[espo19047]

This is from GM Dealerworld:​

Subject:2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Fuel Economy Improvement Announcement Effective March 17, 2008

• Cobalt
  
  The Chevrolet Cobalt Marketing Team is excited to announce a significant fuel economy improvement on the 2008 Cobalt. Effective March 17, 2008 , any LS or 1LT Cobalt Coupe or Sedan model ordered with manual transmissions will get 36 miles per gallon on the highway. This three mile per gallon improvement now gives Cobalt the best in class manual transmission highway fuel economy.
  
  To make these Cobalt models stand out a new badge has been added to the right side of the trunk lid labeled "XFE" (Xtra Fuel Economy).
  
  
  
  
  
  Quick Answers Regarding Cobalt XFE
  
  How do I order a Cobalt that gets 36 miles per gallon on the highway?
  -Effective immediately, any LS or 1LT model coupe or sedan ordered with a manual transmission will get 36 miles per gallon highway.
  
  With 36 MPG what competitors does this Cobalt beat in highway fuel economy? Just a few are:
  -2008 Honda Civic 34 MPG
  -2008 Ford Focus 35 MPG
  -2009 Toyota Corolla 35 MPG
  -2008 Mini Cooper S 34 MPG
  -2008 Mazda3 32 MPG
  -2008 Dodge Caliber 29 MPG
  -2008 Honda Fit 34 MPG
  -2008 Toyota Matrix 33 MPG
  -2008 Nissan Sentra 33 MPG
  -2008 Nissan Versa 33 MPG
  
  Is there a special badge?
  -Yes, there is all new XFE badge located on the right side of the trunk deck lid.
  
  Is the Cobalt window sticker revised to reflect 36 MPG?
  -Yes, starting with production on March 17, 2008 and after, LS & 1LT models with manual transmission will have a widow sticker that reads 36 MPG.
  
  What does XFE stand for?
  -Xtra Fuel Economy.
  
  How did this improvement in fuel economy happen?
  -Engine calibration, improved tires and a few other special items we don't want the competitors to know about..
  
  Does this improved fuel economy apply to both Coupe & Sedan LS and 1LT manual transmission models?
  -Yes.

 

[BPGTim]

What about those folks with onlly a RIGHT LEG ???? We have to suffer with sub par feul mileage and the 4 spd auto........

 

[FenwickHockey65]

Is this still with the 5-speed manual?
This is intriguing. I wonder if they can get the Aveo's fuel economy up a few MPGs.

 

[FAB454]

Quick Questions Regarding Cobalt XFE

How Much Will The Price Go Up With That Little Badge On The Trunk?

How Bad Will This Hurt The "Pre-March 17" '08 Cobalts Resale?


Just the first thoughts that came to mind.

Not that extra MPG is a bad thing. It should do quite well from a marketing stand point, as long as GM makes sure people know what the XFE is/stands for. Kinda like Fords "green leaf" for the Flex Fuel vehicles, not many people knew what that was.IMO

 

[I-Love-Pontiac]

XFE... very unique. I like it. Now I wish they would do this on some cars I actually care about.

 

[atomicshark]

What about those folks with onlly a RIGHT LEG ???? We have to suffer with sub par feul mileage and the 4 spd auto........

Ha! I was thinking the same thing. I guess I should be happy that my "old" '08 Cobalt will get the same mileage as the newer '08 Cobalts with automatics.

 

[espo19047]

Ha! I was thinking the same thing. I guess I should be happy that my "old" '08 Cobalt will get the same mileage as the newer '08 Cobalts with automatics.

The automatic will get 35 mpg HHR also.

 

[MCGARRETT]

Why badge it, the extra cost of the badge is needless expense.

Also, since it's on the 5 speeds the "take" rate is going to be low, I wonder if the 6 speed auto from the EP's fits in the Delta cars? Adding the 6 speed auto could help.

 

[DoomsDave]

Continuous improvement, without waiting for a more expensive MCE. Good job, GM!!

 

[Quickening]

Badge is pointless. Sigh.

 

[BlueMontreal]

Just in time for 4.00 /gal. Great timing GM !

Is this related with the 2.2 getting VVT ? If not, we should see 37 or 38 for 2009.

 

[Koasterking]

Good news, somewhat. Give it a 6-speed manual and auto ,and see what it can do

 

[EldoFan]

The automatic will get 35 mpg also.

It had sure better......otherwise the benefits would be lost given the low take rate of the 5-speed Cobalts.

This should hopefully help GM's CAFE effort though!

 

[63GrandSport001]

unless they changed gearing I want to say that this is tied to the VVT being added to the 2.2L.

Now they should add GDI to the engine for even better MPG maybe as much as 38MPG highway to blow away the civics. :bounce:

This is 36MPG SAE which I believe would be about 46MPG CAFE.

 

[nsap]

I can't find anything that states it is a different engine, so I am assuming this is all transmission-related. Man...if they can get that out of the non-VVT 2.2L, I am very eager to see what the 2009's rating ends up being!

 

[hrcslam]

Yeah, VVT and a six speed and the Cobalt should be pushing 38-39 huh?

 

[hrcslam]

This is 36MPG SAE which I believe would be about 46MPG CAFE.

I don't get it. Please elaborate, seriously.

 

[GMusa]

This is pretty cool actually! Now only if they could improve the auto fuel milage.

 

[mjd1001]

This is pretty cool actually! Now only if they could improve the auto fuel milage.

I want to know more about this...if it is done with 'engine calibration', or possibly they are starting to put the new vvt 2.2 in it...it should help the automatic equiped Cobalts also....a little more information/confirmation on this topic by GM would be very helpful.

 

[I-Love-Pontiac]

I don't get it. Please elaborate, seriously.

Cafe ratings are a lot like the old EPA ratings. Just much much less stricter. That's how GM has a 30 MPG average right now when half of the vehicles they sell get like 15 MPG.