New Life? Cobalt Gets Some MPG, MP3

[nsap]

Originally Posted by Ming

These changes just keep the car competitive. The Cobalt had pretty bland and roundish styling at debut that already looked a couple of years old. What the Cobalt really needs beyond the obvious improvements like fuel economy is some styling that says "nice car!" not "value Chevy".

Until GM fully embraces the notion that small cars can be cool with modern styling, however, I'm not sure we'll see a really stunning compact Cobalt-sized car from Chevy. There's still this idea that Chevy needs a bland commuter compact car in the tradition of the Cavalier. Sticking a spoiler on the back and giving such a car a loud paint job doesn't mask the conservative, boring front fascia and headlights.

Now, if the new Cobalt looks more along the lines of the current Mitsubishi Lancer...

I can tell you the Cavalier mindset has been thrown out while working on the next Cobalt. Expect a wide array of options, including even some totally different body work for models targeted at younger buyers.

[fenderbender]

Originally Posted by nsap

I can tell you the Cavalier mindset has been thrown out while working on the next Cobalt. Expect a wide array of options, including even some totally different body work for models targeted at younger buyers.

You got me excited Nsap. Please tell us more!!

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by nsap

I can tell you the Cavalier mindset has been thrown out while working on the next Cobalt. Expect a wide array of options, including even some totally different body work for models targeted at younger buyers.

Thats good to hear, GM needs a good small car.

[steve333]

The current issue of Motor Trend says the Cobalt is getting a mild refresh for 2009 and that a new Cobalt is slated for 2013!
This had better not be true, GM needs a new Cobalt ASAP.

[KillerMRK]

Congratulations! You've officially proved that import-fanboys are the worst kind of fanboys!

Also, the reply system is pretty broken. It's really hard to edit posts, and to insert text where you wish. Fix plz.

[zabraden]

The next Cobalt should be renamed Nova, Cobalt is a boring, meaningless name.

[unkillsam]

Originally Posted by zabraden

The next Cobalt should be renamed Nova, Cobalt is a boring, meaningless name.

Cobalt is not a boring name.

It is an prettly cool element. It is also the element mentioned in Dr. Strangelove as part of the Doomsday device.

GM should make a commercial for a 2010 BAS Cobalt.

Cobalt, doomsday to the oil companies.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by zabraden

The next Cobalt should be renamed Nova, Cobalt is a boring, meaningless name.

Whats this obsession with names? If the product is good the name won't matter. Anyway GM can't constantly kill certain names, they need to be like Honda and Toyota in this sense. Look at the Accord and Camry those names been around for decades. Stick with the Cobalt name and build a good reputation behind that name.

[red_rider]

Originally Posted by zabraden

The next Cobalt should be renamed Nova, Cobalt is a boring, meaningless name.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by red_rider

LOL, morons make me laugh.

[SAngelo]

I don't know when the next Cobalt is coming out but if its in two years, why doesnt GM just give it a new front and rear (no major sheet metal changes) and give it a Malibu interior with soft touches and give it more comfotable seats and maybe make it a little roomier.

Also, make the 6 speed auto optional. I would also spend the money and like the epsilons, rework the mechanicals and make a Navigation screen optional. Im glad they made fuel economy class leading.

Come on GM !!!!

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by SAngelo

I don't know when the next Cobalt is coming out but if its in two years, why doesnt GM just give it a new front and rear (no major sheet metal changes) and give it a Malibu interior with soft touches and give it more comfotable seats and maybe make it a little roomier.

Also, make the 6 speed auto optional. I would also spend the money and like the epsilons, rework the mechanicals and make a Navigation screen optional. Im glad they made fuel economy class leading.

Come on GM !!!!

I would like to see that also, while they are at it get rid of that AM/FM antenna on the rear. It is such an eyesore, hide it in the glass.

[Cphelps]

Originally Posted by 87aero

Well I think this weeks earlier thread on the new SS turbo stated that the 2009 SS turbo was getting VVT and would also make 35mpg. Granted it's a much higher tech engine that comes at a premium price and runs on premium gas, but still 260hp/260ft-lbs and 35mpg is crazy.

The LNF (2.0L Turbo engine) has had vvt since it debuted in the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline, the LNF in the Cobalt SS also already has vvt, as per GM's power train website. The mileage it gets is already quite good considering the hp it makes anyway though.

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Glad they are at least trying to keep the Cobalt up to date. After riding in friends civics and corollas, I honestly don't get why a lot of people seem to think GM interiors are so horrible, at least in the cars from this market. Hopefully the new Cobalt will be a truly competitive car for GM in this market.