GM: Resurrect Cobalt LTZ

[regfootball]

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

and yet when i say, play artist michael bolton, it will do nothing. plus stability control is std on the 09 focus i think

[redimpss5]

This may be a good thing to put back on the option list.

[paul8488]

I think this is a great idea! We all know that GM can't redesign a vehicle in a day, so calling for an all-new Cobalt tomorrow is pointless. Still, if it's just a matter of repackaging a bunch of exisiting options I think it would be worth doing. The stripper, sipper XFE exisits for those that want the cheapest possible... the regular Cobalt (LT) is a good mix of economy, value, and features... the SS sedan will have the performance edge... why not also have a tarted-up version for those that, like you suggest nsap, want a maximum of features in a smaller package.

[eaton53]

They offer the Cobalt Sport now, which is the former 2.4 SS.
I like it a lot better than the LTZ.

[chevydlrmn]

Originally Posted by eaton53

They offer the Cobalt Sport now, which is the former 2.4 SS.
I like it a lot better than the LTZ.

not anymore, for 2009 there is no Sport model, there is a sport appearance package on 2lt coupe and sedan, looks like last years sport, but no 2.4.

[chevydlrmn]

Originally Posted by regfootball

and yet when i say, play artist michael bolton, it will do nothing. plus stability control is std on the 09 focus i think

be lucky it doesn't start on fire after hearing that. It is dumb that stabilitrak is only on SS, yet standard on all HHR's

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by chevydlrmn

not anymore, for 2009 there is no Sport model, there is a sport appearance package on 2lt coupe and sedan, looks like last years sport, but no 2.4.

So we get "sticker performance" now, like the bad 'ol days? Or like Toyota Corolla 'S' jokemobiles?
Not offering the 2.4 is a way bigger mistake than not offering the LTZ.

The 2.4 Cobalt was the fastest under $20K car, yet it still gets good mileage.
I'm glad I got mine because I would not be interested in a 2.2 Cobalt.

Maybe they need all the 2.4's they can get for Malibus...

[nsap]

Originally Posted by regfootball

and yet when i say, play artist michael bolton, it will do nothing. plus stability control is std on the 09 focus i think

Stability Control is part of a $745 option on the 2009 Focus.

[steined]

I do think an upgraded Cobalt would be a good idea. Leather and heated seats, maybe a little more sound insulation and call it a day. I think that would be worth it. My complaints with the balt were 4 speed and noise. The large impact crashthroughs on highway bumps were a little much, but what do you expect from non independent rear suspension!

[Citation84]

Originally Posted by nsap

Stability Control is part of a $745 option on the 2009 Focus.

Isn't that std on the new "luxury" trim 2009 Focus ?

History repeats. After the 1st gas panic in the 70s people broke their necks getting in to smaller cars and Ford and Chrysler were there with LDO options in the Maverick, "Brougham" models in the Valiant and the Granada and Mustang II [ "jewel like door jambs"].It was to make "downsizing" from full size road hugging weight carrying cars to better mileage compacts more palatable.

Those pretty much consisted of nicer upholstery [vinyl or velour and pleats!!!], color keyed hubcaps, European style arm rests and door handles, a vinyl roof, more sound deadening and better tires. Nova offered a "Concours" edition [later called "LN"].
Even AMC got into the act with the Concord in 1978. People bought over 100,000 of them that first year. Good move by AMC.

But like the XFE in the Cobalt, I doubt GM will read the tea leaves. And unlike with the XFE the LTZ would not have to be approved by the EPA so it shouldn't take them 18 months to put the thing in show rooms, so there's really no excuse. Brilliant, inexpensive idea at the precise time the Cobalt is seeing an upsurge in sales.

But to this day corporate think will be: "We can't have people leaving in an LTZ Cobalt when we could sell them a Malibu ....". I don't think they'll take your advice. It makes too much sense.Not everyone wants a car the size of a Malibu,but do want their car loaded [as evidenced by Ford's 20-30% take rate on the loaded versions of the Focus] so they'll leave with NOTHING.

A program of continous improvement rather than benign neglect might have brought the LTZ about "organically" rather than as a suggestion on a GM Forum. Would be really nice to see it though.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by nsap

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.

Agreed. I won't buy a midsize or small sedan unless I can get it fully loaded. I want practicality and luxury in one package. GM was smart to have a four cylinder LTZ on the Malibu...and they should do the same on the Cobalt. But I agree with others that have said GM would be better off if they brought an LTZ Cruze out instead...now and not two years from now.

[Chaz_23]

I say, the more models and options to customers GM offers the better. There's plenty of money around. A little economic car with all the possible creature comforts makes sense. Just because you want to save on gas doesn't mean you want to roll down windows manually.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by Citation84

Isn't that std on the new "luxury" trim 2009 Focus ?

I just ordered a 2009 Focus SEL in June. I had to pay $745 for the option.

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by 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.

Amen to both.

The real issue in the article is why is GM's transaction price for Cobalts so low? Yeah, I know the answer but that is really what GM needs to address. Hopefully the Cruz will be worthy of a higher price.

[buildacariwant]

Originally Posted by pgill00

I need something to differentiate and I pretty much will not consider anything non-Chevy unless I really am disappointed with the selection.

many of us used to feel the same until GM forced us into foreign cars.