On the street, this translates into a tight but bearable ride with a noticeably sporty feel. On the track, the Cobalt SS is compliant, with loads of travel and the capability to bomb over any curbing in sight. There's quite a bit of body roll, but the car has pretty good steering response at speed (for variable electric steering) and feeling out the grip level (0.9g on the skidpad, claims Chevy) is never a problem. Stiffer springs, a faster weight transfer and quicker transitional response would be nice, but this is still a factory street car. And a fast one at that. Those kinds of compromises are what the aftermarket is for anyways.
Perhaps the best part about the Cobalt SS is driving feel. This is the kind of car that works up-and maintains-a serious rhythm at the track and is so much fun that you'll always end up focusing on the drive and not the car. You may have noticed that we haven't spoken about the interior, exterior, headroom or trunk space. In all honesty, five minutes behind the wheel and you won't care. That's not what you're buying with this car. What you're buying is the finest American compact on the market today.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
MSRP: $22,995
Engine
Engine Code: Ecotec
Type: 2.0-liter inline four, aluminum block and head, direct injection, turbocharged and intercooledValvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, dual continuous variable valve timing
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore x Stroke: 86mm x 86mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Claimed Crank Hp: 260hp @ 5300rpm
Claimed Crank Torque: 260lb-ft @ 2000rpm
Redline: 6300rpm
Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmission: GM Powertrain Sweden F35 five-speed manual
Gear Ratios
1: 3.38
2: 1.76
3: 1.18
4: 0.89
5: 0.7
Final drive: 3.820
Chassis
Exterior Dimensions Curb Weight: 2975 lbs
Overall Length: 180.5 in.
Wheelbase: 103.5 in.
Overall Width: 67.9 in.
Track F/R: 58.6in./58.1 in.
Height: 55.7 in.
Suspension
Front: Independent MacPherson strut-type, SS-specific twin-tube struts, steering knuckles, 27N/mm springs, control arm and stabilizer bar bushings, 24mm solid stabilizer barRear: Semi-independent torsion beam, SS-specific monotube shocks, progressive 28-40N/mm springs, axle bushings, 24mm solid stabilizer bar
Brakes
Front: 12.4-in. vented rotors, four-piston fixed Brembo calipersRear: 11.5-in. vented rotors, single-piston sliding calipersElectronic driving aids/inhibitors: ABS, StabiliTrak stability/traction control, launch control, no-lift shift
Wheels And Tires
Wheels: 18x7.5 (F/R), forged aluminumTires: 225/40/18 (F/R), Continental ContiSportContact 2
By Joey Leh
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