Chevy prices Cobalt SS Coupe from $22,995
GM has promised us that it would no longer abuse the SS name, and one of the first examples of that pledge is the Cobalt SS. The turbocharged coupe carries a wallop with 260 hp, and all that power can be used to propel the Cobalt SS to 60 in 5.7 seconds or get you around the 'Ring in a very respectable 8:22. Those are very solid performance numbers, and with a starting price of $22,995, the Cobalt SS delivers a pretty strong value statement, as well.
Besides a toned-down rear spoiler and an improved 2.0L turbocharged powerplant, standard features include air conditioning, stability control, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. If you're into Cobalt luxury, you can add a sunroof, high-wing rear spoiler, audio system, and limited-slip differential and still keep the price under $26k. We're looking forward to seeing for ourselves if the Cobalt SS is worthy of the Super Sport name, but at $22,995 we can already say the price of entry is competitive.
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS
[Source: GM]
DETROIT: Powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features. Offered exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission, it is also an efficient performer, delivering an estimated 30 mpg in highway driving – the best among top competitors.
That combination of performance, features and efficiency comes with a MSRP of $22,995, including a $660 destination charge. The Cobalt SS is well equipped at that price, including standard air conditioning, premium sound system, remote keyless entry, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.
Major options include an uplevel audio system ($295), sunroof ($750), high-wing rear spoiler ($195) and a limited-slip differential ($495).
The Cobalt SS coupe is expected to arrive in dealerships in late April.
Maximum performance on the street or track
The Cobalt SS delivers a quick 0-60 time of approximately 5.7 seconds – thanks to the engine's "no-lift shift" calibration – and an impressive maximum lateral grip of 0.9 g. This combination enabled the Cobalt SS to set a new class record when running the famed Nürburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes.
Ride and handing are supported by an all-new FE5 Sport suspension, with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning – all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate afflictions such as torque steer. Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track.
Four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS help ensure the car stops as confidently as it accelerates and corners. The front brakes are from Brembo and have a performance-oriented, fixed-caliper design, which resists fade better than floating caliper designs; the rear discs are vented for better heat dissipation. Large, twin-five-spoke 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard. They're mounted on 225/40-series Continental summer tires.
The Cobalt SS is also equipped with a host of standard safety features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and side-impact air bags.
Cobalt SS style
The Cobalt SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features, including a distinctive, air dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps. New front upper and lower grilles sport an SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance; and SS-specific rockers and badging adorn the body sides.
A standard deck lid spoiler can be replaced with an optional high-wing aero enhancement. Also at the rear is a prominent, bright-tip exhaust outlet.
Inside the Cobalt SS are SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a specific shifter arrangement.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
epilonious 3:04PM (3/20/2008)
Well damn, that's pretty snazzy, and it looks like it can give most of the other, pricier FWD compact turbo rockets (Mazdaspeed3, GTI, SRT-4) a run for their money.
The one interesting thing I have to consider is how the Hyundai Genesis Coupe will hit this whole segment. If anything the Cobalt stands to fare the best because it's just do darned cheap that it seems like the best cost power ratio over even the Hyundai.
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John R 3:35PM (3/20/2008)
RWD can go a long way with some people. People don't buy Miatas for the power.
Xcountryflyer 3:45PM (3/20/2008)
Moving in the right direction. Will be interesting to read the reviews. I certainly find it more appealing than the Caliber SRT-4. GM is producing the most appealing cars of the domestics. Ford is pathetic. They don't have depth or breadth to their performance cars.
MemphisNET 4:08PM (3/20/2008)
John makes a very valid point. Some of us have been waiting for years for affordable RWD coupes. The Solstice/Sky are 90% there, the coupes will help. But a near 20k RWD coupe will be the ticket.
I drove an SRT4 Caliber recently. Ugly, both inside and out... but damn is it ever fun :D
PJ 4:21PM (3/20/2008)
The SS offers just about the best big-dirty-fun per dollar ratio on the market right now. NET, if you liked the SRT4, you'll love this. Much better steering and handling.
A Miata still beats the SS' pants off for the fine nuances of chassis balance and primary control feel, but different strokes for different folks.
Anyway, I'm glad to see a thread about turbo Deltas where extolling its virtues didn't amount to pissing in the wind.
Dave 10:30PM (3/20/2008)
Descent looking and the price per performance is as good as anything else.
Mattias 3:19PM (3/20/2008)
Ugly. looks worse than the Brilliance BC3? You Americans do not get the Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition? Blame it on Bernanke!
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Ian 3:25PM (3/20/2008)
Looks fairly impressive, but for the same price the MS3 comes with a limited slip diff standard... plus I'd prefer a Mazda to a Chevy anyway.
John Johnson 3:21PM (3/20/2008)
8:22 is the same Ring time as the R32 GT-R, for those who are looking for a comparison.
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Ligor 3:32PM (3/20/2008)
really
look it up again, i think you just added about a minute to the GT-R's time
don't post crap without looking up the facts
and no i'm not telling you the rel time, you'll have to do your own research or else don't post
John Johnson 3:34PM (3/20/2008)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordschleife_fastest_lap_times
8:22 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
How bout you go cancel your internet now.
Talisman 3:40PM (3/20/2008)
@ liqor
lol. So much hostility and all you did was make yourself look foolish. Maybe you are thinking of the R35 GTR. He said the R32. John Johnson is correct. Check for yourself.
http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=3&fID=0&tID=10073
BirdmanSTX 3:59PM (3/20/2008)
@liqor
"don't post crap without looking up the facts" ... right back at ya... :)
EVan 4:27PM (3/20/2008)
pwned.
I love this about blogs.
Big Jim Slade 4:38PM (3/20/2008)
Liqor was never seen nor heard from again, and the rest of the internet lived happily ever after.
The End.
Franz 7:08PM (3/20/2008)
lol @ Liqor. I dunno why some of these dorks have to get so defensive. I love the GT-R as much as the next guy, but that was just silly.
icu812ru469 3:26PM (3/20/2008)
Hey, this is great news... not from me buying one aspect, but it keeps the imports honest and perhaps they'll up the ante too and build more sporty vehicles (hear this Civic Si) and keep the price low. On paper, $22K for SS with 260 HP or $22K for Civic Si with 190+ hp, no brainer, but it's an interesting comparison and decision between performance or "reliability history."
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Mat 3:39PM (3/20/2008)
I couldn't agree more. It's an interesting car on paper, it'll be even more interesting to see how it affects the industry.
Max 3:58PM (3/20/2008)
Why don't you ask all those Civic Si owners with transmission issues how reliable their cars are.
The badge on the car doesn't guarantee anything.
Crimson 3:34PM (3/20/2008)
Also for comparison: It also beats....
Porsche 996 Carrera 4 8:23
Merc SLK55 AMG 8:24
Subaru Impreza WRX STi 8:24
Jaguar XKR 8:25
BMW 335i Coupe 8:26
Audi S5 8:26
BMW M5 (E39) 8:28
Lotus Exige 8:32
I don't care who you are, that deserves respect.
Keep it up GM Performance Division
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