Cobalt SS test

From Edmunds.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125288?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*

Man, Edmunds sucks.

We come to our first serious corner on Glendora Mountain Road, and the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Coupe delivers the unexpected. It turns into a tight left-hander with the haste and hunger of an import sport compact.Uh, ok? What does he mean by "import sport compact"? Honda Civic? Mitsu Evo?At this point, the DIC (GM's awkward way of saying "Driver Information Center") flashes the happy message: "Launch Control." What is awkward about saying "Dee Eye Sea" instead of "Driver Information Center"? This is when we feel a twinge of sadness. The Cobalt SS has become a surprisingly cool car, but cool kids aren't going to give it a chance. The SS is stuck in a Cavalier-style body that just doesn't resonate with them. ... But if it were up to us, we'd put all this stuff on the five-door Saturn Astra. Call it a VXR. Call it a Red Line. Either way, it'll outsell the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS coupe. So, this guy just knows that the "cool" kids aren't going to give it a chance? OK, buddy. Oh, and it would be tough for the Saturn to outsell the Chevy, given the HUGE advantage in terms of the number of dealerships the Chevy enjoys. I agree, though, that I'd like to see this powertrain in the Astra (and I'm sure we will). The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS uses up just 5.8 seconds accelerating to 60 mph, and it goes through the quarter-mile in 14 seconds flat at 103 mph. This is a night-and-day improvement over the supercharged Cobalt SS, which couldn't break 7 seconds for 60 mph and ran a 15.2-second quarter at 95.6 mph. In fact, the '08 Cobalt SS is, for the moment, the quickest car you can buy under $25,000. Really? I don't think so. Either he stupidly pulled the numbers from the n/a SS 2.4L, or they REALLY failed at driving the Cobalt SS S/C. Tests I've seen for that car have the 0-60 in either the high fives or the low sixes, with quarter mile times in the low 14s at or near 100 mph.

Has the guy who wrote this review graduated from high school yet? :think:

I would like to see an interior refresh, but it isn't as bad as they make it out to be, IMO. Regardless, the Cobalt SS is going to rock; definitely a top contender for best bang for the buck. :cool:

Joe just said all I needed to...I hate Edmunds. And the sad thing is, Edmunds seems to have a significant influence on people's purchases...

Lol at the 15 + second 1/4 mile.. did they have a 5 year old drive the car in the rain with 500lbs of cargo in the car?

I expect the new Cobalt SS Turbo to be an absolute blast to drive!

That being said, I don't think that the reviewer was that far off...

He had tons of positive things to say about the driving dynamics of the car. As far as the driving experience goes, I don't think there was a negative or even neutral coment about the SS Turbo. He even commented positively about the gas milage...

But like the reviewer said, It's a Cobalt. Chevrolet didn't do much from the exterior to differentiate it from the base Cobalt. They did a great job with the seats, but the dash is basically the same as a cheap rental car...

Like the 4th gen F body, this is going to be a car for people who want to drive fast, corner fast, and stop fast! It makes it's compromises in other areas... And for select group of enthusiast, that's exactly what they want.

I'm looking to get a daily driver this year, and this is on my short list...

While I agree with what 96_Camaro_B4C said, the items the Edmunds reviewer mentioned about the high points were the kind of review I have been looking to read.

I've wanted a more head to head comparo against the '05-'07 Supercharged car, and this new turboed model looks to be a considerable improvement in handling, braking, and outright power.

I love my S/C car, but I'm really liking what I see here.

I don't know about anyone else, but I've seen far more Cobalt SS/SC's than Honda Civic Si's. Hell, I've seen almost as many SS/SC's as I have Scion tC's, and just as many VW GTI's. The "cool kids" have definitely been giving the Cobalt a chance.

Also, the reviewer had an epic fail when he tested the SS/SC - a 7 second 0-60 and a 15.2 1/4 time? That's pitiful.

he stupidly pulled the numbers from the n/a SS 2.4L, or they REALLY failed at driving the Cobalt SS S/C. Tests I've seen for that car have the 0-60 in either the high fives or the low sixes, with quarter mile times in the low 14s at or near 100 mph.


Actually the SS/SC is a really hard car to drag race. You have to feather it off the line otherwise you get a lot of wheep hop. And by the time you get it into gear you run out of 1st and shift into 2 a little low. It really takes a few runs to get a handle on it.

I had a few 15.1 and 15.2 passes before I got it down to 14.5.

damn I wish I could get one--maybe a 4 door---need something to keep me from yawning on my daily commute :D:cry:

They act surprised about the handling? :confused:

They rip on it for being a Cobalt, but every other car in the segment is a base model. Sentra, Civic, etc.

Edmunds can kiss my ass.

There was one intelligent statement though; put that drivetrain into the Saturn Astra.

They act surprised about the handling? :confused:

They rip on it for being a Cobalt, but every other car in the segment is a base model. Sentra, Civic, etc.

Edmunds can kiss my ass.
Unfortunatly, their attitude mirrors the attitude of 90% of the people this car is marketed towards. "yeah, but its still a Cobalt/Cavalier" is a very common phrase. Just like the SRT-4's that never gained real respect and earned the nickname Skittles.

Unfortunatly, their attitude mirrors the attitude of 90% of the people this car is marketed towards. "yeah, but its still a Cobalt/Cavalier" is a very common phrase. Just like the SRT-4's that never gained real respect and earned the nickname Skittles.Yeah but once the word got out not many people want to run skittle's anymore, they just don't know if they're packing 230hp or over 500hp.

When are these going on sale?

There was one intelligent statement though; put that drivetrain into the Saturn Astra.

Indeed. Also the "cool kids" comment is crap as has been said. I see a *lot* of Cobalts - of all models- more than Civics (of all models). One reason is the Ford Focus and the Chevy Cobalt get much better financing to younger owners. A friend of mine could have leased a new civic for twice the monthly rate of a new focus and would have had to put much more cash down.

GM could have...

DI turbo Cobalt Coupe
DI turbo Cobalt Sedan
DI turbo Astra Hatch
DI turbo HHR Wagon

I think GM would have the FWD "pocket rocket" segment REALLY well covered. :lol: All of them sharing the same kick-ass power train. :thumb:

GM could have...

DI turbo Cobalt Coupe
DI turbo Cobalt Sedan
DI turbo Astra Hatch
DI turbo HHR Wagon

I think GM would have the FWD "pocket rocket" segment REALLY well covered. :lol: All of them sharing the same kick-ass power train. :thumb:
aside from the astra, are they not already doing the other 3?

if I had more cash I would love to pick up a new cobalt SS!

aside from the astra, are they not already doing the other 3?

if I had more cash I would love to pick up a new cobalt SS!

Yup. HHR SS is available now

http://images.motortrend.com/photo_gallery/112_0708_13z+2008_chevrolet_HHR_SS+front_three_qua rter_view.jpg

I've already seen a couple on the streets.

Cobalt SS turbocharged coupes should be hitting dealerships in the next few weeks.

SS Turbocharged Sedan is coming this fall:

http://www.motivemag.com/Content/uploads/1/cobalt_ss_sedan_front.jpg

Sadly, there likely won't be a turbo Red Line Astra until the model refresh a couple of years from now (the current one is kind of a stop gap until the next generation).

aside from the astra, are they not already doing the other 3?
Other 3 are already a go.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the HHR SS develops - a Posi and a Brembo brake package would be a good start, and offering the "upgraded seat" to the front passenger would also be good.

Getting one of those with headrest LCD TV's would make the ultimate small-scale family hauler with cajones. :bow:

I'm looking forward to seeing how the HHR SS develops - a Posi and a Brembo brake package would be a good start, and offering the "upgraded seat" to the front passenger would also be good.

My understanding is that the posi and Brembos will be available on HHR SS in the near future.

My understanding is that the posi and Brembos will be available on HHR SS in the near future.

You can get the LSD right now . Also both driver and passenger seats in the HHR are the upgraded seats .

Edmunds can kiss my ass.

werd.

my cousin had a ss/sc and i will admit it was hard to drive, but my inability to drive the car does not mean i would give it a bad review:rolleyes:

i liked the ss/sc and i think i would like the ss/turbo even more

turbo now, huh...

Good...

Perhaps i should get a saturn Sky or solstice though for the RWD?

http://www.motivemag.com/Content/uploads/1/cobalt_ss_sedan_front.jpg

I really like how the sedan is looking for a practical daily driver!

^ is that a 'shop, the wheels look far to big

^ is that a 'shop, the wheels look far to big


look like the stock 18"s to me

http://www.motivemag.com/Content/uploads/1/cobalt_ss_sedan_front.jpg

I really like how the sedan is looking for a practical daily driver!

If u look at comments around the net , its "looking" like the sedan will far outsell the coupe .

dangalla- That isnt a chop . That car was at the GM press intro at buttonwillow for viewing only .

I don't believe there is going to be a Cobalt SS sedan with a turbo.

Edit:
NVM, I read that some people are saying it will be around this fall. That is awful tempting, something that I am going to have to check out.

Indeed. Also the "cool kids" comment is crap as has been said. I see a *lot* of Cobalts - of all models- more than Civics (of all models). One reason is the Ford Focus and the Chevy Cobalt get much better financing to younger owners. A friend of mine could have leased a new civic for twice the monthly rate of a new focus and would have had to put much more cash down.

GM could have...

DI turbo Cobalt Coupe
DI turbo Cobalt Sedan
DI turbo Astra Hatch
DI turbo HHR Wagon

I think GM would have the FWD "pocket rocket" segment REALLY well covered. :lol: All of them sharing the same kick-ass power train. :thumb:The Civic outsells both by a fairly wide margin. Not sure why you're seeing so many more Cobalts.:confused:Also lease rates are heavily influenced by resale value which the Civic has a big advantage in compared to the Cobalt/Focus. I can lease a new Civic LX for around 275/month with zero down over 48 months/60K miles.I have a hard time believing that i could get a comparable Cobalt/Focus for half that.

http://www.motivemag.com/Content/uploads/1/cobalt_ss_sedan_front.jpg

I really like how the sedan is looking for a practical daily driver!
That looks really good. I wouldn't mind it as a daily driver.

That looks really good. I wouldn't mind it as a daily driver.
I agree. I like that better than the 2-door. Love the color as well. Those wheels really set it off.

The Civic outsells both by a fairly wide margin. Not sure why you're seeing so many more Cobalts.:confused:Also lease rates are heavily influenced by resale value which the Civic has a big advantage in compared to the Cobalt/Focus. I can lease a new Civic LX for around 275/month with zero down over 48 months/60K miles.I have a hard time believing that i could get a comparable Cobalt/Focus for half that.

Lease rates are influenced by residual value (value at the end of the lease) rather than straight resale value. The difference is that when the manufacturer's finance company is setting the residual they can incentivize the rate by setting their stated residual at a higher number than the actual resale number might be.

I find $137 a month unlikely, but my Cobalt LS coupe base payment is under 200 (before taxes are added in).

Thanks Eric.

HHR SS is hot!

Thanks Eric.

I also have to note that my Cobalt is a total stripper. It only has an automatic, cruise, and keyless entry. Civic EX has way more equipment. So that's still a good deal on the Honda.

What is awkward about saying "Dee Eye Sea" instead of "Driver Information Center"? Hes is referring to the abbreveation of DIC.