2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbocharged

• Competes with: Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT4, VW GTI
• Looks like: Last year’s Cobalt SS
• Drivetrain: 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2008

We know. You’re asking: What’s so special about a 2008 Cobalt SS that was a pricey underachiever the past few years? Well, Chevy has swapped out a 215-hp supercharged four-cylinder for a 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that the company says now lives up to the SS badging.

We won’t ask why they gave the SS badging to the old supercharged version if it didn’t live up to the name, but we guess this is an improvement. All told the Cobalt now has the same set-up as the Chevy HHR SS due out early next year and the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line roadsters, except that those last two are rear-wheel drive.

The limited nature of these trims means most buyers won’t be too concerned about the new power to an otherwise unremarkable compact coupe. However, there are fans out there. We’d expect prices to be only slightly higher than last year’s SS Supercharged $20,795 despite the improvement in power.

Comments

[sheth]

Why are they acting like the SS/SC was a slouch? Obviously the author isnt familiar with that car's performance credentials. I wouldnt say a car with those capabilities isnt worthy of the SS badge.

[Dave T.]

Sheth,
First off the old SS was a pretty poor excuse for a performance machine. I tested it and it was pretty much trashed by the auto media as a whole, even though I wouldn't always hold stock in that either.

Second, GM SAID the new SS was a car worthy of the badge, alluding to the fact that the old one wasn't.

[J]

Even the RSX Type-S kicked its behind(The SC one), costing about the same, but much more luxurious, and add in the Honda reliability and resale value, and one more gear.

The turbocharged one will not be competing with Mazdaspeed3 nor the SRT-4. People shop for those 2 wants cargo space in a pocket rocket. I doubt the Cobalt can offer any in that department.

[J]

Darn, why can't I just edit.

I mean to finish the sentence.

Those 2 are going to be competed by the HHR not the Cobalt.
This one will compete with the Si coupe, the TRD Supercharged tC.

[bowrider]

I think it wouldn't be bad idea if GM decided to not slap the same engine in all of the 4 cylinder models and call them "SS," "Red Line," or "GXP."

[Infosaur]

I heard a rumor it was getting a unique facia, but it's not unique enough because I can't see the difference.

The Cobalt HAS power, but the FWD suspension is not good for cornering. I haven't been Auto-Xing in a few years but I don't think these are burning up the tracks. They might be good at 4-cylinder FWD drag racing, the motor is reputed to be VERY sturdy, and Lutz wants people's attention. But import snobery has made the Cobalt very rare with the tuner crowd, and most quarter-milers will go V-8 if they go Chevy.

I'm hoping the next small Chevy, is a clean sheet design, because even though the Cobalt is suposedly really good, I still squint and see that horrid Cavalier it evolved from.

[MI]

You folks seem to be somewhat shy on facts and long on prejudice.

"Even the RSX Type-S kicked its behind(The SC one)"???

To borrow a few words from Road & Track; "Now, though, the new Chevy Cobalt SS is changing things. This supercharged new Chevy, the sportiest Cavalier replacement, is a true competitor for the likes of Acura's RSX Type-S, while still retaining a slight out-the-door price advantage — $23,910 versus $24,240.

Think we're blowing smoke? Check out our test numbers. The new 205-bhp Cobalt SS eats the 210-bhp RSX at the dragstrip, using the better low-end torque to hit 60 mph a half-second quicker than the RSX (6.2 sec. vs. 6.7). And in the quarter mile, the Acura exploits its high-rpm VTEC power to make the gap closer, but it's still two-tenths behind the Cobalt SS, which powers down the strip at a fleet 14.8 sec. at 96.8 mph.

The Cobalt SS recipe begins with GM's Delta platform, a firm foundation suspended by MacPherson struts in front and a twist-beam rear axle. While that's fairly mainstream, the folks at GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations have tweaked the Cobalt to create a car that's comfortable in everyday driving but likes to frolic on the racetrack, where it won't run out of brakes after a few hot laps. Using data gleaned at tracks such as Mid-Ohio and on autocross courses set up on GM's Milford Proving Ground, the Performance Division fits the SS with firmer springs and bushings, aluminum lower control arms for reduced unsprung weight, thicker front and rear anti-roll bars, larger brakes (discs in the rear), aggressive brake pads and Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires, size 215/45R-18. An interesting tidbit: This is the same size as the Ferrari 360 Modena's front tires, which may explain why they're so expensive to replace."

The turbo version now holds the small front wheel drive lap record at the Nurburgring…try something different, check your facts, eh?

[sj]

daveT.

You are sadly mistaken. The old SS model was capable of 0-60 in 6secs flat which is faster than the defunct RSX or the Si. The Cobalt also cornered harder and had better braking numbers. C&D loved the car in their initial test and said it outperformed the GTI and SI on the track. The car posted better lap times in C&D than the Mustang GT. The old car was positively deserving of the SS badge and could not be touched by the Civic Si in any category. This new car is simply an improvement over an excellent vehicle.

[Dave T.]

When you look at pure numbers you miss one thing: how it really drives. Sitting in the cobalt day to day you're going to be met with a middle of the pack interior and quality feel. I look more at value than numbers.

If you can honestly tell the difference on the street from lap times from a buff book please let me know.

For me, on the street, the Cobalt SS handled poorly, shimmied too much, had way too much torque steer etc. I never said the other cars were better in track times etc. That was a different commenter.

I wasn't a big fan of the RSX. Actually had that conversation this morning. The new Civic Si is a better car in every way and a good value. Does it have the same track times? Maybe not, but it's still a blast to drive and is much more stable on the road. Same with the GTI. I honestly don't hear the SS even come up in that conversation.

[J]

Crap, forgot to mention this earlier.

Why in the world did GM slap on the SS badge on the sedan upgraded with a 2.4L with a 4 speed AT?

[MI]

Oh, I get it. You mean that a "performance" style RSX kicks the Cobalt SSs' behind in a "quality" of the driving experience rather than in purely performance related "numbers" when driven in a spirited manner? In other words a raw style performer doesn't grab you, but a refined loser does?

OK, cool…to each his own.

[MI]

Ah, excuse me please, I forgot to ask how you could explain the world of difference between good handling on the street versus the track? We'retalking about the Nurburgring. You are surely aware of the vehicle development done there. Are you arguing that perhaps BMW, Mercedes, Porche, et al. should concentrate more on the manner in which there cars 'perform' (is that even a proper term here?) on the average city street; what ever that is supposed to mean. What you are actually talking about seems to me to be best termed by "style".

"If you can honestly tell the difference on the street from lap times from a buff book please let me know."

Excuse me please. 0-60 times quarter mile times and speeds are hardly "lap times from a buff book" They are real street "numbers" and with as large a difference as exists here, anyone can feel the difference.

[Dave T.]

If humans could honestly feel the difference between 6.0 and 6.7 seconds 0-60 there wouldn't be need of a test that the buff books set up with timers. That was my point. My point with the track experience is that it doesn't often translate to the street. Also I don't put much faith in something like a track time when the driver has so much to do with the outcome. Also some buff books use different ways of measuring times.

If you like the Cobalt SS that's fine but it is not a winner in any sense of the imagination to me. I would much rather drive a decimally slower or slightly statistically worse off Civic Si, Mazdaspeed 3, Mini Cooper S or VW GTI all with better interiors, better resale and just more fun to drive than a Cobalt SS. (Note i haven't driven the turbocharged version). Also note we don't GM bash here. But I'll bash the Cobalt because it simply isn't a good enough car against the competition. Line up these cars and tell an average guy he has to spend $22K on one of them and I'd doubt he'd pick the Cobalt SS. I'd also check sales figures but none of the automakers break out the trim levels.

BTW I've driven all these cars on a track too. And I certainly don't remember the Cobalt having great grip. And please stop saying I liked the RSX. That was another commenter.

[J]

MI
Please explain why on the other hand, the Car and Driver magazine put up this following article in one of their issue?
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/9845/cheap-speed-round-23.html

[MI]

J, I don't know about the folks at Car & Driver. They also put these in other issues:

http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroadtests/9753/chevrolet-cobalt-ss-supercharged.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/9020/chevrolet-cobalt-ss-supercharged.html

As you can read they were talking a different line. So which one should believe from them?

I prefer Road & Track as in the past they've been far more consistent than Car & Driver.

[J]

Because those are previews and a short take, also a comparison.

[Tommy Boy]

Jeez, I just love these guys who continually put down American-made cars in favor of the foreign competition. I own a Cobalt SS/SC and I've tracked the car. It handles the road wonderfully well for an inexpensive compact. The engine winds up like a top, it's a blast to drive, and I get over 32 mpg on the highway. Extended warranty, tax, title, tags, out the door for just over 24K. Even though they are marginally quicker, I enjoy playing with Mustang GT crowd. I especially enjoy the looks on the preppie boys with their GTi's as I go by.

[Max]

the sc was no slouch, I bet if the honda civic si or acura rsx had the same car, it would've gotten much better reviews. plus did anyone forget car and driver rated the sc OVER THE RSX TYPE-S? I guess people only read hype and not real reviews

[max]

oh I forgot to mention, I have a 2004 cavalier, and I made the mistake of getting a 2007 civic si, the car had no guts and it handled the same, less torque steer cause the car had no torque, I actually got rid of it cause I hated it, I'm waiting for the turbo cobalt or maybe sky redline, or I want real looks and performance go all out and get a camaro

[Chris]

This is the worst excuse for a 'review' or an 'insider's look' I've ever read. Does this author have something against the Chevy by nature? Has he ever even driven one? What's the deal with an 07 SS with some Pontiac G5 wheels slapped on it as 'concept art'?

My understanding is the reason Chevy dropped the Supercharged Coobalt was due to changes in efficiency standards - I'd say that, coupled with a lack of other vehicles in the line up using the Eaton M62 -- and some great work being done in turbo works by the Saab folks is why Cobalt is going turbo. The Malibu SS and 2.4 SS were the 'non deserving' group in the bunch that made GM rethink its badging.

I own a 2007 SS/SC and a 2007 SS/NA and I can tell you there is an absolute difference between the two, and the Superchaged model deserves its SS badges in every way. Hell a Stage 2 SS/SC (still *technically* a dealer product) is the fastest non-Vette in Chevy's line up.

The original SS deserved its badges, and no doubt this new one will, too. Hopefully enough to make me another Chevy buyer when I'm looking to shop again next July.

[cobalt89]

cobalt ss s/c sucks? dont think so get in one and drive it the only thing they are lacking right now is aftermarket parts if they start making more aftermarket parts they will be killing the srt4's and every thing else in its class

also all the ppl out there now that want one really dont care about the power they just like the blow off that the t/c makes they think its cool

[Liger]

I test drove the SuperCharged Cobalt SS a while back, and while it was a nice driving car, I was kind of let down by the cars straight line acceleration as well as handling. Granted, I do drive an 03 SRT4, so I may be jaded a bit on acceleration....The Cobalt was much more refined than the SRT4, however it was not even close in the fun to drive category. 1st gear accelerated very well, but when you shifted into 2nd, the power fell way off. And while a Cobalt SS may be faster on the track, it isnt the most entertaining car to drive on the street. My roomate has an '06 Civic Si, and that car is a blast to drive around town, dodging in and out of traffic, as well as on the highway for extended periods of time. The Civic Si, did not do very well in the C/D track test, while the Cobalt SS did. But how often do you drive your car on the track? The Cobalt is a decent car, but it doesnt have the personality and acceleration of the last generation SRT4, nor does it push you to drive it to the limits like the Civic Si. I guess what I am saying is that while the Cobalt may go arond the track faster than a Civic Si or Neon SRT4, but it doesnt really like to.....

[Daniel]

Well personally i think this version of the cobalt is going to be much better than the SS/SC version because it offers more power, the suspension is tuned and able to handle the nurburgring. so with just saying that, the handling on this model should be much better. So i cant wait to turn in my current cobalt for the SS/TC. Ive been following this car for a little while now and the reason that i heard for the SS getting dropped was because the certain plant that was producing these models went on strike.

[Leah]

I cant wait to test drive the Turbo SS. I wish I could get one. But already bought my car..Cobalt LT. Oh well, I love my car.

[cody]

these were some fun posts to read. dave t.'s reviews of domestics are always negatively biased (i know he will post denying this, but look at some of his other reviews for the pattern). i guess he didn't expect people to go out and do their homework to prove that he didn't do his before posting this 'review'...

[Chris]

To those who doubt the new '08 Cobalt Turbo

it holds the record for lap time on the nurburgring in its class, that is significant, this one is going to be a fast great handling car.

[Cobalt ss]

I have a regular cobalt ss and I like it just fine. It handles well "when dodging in and out of traffic" and it accelerates quite well. I even messed with a friend in his ss/sc with a little racing and of course it blew me away. So when you sit there and say it lost a significant amount of power in second, I say right back: that is just some screwed up biased opinion cause you drive an srt4. Now that is a sorry excuse of a car if you ask me. I am waiting for the camaro to come out and I am buying the 6.2 liter powered camaro. I just graduated from college so my cobalt was a fun little ride until I get my camaro. Oh and as to daniel's post in december, yes I can't wait to test drive thye turbo cobalt either, and I too love my car.

I read a brief review else where that mentioned GM may possibly be considering a 6 speed manual for the 2008 cobalt ss/tc. There is still time before it comes out so watch it closely. Iw on't be checking back in on this so don't waste your time posting back to me.

[RP]

A six speed in a Cobalt coupe would be grand... Gm is getting pretty close to perfect on these compacts... if only I could get a double wishbone front suspension so my tires would wear more evenly and the usual trimming that go along with it. Wouldn't it be nice... Gas milage, controllability, and pep in a compact? I want to go GM but I have no interest in a v-8. I want more manual gears, might be interested in a turbo'd rig like this. Hell, an Astra Redline pure Vauxhall Astra VXR style would be perfect too. Ideally I would have more than enough power on tap to get me into trouble easily and as svelte as I choose and the ability to just drive and pull as close to 30+mpg or better when just cruising into and out of life.

[MJD]

Well let me say I owned a Honda civic si. It was a great car loads of fun and very good dependabilty. I never thought I would own a demestic much less a chevy. As far as I was concerned I was a Honda guy for life. When it came time to get a new car I decided to try the non honda's out there. I thought there was nothing I'd like better then the civic si. It had a good interor a very smooth 6 speed with ample power. Well I was wrong. Let's talk money here becase most of us do not have much. Otherwise we would be talking about real sports cars. So when Honda would not come down any on their price or evan let me test drive a new Si so I had to test drive a used one. So I started to look around. I test drove a GTI and a cobalt s/c. The GTI was the most refined but lacked the punch I rememberd in the civc or cobalt. And little pricy for a family man. So I went back and forth between the civic and the cobalt for a few mounths only desiding on the cobalt becase they added the stage II for the same as sticker price of the cobalt about 22000. I took it home a week later and I must addmit a little sceptical about the bosts the GM was telling me. Talk all the numbers you want the cobalt s/c has no equal for the dollor in my opinion. It handels it excelarates and gets decent MPG 21 or so. I not at all unhappy with it. I am open minded now about domestic cars becase of my experince with this great little car. So don't bash it just becase you have a Jap preference. That was a mistake I made. If you look at real data on the cars there not realy all that your going to pay for.

to they people that said the rsx-s was faster, you are just insane. in my saturn ion redline (same as the cobalt ss)

i ran a 14.4 at 98 STOCK.
and a 13.8 @ 103 STAGE 2 ONLY.

when i was still stock, i walked my friends rsx-s with I/H/E from a dig and a roll all day long.

the car in itself is bulletproof and can take a serious beating.

the new cobalt ss/tc with the lnf is just going to be nasty and if you dont agree, a 13.8 stock at 104 stock (from motortrend or edmunds, i cant remember) is quick.

[anonymous]

Not to mention that this car looks a heck of a lot better. The srt-4 is still a neon. Come on, a NEON.