, this one model may not have received a warm welcome but did impress people later: the 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
The Chevrolet SSR by General Motors
Do you remember that time when all you could see on the streets were the Ford Thunderbird, the Plymouth Prowler, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser? That’s when General Motors (GM) decided to bring in its Chevrolet SSR. One thing GM got right with this car was reimagining a 1950s hot-rod pickup. The concept of the Chevrolet SSR was first launched at an auto show in 2000 in Detroit. The design received a lot of attention at the show, especially when its name stands for “Super Sport Roadster.” Designer Andre Hudson was responsible for its style and was later approved by then Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn to build a working prototype. Everyone was looking forward to GM’s new designs as it was expected to replace the Camaro. However, the model did not prove to be as exciting as its design concept.
SSR 2.0
General Motors did not lose hope and decided to give it a second chance. They took the criticism with open arms and fixed everything that disappointed their target audience. They changed their factory hot rod with the 6.0-liter V-8, as promised by them initially. The improved version of the SSR could speed up to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and through the traps in 14.1 seconds at 100 mph, and the credit goes to its new 390 horsepower at 5400 rpm and peak torque of 405 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. They also added the option of going for an additional six-speed manual gearbox in the upgraded version. And General Motors did not stop there; the later versions of the Chevrolet SSR got better and better, and spending $815 felt worth it.
From Paddle to Wheel: Tom Boonen Enjoys New Career in Motorsports
After winning three editions of the Tour of Flanders, four editions of Paris-Roubaix, six stages of the Tour de France, and a rainbow jersey riding on his bike, Tom Boonen is now enjoying success steering the wheels of racing cars. The major career shift from two-wheelers to four-wheelers ultimately turns out as a boon to Boonen.
The New Success
The new motorsports career has given the ex-cyclist back-to-back success. Recently, Boonen has won the Prototype Challenge race series and the CN Prototype Class in the Benelux-focused GT. With this victory at the motor racing circuit in Assen of Netherlands, Boonen secured overall victory in the whole series, just like he did in 2019. During the 10-race season, Boonen earned three victories. After winning the opening round in Hockenheim, Germany, he went on to win at Zolder, Netherlands. Boonen finally secured 196 points in the final round of Assen, confirming the overall series victory.
The Reaction
Savoring his success immensely, the Belgian sportscar is even considering his racing victory greater than the big wins of his pro-cycling career. Boonen started that multiple wins at Paris-Roubaix couldn’t give him the same ‘kick’, as his first winnings as a rookie racing driver. According to him, crossing the finish line has never been so thrilling and fun before this! He also went on elaborating the cause behind his recent preference for motorsports. He explained that motor racing is far less chaotic than the bike bunch sprints of his last career. This allows him to have more control over his vehicle and helps in stay more calculative and hyper-focused on the turf. Finally, the pleasure of winning is just the labor of love!