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]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Maxima98 @ May 8th 2008 9:55AM
Derek DeAngelis will be Excited!
dejal @ May 8th 2008 10:06AM
He'd probably hump it (if you saw and remember the Valentines Day podcast)
archknight @ May 8th 2008 10:04AM
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.
Azrael4h @ May 8th 2008 7:42PM
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 @ May 8th 2008 10:04AM
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.
SPG @ May 8th 2008 10:07AM
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.
Andrew L @ May 8th 2008 10:09AM
It reminds me of the last gen. Malibu for some reason
Avinash machado @ May 8th 2008 10:17AM
Hope it will be a hit. GM also needs to improve the Aveo in its next generation.
Torrent @ May 8th 2008 12:43PM
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.
StickShift @ May 8th 2008 10:18AM
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.
jzohlmann @ May 8th 2008 10:28AM
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.
jzohlmann @ May 8th 2008 10:34AM
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 @ May 8th 2008 10:54AM
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
Eric77TA @ May 8th 2008 12:09PM
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.
why not the LS2LS7? @ May 8th 2008 11:02AM
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.
Craig @ May 8th 2008 11:11AM
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
Kevin @ May 8th 2008 11:27AM
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 @ May 8th 2008 11:29AM
That looks like the current gen. Cobalt with a modified fascia. Just look at the headlamps.
bill jackman @ May 8th 2008 11:59AM
Looks like GM's version of the Ford Fusion.
gsolman6 @ May 8th 2008 11:13AM
This needs to be offered as a hatchback to if they want to be taken seriously. There is a huge difference between a small sedan that has a 14 sq. ft. trunk vesus a hatch that has 42 sq. ft. with the seats folded down (e.g. VW Golf).
This is an important car not just b/c of gas prices but also for the fact that it could be sold globally in large numbers taking advantage of the low dollar.