Autoblog

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

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

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.

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Booo! GM also canceling Cobalt SS Sedan for 2010

John Neff — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet

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.

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GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn

Citing a defect that can cause a parked vehicle to roll away, General Motors is recalling 277,000 cars and trucks. The models involved, all built for the 2009 model year, may have a loose clip on their transmission shift cable. The failure of the clip to be locked into place may prevent the transmission from moving into Park - even if the driver moves the shift lever into the proper position. GM has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will inspect the transmission shift cable and replace broken units. Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook. NHTSA Safety Campaign after the jump.

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

Continue reading GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM cuts 1,100 staff at Lordstown plant to meet slowing demand

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:42:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

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

Less than 2 months ago the headline here was GM ramps up Cobalt production to meet demand. It's amazing how quickly things change in this crazy environment. Just months after adding a third shift at the Lordstown, OH assembly plant where the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built, on Friday GM gave 1,100 employees at the facility layoff notices. The company isn't getting rid of the third shift but, it is slowing the build rate in line with current sales demand. Earlier this summer, GM was selling Cobalts as fast as they could build them and now all of a sudden, those sales have dried up. The spike was triggered by $4 gasoline, and even though gas prices have dropped to half that level, you might not expect sales to fall so fast. The real problem is the lack of available credit for financing. Most of the inherent customer base for cars like the Cobalt simply can't afford to pay cash for a new car. With credit increasingly hard to get, car sales have crashed almost across the board in October. Even the Honda Civic that sold 53,000 copies in May got just under 19,800 in October. Expect to hear more about slowdowns at other carmakers, including mighty Toyota and Honda, very soon.

[Source: Vindy.com]

GM cuts 1,100 staff at Lordstown plant to meet slowing demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo

John Neff — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance

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

The first-gen Cobalt SS failed to deliver with a supercharged 2.0L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 205 horsepower and a cast of supporting components that did little to hide the Cobalt's rental car roots. But then something entirely unexpected happened. The GM Performance Division completely reworked the Cobalt SS for 2008, swapping in a more powerful turbocharged engine, upgrading the rest of the mechanicals, and tweaking the entire package on the world's most demanding race tracks, including the famed Nürburgring in Germany.

The result is - and we're not kidding here - the most impressive performance car to wear a bow-tie badge on sale today*. Exactly how General Motors turned a bottom-of-the-pack, front-wheel-drive econocar into a class-leading sport compact is revealed after the jump.

*My colleagues thought it best to explain this statement. There's not a bow-tie badge to be found on the Corvette and you can't find a Camaro SS on a dealer lot anywhere yet.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo

Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM ramps up Cobalt production to meet demand

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

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.

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Oh snap! Consumer Reports rips Aveo a new one

Chris Tutor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Carsumer Advocacy

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.

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Chevrolet announces 2008 Cobalt XFE improvement

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Chevrolet

Soaring gas prices and tightening credit are currently pushing consumers into smaller, cheaper, more fuel efficient vehicles. However, due to past demand for high-powered, high capacity people haulers, the current economy car market consists of fairly slim pickings. Many great developments are on the horizon, but the high cost of new technologies and the lengthy wait time do not do much to help buyers today. That is why, in order to snag a larger market share of drivers trading in their big toys for small appliances, Chevrolet has reprogrammed the Cobalt to offer the best fuel economy in its class. The new 36 mpg number (up from 31) is the result of a few tweaks in engine mapping, lower roller resistance tires and perhaps some gearing adjustments. All LS and 1LT five speed manual transmission models ordered on or before March 17th will receive the fuel sipping changes. The vehicles will also be equipped with a distinguishing XFE badge, standing for Xtra Fuel Economy (although it would be more edgy if the X stood for Xtreme).

[Source: Autosavant]

Chevrolet announces 2008 Cobalt XFE improvement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Axle strike idles first GM passenger car plant

Chris Shunk — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, Cadillac, GM, UAW/Unions

When the American Axle strike began, GM had a 106-day supply of pickup trucks on dealer lots, and even a month-long strike likely wouldn't have hurt the Detroit automaker. It has now been more than a month, the strike isn't any closer to ending, and now GM's car plants are joining its truck plants in the unemployment line. Friday marked the last shift at the General's Hamtramck, MI plant, which builds the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS, due to a lack of parts coming from American Axle. According to Automotive News the pain may not stop there, either, as the Lordstown, Ohio plant may have to shut down production of the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 due to a lack of brake components. GM may not have been all that concerned about the American Axle strike when it began in February, but now after a month with barely any talks and a quickly growing list of shuttered plants, we're guessing things are getting a bit tight over at the Ren Cen.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

American Axle strike idles first GM passenger car plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan first look and pricing

Dan Roth — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

Click through to the source for more pictures of the Cobalt SS Sedan

Chevy's Cobalt SS Coupe goes on sale soon, but the door count comes up short for some folks who would otherwise consider the turbo-fed modern-day Z24. Powered by the 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec four that does an uncanny impression of a small block V8, the Cobalt SS looks to offer a significant grin coefficient for $22,995. There's only a few options, this being a top-dog model. A limited-slip differential will help hardcore drivers power out of turns and costs $495, and the only other boxes to tick are for a sunroof, metallic paint, and a rear wing - all items we'd gladly omit to save weight and cost. In contrast to the equally-priced HHR SS, the Cobalt SS wears summer-only Continental tires and also carries a beefier brake package from Brembo. The porting of the hot rod powertrain to the four door bodyshell is another beacon of hope for those who find a two door impractical (ever tried to wrangle a baby seat into a coupe?) but still want to have some fun, and the reasonable price of entry makes the SS and its quick, competent performance an attainable domestic entry in the economy missile segment.

[Source: MotiveMag]

2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan first look and pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Coupe beauty shots

John Neff — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Click above to view more new high-res shots of the 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

Everything looks better with proper lighting. The 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS just stepped into the studio for its glamour shots and they didn't come out half bad. Though the Cobalt itself is somewhat ancient compared to other small cars that have been significantly redesigned in the past few years, it still sells well and the Cobalt SS will likely be the cheapest cost of entry into the wonderful world of direct injection technology when it goes on sale. Its motor is the same one used in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Red Line and Chevy HHR SS. The turbocharged, direct-inject 2.0L four cylinder produces 260 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque, though is tasked with towing around a lighter weight package than other inexpensive pocket rockets like the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 and Mazdaspeed3. Torque steer, of course, is always an issue, but the FE5 sport suspension package was tuned on the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany and GM promises a ride you can live with on a daily basis. As for the design, it's 95% Cobalt and 5% go-fast tomfoolery. That combination makes for a great sleeper car, as the Cobalt SS does not announce itself on arrival. The 10-split-spoke wheels, subtle (and still useless on a FWD car) rear spoiler, new fog lamps and side sills are extremely tasteful. No scoops and fender vents here, thank you very much. We'll start bothering GM for one to review right now, but in the meantime check out the new 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS shots in the gallery below.

BONUS: GM also release four new shots of the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

[Source: GM]

Pics Aplenty: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Coupe beauty shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

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

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.

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VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #68 (enhanced)

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Sedan, Videos, Cadillac, Chrysler, GM, Pontiac

Podcast 68 Part One (CTS-V)

The enhanced version of Autoblog Podcast #68 is now ready for your discerning eyes and ears. In Part One, we talk about the ridiculous horsepower of the CTS-V and in Part Two we dive into GM's upcoming RWD Alpha program, which could underpin a future G6. The continuation of Part Two includes a discussion of the departure of the Cobalt SS for 2008. We finish up with Wolgang Bernhardt taking over in the background over at Chrysler, and discuss Hyundai's 10-year warranties for its certified pre-owned vehicles.

Check it out. Per your suggestions, we cut the podcast into three sections for smaller downloads. If you have any more suggestions on how to improve the enhanced version of the Podcast, let us know in the comments. We're working on a better distribution system than shoving all three in our current RSS feed of the audio-only version, so soon you'll be able to subscribe just to the enhanced version's RSS feed.

DOWNLOAD Part One to your desktop (CTS-V)
DOWNLOAD Part Two to your desktop (GM Alpha RWD, Cobalt SS)
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Continue reading VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #68 (enhanced)

VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #68 (enhanced) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #68

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Hyundai, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn

Getting back in the groove, we bring you Autoblog Podcast #68. Starting us off is the battle of the inside sources, where we debate which GM mole is correct about the CTS-V. One rumor has the hottest little Caddy getting the Blue Devil's 600-horsepower 6.0L V8. The competing theory is that there'll be a 6.2L V8 with mid-500 horsepower, not the Blue Devil's mill. Either way, it will add up to M5 punch in an M3-sized wrapper. GM has more RWD goodies for us, as word of its Alpha platform replacing Epsilon cars like the G6, and Cadillac BLS replacement, which may come here, has us all atwitter. Our last bit of GM fodder is the passing of the Cobalt SS Supercharged. It was an entertaining car; but even though the supercharged Cobalt goes away, the un-muscled SS remains. We hope that GM's pledge to reinvigorate the SS badge so that it actually means something will get in gear soon.

We move on from GM to Chrysler and the Cerberus sale. Wolfgang Berhnardt is said to be an integral consultant to the deal, and he's looking for a homestead in the Detroit area as well as poking around the offices and design studio. Seems like Bernhardt is waiting for his noncompete with VW to expire while quietly orchestrating a turn of the Pentastar vessel. We detour into how fitting a Star Wars-themed Chrysler press conference would be (c'mon, you wouldn't really be surprised, would you?) before wrapping up with Hyundai's confidence-inspiring extension of its 10-year/100,000 mile warranty to Certified Pre Owned Vehicles up to five years old. They must feel pretty certain that their cars will hold up, as the warranty means they could possibly cover some powertrains for 15 years. That's it - 37 minutes of heaven!

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Autoblog Podcast #68 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No, the Cobalt will not get a mid-cycle enhancement

John Neff — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:08:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet

Turns out the trick-looking Cobalt we showed you earlier is actually an extra General Motors used in one of its Super Bowl commercials that will debut this Sunday. The car originally debuted as a 2005 SEMA vehicle (thanks, Nick!). The distinguished Ray Wert III from Jalopnik saw our post with the picture of a Cobalt wearing a very Malibu-esque face, and immediately noticed it in this commercial. Despite the fact it's apparent the car is just a prop, it doesn't change the fact that the Cobalt would look a lot better with a front end more like the Malibu's. Mystery solved.

Check out the commercial in full after the jump, the Cobalt appears with about 13 seconds left.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue reading No, the Cobalt will not get a mid-cycle enhancement

No, the Cobalt will not get a mid-cycle enhancement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the Cobalt get a mid-cycle enhancement?

John Neff — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Chevrolet

Chippin64, a member of the LayitLow.com forum, is down in Atlanta, GA right now for a Chevy Impala commercial shoot, the product of which will air around mid-February. Apparently Chippin64's ride, presumably a classic Impala, is being used in the commercial. While hanging around the set, however, he's been taking hundreds of pictures and posting them on the forum. We are particularly interested in one shot, which was caught by Josh Oliver over at TheGMSource.com. The lone pic shows a heavily modified Cobalt with a big rear wing, wide-body kit and, most importantly, a new front fascia that looks similar to the face of the 2008 Chevy Malibu introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Who knows what this car is really for and why it is hanging out at a commercial shoot for the Chevy Impala, but can we just say the new grille looks great on the Cobalt? Because it does. It looks like the hood is also modified to fit flush with the new fascia, which means we doubt a tuner shop is responsible for this. It appears OEM all the way. The Cobalt has been showing strong sales lately, ending 2006 with 211,449 units sold, just good enough to be the 10th best-selling vehicle in the U.S. last year. Is a mid-cycle refresh being planned to bring the Cobalt's mug in line with the new corporate grille, or are we misinterpreting the tea leaves?

Thanks for the tip, Josh!

[Source: Layitlow.com via TheGMSource.com]

Will the Cobalt get a mid-cycle enhancement? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today

Chris Tutor — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Voting is open for The Truth About Cars' first ever Ten Worst Automobiles Today (or TWAT) award that we told you about earlier in the month. The initial list of more than 120 reader nominations contained predictable TWAT-eligible autos like GM's ancient minivans, uh, sorry, Crossover Sport Van, a couple of Saturns, several DaimlerChryslers, and a few Korean models. Some vehicles that were nominated but didn't make the list included highly-respected vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Pontiac Solstice, Ford Focus and Honda Fit.

Using a highly refined proprietary system, TTAC staffers trimmed the candidates to 20. Voting for the Ten Worst Automobiles Today is now open until Wednesday. See the 20 TWAT candidates after the jump.

Continue reading Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today

Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Cobalt sales on the rise

Alex Nunez — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

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.

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GM's Flickr photo page

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

General Motors' presence in the 'blogosphere' has taken the next logical progression with the addition of its own Flickr account. Although it's been around for a while, we haven't tired of clicking through some of the great photography that the page has to offer.

Between professional and amateur offerings, there's a little something for everyone, especially the latest additions from the Woodward Dream Cruise. Additionally, you'll find tons of class shots of the Camaro concept along with its predecessors in a variety of settings, the campaign of the Cobalt at the Bonneville Salt Flats and a host of other promotional shots.

Note: for a brief chronicle of GM's baby steps (and missteps) in the blogosphere, check out Jalopnik's history lesson on the subject here.

GM's Flickr photo page originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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