Segment: Medium
Production years: 2008, 2009, 2010
Despite its similar look to its predecessor, the 2008 Cobalt SS sedan was that kind of small, four-door vehicle with which you wouldn't mess around.
The 2008 Cobalt SS significantly improved over its predecessor since it dropped the displacement and traded a supercharger for a turbocharger. Then, the design department stepped in and added some changes to the bodywork. The car was supposed to rock the Civic Si crown as the most appealing sport-compact sedan on the market, and, in some aspects, it did that. Then, the 2008 financial crisis started and stirred the market.
The Cobalt SS sedan looked almost like a regular compact sedan on the market, apart from the trunk's small wing. At the front, the car featured an A-shaped grille in the lower bumper area and added a pair of side-scoops for the fog-lights. Its standard 18" light-alloy wheels were demanded by the GM Performance Division, which said they needed to improve cornering speed.
Inside, the evolution continued with high-bolstered bucket-seats seats and SS badge embroiled on the front seats' seatbacks. The instrument cluster featured two large dials for the tachometer and speedometer and a smaller gauge for the fuel level. Fortunately, there were tons of aftermarket suppliers for the much-needed gauges for turbo, oil pressure, and oil temperature.
Under the hood, Chevrolet dropped a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection and variable valve timing. The 2008 model came fitted with stiffer suspension and a 5-speed ZF gearbox. Moreover, the GM Performance Division thought to add a no-lift shift system, which improved the quarter-mile time.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0 Ecotec 5MT (260 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1998 cm3 |
Power: | 194 KW @ 5300 RPM 264 HP @ 5300 RPM 260 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 260 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 353 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 156 mph (251 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | P225/40ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 180.5 in (4585 mm) |
Width: | 67.9 in (1725 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.6/58.1 in (1,488/1,476 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.3 in (2624 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.9 cuFT (394 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2974 lbs (1349 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3968 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 26 mpg US (9 L/100Km) |