The Chevrolet Cobalt SS

The Chevrolet Cobalt Super Sport is a unique vehicle in the Chevy lineup. Based on the compact Cobalt coupe, the Cobalt SS is a supercharged, sportier version that packs more speed and performance into the Cobalt's modest package.

Although for 2008 not much has changed, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS now has a turbocharger and direct injection rather than a supercharger and port injection. The benefit is a bump of horsepower to 260 horsepower along with 260 lb ft of torque as well. Despite the addition of a turbo, Detroit Chevrolet drivers have noted that there truly is only minimal lag and an absence of a sudden explosion of boost.

The front-wheel drive Cobalt SS can hit 60 miles per hour in about 5.7 seconds, and complete the quarter mile in just over 14 seconds. Another new feature for 2008 is the no-lift shift mode, which will limit revs and help with traction off the line and between shifts. Chevy dealers Chicago performance enthusiasts admit that it may not be the most exciting ride, but for a relatively affordable compact, the performance is very strong.

In addition to a turbo-charged engine, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS also includes a sport-tuned suspension, sticky tires, and large Brembo brake calipers that help control the Cobalt's power and help add maneuverability while traveling at speed. With more buyers looking to smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles, the Chevy Cobalt SS may offer a unique blend of power and fuel economy economy that many buyers at Boonville Chevrolet have already become drawn to compared with more expensive or more thirsty sports cars on the market.

About the Author

Joe Kent is a writer for TK Carsites, an automotive website design and marketing firm in Orange, CA, that specializes in working with car dealers nationwide

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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

Somewhat to Chevrolet's surprise, the Cobalt has turned out to be a better than expected seller for GM's most popular brand, and is its smallest and most fuel efficient model. Built on GM's Delta platform, the Cobalt doesn't quite match the popular Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, two competing models in quality, but in price and fuel economy the car holds its own.

For 2009, Chevrolet has tweaked the Cobalt where it counts: in fuel efficiency. The most fuel efficient model is the XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) delivering an impressive 37 mpg on the highway or 26 mpg in the city with its manual transmission.

History of the Cobalt

First rolled out as a 2004 model, the Cobalt replaced the decades old Cavalier, a dated, but fairly decent selling entry-level model that was first launched in the early 1980s. GM's small car Delta platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac G5, and the Saturn Astra serves the Cobalt. The XFE model has a 148 horsepower 2.2L ECOTEC I4 engine and is paired with a 5 speed manual transmission with other engine and powertrain combinations available. However, to achieve the highest fuel economy the XFE combination is what truly delivers the best numbers.

XFE - Xtra Fuel Economy

To achieve the higher fuel numbers, which adds a substantial 3 mpg highway to the XFE, parent General Motors had to do some refining to hit that target. Changes in computer programming, adding low-resistance tires, and a change in gearing brought about the increases. Best of all, these changes were not technological add-ons, updates which could increase the price of a car. As the model year comes to an end, the base Cobalt still retails for just $15,070 which is before rebates kick in. A well equipped model can be had for about $17,000 which includes rebate money, taxes, tags, etc. Truly the Cobalt is priced to compete.

What You Get With Every Cobalt

With every Cobalt, you get a subcompact car that can carry as many as five passengers, comes with a number of options including OnStar, XM Radio, safety and security features, and has a sport option. Air conditioning is standard equipment as is an AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 playback. Customers wanting more power can select a turbocharged 2.0L I4 or a high output 2.4L I4 engine. However, if best in class fuel economy is what you crave, then only the XFE will do.

What's Coming

The Chevrolet Cobalt will soldier on for at least two more model years before its widely anticipated replacement model, the Cruze, steps in. The all-new Cruze is set for introduction at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and will be built in Europe initially before GM's Lordstown, OH plant starts building the car in two years time. By then, the 2011 Cruze will be ready and the Cobalt will fade into the history books.

So, if you're looking for an economical American made model to get you around today, then the Chevrolet Cobalt will not disappoint you. Compare the Cobalt to the Corolla, Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and the Nissan Sentra to find what similar models have to offer to you.

Copyright 2008-2012 -- Matthew C. Keegan is the owner of a successful writing and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several websites and is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport, a retailer of quality tail lights and headlights.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

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