When Chevrolet unveiled the concept of the SSR, inspired by the shapes of the 1947-1952 Advanced Design pickups, at the Detroit Auto Show in 2000, the response from the press and visitors was overwhelmingly positive. The idea of a pickup/roadster with plump fenders and huge wheels simply provoked the public. The production of the SSR (Super Sport Roadster) began around the end of 2003. The GMT370 platform of the TrailBlazer/Envoy XL series served as the basis for the chassis/body architecture. Chassis and axles were also taken over, and there were already some changes to the technology in 2005. GM replaced the 5.3-litre V8 engine with the 6.0-litre LS2 V8 from the Corvette and the Pontiac GTO. The four-speed automatic transmission, also from the Corvette, is the standard transmission. Optionally, the Tremec M10 six-speed manual transmission could be ordered for an additional 815 USD. At the push of a button, the one-touch metal soft top folds behind the interior in 20 seconds and the rear trim is completely removable. Over 24,000 units were sold until 2008.