Regardless of which model is chosen, a standard five-speed manual transmission delivers power to the front wheels; a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. A handy remote start system is included only with the automatic transmission. Both engines feature a timing chain rather than a belt, which serves to minimize maintenance costs. Chevy also claims that numerous steps have been taken to lessen powertrain noise and vibration in the HHR, a common problem with high-revving four-cylinder motors.