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Maybe a repost but the general looks to have a worthy car here. IMO a better successor to the Neon SRT4 than the Caliber SRT4 is. From Autoblog: "After biting our tongues for the last few days while (accurate) speculation surrounding the successor to the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged bounced around the web, we're finally able to come clean. This is the turbocharged 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS, and it's being introduced to the world at SEMA this week. Chevy went to great lengths to ensure that the SS badge means more than what it had become in recent years. Coming in at 260 HP / 260 lb-ft, the SS/TC gains a full 55 horses over the now-defunct SS/SC. Power, of course, is sourced from the same 2.0L direct-injected, turbocharged, intercooled sledgehammer found under the bonnets of the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Red Line, and forthcoming Chevy HHR SS. The GM Performance Division was tasked with making sure the improved Cobalt SS is well-sorted, and John Heinricy and company dialed in the FE5 sport suspension on the undulating twists and turns of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The result, says GM, is a track-capable suspension that's still comfortable on the street, and which helps mitigate FWD performance foibles like torque steer. Follow the jump for more, plus all the official GM press materials. The standard transmission is the GM Powertrain Sweden F35 short-throw 5-speed manual with a "no-lift shift" feature. This, combined with the punchy turbo four, helps propel the Cobalt SS Turbocharged from 0 to 60 in a scant 5.7 seconds. In fact, GM set a Nürburgring class record for FWD sport compacts with the turbo Cobalt, lapping the Green Hell in 8:22.85. Better braking accompanies the added power with 4-piston fixed-caliper Brembos in front and vented discs with single-piston calipers in the rear. A driver-selectable competition mode with launch control can be enabled from the cockpit. Beyond that, the traction control system can be completely disabled. Appearance-wise, the Cobalt SS Turbocharged sports a unique front fascia, model-specific rocker panels, forged 18" alloys, a polished exhaust outlet, and a choice of rear wings (low or high). Inside, a boost gauge peeks at the driver from the A-pillar while SS-exclusive sport seats and interior trim dress up the cabin. The Chevy Cobalt SS Turbocharged goes on sale in Q2 of 2008, and if the coupe doesn't strike your fancy, no worries: a sedan version will follow a couple of months later. Honda, Mazda and all the rest are now on notice. There's a new player at the table, and that SS medallion he's rocking is no longer costume jewelery. PRESS RELEASES: 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS FAST FACTS * Engineered and developed by GM Performance Division * 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW) * GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with short-throw shifter * Nürburgring-tuned FE5 Sport suspension delivers 0.9 g grip * Brembo fixed-caliper front discs and vented rear disc brakes * SS-specific appearance with unique fascias and rear spoiler – including available high wing * 18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheels and Y-rated performance tires * SS-specific interior with new sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge and more * On sale: second quarter of 2008" |
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Sounds like a good step up. cheers, scott |
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I hate to say it, but with GM pricing, the sedan sounds like a hot setup. |
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Sounds good. Doubting the brembos. Pics? Hopefully its redesigned cuz the old slobalts looked like shit. |
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Good for GM, problem is they are late and the Cobalt is already seen as very mediocre at this point (looks, styling, interior etc). |
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Originally Posted By: NighthawkSiSedan Sounds good. Doubting the brembos. Pics? Hopefully its redesigned cuz the old slobalts looked like shit. Why doubting the brembos? ALOT of cars have them now. |
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I wonder if it comes with an LSD. |
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Wow....just like I said... 3 years ago. it's a saab-powered cavalier |
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Awsome, i wa pretty sure this was going to happen. |
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Before we run out of oil, we'll finally see the argument nulled/voided that rear wheel drive is better. I'm half serious here, that sounds like a fun ride. James |
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Originally Posted By: vwkaferman Before we run out of oil, we'll finally see the argument nulled/voided that rear wheel drive is better. I'm half serious here, that sounds like a fun ride. James besided the chevy cobalt name I can't see anything wrong with that car other the fact it's FWD. I mean, just ask yourself: how much more appealing would that new SS sound if it came RWD or AWD? |
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Hopefully it will abe ~$20k. If so, I'll be hard pressed to not trade the redline in on one. |
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Originally Posted By: cliff st-clair Originally Posted By: vwkaferman Before we run out of oil, we'll finally see the argument nulled/voided that rear wheel drive is better. I'm half serious here, that sounds like a fun ride. James besided the chevy cobalt name I can't see anything wrong with that car other the fact it's FWD. I mean, just ask yourself: how much more appealing would that new SS sound if it came RWD or AWD? GM has RWD covered with the Solstice/Sky twins. I'd say they are doing a good job covering the market. Its too bad Chrysler doesn't make good on their teases of rwd + turbo + cheap. |
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If it was AWD, it would be pretty freakin awsome. |
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Originally Posted By: Impulsive and the Cobalt is already seen as very mediocre at this point (looks, styling, interior etc). Well, it's not like they had much to trump with the turd-gen J-Body. But yeah, if GM can deliver this thing for under 20K, it'll be like the second coming of the SRT4. |
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I doubt it will be under 20K. IIRC, the Supercharged version was 20+. |
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Originally Posted By: Impulsive I doubt it will be under 20K. IIRC, the Supercharged version was 20+. What's the Solstice GXP go for? I bet it will be a few grand cheaper. |
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28k for solstice gxp Considering the Colbalt 1SP package is 19.5k i think the SS will be around 23-24k |
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sounds like a nice set up for sure. too bad itll be in an ugly package |
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I agree it sounds a lot like a 20k saab. If chevy can learn to make an interior that doesn't look like mattel, they might have a winner on their hands. I would seriously consider something with more character (and a bigger turbo) than your average saab, only cheaper and more sport oriented. However, I predict this will end up being like a regular crapalier with factory rice option and a slightly stronger engine that is more than balanced by the overly heavy body. I wish someone would make a rwd econobox one of these days like the old corollas. I think there would be a lot of interest in a 4 door miata. The RX-8 came very close but the rotary had too many problems and it wasn't fuel efficient enough to qualify as an econobox IMO. |
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I still love my Honda's but all the GM's with some nice power output sound pretty good. If only Honda would do the same as well, but I don't think people would shell out almost 40k for a turbo charged Civic |
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Originally Posted By: ScottStaypuff I wonder if it comes with an LSD. The LSD is said to be optional. The GM product sheet that was leaked a while back on the '08.5 Cobalt SS listed two transmissions, the 5 speed and another one. Many assumed it would be an auto (perhaps the same one available in the HHR SS), but some of the same people that "leaked" the existence of the turbo-balt believe the "mystery" transmission may match the code to a euro-spec 6-speed. So a 6-speed manual may be optional as well. The Cobalt is suddenly quite tempting, but I just hope they finally make a coupe version of the Sky/Solstice. There hasn't been a small, inexpensive RWD coupe in a long time. I am sure there are enough people with a Miata/Sky/Solstice/S2k that don't really need a convertible to make a case for a small rwd coupe. Not to mention the premium 10+ year-old 240sx's and RX7's are demanding as well. |
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I bet it sucks compared to the MS3 |
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Yay - all the things I wish my slobalt had. Well, all of them except the fact I paid less than $12k brand new for mine lol. I'm definitely looking forward to test-driving this. Though getting back in my base model will be that much tougher afterwards lol. |
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Originally Posted By: stickaz I bet it sucks compared to the MS3 I'll bet the ecotec doesn't have spaghetti rods. |
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*zing* |
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Its about fucking time. Turbo Cobalt SS = t3h n3W f45tesT kAr EvAr!!! |
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Hopefully they fix the gearing. I remember when I drove a first year model it sucked - first was so short that it was just wheel hop city, and then when you shift to second it went out of the powerband. Other than that, it looks like its going to be a much better car. We'll just have to see how well its executed - the first one looked awesome on paper too. |
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I think the autoblog article has been updated. I thought this was interesting... Quote: In fact, the Cobalt SS set a lap record for front-drive sport-compact cars at the "'Ring," posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes – besting the previous record by more than 13 seconds. |
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That looks horrid. Very base model. The old SS Supercharged wasn't too bad, save for the larger wing. I would think the Cobalt is due for a freshening in and out and that would coincide with the new turbo version. |
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I think I like the base-model looks. Chances are, you can walk into the eXtreme!!! shop and buy whatever mods you want to make it ugly with. |
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Originally Posted By: g96nt I think I like the base-model looks. Chances are, you can walk into the eXtreme!!! shop and buy whatever mods you want to make it ugly with. +1 I'd take it in white for extra rental car effect. |
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Originally Posted By: Impulsive That looks horrid. Very base model. The old SS Supercharged wasn't too bad, save for the larger wing. I would think the Cobalt is due for a freshening in and out and that would coincide with the new turbo version. I think this is basically it for a little refresh of the Cobalt. From what I understand the only real reason they refreshed the SS model anyway was that GM's contract with Eaton for the superchargers was up and the turbocharged engine already is use with many other vehicles and fully compliant with emissions regulations going forward. The new model cobalt is said to be coming in 2010 on the delta2 platform, and I guess they decided to just wait on that before redoing the exterior and interior. Hopefully the new Cobalts will benefit some from the better quality interior/exterior that is starting to spread through GM, like with the Malibu and the Astra. Speaking of which, I really hope we get to see an Astra Redline... |
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You guys can have your base model looks. I'd stick with the MS3 or pay a bit more for a WRX. That looks like a 13k Cobalt. Quote: The new model cobalt is said to be coming in 2010 Usually, models get a half life refresh. I'll reserve judgement until the next model comes along, but GM is barely being competitive with that car and those looks (and what I would esitmate is a 22k price tag). |
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Originally Posted By: Impulsive That looks horrid. Very base model. no, THIS looks very base model: But you're right, for the fact the new SS will probably cost twice or more than that of what I paid for my base model... it should be more easily distinguished. Though much is to be said for the potential fun of looking like the base model 140hp slobalt while actually having some decent power under the hood (not that i'd actually know, but i have quite the vivid imagination) |
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Originally Posted By: LowRolla But you're right, for the fact the new SS will probably cost twice or more than that of what I paid for my base model... it should be more easily distinguished. Though much is to be said for the potential fun of looking like the base model 140hp slobalt while actually having some decent power under the hood (not that i'd actually know, but i have quite the vivid imagination) I kind of like the sleeper look too. I definitely prefer the small wing to the giant one on the current SS/SC's, though I bet it will be an option on the SS/TC's. Originally Posted By: Impulsive Usually, models get a half life refresh. I'll reserve judgement until the next model comes along, but GM is barely being competitive with that car and those looks (and what I would esitmate is a 22k price tag). Oh I know, I was just saying that I think they decided that since the new delta2 platform will be coming relatively soon and force them to do a redesign anyway, they would just wait for it and focus on other things like the new Malibu for now. There is probably not much they could do to challenge the rental car interior/exterior without a major redesign anyway. I hope to hell their next econobox platform finally ditches the torsion-beam rear suspension. |
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Looks "aight". All hail the second coming of the Neon SRT4. |
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I like these rims much better. If they offer it in a deep gray, I might just have to take a look at it. Of course it will need some wheel gap elimination. |
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I honestly like it. They didn't go all Pontiac mid-late nineties on it. I really appreciate the single exhaust, while dual looks cool its totally not necessary to fake it on a 4 cylinder. In fact the single should flow better anyhow not having to "T" off. |
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high school girls will be street racing like there's no tomorrow |
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Originally Posted By: Lost^ high school girls will be street racing like there's no tomorrow Btw, what do you drive? |
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if this is leading to a joke i dont care lol. the greatest car evAr - 99 SiR aka american Si |
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Nice powertrain indeed, but it's still a very hideous car that I think is devoid of any styling. It would have to drive like jesus on wheels. |
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This is going to put the resale value of the current Supercharged Colbalt SS in the toilet! More GM bargains galore! |