rallyracer,
Thanks for staying in touch. We appreciate the suggestions and ongoing support from all the enthusiasts such as yourself and the Cobalt SS network. Unfortunately I do not have any information to share currently on the Cruze. What I can share is that the concept version of the Cruze that GM rolled out is a great proposal. The scale and proportion of the concept are great. Looking down the road, I think the innovative enthusiasts such as your crew will have a good time "modding" this platform out.

I am intrigued to hear why you guys haven't taken to the Astra platform, particularly considering what has been done with the performance variants in Europe...??? How many of the guys/ladies, we met in Chicago, have crossed over to the SS Turbocharged? Any that you know?

I can't say alot about what the "other guys" are doing. Based on the tough economic times, I would be impressed to see Ford pushing forward with the performance program (Focus RS). I anticipate that it is all about mileage and safety for them...sending the "right" message you know.

Thanks for the list of suggestions and the concept image. Whenever we look at the cars, both from the production as well as the aftermarket perspectives, many concepts are considered. We want to be sure that we can still produce a safe-quality product, that is engaging and people "have to drive". With saying that, we want also be cognizant of the cost considerations; ensuring that the vehicle is affordable for the right market segments (i.e. the retooling of the Cobalt SS to the turbocharged platform).

I have passed along the ideation to our engineering team. Stay tuned on further developments. Check out the GM Performance Division website periodically. Any product release information will be rolled out there or on the Chevrolet website. The new SEMA builds are posted on the GMPD site under Show Vehicles. They are hot!

A little tidbit that I can share, is that the stage kits for the turbo platform will be released real soon. The specs are awesome, particularly for the Cobalt SS... I wonder how Renault (Current fastest FWD) would feel about getting topped by a production car with a back-seat and XM radio cranking...LOL

Pass along thanks and best Holiday Wishes to Cobalt Nation...

Thanks Again,

R.R.
Lead Designer
GM Performance Division
Promotional Activities

A little tidbit that I can share, is that the stage kits for the turbo platform will be released real soon. The specs are awesome, particularly for the Cobalt SS... I wonder how Renault (Current fastest FWD) would feel about getting topped by a production car with a back-seat and XM radio cranking...LOL

/me dances

Hummm "stage kits" so like more than one for the SSTC. Niceeeeeeeeeeeee........!

I love GM :twothumbs

LOL

R.R.
Lead Designer
GM Performance Division
Promotional Activities

did he actually type that?

did he actually type that?

lmao

I am intrigued to hear why you guys haven't taken to the Astra platform, particularly considering what has been done with the performance variants in Europe...???

Because the Astra as it stands in the US B-L-O-W-S. I like the idea of a hatch and I don't mind the Astra, but if I'm plunking down hard earned money I want a performance model. Not the hope or vague promise of a performance model, the full balls-out performance model.

lmao

no wonder GM is doing so well, they are full of "Professionals"

Seems like a pretty laid back younger business man to me. Sounds like he knows what hes talking about and makes great points. Understands the industry well.

Respond back and tell him that the Astra in the states isn't considered a tuner car. Its as much of a modable car as a freaking KIA. :lol:

I'm sure the ss/tc owners will be happy to hear about their stage kits coming soon. And it clearly states that GM hates us LSJ owners.:lol:

stage kits!!! (drooling)

I looked into the Astra when it was first being rolled out in the States. If they would have offered a true performance version in the US, I may have bought one. I like 2 dr hatchbacks.

The performance of the LNF SS is what sold me.

did he actually type that?

I changed a few things in the email (my name and his name)

Those are his initials but I thought id be considerate and hide his real name.

I changed a few things in the email (my name and his name)

Those are his initials but I thought id be considerate and hide his real name.

i meant the LOL

Bump

kinda early for a bump isn't it?

I looked into the Astra when it was first being rolled out in the States. If they would have offered a true performance version in the US, I may have bought one. I like 2 dr hatchbacks.

The performance of the LNF SS is what sold me.

Give me this:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_467/car_photo_233985_7.jpg

Or even just the regular VXR

http://www.carpages.co.uk/vauxhall/vauxhall_images/vauxhall_astra_vxr_16_04_05.jpg

Either one of those would be AWESOME.

yesh

Because the Astra as it stands in the US B-L-O-W-S. I like the idea of a hatch and I don't mind the Astra, but if I'm plunking down hard earned money I want a performance model. Not the hope or vague promise of a performance model, the full balls-out performance model.

Respond back and tell him that the Astra in the states isn't considered a tuner car. Its as much of a modable car as a freaking KIA. :lol:

I'm sure the ss/tc owners will be happy to hear about their stage kits coming soon. And it clearly states that GM hates us LSJ owners.:lol:

I looked into the Astra when it was first being rolled out in the States. If they would have offered a true performance version in the US, I may have bought one. I like 2 dr hatchbacks.

The performance of the LNF SS is what sold me.


Agreed with all. I have seen the Astra in person and liked it but it doesn't even come close to the euro version. If they had a LNF turbo version I would have been all over it. It just has no performance desirability to me.

Because the Astra as it stands in the US B-L-O-W-S. I like the idea of a hatch and I don't mind the Astra, but if I'm plunking down hard earned money I want a performance model. Not the hope or vague promise of a performance model, the full balls-out performance model.

they need to come out with a redilne astra with the lnf and a opc body kit or the vxr kit..

OP would you mind pming me the contacts info?

i'd buy a redling astra 3 door in a minute lol

Agreed with all. I have seen the Astra in person and liked it but it doesn't even come close to the euro version. If they had a LNF turbo version I would have been all over it. It just has no performance desirability to me.

the astra XR leather sport seats.. feel like recaros lol .. they seriously feel awesome and are super comfortable

hell that car would even be good with a 2.4... and before anyone yells about gas mileage and emmisions... the 2.4 is cleaner then alot of cars.. and i get better mpg then the astra advertises on a daily basis and i'm modded

rallyracer,

Actually saw your email floating around internally at GM with some good comments. I am very encouraged that your suggestions are getting serious consideration from some very high levels at GM and your not just getting lip service.

Good Job!

TCB

rallyracer,

Actually saw your email floating around internally at GM with some good comments. I am very encouraged that your suggestions are getting serious consideration from some very high levels at GM and your not just getting lip service.

Good Job!

TCB

That's very, very cool. Is the actual email he sent posted for us to read?

stage kits give me a boner

stage kits give me a boner

lol x2!

Respond back and tell him that the Astra in the states isn't considered a tuner car. Its as much of a modable car as a freaking KIA. :lol:

I'm sure the ss/tc owners will be happy to hear about their stage kits coming soon. And it clearly states that GM hates us LSJ owners.:lol:

They dont hate us its that our engine is now defunct and why would they exert any energy to us, when they have the newer LNF platform. .02

i meant the LOL

Oh, haha :lol:

Well he's a laid back guy who's really easy to talk to and down to earth. I didn't write him a business / formal email either and Im glad he responded with a little bit humor.



rallyracer,

Actually saw your email floating around internally at GM with some good comments. I am very encouraged that your suggestions are getting serious consideration from some very high levels at GM and your not just getting lip service.

Good Job!

TCB

OMG thats awesome :)

:cssNET:

sweet. Yeah he was pretty cool, Rallyracer was drunk talking to him at the chicago meet LOL. almost got a ride in the TC with RR's smooth talking ;) Glad they are taking what real buyers want in a car. this is what every car company should do, how else do they know what will be best? most people that work for them are old and have no idea.

Yeah I was pumped for the Atsra...then the US spec came...and wow just like ford cars the US one never lives up to the awesome UK'ness. MS3 is the best/fastest hatch to own ;) that concept cruze ss was @##$@$ tities though, I need a bigger garage if that gets released :D

:DWOOT WOOT, Here Comes The Stage Kit Train Allllllll Aboard!!!!!!!:D

I Got My Ticket ^^^^^

As long as someone with some sort of authority sees SilverSS/SC's concept rendering, I'm happy...

Because the Astra as it stands in the US B-L-O-W-S. I like the idea of a hatch and I don't mind the Astra, but if I'm plunking down hard earned money I want a performance model. Not the hope or vague promise of a performance model, the full balls-out performance model.

indeed. that, and the astra is a lot of money for what it is.

As long as someone with some sort of authority sees SilverSS/SC's concept rendering, I'm happy...

They sure are...the pic was attached and linked.

HAHAHA awesome!

indeed. that, and the astra is a lot of money for what it is.

Whaaaaaat....you don't think $16,500 is reasonable for an extremely base model hatch w/a measly 138bhp? :lol:

Whaaaaaat....you don't think $16,500 is reasonable for an extremely base model hatch w/a measly 138bhp? :lol:

if it was 165 out the door ok .. but its not .. the xr shouldnt be 22k when it's competing with the ss/tc in price range.. yes it's made better but not THAT much better .. 23k for an lnf powered redline astra would be win and make me buy a new car lol

Whaaaaaat....you don't think $16,500 is reasonable for an extremely base model hatch w/a measly 138bhp? :lol:

it's not even that, it's that once you get one decked out, the price gets a LOT higher.

if you keep checking option boxes, it goes up to about 23.

well, shit, i can buy a 9-3 for that.

stage kit(s) FTW

Awesome news. I'm glad that it sounds like GM actually cares about what we want. And awesome news for the LNF guys. Looks like I might be trading in if the stage kits are as good as he makes them sound. I really hope they do the Cruze SS the right way if they make one.

OP, do you have a copy of the email you sent to them so we can see it?

*Starts Chanting* Stage Kits Stage Kits Stage Kits Stage Kits!!!!!

good post, nice research as always :)

They dont hate us its that our engine is now defunct and why would they exert any energy to us, when they have the newer LNF platform. .02

No, they do hate us. They gave us an engine that likes to try to kill itself and then they went with the turbo hype and put an engine from the 2 seater turbo cars to appease people. Needless to say, haven't you seen the influx of people on these forums lately? From people who think they're high and mighty, to total douche bags, to idiots, all because GM slapped a turbo on a car. I like that the cobalts are getting respect now, but I dunno, the community of people its reaching out to now has totally changed...and I dunno, kinda sickens me.

chill out....dam

No, they do hate us. They gave us an engine that likes to try to kill itself and then they went with the turbo hype and put an engine from the 2 seater turbo cars to appease people. Needless to say, haven't you seen the influx of people on these forums lately? From people who think they're high and mighty, to total douche bags, to idiots, all because GM slapped a turbo on a car. I like that the cobalts are getting respect now, but I dunno, the community of people its reaching out to now has totally changed...and I dunno, kinda sickens me.

They didn't "slap a turbo on a car". They upgraded to a significantly more powerful engine, upgraded the suspension, steering, and brakes, amongst other performance upgrades. All of which resulted in a faster and more nimble car. And all for about the same price. How could you expect that not to attract attention.

Yes, it attracted a few douchebags. But there are douchebags on this forum that have been members since long before the TC was announced. No change. The fact is, the majority of old and new members are nice respectful people who all (well almost all) love chevy and the cobalt. Don't let a few vocal idiots get you down.

I'm glad that you love your car. You should. It's a great ride. Enjoy it and don't get so worked up about everything.

...Just my opinon.

They didn't "slap a turbo on a car". They upgraded to a significantly more powerful engine, upgraded the suspension, steering, and brakes, amongst other performance upgrades. All of which resulted in a faster and more nimble car. And all for about the same price. How could you expect that not to attract attention.

Yes, it attracted a few douchebags. But there are douchebags on this forum that have been members since long before the TC was announced. No change. The fact is, the majority of old and new members are nice respectful people who all (well almost all) love chevy and the cobalt. Don't let a few vocal idiots get you down.

I'm glad that you love your car. You should. It's a great ride. Enjoy it and don't get so worked up about everything.

...Just my opinon.

I know, it was a figure of speech with the 'slap a turbo on a car' thing. The LNF is a great engine that has proved itself over and over. I dunno if steering was upgraded, I think they're the same. Suspension slighty and brakes definitely.

I do love my sc, but it get increasingly hard with the numerous people telling me my car is shit because it doesn't have a snail on it, and the people who are supposed to be part of the same community as me, are constantly telling me that my car is incredibly inferior to theirs, which is not true. it gets hard, but whatever, I was just stating what I believe to be true. I feel that are way more of those people who I listed here now then there have ever been here.

I know, it was a figure of speech with the 'slap a turbo on a car' thing. The LNF is a great engine that has proved itself over and over. I dunno if steering was upgraded, I think they're the same. Suspension slighty and brakes definitely.

I do love my sc, but it get increasingly hard with the numerous people telling me my car is shit because it doesn't have a snail on it, and the people who are supposed to be part of the same community as me, are constantly telling me that my car is incredibly inferior to theirs, which is not true. it gets hard, but whatever, I was just stating what I believe to be true. I feel that are way more of those people who I listed here now then there have ever been here.

Oh I know the steering was upgraded! I don't have to make a 90 point turn on a normal every day street just to turn around any more.:lol:

Nice nice....well, let's see what comes out of this. :)

OP, do you have a copy of the email you sent to them so we can see it?

x3 ??

x3 ??

rallyracer email to RR at GM:

Hey RR (edit),

It's rallyracer (edit) for the Cobalt SS meet you attended last year. I just thought check in and see if you had any new and exciting news for me to share with the Cobalt SS community.

Over the past few months rumors have been going around the net stating that the Chevy Cruze is next in line to take over the Cobalt. I'm not emailing you to try to get you to spill any info out but I thought Id pass along some ideas that myself and other cobaltss.net members have had for a Cruze SS (If one were to be produced).

First Id like to say that you guys (GM Performance) did a great job on the Cobalt SS Turbocharged. The Supercharged version (what I drive) was and is a great car but I there is just something about the Turbocharged car....lets just say the Cobalt SS now has achieved a lot of respect from the automotive magazines and automotive communities around the world.

On to the next generation...I think its time to kick it in gear. Ford is working a Focus RS and Mazda is workings and its next generation speed 3 and I wouldn't be surprised to see these companies going after your Ring time of 8:22. Yeah Renault's MéganeRS R26.R now holds the new FWD record with a time of 8:16.90 but that was a stripped down track ready car. Now Im not saying I wouldn't buy a stripped down track ready Cruze SS but I'm sure the majority of the market would prefer a car with a backseat and no roll cage (how lame, haha). Please don't the the competition stomp on the Chevy's FWD glory.

I put a list together of ideas we (cobaltss.net members) have come up with for the Cruze SS:

* Offer the car in a coupe
* A more common lug bolt patter (5x114 would be nice) ...5x110 is horrible for aftermarket wheels.
* Projector HID headlights
* LED taillights
* More aggressive seating with harness holes (Sit in a Evo or STi and you'll know what I'm talking about)
* Light weight wheel stock
* Blacked out headlights or color matched (similar to the Vette), enough with the all chrome.
* Car colors should include (Cyber Gray Metallic and white as well as your usual colors)
* Brembo Brakes are a must
* LSD is a must
* A lap time faster than 8:22 around the ring (Time to beat your old record)
* Brake duck cooling holes incorporated into the front splitter or bumper
* Do something about that huge Chevy bow tie up front (paint it black or color match it)
* keyless ignition system
* Manual please (no paddle shifting)
* HUD - heads up display (something similar to the Corvette)
* RPD incorporated into the dash
* Aggressive seats (as stated above) but still heated
* Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Offer spoiler options again (low rise, high rise or deleted)
* Use LNF engine with GMPP Stage 1 as stock (unless you have something else special in the works)
* Offer something similar to Solstice Z0K package available for us racers


One of our css.net members has crated a Cruze SS coupe design.

Many members have said that if you were to build a Cruze SS that resembles this car that they'd trade in immediately.

Image created by SilverSS/SC (cobaltss.net member)
http://cobaltss.net/gallery/files/2/4/3/5/white_copy_878678.jpg



Here's an example of seating we'd like to see.
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8562/seatingwa0.jpg


Last but not least, If you build this car, picture Jeremy Clarkson driving it around the Top Gear test track, and all the things he will hate about it, and eliminate those faults. Give this serious thought. Put him in a situation where he will be forced to admit that you've built a damn good car, much like he was with the ZR1


Here's a link to the thread where we discussed the topic. Please view the poll at the top of the page.
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=140868


Thanks again for your time,
-rallyracer (edit) and the rest of the cobaltss.net members.

And RR's response forwarded to upper Management:

I have attached an E-mail, that I received last night, from an enthusiast group centered around the CobaltSS.net website. I met a number of the members at a dealer-sponsored program that B (edit), BD (edit) and I attended. GMPD has received quite a bit of positive attention coming out of the program (particularly through the enthusiast blogs). the website, as you may know, is interlinked with numerous other "tuner" type blog activities/sites and has a fairly high residual subscription base.

The E-mail is a direct injection of the enthusiasm around the Cobalt SS (and proposed Cruze) platforms. I think the information provides a good cross-section of the "mods" and considerations the youth -based demographic has relative to the GM product line.

I would be interested in hearing any feedback that you have to share. Obviously, with the current economic issues, many of the platforms have been placed on hold. I hope that the included information and enthusiast-generated poll are useful. I figured you could cascade to your team and B (edit) (if he is still "the guy") as you see fit.

Let me know what you think,

RR

stage kit(s) FTW
GM Stage 1 is over a grand for the Turbos....Too much mo-nay for that. But it bumps the power up nicely.

GM Stage 1 is over a grand for the Turbos....Too much mo-nay for that. But it bumps the power up nicely.

1k for a warrantied 55 hp boost seems like a pretty good deal to me.

Oh I know the steering was upgraded! I don't have to make a 90 point turn on a normal every day street just to turn around any more.:lol:

What? You had to do that to turn around? I'm sorry, I have yet to have a problem turning around on an everyday street. No suspension upgrades.

But bottom line, my point is proven.

What? You had to do that to turn around? I'm sorry, I have yet to have a problem turning around on an everyday street. No suspension upgrades.

But bottom line, my point is proven.

I had an 06 SS/SC and it was horrible with making a u-turn anywhere. They may have changed it in 07 but not sure. I don't know anything for fact, it is seem if the radius is changed to allow for more movement.

I had an 06 SS/SC and it was horrible with making a u-turn anywhere. They may have changed it in 07 but not sure. I don't know anything for fact, it is seem if the radius is changed to allow for more movement.


Nope, it didn't change in '07... It still sucked a shitty ass crack.

That's good though if you are noticing a change in the newer models :D

Give me this:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_467/car_photo_233985_7.jpg

Or even just the regular VXR

http://www.carpages.co.uk/vauxhall/vauxhall_images/vauxhall_astra_vxr_16_04_05.jpg

Either one of those would be AWESOME.

engine and trans swap, and upgraded suspension and u got urself something even better :D. yeah surprised sinced the ion redline was dropped that they didnt do a RL version of this. LNF, stiffer springs and shocks. some brembo's and ur done.

I know it wasn't a scholar email and I did miss type of few words but I was a bit excited up while typing it up...If I would have known my email was going to be passed on to upper management at GMPD I would have double check it...Damn it me :)

engine and trans swap, and upgraded suspension and u got urself something even better :D. yeah surprised sinced the ion redline was dropped that they didnt do a RL version of this. LNF, stiffer springs and shocks. some brembo's and ur done.

The thing is, I want something that comes off the lot the way I want it. I auto-x and road race, there are too many rules and restrictions (more auto-x but still) on what can and can't be done and what class you go into...I need a car that comes ready to perform right from the factory.

The thing is, I want something that comes off the lot the way I want it. I auto-x and road race, there are too many rules and restrictions (more auto-x but still) on what can and can't be done and what class you go into...I need a car that comes ready to perform right from the factory.

We need like a COPO Cobalt in other words:lol:

Are you wanting something like what dodge did with the acr?

Are you wanting something like what dodge did with the acr?

Id rather have something more similar to the ZOK Solstice (Road race ready car) :)

We need like a COPO Cobalt in other words:lol:

Are you wanting something like what dodge did with the acr?

We were talking about the Astra? People were talking about "Well you can buy it, then rip everything out of it and make it this instead of getting a fast factory car."

:lol: ACR. Maybe if it wasn't poop. The Cobalt was a very stout car from the factory. Head and shoulders above the SRT-4 and even has an edge on the ACR package.

More like this
|
|
|
v

Id rather have something more similar to the ZOK Solstice (Road race ready car) :)

stage kit!

Redline Astra Damnit>>

I know, it was a figure of speech with the 'slap a turbo on a car' thing. The LNF is a great engine that has proved itself over and over. I dunno if steering was upgraded, I think they're the same. Suspension slighty and brakes definitely.

I do love my sc, but it get increasingly hard with the numerous people telling me my car is shit because it doesn't have a snail on it, and the people who are supposed to be part of the same community as me, are constantly telling me that my car is incredibly inferior to theirs, which is not true. it gets hard, but whatever, I was just stating what I believe to be true. I feel that are way more of those people who I listed here now then there have ever been here.

well welcome to the 2.4 world. i was 17 when i bought the car and didnt have parents who could afford to buy me a car so all i could afford was the 2.4. i constantly get asked "is it supercharged?!?!" and then when i say no, its like "oh well take a dump on that then" and this is from FELLOW SITE MEMBERS sometimes so dont even pretend like you have it so rough off, id love to have your car.

I <3 Gm

:)

They sure are...the pic was attached and linked.

link to said pic or is that something that goes through pm's

^ here you go

http://cobaltss.net/gallery/files/2/4/3/5/white_copy_878678.jpg

stage kits?! *drools*

I like the Cruze SS in that pick.

You know, I just read this thread.. I have to say, it's nice to see members of a community getting in contact with people who work in the auto industry.

The only way you're gonna sell more is.. well.. to offer what people want!

The thing is, I want something that comes off the lot the way I want it. I auto-x and road race, there are too many rules and restrictions (more auto-x but still) on what can and can't be done and what class you go into...I need a car that comes ready to perform right from the factory.

You realize that the SS/SC is the current T3 AND 2007 SSC road racing champion, and the SS/TC is already considered a big threat for the 2009 T2 season?

What do you want/what do you want removed that you think would make you more competitive in the current class?

^ here you go

http://cobaltss.net/gallery/files/2/4/3/5/white_copy_878678.jpg


If they would just make cars that looked like that instead of making sketches GM would sell so much more than what they do. That car looks amazing. GM needs to be a bit more bold.

If they would just make cars that looked like that instead of making sketches GM would sell so much more than what they do. That car looks amazing. GM needs to be a bit more bold.

GM doesnt need to sell more......they just need to have less overhead and for people to start buying cars again.

GM doesnt need to sell more......they just need to have less overhead and for people to start buying cars again.

like getting rid of those unions?

like getting rid of those unions?

Everybody is soooo quick to jump on the Unions back......Those unions and GMs willingness to pay the excellent wages that they did for 50+plus years are one of the biggest reasons this country has a working middle class.



But yes, its union worker legacy costs that are sucking a large portion of every dollar GM earns

Everybody is soooo quick to jump on the Unions back......Those unions and GMs willingness to pay the excellent wages that they did for 50+plus years are one of the biggest reasons this country has a working middle class.



But yes, its union worker legacy costs that are sucking a large portion of every dollar GM earns

Unions had their time and place and did a great job for many people. However in the 21st century, unions are hurting the economy/public. Its time for a change. Change is good.

Think of it this way......Unions are the SS/SC.......its time for change, its time for the SS/TC (no union) lol





The stage kits should be fantastic for the SS/TC. You guys should be glad there are factory supported mods. It really is a great BONUS.

The Cruze looks decent. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

subscribed

well im a union worker and i drive an ss/sc. match made in heaven. or something

You realize that the SS/SC is the current T3 AND 2007 SSC road racing champion, and the SS/TC is already considered a big threat for the 2009 T2 season?

What do you want/what do you want removed that you think would make you more competitive in the current class?

Was referring to the Astra. The person who quoted me was talking about doing all kinds of work to a car to make it better. I just meant I'd rather see a car like the high end Astra from Europe rather than a castrated version like we got. OR a stock SC or TC. I want something I can run in stock class that's a contender out of the box, like the SS Cobalts. Hence why I'm hoping they do something respectable with the Cruze.

im not much of a cruze fan but not my call :(

ss/tc ftw..........fuck the cruze it looks like crap and its a 1.8L turbo if im not mistaken ftl

and its a 1.8L turbo if im not mistaken ftl

Do you honestly think thats what a SS Cruze would have? :lol: The Cobalt also come with less powerful engines too.

...I wouldnt be surprise to see a re worked LNF engine inside of it.

ss/tc ftw..........fuck the cruze it looks like crap and its a 1.8L turbo if im not mistaken ftl

Youre mistaken , as of right now its a 1.4L turbo.

That may change though, with the new engine plant not being built yet, it wont be done in time for the Cruze launch, so we may see 1.8L 2H0's like the Astra gets(not likely as theyd need to be imported) or just the LAP like the Balt.

the simple fact is, adding power is kind of a silly way to go faster, it's easier to make the same power, and lose weight.

if the astra had the 2.2 from the base model cobalts, that thing would pick up a big set of nuts, same with the 2.4.

the biggest issue that i have with my car is that's it's so damn heavy. if i had the same motor in my 320i as i have in the cobalt, it would be a god damn rocket ship.

Because the Astra as it stands in the US B-L-O-W-S. I like the idea of a hatch and I don't mind the Astra, but if I'm plunking down hard earned money I want a performance model. Not the hope or vague promise of a performance model, the full balls-out performance model.

Exactly... throw the LNF into the Astra and it will murder all...

im not interested in a 138hp 1.8l slow ass civic fighter... i want somethin that will hold its own against EVO' and STI's...

the simple fact is, adding power is kind of a silly way to go faster, it's easier to make the same power, and lose weight.

if the astra had the 2.2 from the base model cobalts, that thing would pick up a big set of nuts, same with the 2.4.

the biggest issue that i have with my car is that's it's so damn heavy. if i had the same motor in my 320i as i have in the cobalt, it would be a god damn rocket ship.

You're out of your damn mind... the 2.2 balt is a joke too... it has 7 more hp than the Astra and .4 more liters.
It's almost half a liter bigger in displacement and has right around the same output.

they need to stick the LNF in the Astra.

as far as delta platform handling, i don't think it gets any better than the SS/TC

i wanna know why the stage kit in the balt is so much more impressive than the sky etc

Is there a separate thread for the 08-09 stage kits?

Is there a separate thread for the 08-09 stage kits?

Yep.


Here's one I found...
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146415&highlight=lnf+stage+kit

good stuff, thanks for the info rallyracer. i have some opinions for R.R. on saturn and the astra. if he'd be interested, i can send them through you so you don't have to disclose his addy.

i have an astra 3-door XR, so if anyone has any questions about it i'll be happy to answer them. and if anyone in the STL area wants to see exactly how well it handles, hit me up and we can take it out and beat on it some. :D don't get me wrong, if i had to choose i would keep the cobalt. but, driving a slow car quickly offers its own unique satisfaction.

is it a better built car than the cobalt? if by "built" you mean the perception of a better built car, then oh yeah. materials, fit and finish and tactile feedback are all top notch for a car in this class. if by "built" you mean the actual work done in assembly, no. among other minor issues, my car has the same slightly mis-fitted driver's side a-pillar trim that you can see in the car that dennis quaid drives in vantage point. i bet no one else here noticed that! :D

as far as modability, if by modding you mean the ability to buy pre-packaged goodies, then yeah there are few choices for the 1.8 (in this country). its still an ecotec, though, and an iron block, forged internals and commonality are big plusses. so, IMO, it's very moddable.

is it over-priced? no. is it over-priced "for a saturn"? i wouldn't argue with that. the main problem with saturn right now is that their current line-up alienates a large portion of their customer base due to the higher (and justifiably so) MSRP. if this investment in product had happened in the mid-90's when sales peaked, i don't think saturn would even be considered expendable as it seems to be now. and as a 4-time pontiac owner, i think pontiac should be dropped instead of saturn. sure, pontiac outsold saturn last year (267K to 188K) but i think pontiac is GMs biggest fleet seller and saturn lacked the ion which accounted for most if its fleet sales. i suspect the non-fleet sales numbers would be very close. factor in the shared R&D costs for saturn and opel and you have a much lower cost to develop new product since less differentiation is needed compared to developing a pontiac for our market. also, the only really competitive vehicle in pontiacs line-up is the G8 which could easily be re-grilled as a buick and called a grand national. it seems to me that the only reasons to ditch saturn in favor of pontiac is the relative ease in which saturn could be disentagled from GM and the belief that pontiac sales are necessary to keep the B-P-GMC dealers afloat.

/tangent (sorry!)