TURBOCHARGED CHEVROLET COBALT SS GIVES A BOOST OF FUN TO THE COMPACT SEGMENT
True to its legendary moniker, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features - along with an undeniably fun and youthful character. It is also an efficient performer, delivering 6.6 L/100km in highway driving.
Developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) and powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers 55 horses (41 kW) more than the previous Cobalt SS Supercharged, and its driving experience was validated on racetracks throughout North America and Europe, including Germany's legendary Nürburgring circuit (20.8km of over 70 turns and the former home of the German F1 Grand Prix).
The Cobalt SS coupe arrives in dealerships in the second quarter of 2008. A Cobalt SS sedan, with all of the same high-performance features of the coupe, follows in the 2009 model year.
Maximum performance - on the street or track
The Cobalt SS was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting high-performance vehicles. It features powertrain and chassis enhancements that are similar to the new HHR SS, but with larger Brembo brakes, a slightly "taller" final-drive ratio and specific details that emphasize the Cobalt SS' pure performance ethic. Details such as more aggressive chassis tuning, Continental performance summer tires, standard Brembo front brakes and larger rear vented disc brakes help maximize its competitiveness on the track.
Engineered to offer more than merely a turbocharged rush of power, an all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed. It includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning - all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate afflictions such as torque steer. Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track. The unique "no-lift shift" feature enables the Cobalt SS to achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller.
Ensuring the car stops as confidently as it accelerates and corners are four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. The front brakes are from Brembo and have a performance-oriented fixed-calliper design, which resist fade better than floating calliper designs; the rear discs are vented for better heat dissipation. Along with these high-performance attributes, the Cobalt SS is equipped with a host of standard safety features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and side-impact air bags.
With its balanced tuning, the Cobalt SS delivers a quick 0-96 km/h time of approximately 5.7 seconds - thanks to the manual transmission's "no-lift shift" feature - and an impressive maximum lateral grip of 0.9 g. This combination enabled the Cobalt SS to set a new class record when running the famed Nürburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes.
Unmistakable style
The Cobalt SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features, including a distinctive, air dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps. New front upper and lower grilles sport a new, SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance.
SS-specific rockers and badging adorn the body sides, while a standard deck lid spoiler adds the requisite sporty touch to the rear of the car. The standard spoiler can be replaced with an optional high wing-style aero enhancement that gives the Cobalt SS the look of a racecar. Also at the rear is a prominent, bright-tip exhaust outlet.
Large, twin five-spoke 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard, and are tailored with the specific body enhancements to give the Cobalt SS a lower, performance-oriented stance - while also showing off the large Brembo front brake callipers. They're mounted on 225/40-series Continental summer tires. Likewise, the available exterior colours enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle. They include Victory Red, Black, Ultra Silver Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Rally Yellow and Sport Red Tintcoat.
Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the Cobalt SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement. Three interior colour combinations are available: Ebony, Light Gray and Victory Red.
Powertrain
The Cobalt SS is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec DI engine that delivers 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) with the standard five-speed manual transmission. (No automatic transmission is available.)
Features such as "no-lift shift" and other driver-selectable performance modes help the Cobalt SS achieve 0-96 km/hr in approximately 5.7 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in approximately 14.2 seconds, with minimal torque steer. The top speed is more than 160 mph.
2.0L Ecotec DI turbo engine details
The Cobalt SS' Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine is the same that powers the recently introduced HHR SS. It produces 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kW per litre) and is the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family. Gasoline direct-injection technology helps the engine produce more power while maintaining lower fuel consumption.
With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system. Direct-injection technology works well with turbocharging and helps deliver a great balance of power and economy.
Highlights of the Cobalt SS' Ecotec 2.0L DI turbo engine include:
- Steel crankshaft
- Forged connecting rods
- Oil-spray piston cooling
- 9.2:1 compression ratio
- Aluminum cylinder head with stainless steel intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves
- High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump
- Mobil 1 synthetic oil
Components including the steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods are high-strength items that provide strength and enhance durability. Oil-spray piston cooling helps reduce cylinder temperatures and promotes longevity by delivering pressurized oil that continuously lubricates the pistons, which reduces friction. To enhance combustion, the piston tops feature a dish shape that deflects incoming fuel toward the spark plugs.
To accommodate the direct-injection system, the Ecotec 2.0L DI turbo has a unique cylinder head and intake manifold. The cylinder head incorporates mounting locations for the fuel injectors - items that are typically mounted in the intake manifold on port-injection engines. Specialized and extremely precise multi-hole fuel injectors are used to metre fuel and deliver it in a finely atomized manner. They are supported by an engine-mounted high-pressure fuel pump.
Apart from the mounting positions of the fuel injectors, the cylinder head has conventional port and combustion chamber designs. Large stainless steel intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves are durable components designed to stand up to the high-performance capability of the engine.
The unique cylinder head, fuel system, pistons and intake manifold are the major components that differentiate the 2.0L DI turbo from other members of the Ecotec engine family. Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil is installed at the factory. Synthetic oil was selected for its friction-reducing capabilities and high-temperature performance.
Turbocharger and charge air cooler
Pumping up the Cobalt SS' 2.0L Ecotec engine is an intercooled turbocharger system. The turbo blows pressurized air into the combustion chambers to enhance horsepower and torque, while the system's intercooler circuit cools the turbocharged air charge to maximize its effect. The turbocharger is sized to deliver a significant horsepower boost and almost no spool-up lag. Maximum pressure is almost 20 psi.
Because the pressurized air pushed by a turbocharger becomes heated, the Cobalt SS' system employs an air-to-air intercooling system. With it, the pressurized air passes through a heat exchanger mounted behind the grille in the lower front fascia, where it is cooled before it enters the engine. Cooler air is denser, enabling the combustion chambers to draw in more air for maximum power. The cooler air also staves off the possibility of detonation at higher temperature, which allowed engineers to tune the engine for maximum power and ensure consistent performance in all driving conditions.
Transmission
Backing the turbocharged engine is a standard GM Powertrain Sweden F35 five-speed manual transmission. Semi-synthetic transmission fluid is used for its capability of absorbing heat and resisting breakdown during high-performance driving.
A performance-oriented feature referred to as "no-lift shift" allows maximum performance - upshifts can be performed very quickly without lifting the throttle. An algorithm in the engine's controller enables this high-performance feature, which helps maximize acceleration and gear changes.
A short-throw shifter with stiffened shifter bushings and modified cables and attachments enhance confidence behind the wheel, giving the driver a firmer, more direct and quicker shift feel. A limited-slip differential is available with the manual transmission.
3.82:1 final drive ratio
The Cobalt SS' powertrain has a 3.82:1 final drive ratio, which was selected because it allows the turbocharged engine to remain in the optimal section of the torque band during shifts and while driving competitively on a racetrack. This enhances both the car's tangible performance measures and intangible fun-to-drive quotient.
# # #
Contacts:
GM
of Canada Communications
Tony LaRocca
Phone: 905-644-1804
Fax: 905-644-3873
E-mail: tony.larocca@gm.com
STANDARD
AND OPTIONAL FEATURES
EXTERIOR FEATURES
|
LS Coupe/Sedan |
LT Coupe/Sedan |
Sport Coupe/Sedan |
SS Coupe |
Fascias - front and rear body-colour with Black grille |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Fascias - Sport, front and rear body-colour with Black grille |
- |
- |
S |
- |
Fascias - SS, front and rear body-colour, Black grille with fascia lower extensions |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Fog lights - halogen (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package on LT) |
- |
O |
S |
S |
Glass - Solar-Ray, tinted |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Headlamps - halogen (includes automatic exterior lamp control) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Mirrors - manual folding, left and right remote, black |
S |
- |
- |
- |
Mirrors - manual folding, left and right power remote control, body-colour |
- |
S |
S |
S |
Mouldings - bodyside, body-colour |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Mouldings - lower rocker, body-colour |
- |
- |
S |
S |
Spoiler - rear deck-lid |
O |
O |
S |
S |
Spoiler - Aero wing |
- |
- |
- |
O |
Sunroof - power, sliding glass panel (includes interior rear- view mirror with dual reading lights; optional power sunroof available on LT models at no-charge when ordered with available Preferred Equipment Group 1SB Best Value Package; optional power sunroof available on Sport models at no-charge when specified, see your dealer for details) |
- |
O |
O |
O |
Tires - P195/60R15 all-season touring |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Tires - P205/55R16 all-season performance (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package; included with LT Wheel Package) |
- |
O |
- |
- |
Tires - P205/50R17 all-season performance |
- |
- |
S |
- |
Tires - P225/40R18 summer performance |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Wheels - 15" x 6" steel, bolt-on wheel covers |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Wheels - 16" x 6" steel, High Vent wheel covers (included with LT Wheel Package) |
- |
O |
- |
- |
Wheels - 16" x 6" machined-face aluminum (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package) |
- |
O |
- |
- |
Wheels - 17" x 7" polished forged aluminum, flangeless, polished |
- |
- |
S |
- |
Wheels - 18" x 7.5" forged aluminum, flangeless, painted |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Windshield wipers - 2-speed with variable delay (intermittent) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
LT Wheel Package - includes 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, (ABS) 16" steel wheels with High Vent wheel covers, P205/55R16 all-season performance tires and cargo convenience net |
- |
O |
- |
- |
Cobalt Protection Package - includes premium front and rear mats, moulded front and rear splash guards, side window wind deflectors and moulded hood protector (dealer installed) |
- |
O |
- |
- |
INTERIOR FEATURES
|
LS Coupe/Sedan |
LT Coupe/Sedan |
Sport Coupe/Sedan |
SS Coupe |
Accents - Gray |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Accents - Satin Nickel (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package on LT) |
- |
O |
S |
S |
Air conditioning (not available with automatic transmission on LS) |
O |
S |
S |
S |
Air filtration system - particulate/pollen filter |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Auxiliary power outlet - two, console-mounted |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Cargo convenience net (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package on LT; included with LT Wheel Package) |
- |
O |
S |
S |
Console - front floor with open storage, cupholders |
S |
- |
- |
S |
Console - front floor with armrest, storage, cupholders |
- |
S |
S |
- |
Cruise control - electronic with resume, coast and decelerate/accelerate features |
- |
S |
S |
S |
Defogger - electric rear window |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Floor mats - front and rear, carpeted |
O |
S |
S |
S |
Heat ducts - rear seat, floor |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Instrumentation - analogue black-faced cluster (includes speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge) |
S |
S |
S |
- |
Instrumentation - analogue titanium-faced Sport cluster (includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and an "A" pillar-mounted boost gauge) |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Instrumentation - Driver Information Centre (includes 2 trip odometers, average speed, fuel range, fuel economy, GM Oil Life Monitoring System, exterior temperature and programmable features) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Instrumentation - tire pressure monitoring system |
- |
- |
S |
S |
Lights - dome, delayed entry/exit with ignition key removal, theatre dimming and trunk |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Steering column - tilt adjustable |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Steering wheel - leather-wrapped with sound system controls, includes leather-wrapped shifter (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package on LT) |
- |
O |
S |
S |
Sunshades - LH and RH padded; front-passenger vanity mirror |
S |
- |
- |
- |
Sunshades - LH and RH padded; covered driver and front- passenger vanity mirrors |
- |
S |
S |
S |
Trunk - release, power remote |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Windows - power, driver's express-down and passenger lock-out features (passenger lock-out on Sedan only) |
- |
S |
S |
S |
Smoker's Package - includes ashtray and lighter |
O |
O |
O |
O |
Premium Leather and Sound Package - includes heated front bucket seats with leather-appointed seating surfaces, 7- speaker Pioneer premium sound system with 260-watt amplifier and 10-inch rear subwoofer |
- |
O |
O |
- |
SEATS
|
LS Coupe/Sedan |
LT Coupe/Sedan |
Sport Coupe/Sedan |
SS Coupe |
Cloth reclining front bucket seats with vertical adjusting head restraints and driver-side height adjuster |
S |
- |
- |
- |
Sport cloth reclining front buckets seats with vertical adjusting head restraints and driver-side lumbar and height adjusters |
- |
S |
S |
- |
Premium cloth with performance suede inserts, front bucket seats with SS embroidery, manual recliners, adjustable headrests, driver seat height adjuster and manual lumbar adjuster |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Reclining heated front bucket seats with leather-appointed seating surfaces (included with available Premium Leather and Sound Package) |
- |
O |
O |
- |
Easy-entry front passenger feature - (Coupe only) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Seatback - rear, 60/40 split-folding with trunk pass-through |
S |
S |
S |
S |
ENTERTAINMENT
|
LS Coupe/Sedan |
LT Coupe/Sedan |
Sport Coupe/Sedan |
SS Coupe |
All Cobalt sound systems include an electronically tuned AM/FM stereo with seek, scan, Radio Data System (RDS), digital clock, TheftLock and iPod auxiliary audio input jack |
S |
S |
S |
S |
AM/FM stereo with CD player |
S |
- |
- |
- |
AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback, speed- compensated volume control and auto tone control |
O |
S |
S |
S |
AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, MP3 playback, speed-compensated volume control and auto tone control |
- |
- |
O |
O |
XM Satellite Radio (includes three trial months beyond which service fees apply; available in 10 Canadian provinces and 48 contiguous United States; includes LT sound system on LS) |
O |
O |
S |
O |
4-speaker sound system |
S |
S |
- |
- |
7-speaker Pioneer premium sound system with 260-watt amplifier and 10-inch rear subwoofer |
- |
O |
S |
S |
MECHANICAL
|
LS Coupe/Sedan |
LT Coupe/Sedan |
Sport Coupe/Sedan |
SS Coupe |
Battery - with run-down protection |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Brakes - power, front disc/rear drum |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Brakes - power, 4-wheel disc |
- |
- |
S |
- |
Brakes - 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) (includes Enhanced Traction System (ETS) when available 4-speed automatic transmission is specified on LS) |
O |
O |
S |
- |
Brakes - Bremo (front only) fixed calliper front disc, vented rear disc, 4-wheel ABS |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Drive - front-wheel |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Engine - 2.2L ECOTEC I-4 with SFI |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Engine - 2.4L ECOTEC I-4 VVT with SFI |
- |
- |
S |
- |
Engine - 2.0L ECOTEC I-4 VVT, Turbocharged with SIDI |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Engine - block heater |
O |
O |
O |
- |
Exhaust system - aluminized stainless steel |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Exhaust system - polished tip (included with Best Value Package - Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, Best Value Package on LT) |
- |
O |
S |
S |
StabiliTrak - electronic stability control system |
- |
- |
S |
S |
Steering - power, electric, speed-sensitive, rack-and-pinion |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Suspension - front independent/rear semi-independent |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Suspension - Touring |
S |
S |
- |
- |
Suspension - Sport-tuned with monotube shocks |
- |
- |
S |
- |
Suspension - Performance-tuned with monotube shocks |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Transmission - 5-speed Getrag manual with overdrive |
S |
S |
S |
- |
Transmission - 4-speed automatic with overdrive (includes Enhanced Traction System (ETS) when available 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) is specified); not available with air conditioning on LS |
O |
O |
O |
- |
Transmission - 5-speed manual (performance/short-throw shifter) with overdrive |
- |
- |
- |
S |
Vehicle starter system - remote (requires available automatic transmission) |
- |
O |
O |
- |
SAFETY AND SECURITY
|
LS Coupe/Sedan |
LT Coupe/Sedan |
Sport Coupe/Sedan |
SS Coupe |
Air bags - dual-stage driver and front-passenger, frontal with Passenger Sensing System |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Air bags - front-to-rear, side head curtain (requires OnStar on LT Coupe/Sedan) |
O |
O |
S |
S |
Brake/transmission shift interlock feature (automatic transmission only) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Door locks - power with lock-out protection |
- |
S |
S |
S |
Door locks - rear door, child-security (Sedan only) |
S |
S |
S |
- |
Headlights - Daytime Running Lights with automatic light control |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Keyless entry system - remote with Panic feature and content theft system |
- |
S |
S |
S |
OnStar In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance Service - includes one-year of the Safe & Sound Plan (requires available front to rear side head curtain air bags on LT Coupe/Sedan) |
- |
O |
S |
S |
Safety restraints - LATCH (Lower Anchors and top Tethers for Children), rear seats |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Theft-deterrent system - electronic immobilizer |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Traction assist - Enhanced Traction System (ETS) (included when both available 4-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) are specified) |
O |
O |
O |
O |
Warranty - 3 year / 60,000 km, complete base warranty coverage (Whichever comes first, to correct any defects in materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period. Regular maintenance is not included. Other restrictions, exclusions and limitations apply. See your dealer for complete details of the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty.) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
Warranty - 5 year / 160,000 km, powertrain component warranty with $0 deductible (Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See your dealer for details.) |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. (Subject to change at any time.)
SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: |
Cobalt SS |
Body style / driveline: |
5-passenger coupe, unitized frame,
front engine, front-wheel drive |
Construction: |
2-sided galvanized steel on exterior panels (except roof) |
EPA vehicle class: |
Compact car |
Manufacturing location: |
Lordstown, Ohio |
Key competitors: |
Honda Civic Si, MazdaSpeed 3, Volkswagen GTI, Nissan Sentra SE-R spec V |
Engines
| |
Ecotec 2.0L DI Turbo VVT (LNF) |
Application: |
Std on SS |
Type: |
2.0L DOHC I-4 |
Displacement (cc / cu in): |
1998 / 122 |
Bore & stroke (mm / in): |
86 x 86 / 3.39 x 3.39 |
Block material: |
Cast aluminum |
Cylinder head material: |
Cast aluminum |
Valvetrain: |
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder; dual continuous variable valve timing |
Ignition system: |
Individual coil-on-plug |
Fuel delivery: |
Direct-injection with a variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control |
Compression ratio: |
9.2:1 |
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
260 / 194 @ 5300* |
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): |
260 / 353 @ 2000* |
Recommended fuel: |
Premium recommended but not required |
Maximum engine speed (rpm): |
6300 |
Emissions controls: |
Close-coupled catalytic converters, Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; wide-range O2 sensor |
Estimated fuel economy |
|
Mi/imp.gal (city / hwy / combined) |
30 / 43 / 35 |
L/100km (city / hwy / combined) |
9.3 / 6.6 / 8.1 |
Transmission
| |
GM Powertrain Sweden F35 5-speed manual |
Gear ratios: (:1): |
|
First: |
3.38 |
Second: |
1.76 |
Third: |
1.18 |
Fourth: |
0.89 |
Fifth: |
0.70 |
Reverse: |
3.17 |
Final drive ratio: |
3.82:1 |
Chassis/Suspension
Front: |
MacPherson independent strut-type with direct acting, 24mm solid stabilizer bar |
Rear: |
Semi-independent torsion beam with montoube gas shocks; 24mm solid stabilizer bar |
Steering type: |
Electric, power-assisted variable-speed rack-and-pinion |
Steering ratio: |
14.8:1 (variable) |
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: |
2.75 |
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (m / ft): |
12 / 39.4 |
Brakes
Type: |
Power 4-wheel disc with standard anti-lock; 38mm Brembo four-piston fixed callipers in front and 40mm single-piston rear callipers |
Rotor diameter x thickness (mm / in): |
front: 315 x 26 / 12.4 x 1.02 (vented) |
Disc diameter x width (mm / in): |
rear: 292 x 20 / 11.5 x 0.79 (vented) |
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type: |
18 x 7.5-inch split-spoke forged aluminum |
Tires: |
P225/40ZR18 high-performance |
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (mm / in): |
2628 / 103.5 |
Overall length (mm / in): |
4585 / 180.5 |
Overall width (mm / in): |
1725 / 67.9 |
Overall height (mm / in): |
1415.4 / 55.7 |
Track (mm / in): |
front: 1490 / 58.6
rear: 1476 / 58.1 |
Minimum ground clearance (mm / in): |
TBD |
Curb weight (kg / lb): |
1349 / 2975 |
Weight distribution (% front / rear): |
60 / 40 |
Interior
| |
Front |
Rear |
Seating capacity: |
2 |
3 |
Headroom (mm / in): |
984 / 38.7 |
905.7 / 35.7 |
Legroom (mm / in): |
1066.5 / 42 |
817.5 / 32.2 |
Shoulder room (mm / in): |
1346.5 / 53 |
1245.8 / 49 |
Hip room (mm / in): |
1257.1 / 49.5 |
1171.8 / 46.1 |
Capacities
EPA passenger volume (L / cu ft): |
2463.5 / 87 |
EPA interior volume (L / cu ft): |
2747 / 97 |
Cargo volume (L / cu ft): |
394 / 13.9 |
Trailer towing maximum (kg / lb): |
Not recommended |
Fuel tank (L / imp.gal): |
49 / 10.78 |
*SAE certified.
