Chevy Introduces 260hp Cobalt Turbo

[1ster]

She ain't much of a looker, but it does appear that Chevy has delivered the goods on the hardware.

2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS FAST FACTS * Engineered and developed by GM Performance Division * 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW) * GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with short-throw shifter * Nürburgring-tuned FE5 Sport suspension delivers 0.9 g grip * 4-piston Brembo fixed-caliper front discs and vented rear disc brakes * SS-specific appearance with unique fascias and rear spoiler - including available high wing * 18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheels and Y-rated performance tires * SS-specific interior with new sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge and more * On sale: second quarter of 2008.

Most impressive of all? "This combination enabled the Cobalt SS to set a new class record while circulating the famed Nürburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes."

That time is nothing to sneeze at. Yes, it's a Chevy. Let's acknowledge that up front, but it also looks like a serious entry in the sport compact class.

[BimmerBoi2100]

Man u should be banned from this board for bringin this bs to it....lol

[1ster]

Careful. That Ring time is within 3 seconds of the fastest E46 M3 listed.

I agree the car looks like hell and "Chevys suck" but they've certainly brought the performance hardware. I'm willing to give respect where respect is due.

This isn't the 205hp S/C Cobalt SS Chevy's been selling the past couple of years.

[Lester]

Can someone please photoshop that picture into Sedonna Red? I'd be curious how close it would look to the 135i.

[atr_hugo]

The fun thing about the Cheby's engine is that it's a turbocharged direct-injected, four cylinder. Does this torque curve look familiar? ; -)
(shamelessly stolen from this site.)

[BimmerBoi2100]

yeah give this car 3 years and something will break...

[Garrett]

Wow... thaat car is a monster!

Whats it's starting price..? $21'ish ?

It's a cheap econobox import killer... not ment to lats 10 years. What you expect?

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

That might be a good alternative to the Civic Si segment, especially considering the ridiculous dashboard and instrumentation layout in the Si (see my related post and discussion about the Japenese and their inability to create good aesthetic designs http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...7&postcount=19 ), but it's not going to steal sales from the 1 series.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

it's not going to steal sales from the 1 series.

I basically agree with you. Maybe some from the 128i ghetto (I joke, I joke!), but BMW "intenders" are more likely to be swayed by other German metal than by a Chev-ro-let.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Lester

Can someone please photoshop that picture into Sedonna Red? I'd be curious how close it would look to the 135i.

One of the funniest 1st posts I've read in a long time...

[BForbes]

Stuff like this pisses me off. 50hp bump?? Yikes. The s2k hasnt gotten a single hp bump in 8 years. Thats why I'm scared that Jackson Racing Supercharger to debut at SEMA might delay my 135i. :iono: 350whp in a 2800lb car is quite appealing.

[atr_hugo]

Based on my week with a rental Cobalt - the steering in that car won't pass muster - and while the look of the interior is very good - the materials they use are a big letdown (more leftover Playskool plasticy bits ; -).

Plus 260 HP through the front wheels (and no LSD that I'm aware of) will exhibit plenty o' torque steer (like found when driving a Saab Viggen ; -). I had a chance to drive the Focus FR200 a few years back and I described coming out of corners in that thing as, "being the toy at the end of a length of string being tugged on by a deranged three year old." Simply squirrely!!

[imported_MPower]

Ya, 'cuz that car's styling screams 260 horsepower...

Personally, I was a fan of the old supercharged Cobalt SS because it had a big rear wing and some funky styling. But this too dull to look at. Nice engine, though.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

(and no LSD that I'm aware of)

The SS will have a mechanical LSD. Torque steer will no doubt be a problem, but Mazda has proven that there are ways to control it somewhat effectively in a FWD application.

If I were going to buy a brand new $25k car, it would probably be a PRHT Miata. But that's me. 260hp, LSD, Brembo 4-pot brakes, a tight suspension, forged wheels, and a very impressive Ring lap time will be enough to convince some people.

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Stuff like this pisses me off. 50hp bump?? Yikes. The s2k hasnt gotten a single hp bump in 8 years. Thats why I'm scared that Jackson Racing Supercharger to debut at SEMA might delay my 135i. :iono: 350whp in a 2800lb car is quite appealing.

Are you seriously thinking about that ?..... Dunno if i would risk that until i saw some hard data on it.

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by Bill K

Are you seriously thinking about that ?..... Dunno if i would risk that until i saw some hard data on it.

If it has 325whp+ then I think I'm gonna pull the trigger? Are you interested now Bill? :biggrin:

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

If it has 325whp+ then I think I'm gonna pull the trigger? Are you interested now Bill? :biggrin:

I'll admit, I was really interested in their new rotrex units that would come out for the NC. Just have to wait until we can get our hands on the 135i. Then...

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

If it has 325whp+ then I think I'm gonna pull the trigger? Are you interested now Bill? :biggrin:

One's, if i want that kind of power i'll buy a C6.
I actually like the car the way it is. Being that im
53 and started out with a 72 MGB, i prayed for years
that someone would make something like the S2000:biggrin:

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by Bill K

One's, if i want that kind of power i'll buy a C6.
I actually like the car the way it is. Being that im
53 and started out with a 72 MGB, i prayed for years
that someone would make something like the S2000:biggrin:

Totally understand what your saying. My thing is I fell in love with the way the s2000 looks and feels. It was my first Honda,first convertible, first fast car, first reliable car. I mean there is a laundry lists of firsts. Its the longest I've kept a car too. Its actually my 4th car and I'm only 22yrs old. My only gripe is I thirst for more power. I WILL own a 135i. IMO, the s2k is one of the most beautiful japanese cars ever. It will still look good in 30years. If I boost the S, it will give me more time to wait for the 1 to develop. I'd end up having both. If the JacksonRacing kit dissappoints then I'll sell the S and start off my bmw adventure with the 135i instead of a tii or //M. No biggie.

btw, I love the C6 but it is soooo not me. I'd rather catch someone off guard in my little 4banger.

[~AJ]

^The JRSC, for the RSX-S anyway, is a good unit. Get their "race upgrade" or whatever they call the S2000 equivalent. Bigger injectors, reflashed ECU and other goodies. Imagine this: your Honda product will actually have mid-range torque!

I know all about torque steer and wheel hop, unfortunately. Never again.

This Cavalier appears to be a lot of go for not a lot of cash. This is a good thing, regardless of the manufacturer (sorry boi). Never owned a Chevy, but I must admit this will be a sleeper!

-AJ

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by AJ~

^The JRSC, for the RSX-S anyway, is a good unit. Get their "race upgrade" or whatever they call the S2000 equivalent. Bigger injectors, reflashed ECU and other goodies. Imagine this: your Honda product will actually have mid-range torque!

I know all about torque steer and wheel hop, unfortunately. Never again.

This Cavalier appears to be a lot of go for not a lot of cash. This is a good thing, regardless of the manufacturer (sorry boi). Never owned a Chevy, but I must admit this will be a sleeper!

-AJ

Hmm, thanks for giving them the . What numbers is your RSX putting down man?

[~AJ]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Hmm, thanks for giving them the . What numbers is your RSX putting down man?

A lot. I don't know: never dyno'd the car. The car wears 225/45R17 ES100's on fairly light Rota Subzero wheels. In first gear on dry pavement, in a rolling start, dip into the throttle too deep and the right side wheel breaks loose and hops violently. It breaks loose in second, too. Like driving on dirt.:mad:

I have learned my lesson, and should have known the end result of too much power in a front drive layout.

Your S2000, being rear drive, will benefit from forced induction more than my front driver. You won't regret it!

-AJ