***GM's RESPONSE*** Cruze SS
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 11-09-04
Posts: 9,440
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Oh, haha 
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.
OMG thats awesome 
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.
Last edited by rallyracer; Dec 1, 2008 at 02:35 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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 
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
Senior Member
Joined: 05-21-06
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 3
From: Gainesville, FL
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 *****-out performance model.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-08-05
Posts: 18,529
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
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
Senior Member
Joined: 05-21-06
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 3
From: Gainesville, FL
if you keep checking option boxes, it goes up to about 23.
well, ****, i can buy a 9-3 for that.
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?
OP, do you have a copy of the email you sent to them so we can see it?
Senior Member
Joined: 07-24-06
Posts: 7,856
Likes: 21
From: Matteson, Illinois
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.
New Member
Joined: 08-29-08
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-24-06
Posts: 7,856
Likes: 21
From: Matteson, Illinois
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.
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 do love my sc, but it get increasingly hard with the numerous people telling me my car is **** 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.
Senior Member
Joined: 10-25-05
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 3
From: Saginaw/Fort Worth, Texas
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 **** 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 do love my sc, but it get increasingly hard with the numerous people telling me my car is **** 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.
rallyracer email to RR at GM:
And RR's response forwarded to upper Management:
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)
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...opy_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.
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/2010-future-cruze-discussions-162/%2A%2A%2A-gm-performance-cruze-ss-%2A%2A%2A-what-would-u-like-see-140868/
Thanks again for your time,
-rallyracer (edit) and the rest of the cobaltss.net members.
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)
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...opy_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.
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/2010-future-cruze-discussions-162/%2A%2A%2A-gm-performance-cruze-ss-%2A%2A%2A-what-would-u-like-see-140868/
Thanks again for your time,
-rallyracer (edit) and the rest of the cobaltss.net members.
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
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
Member
Joined: 01-24-08
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Toronto. Canadia