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Why Not....???

2330 Views 17 Replies 14 Participants Last post by YellowThunder, Dec 16, 2004

redroadster

Discussion Starter · Aug 19, 2004

Has anyone explained why Chevy does not include "On Star", and "XM Radio", and the new keyless/remote engine-start feature as offered options on the 2005 SSR?

I mean if they are going to offer these features on some of the plain-jane, butt-ugly, nothing-burger cars they now produce (please see the latest rendition of the Malibu... which is about as American looking as a Hyundai/Yugo hybrid - Yuck!), then why don't they offer it on the red-hot, sexy, overwhelmingly admired SSR? I know they offer all these things on the sacred Corvette, so don't EVEN tell me they CAN'T do it - the question is, "Why WON'T they?"

Are we doomed to be the drivers of the Corvette's better-looking younger sister, you know, and Dad and Mom are keeping us quiet, and locked in the back room, because they want the older sister to get married, first...?

Cheers,
Randy :flag

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

1HOTSSR

· #2 · Aug 19, 2004

Why Not.....

Recent survey I did for GM Canada was to of course mention On Star was not available on our SSR, and asked Why Not.........

Pauline & Jim

wildcat66

· #3 · Aug 19, 2004

It just doesn't make any sense to me either. What were they thinking!

RickSSR

· #4 · Aug 19, 2004

wildcat66 said:
It just doesn't make any sense to me either. What were they thinking!

I agree!!!

I wish XM radio was a Factory Option. :mad

RickSSR :cool

WOW_FCTR

· #5 · Aug 19, 2004

Xm

I believe (I could be wrong) that they couldn't find a place for the XM radio antenna that didn't take away from the lines of the truck. I know that I had a very hard time finding a place to put mine (it is now in the defrost vent next to the windshield where it can't bee seen and only gets fair-good reception).
This would be the same reason that we have the radio antenna in the windshield instead of a mast.

I would think that the same might be true for the Onstar antenna.

houtex

· #6 · Aug 19, 2004

OnStar

I was told when I bought the vehicle that OnStar wasn't available because of the convertible top. No expansion on that - Of course, this was the same guy that told me there was no console between the seats.

redroadster

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 19, 2004

Xm...

Interesting point, in re antennae probs... but you would think that the same engineers who came up with that amazing "waterfall-style , articulated-joint convertible- hardtop, that goes down in 20 seconds" could figure out SOMEPLACE to put an antenna!

I mean, no offense to your skills, but if you could figure it out, couldn't they?

I still think they have some weird, overriding scheme - i.e., give 'em a 300 horse engine this year, a 390 hp with a six-speed stickshift next year... then maybe another carrot... like maybe an XM Radio, in 2006, etc., etc.

I also think it relates to the 'Vette getting a full 400 horse V-8 in 2005, but the SSR is "detuned" down to 390 hp. Oh, yeah, that's fair.... not!

I really believe they intend to reign-in the SSR development. They simply don't want any competition in the hearts of long time Chevy buyers (like me) for the affection previously reserved only for Corvettes.... :flag

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freezer

· #8 · Aug 20, 2004

Designing the antennas for these systems was the problem. To do a factory job, they have to have certain reception and we did not have a scheme that would meet the requirements. We were also too small a project to do a significant amount of engineering by these experts at the time. Having all steel panels made this harder. Also, the Design Staff Team did not want to put blobs outside on the windshield header. There are plans for the future, but I do not know the current dates.

redroadster

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 20, 2004

Xm....

Thanks, Freezer, I appreciate your input. It appears "Looking 4" was correct in his opinion regarding antennae placement.

I am also intrigued by your closing comments, "there are plans (by the Design Staff Team) for the future, but I do not know the current dates". Maybe that means the SSR will finally start getting the "front burner" attention it really deserves...

Oh, and while I'm dreaming, I'd like to see a steel-blue/blue-gray (metallic) SSR, with a buckskin leather interior, XM Radio, On Star, remote start, 400 hp, six-speed, stickshift, with real Cragar SS, 20"/19" five star mags (they don't make 'em, yet). All this on the 2006 model, OK? Yeah, right....

Cheers,

Randy :flag

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Diggs

· #10 · Aug 20, 2004

While we're dreaming...

How about putting a frenched, power antenna in one of the fenders? If I was a body man....

Diggs

redroadster

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 21, 2004

fender antennae...

Hey, that's a great idea, Diggs!!!

A REAR fender antenna.... or, better yet, TWO of them, one on each side, neatly concealed, or retracted (maybe powered, like you say), one for the On Star, and one for the XM Radio!

How 'bout it, Freezer? Would that work??? I'm seriously interested in having an XM Radio - but this vehicle deserves to have it DESIGNED IN. ... (it deserves an On Star and a remote start, as well!)

Cheers,

Randy :flag

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beer100

· #12 · Aug 22, 2004 (Edited)

Sat. Antenna question.

I'm curious, Antennas don't really cost a lot, So why not just put two on. One above the rear window, one on, or under, the waterfall. Then switch between the two depending on top position. It's a shame that onstar and sat radio are stalled because of antenna mounting problems.

edit: One of the folks on the XM forum provided the link to a coax switch.
http://www.dbp4switches.com/d-2s-c.htm

freezer said:
Designing the antennas for these systems was the problem. ...

...Also, the Design Staff Team did not want to put blobs outside on the windshield header. There are plans for the future, but I do not know the current dates.

G

· #13 · Dec 15, 2004

I have XM radio on mine. I just purchased the add-on xm radio from poineer and installed it myslef. As for the antenna they are very small and I simply placed it in the upper right corner on the dash about the size of a hlf dollar bill these days. Can hardly see it and reception is fine. One thing the 2005 has over my 2004 Bose system is MP3 ability on CDs but if you just want XM get the poineer addon and have the place you buy it install it or you can do it yourself. Took me 3.5 hours to install. If you all want I can sedn you a pic of how it is setup in my SSR.

Let me know.

subman576

· #14 · Dec 15, 2004

I was told it was because of the top also and they did not want to change the lines. They should have at least offered an option and let us make the choice. :cool :cool

Marc NY

· #15 · Dec 15, 2004

Survey coming!

redroadster said:
Thanks, Freezer, I appreciate your input. It appears "Looking 4" was correct in his opinion regarding antennae placement.

I am also intrigued by your closing comments, "there are plans (by the Design Staff Team) for the future, but I do not know the current dates". Maybe that means the SSR will finally start getting the "front burner" attention it really deserves...

Oh, and while I'm dreaming, I'd like to see a steel-blue/blue-gray (metallic) SSR, with a buckskin leather interior, XM Radio, On Star, remote start, 400 hp, six-speed, stickshift, with real Cragar SS, 20"/19" five star mags (they don't make 'em, yet). All this on the 2006 model, OK? Yeah, right....

Cheers,

Randy :flag

Keep an eye out for a survey soon to be annouced! :thumbs

Buffy

· #16 · Dec 15, 2004

jasontd said:
I have XM radio on mine. I just purchased the add-on xm radio from poineer and installed it myslef. As for the antenna they are very small and I simply placed it in the upper right corner on the dash about the size of a hlf dollar bill these days. Can hardly see it and reception is fine. One thing the 2005 has over my 2004 Bose system is MP3 ability on CDs but if you just want XM get the poineer addon and have the place you buy it install it or you can do it yourself. Took me 3.5 hours to install. If you all want I can sedn you a pic of how it is setup in my SSR.

Let me know.

Jason,

Pics please!

VPerriello

· #17 · Dec 15, 2004

XM may be waiting for an antenna

I've heard a rumor that there is a new mirror coming next year for the Corvette which will incorporate an XM antenna. This is great news if true -- the current factory XM antenna for Corvette really doesn't do much to enhance the car's good looks!

Since SSR uses Corvette mirrors, it doesn't take much of a mental leap to imagine it using the same solution once it becomes available.

My XM antenna sits all the way in front of the dash, just slightly left of center. It's visually unobtrusive and no problem for me at all, but hidden in a mirror would be even better.

Vince

YellowThunder

· #18 · Dec 16, 2004

SSR Refinements

Why can't they make the key that fits the ignition and glove box fit the console, nice when you leave the top down, don't have dig for the little key buried with the hitch and side bag keys. How bout moving the odo readout up where you can read it without leaning over, I'm 5'-11" and have to do this. Move the mirrors forward 6" and make the wipers retract the space is their and the hood line is so nice except for the ugly wipers Oh I know it's the retro wiper look they were after. Love the truck!

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