Chevrolet Cobalt SS Review
Launch Control and No-Lift-Shifting
A number of compact relatively inexpensive rockets have come to market lately, such as the Dodge SRT4 and the Mazdaspeed3. Chevrolet has launched the latest salvo in this thin-wallet performance war with the 2008 Cobalt SS. It’s a front-wheel-drive coupe that for 2008 is fitted with a turbocharger rather than last year’s supercharger.
Sporty coupe appearance
Unlike most of its competitors, the Cobalt SS gets by with two doors rather than four. That enables it to project a sleeker, sportier coupe-like image while still seating five passengers. I like the cleanliness of its lines and the subtlety of its “SS” add-ons. Subtle? Well, everything sans the garish bi-winged spoiler atop the trunk of my tester.
This abysmal piece of plastic interferes with rearward vision and undermines the vehicle’s credibility as a serious performer by appearing cartoonish. Fortunately, it’s optional. A smaller, more tolerable spoiler arrives as standard SS fare.
Unfortunately, the sleek lines of the Cobalt result in a restrictive trunk opening that significantly limits the size of objects it can swallow despite the availability of plenty of interior volume thanks to folding rear seats.
Front seats highlight cabin
The Cobalt’s cabin is what you’d expect from its “economy” car roots. There are plenty of low-rent materials and construction quality is typical of the segment. Standing-out from the uninspiring surroundings though are exceptionally good front seats. These supportive perches provide plenty of side bolstering and sufficient adjustment to suit most drivers.
Suede-like seat inserts help prevent slip sliding around when gravity takes hold. Legroom is aplenty up front but quite challenged in the rear, as is headroom in coach class. Although the twin doors are long, rear seat ingress/egress can be tough for all but gymnasts. I found the lack of a centre-console armrest and storage bin disappointing and inconvenient.
Silver plastic inserts add visual appeal to the cabin and provide adequate “SS” distinction. The speedometer and tachometer are large and unobstructed while heat and air conditioning controls are simple to operate and logically laid-out.
A uniquely placed turbo boost gauge is molded into the driver’s A-pillar. It imparts a sporty touch but it’s not particularly useful, requiring too much driver concentration to read at moments when full attention should be directed to the road.
Turbo power highlights performance
Swapping the supercharger for a turbocharger has increased the power and capability of the Cobalt’s 2.0-litre DOHC Ecotec mill considerably. It now pumps out 260 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm, twinned by 260 pound-feet of torque @ only 2,000 rpm.
This engine really impressed me. It pulls incessantly throughout its broad powerband while eagerly greeting its redline time after time. Unlike most 4-bangers that find their legs north of 5,000 rpm, this force-fed example of domestic engineering pulls in pretty much any gear like an over-caffeinated freight train.
Built-in performance “tricks”
What other entry-level performance compact supplies track-derived goodies such as launch control and no-lift-shifting as standard fare? None I can think of. Tap the StabiliTrak button twice and the Cobalt SS assumes its Competitive Mode and activates Launch Control. Introduce the accelerator to the floorboards while stopped, and the engine will hold itself at 5,100 rpm awaiting clutch engagement.
Release the clutch and the Cobalt will spin its front rubber momentarily before its optional Torsen limited slip differential locks up and shoots the Cobalt forth. And here’s where it gets even more dramatic. As the 6,300 rpm redline approaches, there’s no need to lift off the throttle to shift the 5-speed manual gearbox.
The no-lift-shift program electronically cuts power as the clutch submerges and re-establishes it as the clutch rises. This function eliminates engine lag normally experienced when the throttle is abruptly shut and reopened. The combination of launch control and no-lift-shifting aid the Cobalt SS in achieving 0-100K/mh times of sub 6.0-seconds.
Nurburgring tuning
The good-ole boys at Chev track-tuned the revised underpinnings of the Cobalt SS around the northern loop of Germany’s world-famous Nurburgring. From all accounts, the excursion was successful. My tester was delightful to toss into corners and sweep through highway cloverleafs. Its chassis exhibited balance and poise while delivering handling that was composed, predictable and tenacious.
Despite its impressive handling characteristics, the Cobalt SS manages to retain decent ride quality. Some abruptness and “thumpiness” is inherent in the setup but when considering the overall superb handling dynamics, there’s little to complain about. Strong braking performance rounds-out the outstanding package.
Pushing the value and performance envelope
Although the base Cobalt SS goes out the door at $24,995, my tester was optioned-up to the tune of $27,375. Still, that’s a lot of bang-for-the-buck. The 2008 Cobalt SS gives buyers seeking to maximize their “performance dollar” another choice in a toughly-contested field.
Sleek coupe-like lines distinguish this little brute from its competitors. Its track-induced launch control and no-lift-shifting features give further distinction to Chev’s moderately priced pocket rocket.
Tags: Chevrolet, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, cobalt 2-dr, coupe, General Motors