Officially Official: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo with 260 HP - photos/info

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GM has promised us that it would no longer abuse the SS name, and one of the first examples of that pledge is the Cobalt SS. The turbocharged coupe carries a wallop with 260 hp, and all that power can be used to propel the Cobalt SS to 60 in 5.7 seconds or get you around the 'Ring in a very respectable 8:22. Those are very solid performance numbers, and with a starting price of $22,995, the Cobalt SS delivers a pretty strong value statement, as well.

Besides a toned-down rear spoiler and an improved 2.0L turbocharged powerplant, standard features include air conditioning, stability control, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. If you're into Cobalt luxury, you can add a sunroof, high-wing rear spoiler, audio system, and limited-slip differential and still keep the price under $26k. We're looking forward to seeing for ourselves if the Cobalt SS is worthy of the Super Sport name, but at $22,995 we can already say the price of entry is competitive.

[Source: GM]

DETROIT: Powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features. Offered exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission, it is also an efficient performer, delivering an estimated 30 mpg in highway driving ? the best among top competitors.

That combination of performance, features and efficiency comes with a MSRP of $22,995, including a $660 destination charge. The Cobalt SS is well equipped at that price, including standard air conditioning, premium sound system, remote keyless entry, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

Major options include an uplevel audio system ($295), sunroof ($750), high-wing rear spoiler ($195) and a limited-slip differential ($495).

The Cobalt SS coupe is expected to arrive in dealerships in late April.

Maximum performance on the street or track

The Cobalt SS delivers a quick 0-60 time of approximately 5.7 seconds ? thanks to the engine's "no-lift shift" calibration ? and an impressive maximum lateral grip of 0.9 g. This combination enabled the Cobalt SS to set a new class record when running the famed N?rburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes.

Ride and handing are supported by an all-new FE5 Sport suspension, with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning ? all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate afflictions such as torque steer. Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track.

Four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS help ensure the car stops as confidently as it accelerates and corners. The front brakes are from Brembo and have a performance-oriented, fixed-caliper design, which resists fade better than floating caliper designs; the rear discs are vented for better heat dissipation. Large, twin-five-spoke 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard. They're mounted on 225/40-series Continental summer tires.

The Cobalt SS is also equipped with a host of standard safety features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and side-impact air bags.

Cobalt SS style

The Cobalt SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features, including a distinctive, air dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps. New front upper and lower grilles sport an SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance; and SS-specific rockers and badging adorn the body sides.

A standard deck lid spoiler can be replaced with an optional high-wing aero enhancement. Also at the rear is a prominent, bright-tip exhaust outlet.

Inside the Cobalt SS are SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a specific shifter arrangement.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/20/chevy-prices-cobalt-ss-coupe-from-22-995/
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Still ugly, still FWD. :thumbsdown:
 
I'd rather have the Civic Type-R. Does this still have a torsion beam rear suspension or did they upgrade it to an independent rear setup?
 
I think it's the European Civic that has the torsion beam suspension. According to the Canadian Honda site, our Si coupes and normal coupes comes equipped with a double wishbone rear suspension.
 
Still don't like it.

Perhaps its a good thing that it Looks like a Corolla... Less attention from cops and what not, But it just looks so boring to drive, and the badge is wrong.

How much is it again? $23000? I'd rather have a pre-owned S2000 or a new MX-5.
 
$23,000 is way too much for a Cobalt. I'd rather wait until the Astra Redline comes out. At least it will have the looks to match the power.
 
its bland alright, not particularly inspiring to look at, but just get one in black, black makes everything look good. then just blend in and get ready to suprise a few show boaters at the lights with that engine
 
ooohhh just read that it comes with a 5-spd manual

thats a little lame. i know most US cars are 3/4speed auto's, but 5spds are definately out of season on cars like this in europe. all the hot versions of normal cars come with 6 spd manuals now

this thing should have a 6 spd, hell its got the engine for it.... would give it even more economy on the motorway as well
 
otispunkmeyer said:
ooohhh just read that it comes with a 5-spd manual

thats a little lame. i know most US cars are 3/4speed auto's, but 5spds are definately out of season on cars like this in europe. all the hot versions of normal cars come with 6 spd manuals now

this thing should have a 6 spd, hell its got the engine for it.... would give it even more economy on the motorway as well
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Yeah, 6 forward gears would be nice. But if you read about the transmission, it uses the No Lift Shift system to get that performance, and it's very hard on the gear box. Apparently, according to the article, this transmission expels heat very efficiently. With the short throw shift, no lift shift, and 260hp 260ft-lbs the transmission better be up to the challenge.

And GM does offer their 100k mile warranty on it.
 
[youtube=GpfZxcsA8BI]John Heinricy drives it[/youtube]

SCCmag said:
The track - Buttonwillow Raceway #13CCW (sorta...). The driver - John Heinricy, GM Performance Division and multiple SCCA national champion. The car - the 2008 turbocharged Chevy Cobalt SS.
This is an in-car lap of Heinricy driving the new Chevy Cobalt SS (w/factory optional LSD) around BW during the press intro event. This is a closed off, private event at a sanctioned racetrack, don't try this at home!

To all SoCal natives, you will notice that there is a chicane right before Lost Hill and many other cones sitting on the course in places they would not normally be placed. This was purposely setup to keep the speeds lower on course and keep the day safer for all the journalists driving on that day. Although Heinricy is cleared to drive through the full course and take the front straight, journalists were required to enter the hot pits (where a speed limit was enforced), instead of taking the front straight for another lap. Keep an eye out here at sportcompactcarweb.com for our own video review of the 2008 Cobalt SS.
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source
 
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