Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/gm-recalling-53-000-chevy-cobalt-saturn-ion-and-pontiac-g5-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/gm-recalling-53-000-chevy-cobalt-saturn-ion-and-pontiac-g5-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/gm-recalling-53-000-chevy-cobalt-saturn-ion-and-pontiac-g5-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006 chevy cobalt2006ChevyCobalt2007 pontiac g52007PontiacG5Chevrolet cobaltChevroletCobaltChevy CobaltChevyCobaltCobaltfuel leakFuelLeakG5GM Deltagm fuel leak recallGmDeltaGmFuelLeakRecallIonnhtsa recallNhtsaRecallPontiac G5PontiacG5saturn ionSaturnIonWed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM will no longer allow fleet buyers to skip out on side curtain airbags]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/report-gm-will-no-longer-allow-fleet-buyers-to-skip-out-on-side/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/report-gm-will-no-longer-allow-fleet-buyers-to-skip-out-on-side/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/report-gm-will-no-longer-allow-fleet-buyers-to-skip-out-on-side/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Little known fact: fleet customers could receive a $145 discount by opting not to have side airbags in certain vehicles from General Motors. That doesn't sound like a lot of money, but when, for example, Enterprise Rent-A-Car purchased 66,000 Chevy Impalas sans curtains, the company saved nearly $10 million. It's not like omitting side curtain airbags is illegal, either, as the safety equipment isn't mandatory. Further, similar vehicles from other OEMS don't have side airbags as standard equipment.

Safety advocates and many customers had a problem with the practice, though, as the vehicles would enter the used car market without the safety tech and some less scrupulous dealers were advertising the ex-rental vehicles as having the air bags intact.

GM had offered the discounts on 2006-2009 model vehicles, but The General has decided to stop the practice beginning with the 2010 model year. General Motors has also taken steps to ensure that customers know they're not getting side curtain airbags on older vehicles coming off fleet duty. The Detroit, MI based-automaker has modified its GM Certified website so that when dealers print out the window sticker on affected models, the correct information is displayed. GM has also notified companies like AutoTrader and Cars.com that the airbags weren't standard on some fleet vehicles. Dealers with certified used vehicles were also notified via phone to place the correct sticker windows on affected vehicles. GM estimates that over 200,000 vehicles were sold to fleets without side curtain airbags.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: GM will no longer allow fleet buyers to skip out on side curtain airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chevy cobalt2009 chevy impala2009ChevyCobalt2009ChevyImpalachevy cobaltchevy impalaChevyCobaltChevyImpalaenterprise rent-a-carEnterpriseRent-a-carfleetgmside curtain airbagsSideCurtainAirbagsTue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/iihs-tests-two-door-coupes-ratings-mostly-positive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/iihs-tests-two-door-coupes-ratings-mostly-positive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/iihs-tests-two-door-coupes-ratings-mostly-positive/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


IIHS 2009 two-door crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that two-door automobiles perform differently when crash tested than their four-door stablemates, particularly in side crashes. Due to the vastly different structural makeup of coupes versus sedans, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has decided to test both two- and four-door versions of automobiles for 2009, and the results aren't always predictable.

For instance, the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe joins Volvo's 2009 C30 as a two-door vehicle that earns the agency's Top Safety Pick rating, yet the four-door Focus scored a lower Acceptable rating in previous IIHS side crash testing. Conversely, the 2009 Honda Civic flips those ratings with the newly-tested coupe garnering an Acceptable side crash score versus the sedan's Top Safety Pick rating.

While the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC and Volvo C30 all performed fairly well in both frontal and side crash testing, the tC was judged the poorest performer overall and was the only vehicle that failed to earn either a Good or Acceptable rating for rear crash protection. Check out the gallery of smashed-up coupes below and see the official press release after the break for additional details on the testing results.


Gallery: IIHS 2009 Two-Door Crash Tests


[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy cobaltChevyCobaltford focusFordFocushonda civicHondaCiviciihsiihs 2 dooriihs two dooriihs two-doorIihs2DoorIihsTwo-doorIihsTwoDoorinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyscion tcScionTcvolvo c30VolvoC30Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Booo! GM also canceling Cobalt SS Sedan for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/booo-gm-also-canceling-cobalt-ss-sedan-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/booo-gm-also-canceling-cobalt-ss-sedan-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/booo-gm-also-canceling-cobalt-ss-sedan-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

OK, we can stand losing the Impala SS for the 2010 model year, but we've just learned that the grim reaper at General Motors is also claiming the Cobalt SS Sedan. The news comes straight from the automaker's 2010 Online Order / Reference Guide for dealers, and we may yet find more models destined for deletion as people dig deeper into this online document.

While the Cobalt itself is at best a mid-pack contender in the small car arena, the SS version is tops among pocket rockets, a fact we discovered for ourselves when we reviewed the coupe version. Though Chevy didn't impress us with the first, supercharged version of the Cobalt SS, it made amends with the current model that sports a 260-hp, turbocharged, direct-inject, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Not only is the powerplant one of the most potent you can get for the money, but the supporting cast of mechanicals creates a machine that's hardly recognizable as the Cobalt on which it's based. While the coupe is great, we've always preferred the sedan version for its extra space and utility, not to mention the fact that it doesn't look like an extra on the set of Fast and the Furious.


Gallery: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan


[Source: General Motors]

Booo! GM also canceling Cobalt SS Sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy cobaltchevy cobalt ss sedanChevyCobaltChevyCobaltSsSedancobaltcobalt sscobalt ss sedanCobaltSsCobaltSsSedanThu, 07 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GM ramps up Cobalt production to meet demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/gm-ramps-up-cobalt-production-to-meet-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/gm-ramps-up-cobalt-production-to-meet-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/gm-ramps-up-cobalt-production-to-meet-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Chevy Cobalt SS

General Motors cites the success of the current Chevy Cobalt as the reason for delaying the launch of the Cobalt's replacement, the upcoming Cruze, in the States. In order to meet the market's soaring demand for small cars in general, and the Cobalt in particular, earlier this year GM added a third shift to the Lordstown Plant where the Cobalt is built. For '09, the General plans to build an extra 70,000 Cobalts, expecting fuel prices to remain high and demand for its compact sedan and coupe to follow suit. Unfortunately for the struggling automaker, those extra cars may not necessarily add up to extra profits, with the Cobalt priced below its main competitors from Japan. For this reason, GM will be adding a few bucks to the bottom line of the Cruze, in a pricing move similar to the recently released Malibu. Hopefully, the same tactic GM employed with its mid-sizer will translate to the Cruze and that extra cash will result in a better car than its predecessor.

[Source: CNN]

GM ramps up Cobalt production to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy cobaltchevy cruzeChevyCobaltChevyCruzecobaltcruzeTue, 16 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruze news: Cobalt replacement to get turbo'd 1.4-liter and 40 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/cobalt-replacing-chevy-cruze-to-get-turbod-1-4-liter-and-40-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/cobalt-replacing-chevy-cruze-to-get-turbod-1-4-liter-and-40-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/cobalt-replacing-chevy-cruze-to-get-turbod-1-4-liter-and-40-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rising fuel prices, both in the U.S. and abroad, means that automakers can now offer similar engines in vehicles sold throughout the world. According to Automotive News, General Motors' next small car, the Chevrolet Cruze, will be offered with a new 1.4-liter force-fed four-banger, putting out between 120 and 140 horsepower and returning fuel mileage in the 40 mpg range.

The first version of the Cruze will be a sedan, but other body styles, including hatchbacks and wagons, are likely to come to market soon thereafter. The Cobalt-replacing Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio, and sales will begin next Spring in Europe after the production version of the car is shown in Paris this October.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cobalt - spy shots


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Cruze news: Cobalt replacement to get turbo'd 1.4-liter and 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4 liter1.4Literchevy cobaltchevy cruzeChevyCobaltChevyCruzedeltadelta platformDeltaPlatformlordstownlordstown ohiolordstown-ohlordstown-ohioLordstownOhioMon, 14 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Cruze to be built in Lordstown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/chevy-cruze-to-be-built-in-lordstown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/chevy-cruze-to-be-built-in-lordstown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/chevy-cruze-to-be-built-in-lordstown/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for high-res gallery of next-gen Chevy Cobalt spy shots

Workers at GM's Lordstown, OH plant just got another shot of good news from the General: the next-gen compact car from Chevrolet will be built there. The Chevy Cruze will replace the Cobalt, which recently had a third shift added to its production, and will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Europeans will get the first shot at the new car with sales beginning in April of 2009. The U.S. won't get the car until the following year, as the Lordstown plant begins phasing out the Cobalt and ramping up production of the Cruze in June of 2010. Both cars will be built simultaneously for a short time, according to UAW Local 1714 President Dave Green, who represents the workers at the Lordstown assembly plant.

A look at recent spy shots has our interest piqued over the new small sedan. Styling looks to be worlds better than the just decent Cobalt and the promised forty miles per gallon sounds like just what the doctor ordered in the face of ever-increasing gas prices. Thanks for the tip, Tony!

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cobalt - spy shots


[Source: WKBN News]

Chevy Cruze to be built in Lordstown originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevy cruze2011ChevyCruzechevrolet cobaltchevrolet cruzeChevroletCobaltChevroletCruzechevy cobaltchevy cruzeChevyCobaltChevyCruzedeltadelta platformDeltaPlatformlordstownlordstown ohiolordstown-ohlordstown-ohioLordstownOhioWed, 09 Jul 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh snap! Consumer Reports rips Aveo a new one]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/oh-snap-consumer-reports-rips-aveo-a-new-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/oh-snap-consumer-reports-rips-aveo-a-new-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/oh-snap-consumer-reports-rips-aveo-a-new-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Aveo

Consumer Reports isn't known for completely trashing cars in its reviews. In fact, the publication is more often criticized for going too easy on them and finding something to like in everything that passes through the CR garage. But dang if they didn't just tear apart the 2008 Chevy Aveo sedan, going so far as to say its big-bro Cobalt is an all-around better car and better deal for bargain shoppers. They cite Cobalt's comparable fuel economy, better handling, quieter more refined interior and, after discounts, better price.

The magazine calls the Aveo a "miserable little car" and, since they couldn't find the name "Aveo" anywhere in the car's interior, thinks GM might think so, too. CR says its readers certainly thought the Aveo was miserable, rating the hatchback and sedan variants at the very bottom of their classes.

Worse than the Cobalt? Ouch. We tested the 2007 model and gave it a resounding score of "eh." Any Aveo owners out there who want to defend their little Korean cars' reputation? Anyone?

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Chevy Aveo


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Oh snap! Consumer Reports rips Aveo a new one originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aveochevrolet aveoChevroletAveochevrolete cobaltChevroleteCobaltchevy aveochevy cobaltChevyAveoChevyCobaltcobaltconsumer reportsconsumer reports aveoConsumerReportsConsumerReportsAveoWed, 18 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/number-of-sub-15k-cars-in-u-s-falls-by-one-third/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/number-of-sub-15k-cars-in-u-s-falls-by-one-third/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/number-of-sub-15k-cars-in-u-s-falls-by-one-third/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2007 Chevy Aveo LT
Click above for more high-res shots of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo

Every year, cars get just a bit more expensive. There was a time, which doesn't seem too long ago, that ten grand and a signature was all you needed to walk out of a dealership as the owner of a brand new car. Today, not so much. In fact, according to J.D. Power and Associates, $15,000 gets you just two-thirds of the choices you had just two years ago. Holding up the bottom of the list is the Chevrolet Aveo, which, along with the base-model Cobalt, makes GM the only American player in the cheap-car sweepstakes. The 2009 Aveo, however, has a higher base price than before thanks to the elimination of the lowest price value model. The Koreans in the form of Hyundai and Kia offer three choices, and the remaining five slots are ably filled by Japanese manufacturers.

While there may be a few more vehicles that have base prices below the $15,000 mark, J.D. Power's numbers actually reflect transaction prices rather than MSRPs. Some vehicles, like the Honda Fit, are able to maintain some driving enjoyment to go along with their low prices, and these cars often command higher prices because of the demand for them.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Chevy Aveo


[Source: JD Power via Winding Road]

Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapcheap carcheap carsCheapCarCheapCarschevy aveochevy cobaltChevyAveoChevyCobalthonda fitHondaFitnissan versaNissanVersasuzukitoyota yarisToyotaYarisWed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Chevy Cobalt!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/spy-shots-next-gen-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/spy-shots-next-gen-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/spy-shots-next-gen-chevy-cobalt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for high-res gallery of next-gen Chevy Cobalt spy shots

We've seen a few spy pics of the next-gen Chevy Cobalt that's due in showrooms around 2010, but none so revealing as these. KGP Photographers caught the car wearing only some light camo paint to obscure its new lines, which it doesn't do very well as the Cobalt's chunky proportions are there for all to see. Up front we find a new interpretation of Chevy's split grille that looks great on the smaller Cobalt flanked by sharp headlights that appear to crawl up the front fenders a bit. Meanwhile, the front bumper is occupied by three traditional air intakes and a pair of fog lamps. Notice the character line that runs the length of the vehicle right above the door handles where the sheetmetal begins to cut dramatically up towards the greenhouse in a concave shape. The same effect has been used by Volvo in the past to give its passenger vehicles the broad shoulder look. The profile shot reveals a short rear decklid and a coupe-like roofline that may compromise rear seat headroom a touch but looks smooth from end to end. The rear end is also marked by a pair of oddly shaped taillamps that extend from the license plate holder out around the corners of the vehicle. Considering how far sales of trucks and SUVs have fallen in the past two months, the next-gen Cobalt could be the most important new car for Chevy and General Motors itself besides the Volt, which just so happens to share the same global platform with the next Cobalt.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cobalt - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Next-gen Chevy Cobalt!

Spy Shots: Next-gen Chevy Cobalt! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chevy cobalt2010ChevyCobalt2011 Chevy Cobalt2011ChevyCobaltbreakingchevy cobaltchevy cobalt spy shotsChevyCobaltChevyCobaltSpyShotsnext-gen chevy cobaltNext-genChevyCobaltspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 10 Jun 2008 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy getting new small, turbocharged car next year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/chevy-getting-new-small-turbocharged-car-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/chevy-getting-new-small-turbocharged-car-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/chevy-getting-new-small-turbocharged-car-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The industry-wide shrinking of US automobiles is in its infant stages, but new products are coming in a big fat hurry. GM is preparing a new compact model based on the Delta platform, and it will feature the General's new 1.4-liter turbo powerplant. GM isn't spilling the beans on the identity of the new vehicle, which will not be named Cobalt. We don't know if it will replace the Cobalt, either, but we do know that the direct injected, force-fed 1.4-liter four-pot could achieve a remarkable 40 mpg or more. The new engine isn't only efficient, but it's got plenty of pep, too. The turbocharged four-banger will produce between 120 and 140 ponies, and it'll likely have an attractive torque curve to boot.

The as-of-yet unnamed vehicle will be built in GM's Lordstown plant, which currently produces the Pontiac G5 and Chevy Cobalt. The new Chevy may also necessitate an additional shift at Lordstown, which would be welcomed news to the UAW's rank and file. The mystery Chevrolet compact will be unveiled this fall, with a production date of early next year. We haven't heard much regarding an all-new Chevrolet compact, so if this vehicle arrives in addition to a new Cobalt, that will be very big news.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chevy getting new small, turbocharged car next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy CobaltChevyCobaltGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMLordstownPontiac G5PontiacG5Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/video-2008-chevy-cobalt-ss-turbo-runs-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/video-2008-chevy-cobalt-ss-turbo-runs-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/video-2008-chevy-cobalt-ss-turbo-runs-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

For you Cobalt fans, GM race driver and director of high-performance vehicle operations, John Heinricy, gives the 2008 Cobalt SS Turbocharged a sound thrashing on the Nurburgring. Even better, he talks you through it for much of the way. There's an interlude where he gets quiet, and if you didn't hear the car's tires squealing you'd think he was doing nothing more than going grocery shopping. So the car doesn't best the Nissan GT-R's lap time -- the track was wet, see -- but you can at least get a good idea of what the quite-capable Cobalt can do. That is, if you have a professional racer at the wheel. Follow the jump to check out the whole video.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

2008 Chevy Cobalt SS2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

Continue reading VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring

VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet cobaltChevroletCobaltchevy cobaltChevyCobaltcobaltcobalt sscobalt ss turbochargedCobaltSsCobaltSsTurbochargedlap timesLapTimesnurburgringthe ringTheRingSun, 20 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007: Cobalt SS Turbo in the clear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/sema-2007-cobalt-ss-turbo-in-the-clear/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/sema-2007-cobalt-ss-turbo-in-the-clear/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/sema-2007-cobalt-ss-turbo-in-the-clear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above image to view our best live shots yet of the Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo

So we showed you the press shots of the Cobalt SS Turbo, and then we got some live shots from the unveiling last night. Now we have more of the Cobalt SS Turbo, and have no fear, it's just as yellow as it was eight hours ago. All that yellow could be a warning, since the Cobalt SS Turbo also still has 260 HP and 260 lb-ft, and no one knows yet whether that John Heinricy-tuned suspension will keep you from torque-steering into trees. Be sure to check out the new and improved gallery of hi-res pics below.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

2008 Chevy Cobalt SS2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

SEMA 2007: Cobalt SS Turbo in the clear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy cobaltchevy cobalt ss turboChevyCobaltChevyCobaltSsTurbocobalt sscobalt ss turboCobaltSsCobaltSsTurbosema 2007 chevysema 2007 chevy cobaltsema cobaltsema cobalt ss turboSema2007ChevySema2007ChevyCobaltSemaCobaltSemaCobaltSsTurboTue, 30 Oct 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Zak attack: New head of GM's European exterior design team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/zak-attack-new-head-of-gms-european-exterior-design-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/zak-attack-new-head-of-gms-european-exterior-design-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/zak-attack-new-head-of-gms-european-exterior-design-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Saturn PreVue

American designer Phillip A. Zak has just been appointed to head the design team for General Motors Europe, where he'll be taking the reigns of the Opel, Vauxhall and Saab brands. The man behind the Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G6 and the "Excitement" division's GXP line, will also have a hand in designing "certain Saturn products for North America."

In addition to the aforementioned production models, Zak has also stuffed his portfolio with several concept cars including the Pontiac REV and the Saturn Prevue, two designs that have had a direct influence on the styling direction of both brands.

We're interested to see what will come out of the GM's European studio with Zak at the helm, especially considering the recent propagation of Euro designs in the Saturn lineup.

[Source: InsideLine]

Zak attack: New head of GM's European exterior design team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy cobaltChevyCobaltgeneral motors europeGeneralMotorsEuropegmgxgxpopelphillip a. zakPhillipA.ZakpontiacsaabvauxhallThu, 02 Aug 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Smile! That Cobalt could be a Google StreetView Camera Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/smile-that-cobalt-could-be-a-google-streetview-camera-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/smile-that-cobalt-could-be-a-google-streetview-camera-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/smile-that-cobalt-could-be-a-google-streetview-camera-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As long as everybody is on to them, Google is apparently set to step out of their surveillance vans and greet the world in a fleet of shiny new Cobalts. A Gizmodo reader happened to spot a StreetView camera van finishing a round of picture taking duty and followed it back to Google's Mountain View, California campus. While driving through the Google lot he spotted several dozen Cobalts with funky antennae on their roofs. It seems these Chevy sedanlets will be the new fleet for the next round of Google Maps StreetView captures. The "Quad Cs" (Chevy Cobalt Camera Cars) will likely be unleashed in the near future to complete Google's mission of capturing the entire Earth, on camera at least.

[Source: Gizmodo]

Smile! That Cobalt could be a Google StreetView Camera Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy CobaltChevyCobaltGizmodogoogle mapsGoogle StreetViewGoogleMapsGoogleStreetviewTue, 17 Jul 2007 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/whiplash-a-serious-problem-with-many-vehicles-says-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/whiplash-a-serious-problem-with-many-vehicles-says-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/whiplash-a-serious-problem-with-many-vehicles-says-iihs/#commentsFiled under:



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-seriesa4a6accordacuraaudiavalonaveobmwbuickcadillacchevroletchevy cobaltChevyCobaltciviccorollactsdtse-classfitford five hundredFordFiveHundredgalantgrand prixGrandPrixhondahyundaiiihsimprezainfinitijaguarkiakia optimaKiaOptimalacrosselegacylucernem45mercedes benzMercedesBenzmercurymitsubishimontegonissanoutbackpontiacrios-types4s40s60s80sentrasonatastssubarutaurustoyotatsxversavolvowhiplashx-typeFri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[GM recalls 98,000 Cobalt Coupes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/gm-recalls-98-000-cobalt-coupes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/gm-recalls-98-000-cobalt-coupes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/gm-recalls-98-000-cobalt-coupes/#commentsFiled under: ,



If you have a Chevy Cobalt built between 2005 and 2006 that doesn't have the optional roof-mounted side impact airbags, you could be getting a recall notice in the mail soon. Apparently Chevy (and presumably the NHTSA) discovered that there isn't sufficient padding to meet federal requirements in these vehicles, and unacceptable head injuries could result in a collision. Scary to think there's an acceptable amount of injury that would be tolerated, but anyway. As a fix, dealers will add "energy absorbing plastic" to the headliner trim to help soften the blow should your head strike the headliner in a crash. The recall affects 98,000 Cobalts on the road.

[Source: NHTSA via The Auto Channel]

Related Posts:

GM recalls 98,000 Cobalt Coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy CobaltChevyCobaltrecallFri, 26 Jan 2007 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes names least safe cars of 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/forbes-names-least-safe-cars-of-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/forbes-names-least-safe-cars-of-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/forbes-names-least-safe-cars-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In an obvious effort to keep its readership alive (and in turn circulation numbers up) Forbes magazine has made a list of the least safe cars of 2007. Before the flame wars start, note that cars on the list are not necessarily unsafe, but instead are not as safe as other cars available. Therefore, they are the least safe 2007 model year cars.

Most of the vehicles on the list are there because they don't have standard side air bags. But three -- Saturn's Ion, as well as Suzuki's Aerio and Forenza -- made the cut even with side air bags. To understand why these particular vehicles were named in the article, Forbes outlines its methodology, which includes crash tests, injury claims and the opinions of Consumer Reports' researchers.

The seven models named by Forbes are after the jump.

[Source: Forbes Magazine]

Continue reading Forbes names least safe cars of 2007

Forbes names least safe cars of 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air bagsAirBagsauto safetyAutoSafetychevrolet cobaltChevroletCobaltchevy cobaltChevyCobaltcorollacrash testingCrashTestingford focusFordFocusionleast safe carsleast safe vehiclesLeastSafeCarsLeastSafeVehiclesmazdamazda3 safetyMazda3Safetysafety ratingssafety ratinsSafetyRatingssaturn ionSaturnIonside air bagsSideAirBagsSuzuki aeriosuzuki forenzaSuzukiAerioSuzukiForenzatoyota corollaToyotaCorollaWed, 01 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Cobalt sales on the rise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/03/chevy-cobalt-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/03/chevy-cobalt-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/03/chevy-cobalt-sales-on-the-rise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Cobalt SS Sedan

It seems that the Chevy Cobalt has become quite the bright spot for GM. Through August, Cobalt sales are at 163,300 -- up 10% versus last year, when they sold 212,700 total. The rise in sales has reportedly prompted the General to consider bumping up its 2007 forecast for Cobalt by 24,000.

GM won't comment on the possible forecast adjustment, but it did confirm that additional overtime has been approved for the Lordstown, OH plant where the car is built. Sounds to us like more Cobalts are in the works.

Since we're talking about Cobalt sales being up, we'd like to take this opportunity to encourage GM to drop the blown 2.0L Ecotec into the engine bay of its Cobalt SS sedan (above). We have a feeling that there's a market for just such a car, seeing as Honda just unveiled their Civic Si sedan. This'd be a good time to answer with a supercharged Cobalt 4-door, don't you think?

[Source: Vindy.com]

Chevy Cobalt sales on the rise originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Sep 2006 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet cobaltChevroletCobaltchevy cobaltChevyCobaltcobaltcobalt salescobalt sales on the risecobalt sales risingcobalt sales upCobaltSalesCobaltSalesOnTheRiseCobaltSalesRisingCobaltSalesUpSun, 03 Sep 2006 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Is a four-door Pontiac G5 in the works for the U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/is-a-four-door-pontiac-g5-in-the-works-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/is-a-four-door-pontiac-g5-in-the-works-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/is-a-four-door-pontiac-g5-in-the-works-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We at Autoblog love our eagle-eyed readers. From pointing out any spelling/grammar gaffes in our posts, to sending in cameraphone spyshots unsolicited, our site wouldn't be as good a product as it is without your help. But sometimes, your attention to detail and command of minutia can even scare surprise a jaded bunch like us.

So it is with tipster Neal M, who clearly has way too much free time lives and breathes cars as much as we do. How else to explain the fact that he's pointed out a possible snafu and/or future product teaser in General Motors' new Pontiac G5 microsite on the basis of an extra couple of switches?

Scan the photo above. See anything unusual? Neither did we, at least upon first glance. But as Neal M correctly points out, there's a set of rear window toggles- odd, considering the G5 is only slated to be available as a coupe when it arrives this August.

So what gives? Did GM's people just Photoshop a Pontiac badge on a Chevrolet Cobalt sedan's interior photograph? Or (more likely), did they just use a stock shot of the Canadian-market G5 Pursuit, where the re-schnozzed Cobalt can be had in two or four door configuration? Either way, should anything be divined from this apparent slip-up?

Okay... so it's probably nothing. But we're suckers for a good conspiracy theory.

Click on the photo above for a higher-resolution image, or check out the company's site to see for yourself by following the link below.

[Source: Pontiac]

(Tip-top, Neal M!)

 

Is a four-door Pontiac G5 in the works for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badge engineeringBadgeEngineeringChevrolet CobaltChevroletCobaltChevy CobaltChevyCobaltG5photoshopPontiacPursuitThu, 01 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST