Cobalt SS powers GM onto the Sport Compact Scene

[Ming]

The Cobalt SS powers GM onto the sport compact scene
www.AUTOWEEK.com

It’s been a long time since sport compact enthusiasts had incentive to visit a General Motors showroom. And no, we don’t mean zero-down and zero-percent financing. We’re talking driving incentive, the knowledge that somewhere on the showroom floor sits an affordable, stylish and spirited machine with a youthful attitude.

For much of the last decade the only thing GM could fire back at the likes of Honda’s Civic and Volkswagen’s Golf were the 150-hp J-body Chevy Cavalier Z24 and the Pontiac Sunfire GT. But where the Z24 struggled among pocket rockets, Chevy’s new Cobalt SS seeks to fly.

The SS packs a 2.0-liter, 205-hp 200-lb-ft inline four motivated by a roots-type Eaton supercharger set at 12 psi. Yes, it has lower compression pistons, a forged crank and stronger aluminum casting, as you would expect. But a major supercharger side effect is heat, which Chevy addresses with an oil cooler, sodium-filled exhaust valves, a larger cooling fan and radiator core, and pistons directly cooled by high-pressure oil jets.

Drivers in the know will surely issue a challenge to this Cobalt, while those who have no idea what the SS badge means will no doubt be clued in by the car’s GTR-style rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels and front-mounted air-to-water intercooler.

For just such encounters—at the track, of course—drop the clutch at 2000 rpm, modulate the throttle to avoid tire hop, and 60 mph passes in 6.36 seconds. That whips the Civic Si by 1.46 seconds and the Ford Focus SVT by 0.96 second.

At the quarter-mile mark the Cobalt registers 14.91 seconds at 96 mph compared to the Civic’s 15.93 seconds at 87.4 mph and the Focus’ 15.72 seconds at 88.4 mph.

The supercharger comes on song around 3000 rpm and is accompanied by a raspy exhaust note. It may grow tiring over time, but it is certainly in tune with this car’s overall statement.

Handling is another strong Cobalt attribute, where the car posts an average speed of 47 mph through the slalom and 0.87 g on the skidpad. Here, the Civic loses out again, but the Focus nips the SS in the slalom, faster by 0.3 mph. The Cobalt does trump its platform mate, the Saturn Ion Red Line, by 1.1 mph and 0.03 g, thanks mostly to 124 fewer pounds and stickier Pirelli PZero Rosso tires.

This Cobalt is commendably stable through the cones, almost as fun as a Mini Cooper, says one editor. Handling is fairly neutral, with a hint of understeer quickly erased with a bit of trail braking.

More: http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=102571

Also see: Cobalt SS to Battle the Imports on upcoming "Street Tuner Challenge" Show

[paul3230]

I still think the Cobalt SS should have had 230-250 horsepower to
compete directly with the evolution and the SRT-4. But this is a good start.

[Kevincolin]

maybe a cobalt RS?

[cooper8830]

I saw a Cobalt SS at the dealership the other day and all I have to say is wow. It really is a very nice car. the leather trim is sweet and the dash looks nice and simple but modern. The only problems I have with the car is fwd and the e-brake and trim around it. Maybe a AWD option would be a good idea down the road but fwd isnt a problem really. If I had the money I would buy it on the spot the entire car looks good and the suspension setup is nice!

[djbango]

The Cobalt SS is a nice sport compact, at the GM autoshow I had the opportunity to drive one. What struck me was how smooth the shifter was, coming from a WRX with a 5 speed it was like silk. The shifter reminded me of my 99 Civic Si shifter, which everyone commented how nicely it shifted.

I agree, it should of had 230-250 to be direct competition to the SRT-4 and the WRX.....memo to GM, Honda nolonger dominates the sport compact scene

[Butz]

Originally Posted by paul3230

I still think the Cobalt SS should have had 230-250 horsepower to
compete directly with the evolution and the SRT-4. But this is a good start.

If it gonna get 250hp it should get AWD also

[Snafu_SS]

this is awesome..power and performance to back up the killer looks.

i saw a dark blue one in bowling green, it had the smoke grey wheels too. wow it looked hot, my friends all seemed amazed when they saw the bow tie up front too. it was only a week or two before i never saw it on the dealer lot again..only on the road occasioanly

great job GM!

[SSrevolution]

Originally Posted by paul3230

I still think the Cobalt SS should have had 230-250 horsepower to
compete directly with the evolution and the SRT-4. But this is a good start.

It already does compete. It isn't quite as fast, with miniscule differences.

[Dizzer]

Gotta agree with the AWD suggestion. The WRX is the target, not the Civic. FWD is past and an AWD Cobalt with 250 hp+ would be a market killer, especially when compared to the $$ it takes to purchase a WRX.

[FightingChance]

. . . but adding more hp and AWD and other stuff will move the price north and the car upmarket. It can't be a bargain *and* better than cars costing more (realistically.)

[genjy]

An AWD Cobalt couldn't compete with the WRX's or the Evo's reputations and rally-inspired engineering. It's hard to take on the established cars on the first try, same goes to the Kappa roadsters vs Miata situation. I guess the Suzuki Aerio should do well against the Civic or Corolla in the marketplace, but that's not the case mainly because the Suzuki brand and the Aerio model do not have enough reputation.

[RWD60]

IMO pontiac should go after the WRX crowd, after all their the real performence divisions... AWD (but RWD kappa based ) G4 GXP with 255hp turbo ecotec... sounds good to me.

[plane]

I saw a black SS on the road today and it was very nice indeed.

RWD60 is right, Let Pontiac take on the upper end of the Tunerz but do it with the style and engineering that will take on BMW.

[SSrevolution]

Originally Posted by Dizzer

Gotta agree with the AWD suggestion. The WRX is the target, not the Civic. FWD is past and an AWD Cobalt with 250 hp+ would be a market killer, especially when compared to the $$ it takes to purchase a WRX.

The SS cant compete with the WRX unless it recieves a new engine.
SS=205hp
WRX=276hp

Besides the WRX isn't even in the same class as the Cobalt.

[epaulo]

if they turboed the car it would have been more direct competition with them, as turbo's are easier to modify, also if it had the saab's turbo eco producing 230hp and 240 tq i believe, then it would have givin some competition. also IRS would of been nice.