GM: Resurrect Cobalt LTZ

[nsap]

GM: Resurrect Cobalt LTZ
www.gminsidenews.com
August 6, 2008
By: Nsap

Back when the Chevrolet Cobalt was fresh out of the door it launched with a LTZ trim on the sedan. That, of course, was back in 2004 when gas prices were not a problem and everyone plus their dog had a $50,000 Tahoe or Suburban. Who wants a loaded Cobalt right? Well, that has changed and in typical GM fashion, they have not adapted. I applauded GM for having an LTZ Cobalt when it was available; the car was very nicely equipped and just looked like a small car you would not be ashamed of. Naturally, GM killed the LTZ level Cobalt in the 2006 model-year. Obviously all of the equipment the LTZ had is still available on the Cobalt (and some), but that is not the point. Since it sounds like we are stuck with the Cobalt for at least another year and a half (or more), GM really needs to bring back the Cobalt LTZ.

Now that gas prices are at [insert over $3.00 price here], it is only a natural progression that the market is going to migrate to smaller cars. Most customers that are downsizing are not going to want to give up their goodies and luxuries. However that is not the important thing to note in this situation for GM. No, the important point here is that GM needs to capitalize on the changing market. As of mid July the average selling price for a Cobalt was around $12,000. The Honda Civic has a average transaction price of slightly over $19,000. There is a problem there for GM. The Cobalt is not a bad car and the powdered-up 2009 model is really not a bad sale at all for Chevrolet. GM will never see transaction prices averaging $19,000 on the Cobalt, but somewhere along $16,000-$17,000 is not impossible. The market is changing (even if oil does go down for awhile), so it only makes sense to bring back the LTZ Cobalt. Especially considering the profit margin on loaded trim levels is high and, well, GM needs all of the profit they can get.

Chevrolet has just recently seen some very good success with an LTZ model; the recently redesigned 2008 Malibu. The LTZ trim is accounting for 25-30% of total Malibu sales. That is a lot, and that number was prior to GM adding the four-cylinder LTZ model! Granted, the midsize sedan market has a different mix of demographics than the small car market, but one has to wonder…with gas prices going up and the economy on shaky ground; won’t some of the demographics that have been buying up midsize sedans, start buying small cars? My guess would be yep. The GMT-900 SUV’s and trucks have also had great success with the LTZ trim lines, prior to the gas price hike.

One of the Big Three has realized that small cars are moving upscale a bit. For 2009 Ford has created a Focus SEL model. Traditionally, SEL is the highest trim level on Ford vehicles. The Focus was all new in 2008 and only carried the SES as the highest trim level and it was not terribly well-equipped. From what I have been told, Ford has had a very surprising amount of 2009 SEL’s ordered; retail orders (meaning customer orders). I personally am one of those orders! I, like many people, wanted a small car to commute with, but did not want to give up any of the luxuries I am use to with vehicles I have had in the past. The Focus SEL retails for $18,665 with no options. It comes standard with; heated leather seats (with contrast stitching), Microsoft SYNC, Siruis radio, 16” flangeless wheels, chrome door handles and mirrors, and other fancies.

GM, I want to see the Cobalt LTZ come back to take on the Focus SEL and other high-end small cars. The market is now there, it was not when the car launched in 2004. Personally I would like to see the Cobalt LTZ come standard with; heated leather, 17” wheels (take them from the HHR!), Bluetooth, USB port, chrome door handles (take from HHR again!), a nice chrome exhaust tip, chrome grille (original LTZ had it), StabiliTrak, and everything the current LT has. Obviously everything needed to do a Cobalt LTZ is already in the parts bin, so it would not be a costly addition. If they really wanted to go all out, they could do two-toned interiors like the Malibu LTZ. That would be nice. I would go so far to say a Cobalt LTZ Sedan and Coupe should happen this time. Just do NOT make the automatic standard.

All of the above combined with the new 2.2L ECOTEC VVT with 150 HP, 37 MPG on the highway (manual), and E85 capability…that would make a compelling little car! Especially if GM could get the 37 MPG rating out of the Coupe LTZ! I’m sure that is a dream, but I had to get this off my chest.

[Beau]

Here is how I remeber.
SES = Service Engine Soon ( lower model )
SEL = Service Engine Later ( upper model )

The other thing about this 'balt if it was E85 capable... You could run boost on it... Shrug.

[dindak]

Sounds like a low cost way of getting into the game quickly for 2009.

If not the Cobalt, I am 100% sure the Cruze will have LTZ trim.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Originally Posted by Beau

Here is how I remeber.
SES = Service Engine Soon ( lower model )
SEL = Service Engine Later ( upper model )

The other thing about this 'balt if it was E85 capable... You could run boost on it... Shrug.

I don't really see the need for the trim level if the options are there, hell probably the former LTZ is just like "1SC Preferred Equipment Group"...

Ford's names are pretty sucky, SES, SEL, LOL reminds me of Saddam Hussein and his Benz 500 SEL's

[FenwickHockey65]

I'd say a Cruze LTZ would be much, much better. It'd be even better if Bob Lutz announces sometime soon that he was pulling our leg with the 2010 launch date and that it's ready for production now.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I'd say a Cruze LTZ would be much, much better. It'd be even better if Bob Lutz announces sometime soon that he was pulling our leg with the 2010 launch date and that it's ready for production now.

I agree, but lets face it, we are stuck with the Cobalt for quite some time more. We need upscale small cars NOW, not when the Cruze arrives.

[Hoboken Tim]

A cobalt LTZ would be great, but also a 4 door SS.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by Hoboken Tim

A cobalt LTZ would be great, but also a 4 door SS.

SS 4-door is on for 2009 model-year. It should be on the market shortly.

[rueben44]

I have owned a 06 Focus SEL with leather and it was nice. GM does not really care about small cars yet they are still fighting it. Remember they rushed the new Tahoe to market but we will not see the, very nice looking, Cruze for more than 2-3 years and I'm sorry it does not take that long if you really want to do it.

On a side note I saw the new Aveo5 last night and I have to say it is a nice upgrade to the previous model.

[88ls1blazer]

Just a note for the HHR wheels comment. They might both be on delta, but you should know (judging by your passion for these cars) that the hhr is a 5-lug, and everything except the SS is a 4-lug on the cobalt... are you suggesting fe5 on the LTZ???

[chevydlrmn]

o.k. so Hoboken Tim (that is the only city in NJ that I have been to, took the PATH) there is a sedan SS Turbo for 2009. The Cobalt has option code PCU the MyLink package. This message was sent yesterday. With leather and heat you have a competitor to Focus. Plus more power and better MPG's and a coupe option.

The Chevrolet Cobalt Marketing Team is excited to announce the MYLINK package for the 2009 Model Year. We believe this technology package offers the right content at a incredible value. The MYLINK package is available on 1LT Coupe & Sedan models. Starting with your DOSP cycle on Thursday, August 7 2008, make sure your 1LT model Cobalt Coupe & Sedan orders include this new MYLINK Package. Option code PCU. Included in this message is: pdf point of sale flyer you can reproduce locally and a image of the wheel.

Cobalt MYLINK Package (MSRP is only $995)

Cobalt 1LT (1AL37 Coupe & 1AL69 Sedan) ordered with PCU includes the following content:
- UUI Radio That Includes A USB Port & Aux Input Jack
- 12 Months OnStar With Directions & Connections Service
- 12 Months XM Radio Service
- Bluetooth Wireless Phone Interface
- 16” Machine Face Aluminum Wheels
- 16" Touring Tires
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Cruise Control
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Leather Wrapped Shift Knob

ALL THIS CONTENT FOR ONLY $995 MSRP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The MYLINK Package 1LT Cobalt Starts at $17,365.

MYLINK 1LT suggested orders:

1AL46 Coupe - 1LT + MX0 + AP3 + T43 + B84. MSRP $18,885.

There Are No Residency Restrictions For The MYLINK Package Cobalt

[CharlotteFirebird]

LTZ and SS sedan are needed....and while I'm against the G5 in general (and in the future), these are desperate times and they already have the coupe, so throw the sedan in as well.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by 88ls1blazer

Just a note for the HHR wheels comment. They might both be on delta, but you should know (judging by your passion for these cars) that the hhr is a 5-lug, and everything except the SS is a 4-lug on the cobalt... are you suggesting fe5 on the LTZ???

Yeah, I realized that awhile ago. Epsilon and HHR both share the same bolt pattern, so I got that confused.

[buildacariwant]

Originally Posted by chevydlrmn

o.k. so Hoboken Tim (that is the only city in NJ that I have been to, took the PATH) there is a sedan SS Turbo for 2009. The Cobalt has option code PCU the MyLink package. This message was sent yesterday. With leather and heat you have a competitor to Focus. Plus more power and better MPG's and a coupe option.

The Chevrolet Cobalt Marketing Team is excited to announce the MYLINK package for the 2009 Model Year. We believe this technology package offers the right content at a incredible value. The MYLINK package is available on 1LT Coupe & Sedan models. Starting with your DOSP cycle on Thursday, August 7 2008, make sure your 1LT model Cobalt Coupe & Sedan orders include this new MYLINK Package. Option code PCU. Included in this message is: pdf point of sale flyer you can reproduce locally and a image of the wheel.

Cobalt MYLINK Package (MSRP is only $995)

Cobalt 1LT (1AL37 Coupe & 1AL69 Sedan) ordered with PCU includes the following content:
- UUI Radio That Includes A USB Port & Aux Input Jack
- 12 Months OnStar With Directions & Connections Service
- 12 Months XM Radio Service
- Bluetooth Wireless Phone Interface
- 16” Machine Face Aluminum Wheels
- 16" Touring Tires
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Cruise Control
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Leather Wrapped Shift Knob

ALL THIS CONTENT FOR ONLY $995 MSRP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The MYLINK Package 1LT Cobalt Starts at $17,365.

MYLINK 1LT suggested orders:

1AL46 Coupe - 1LT + MX0 + AP3 + T43 + B84. MSRP $18,885.

There Are No Residency Restrictions For The MYLINK Package Cobalt

good. i hope GM stuffs all its cars full of options right now to move that metal. you know try to stay in business.

[osv_alero]

I do agree that an LTZ would be a smart idea on GMs part. Having an upper trim level states that the Cobalt is made for more than just cheap transportation.

On another note: I think GM should keep the Cobalt, slight changes, for a few years after introducing the Cruze. It would make the perfect lower end cost product and be perfect for fleet sales.