Autoweek Cobalt SS review

[Orbit Orange]

The optional, massive wing on the car actually does something, providing 23 pounds of downforce at 70 mph and 115 pounds at 155 mph. Top speed of this car (with the standard, smaller wing) is 160 mph! You wouldn't want to do that with a plain-vanilla Cavalier.

It probably provides 23 pounds of downforce at ZERO miles per hour because it probably weighs 23 pounds by itself. Sorry had to laugh at that one. And secondly why do you want excessive downforce on the rear of a FRONT wheel drive car?

Now guys, I'm not making fun of the Cobalt SS, I'm making fun at the writer coming up with this. It looks like a fun little car for the money.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by Orbit Orange

It probably provides 23 pounds of downforce at ZERO miles per hour because it probably weighs 23 pounds by itself. Sorry had to laugh at that one. And secondly why do you want excessive downforce on the rear of a FRONT wheel drive car?

Now guys, I'm not making fun of the Cobalt SS, I'm making fun at the writer coming up with this. It looks like a fun little car for the money.

It's not excessive, but you'd want it on the rear of a FWD car for the same reason you'd want it on a RWD car; to keep the butt planted firmly to the ground.

[Orbit Orange]

It's what I kind of figured anyway. But you could get 23 pounds of downforce by putting 23 pounds of dead weight in the trunk. He should have stated aerodynamic downforce. I understand the comment of the author but they way it is put is like that 23 extra pounds at 70 mph is some sort of breakthrough in aerodynamic science.

I'm sure the Cobalt is front weight biased anyway, probably 60/40 or somthing like that. Anyone have the actual weight bias percentages?

[Skank Boy]

Originally Posted by Orbit Orange

It's what I kind of figured anyway. But you could get 23 pounds of downforce by putting 23 pounds of dead weight in the trunk. He should have stated aerodynamic downforce. I understand the comment of the author but they way it is put is like that 23 extra pounds at 70 mph is some sort of breakthrough in aerodynamic science.

I'm sure the Cobalt is front weight biased anyway, probably 60/40 or somthing like that. Anyone have the actual weight bias percentages?

And the GTO is 50/50 right?

[JVal14]

30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in city driving.

Wow, I didn't know it got 30 on the highway. That's better than a Civic Si that has 24% less power! Nearly as good as my old Focus that had 41% less! God bless DI!

[Sinner]

Originally Posted by Orbit Orange

But you could get 23 pounds of downforce by putting 23 pounds of dead weight in the trunk.

And then you have to lug around 23lbs of dead weight all the time giving you no benefit whatsoever. 23lbs of down force is not the same as 23lbs of weight. Weight just sits there, down force pushes down on the car, increasing the force pushing the tires into the road.

Not to mention that the faster you go the more down force that is generated. That 23lbs of dead weight is just that 23lbs of dead weight no matter how fast you go. Hell it would hinder you more in the turns, break and acceleration.

I have no idea why so many people who drive RWD cars rag on wings on FWD cars. Sure the 2ft tall ones on a Honda Civic don't do ****, but the wings on the Cobalt, WRX (STi) and EVO all are designed to push the car into the road. Something that can't be said about the wings on the GTO, Mustang, Supra.

Now if you see a FWD car rolling down the street with fat tires in the back or wheelie bars then you have some serious rice on your hands.

[E. Haskell]

This car is a performance bargain. 8:22 around the 'Ring, Brembos, turbo, no-lift shift, 30mpg, etc.....

IMO, the only car that rivals it is the Mazdaspeed3 which has similar power and a better interior (Si = too slow, trans problems and reviews saying the handling isn't as good). However, I like coupes so I'd probably take the Cobalt.

The Cobalt also gets 23/30 MPG whereas the MS3 gets 18/26 MPG. That's a big difference considering these cars are made for performance AND economy.

I could overlook the Cobalt's interior considering the total package.

[SAngelo]

This is a great deal for a car that is going to be updated in 2010. Does anyone know if DI without the Turbo will be available on the Sport Cobalt or another one ? I wish they would put the 6 speed auto in the car.

[igotzzoom]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

The Cobalt also gets 23/30 MPG whereas the MS3 gets 18/26 MPG. That's a big difference considering these cars are made for performance AND economy.

Yep, that's the biggest thing that got my attention. That LNF is one impressive motor for combining economy and power. The MS3 is a gas hog by comparison. I still really like the MS3, but the SS 4-door is definitely in the running for my next car.

[5.3Avalanche]

Originally Posted by ChevyOptra5

$22,995....well thats gonna end up being close to $30,000 here in Canada then if its in line with the HHR, what a shame.

What's your point? You do realize what you all get for that do you? That's one helluva go cart and I think this car is great value if you want a performance-oriented ride.

[ProjectRS]

another one here:
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100035

comments here:
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100169

[stevecmh]

i really like it.. and good MPG for the hp.

i like the no lift.. i would love to try that..

its a nice car

[j_granlund]

I really can't wait to drive one of these babies.

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by Sinner

I have no idea why so many people who drive RWD cars rag on wings on FWD cars. Sure the 2ft tall ones on a Honda Civic don't do ****, but the wings on the Cobalt, WRX (STi) and EVO all are designed to push the car into the road. Something that can't be said about the wings on the GTO, Mustang, Supra.

Actually, the rear spoilers on both the GTO & last-gen Supras are functional. They provide actual downforce. I don't have numbers, but they have a function. Perhaps the big reason RWD owners rag on FWD cars with wings is because anyone with $30 can buy a wing at an auto parts store. They aren't designed with aerodynamics in mind. A large wing from a manufacturer should be there only if it compliments the car's design or helps the handling/aerodynamics. The Cobalt's works. The punk with the Auto Zone wing on an '87 Corolla doesn't.

[member12]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

130 hp per liter.
30 mpg hwy.
0-60 under 6 seconds.
160 mph.
Subcompact record for the Nurburgring.

GM has come a long way with their compacts. This is the deal of the century...I think the Cobalt SS (with out the wing, though) and the new Pontiac G8 will be my favorite affordable new cars this year....not favorite GM cars. Favorite cars.




Now if only they can get the plane jane Cobalt sedans some nicer trim and more mpg.