Autoblog

GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EST

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for a number of General Motors cars and crossovers bought or currently registered in the hot-climate states of Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. As many as 40,859 units consisting of the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and Saturn Ion and the 2007-2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (shown) and its Pontiac G5 twin are being recalled for potential fuel leaks.

This recall is being issued due to potentially faulty fuel pump components that can crack and cause gasoline to leak from the return or supply ports and possibly cause a fire. NHTSA has not indicated how many fuel leaks or vehicle fires have been reported. As a fix, GM will replace the fuel pump modules on all affected vehicles free of charge. Since Pontiac and Saturn have been shuttered, owners will be able to go to another GM-brand dealership to have their vehicles repaired.

While the list of affected cars and crossovers varies by state and model year, if you own any of these models and live in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Oklahoma or Texas, be sure to check the official notice below for more details.

Continue reading GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes

GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Cobalt lives... in South America

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:46:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, South America

Chevrolet Cobalt Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Cobalt lives. Well, not here in the United States, where the Chevrolet Cruze has thankfully banished all memories of GM's last uncompetitive compact, but at least in Argentina. Alongside the Colorado Rally Concept, Chevrolet is displaying the Cobalt Concept you see here at the Buenos Aires International Motor Show.

We're pretty sure this new Cobalt is a Cobalt in name only, as it doesn't appear to share anything with the previous model that is no longer in production and, though no dimensional details are provided, seems smaller than the Delta platform used by its erstwhile namesake. Perhaps it uses the Gamma architecture used by the new Sonic and global Aveo?

In any case, this Cobalt, though officially a concept, seems destined for production in South America and possibly other emerging markets around the world. The automaker says it will offer a range of engines from 1.3 to 1.8 liters that will run on either ethanol, gasoline or diesel.

As far as the styling goes, we can see the current Chevrolet design language front and center, with a two-tier grille up front flanked by sweeping headlamps. The flanks are highlighted by downward-pointing swage lines front and rear. Out back, LED lights punctuate some questionably large, chrome-surrounded lamps.

Inside, this Cobalt Concept is impressively finished with leather seating surfaces and door panels. A unique woodgrain accent highlights the steering wheel. LED lighting in a soft blue is a welcome touch, as is the in-dash navigation system and twin seven-inch LCD screens in the headrests, which we doubt would make it into production.

Check out our high-res image gallery for all the pics.

Chevrolet Cobalt lives... in South America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Certain Chevrolet, Nissan owners most likely to die in a car crash?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Chevrolet, Nissan

We've got some sour news for you if you've got a Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan 350Z or Nissan Titan in your driveway. According to a new study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, owners of those particular vehicles are more likely to die in an auto accident than those who own other vehicles. That's thanks in part to the fact that those models aren't equipped with traction control. Automotive News reports that the IIHS study found that of the 26 lowest-rated vehicles in the study, none had the technology.

In the past, SUV drivers were the ones most likely to die due to the threat of rollovers, but new safety systems have changed that trend. The IIHS report now says that SUV drivers are among those who are most likely to survive an accident.

So, which vehicles came out on top? The Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Toyota Sienna, Ford Edge, Nissan Armada and Land Rover Range Rover Sport and LR3 were among the winners of the survey. That settles it, Aveo owners; time to trade it in for Range Rover.

Certain Chevrolet, Nissan owners most likely to die in a car crash? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM President Mark Reuss: Chevrolet Cruze Coupe "may show up"

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet Cruze - click above for high-res image gallery

Check out this little nugget General Motor's North American president Mark Reuss let slip during a recent web chat:

"[...] 2 door cruze is a nice idea, and it may show up in the global market. As we have 2 door Cobalts currently, [North America] would naturally look at a Cruze 2 door, but I believe our small car portfolio will be WAY beyond what it is now, so a 2 door something still is needed."

Quite interesting, no? Especially as the Cruze will eventually replace the Cobalt as Chevy's C-segment car. We suspect there will be a bit of overlap between the two cars (GM's high-volume models die hard), but the idea of a Cruze SS Coupe is quite tantalizing. To us at any rate.

Also lip smacking is another bit of info Reuss let slip when a man named Pete asked the following question, "Can you tell us if the plans for a ZETA RWD sedan in one of the core brands is moving forward?" Mr. Reuss' response, "quite possibly Pete......." That's not the Lutzian answer we're used to ("RWD, twin-turbo wagons with manuals for all!") but it's not a "no," either. Also of note, Reuss, a competition-license carrying "car guy" at one time owned Buick GNX #446. Good to know, and stay tuned....

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

[Source: GM Reinvention]

GM President Mark Reuss: Chevrolet Cruze Coupe "may show up" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Communications professionals know that the best time to release bad news about a company is at 5:15 pm on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend. By the time everyone comes back to work the following week, so much other stuff has happened that the story often gets lost in the shuffle. In the auto industry, another good time would be late in the evening just hours before a major overseas auto show while at the same time your biggest competitor is mired in a crisis of its own.

As many of the world's automotive journalists were converging in Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show late Monday night, General Motors announced it would recall 1.3 million Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s built between 2005 and 2010. GM will replace the motors on their electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Over time the motors can reportedly fail and lead to a loss of steering assist.

When the EPAS fails, the result is similar to a belt breaking on a hydraulic power steering pump. The car is still drivable and controllable, but the steering effort at low speeds rises significantly, making it difficult to maneuver at parking lot speeds. At higher speeds, relatively little steering assist is needed and drivers should be able to make it safely to the side of the road if the warning lamp comes on.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem

GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds looks at Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cobalt steering complaints, calls out NHTSA

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, Toyota

Toyota Corolla is one auto being investigated by NHTSA over steering complaints

Through much of the recent deluge of recall announcements and ensuing media coverage, there have been large groups on either side of the issue, quick to criticize or to defend the automakers and the governing bodies involved in the investigations. While many media outlets have merely reported the news, others have weighed in to give their opinion on what's going on. The latest to take a side on the issue is Edmunds.com. The well-known consumer information site issued a press release calling out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), questioning what they see as Inconsistencies in the NHTSA's handling of Chevrolet Cobalt and Toyota Corolla steering complaints.

After reviewing the cases of these two cars and other complaints dating all the way back to 1990, Edmunds found "no clear pattern in terms of the number of consumer complaints that trigger an agency investigation." Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs found that "as few as five complaints have triggered an investigation [while] other investigations haven't started until 1,500 complaints had accumulated."

In the case of the Chevy Cobalt there were 1,157 complaints about steering issues before the ~~recall~~ investigation was started, while the Toyota Corolla had registered just 84 complaints before that investigation was announced. Even more telling was the fact that NHTSA took an average of 262 days to conclude an investigation before launching a recall, but the range was curiously wide - from just 10 days to a full six years, according to the Edmunds.com report.

"Whether NHTSA's process works properly and quickly enough and whether it is transparent enough is highly questionable. Ultimately, this week's Congressional hearings may well reveal as many defects in NHTSA procedures as defects in Toyota vehicles," said Krebs. The hearings will likely be a chance to play to the cameras for everyone involved, but hopefully some real change can come out of it if the system is indeed shown to be flawed. The full statement from Edmunds.com is after the jump.

[Source: Edmunds, Inc.]

Continue reading Edmunds looks at Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cobalt steering complaints, calls out NHTSA

Edmunds looks at Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cobalt steering complaints, calls out NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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)
DOWNLOAD Part Three to your desktop (Wolfgang Bernhardt, Hyundai)

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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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