Spy Shots: 2010 Chevy Cobalt
by Chris Shunk on May 8th 2008 at 9:44AM 
When the Chevy Cobalt first hit the scene as a 2005 model, it was a much better car than the basic transportation it replaced, but it was still a bit too Cavalier-looking for some. All that is scheduled to change for the 2010 model year, as the bow-tie will unveil a new Cobalt based of the same global Delta platform that will also underpin the Volt and next Saturn Astra.Brenda Priddy and her voyeur minions caught a well-disguised 2010 Cobalt roaming the streets, and while it looks like it was doused in silly-string, we can still see plenty of promise. Most noticeably, the 'Balt's profile looks much more refined than that of the current model, with a more graceful greenhouse and prominent nose. Thankfully, the handsome two-tier grill looks to be making its way over from the Malibu, which will help further separate the Cobalt from its economy car past. A sedan and coupe will be available, and we're assuming that we'll see a new, faster Cobalt SS, as well.
High gas prices already have the Cobalt selling in record numbers, and if GM can pull off a better Cobalt by next summer, the amount of them leaving dealer lots should grow considerably. Hit the read link below to see the spy shots. Thanks for the tip, noe!
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Maxima98 9:55AM (5/08/2008)
Derek DeAngelis will be Excited!
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dejal 10:06AM (5/08/2008)
He'd probably hump it (if you saw and remember the Valentines Day podcast)
archknight 10:04AM (5/08/2008)
If it becomes a baby Malibu, GM should make a hatch wagon version for the lineup to compete with the GTI. Upgrade the interior quality, replace the old 4sp with 6sp autos across the board, & finer sport tuned suspension. That would definitely make me want to take a look at a GM, since I am looking to replace my daily driver with a 4 banger.
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Azrael4h 7:42PM (5/08/2008)
GM should make a friggin' hatch regardless of what it looks like.
The HHR is hideous. It should not have ever existed. The Cobalt should have came with a 5 door option. My only complaint about mine, which is due to the design of the car, is the fact it is not a hatch/wagon. Then there's the slush-box, but it's actually a decent trans, I just hate slush0boxes and have regretted buying this one for that one fact.
Offer a stick, and offer a wagon/hatch.
Disgruntled Goat 10:04AM (5/08/2008)
Looks really good from what I can tell. I'll be in the market for another small sedan in a couple years and I'd love to put an American made GM product at the top of my shopping list.
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SPG 10:07AM (5/08/2008)
Amazing how the Cavalier and Sunbird/fire went over twenty years with the same platform and the Cobalt does not even go ten.
Good for GM, I've really changed my feelings about them in the past few years.
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Andrew L 10:09AM (5/08/2008)
It reminds me of the last gen. Malibu for some reason
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StickShift 10:18AM (5/08/2008)
Roof line reminds of the G6 a bit, which isn't a bad thing--the roof line was one of the few things I liked about that car.
God I hope they execute this thing as well as they did the Malibu, or maybe better. The Mazda 3 needs some real American competition.
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Avinash machado 10:17AM (5/08/2008)
Hope it will be a hit. GM also needs to improve the Aveo in its next generation.
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Torrent 12:43PM (5/08/2008)
Have you seen the 2009 Aveo5? Good car, except the engine choices and the huge grille. It's bigger than Cadillac's.
I've seen more spy shots of this on Jalopnik, and wonder why these were spotted in Kia's facilities, i think. Or maybe Suzuki's. I really don't remember.
jzohlmann 10:28AM (5/08/2008)
Andrew- that's because the cammo makes the headlights appear just like the previous gen Malibu. I thought the same thing... Other than that, however, it looks like a solid upgrade.
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jzohlmann 10:34AM (5/08/2008)
Er- I meant to say two Malibus ago... Here's a link. Man- what an ugly turd that thing was...
http://www.internetautoguide.com/reviews/09-int/1999/chevrolet/malibu/index.html
emre.aydinceren 10:54AM (5/08/2008)
Who would be excited about Cobalt.... I bet it will be a variation of Astra. Malibu was borrowed from Saturn which was borrowed from Opel, so will the Cobalt
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Eric77TA 12:09PM (5/08/2008)
Emre, the Cobalt is already a variation of the current Astra. The Cobalt was borrowed from Saturn (Ion) which was borrowed from Opel (Astra).
That relationship will simply continue, except that the cars are now being developed concurrently on Delta II.
Look at the current Cobalt and Astra side by side and you can definitely see the family resemblance.
tio 1:03PM (5/21/2008)
I like the tailight/turn lights from what i can tell.Looks like they aren't cheaping out with a single bulb set up for the tail/stop/turn light. It does look like a baby malibu in profile. I would like a hatch version but I'm guessing a two door version of the sedan will be the only other body style.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:02AM (5/08/2008)
I dunno. It looks like a sedan to me. Just like the current Cobalt does. And there's nothing wrong with that in the case of either of them.
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Craig 11:11AM (5/08/2008)
I as well had high hopes for this redesign, but from this shot I found, it appears - for the most part - we're in for more of the same. More of a slight evolution to include the Malibu grille than something all new.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f269/pattison_mike/cobaltMCE.jpg
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Kevin 11:27AM (5/08/2008)
Craig,
That photo was snapped from a video from a commercial from one of the superbowls. It is NOT the next gen Cobalt. This has been disputed in the past. It should have a similar grill to the Malibu of now. This iteration of this car will be much better this time.
mproko 11:29AM (5/08/2008)
That looks like the current gen. Cobalt with a modified fascia. Just look at the headlamps.
bill jackman 11:59AM (5/08/2008)
Looks like GM's version of the Ford Fusion.