Cobalt SS Supercharged Wins Time Attack on 'Street Tuner Challenge'
10-06-2005, 03:58 PM
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Cobalt SS Supercharged Wins Time Attack on 'Street Tuner Challenge'
<img src="https://www.cobaltss.net/articles/ss62.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5">Besting a 600 HP Nissan Skyline and nitrous-charged Volkswagen Jetta
BUTTONWILLOW, California - Timing is everything, and the timing of the new Cobalt SS Supercharged's introduction couldn't be better. As Chevy's new sport compact performance car debuts in dealer showrooms, it already has a record-setting pedigree. Driver John Heinricy piloted a race-prepared Cobalt SS Supercharged on a challenging road course at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park, besting both the legendary Nissan Skyline and the new Volkswagen Jetta by more than seven seconds. The Cobalt SS, which is based on Chevy's new factory-built front-wheel-drive Super Sport, posted a time of 1:58 around Buttonwillow's #13 track configuration, which was fast enough to eclipse the marks set by the All-Wheel-Drive, twin-turbo Skyline (2:05) and the nitrous-charged Jetta (2:07).
"It was an absolute blast to run the Cobalt SS flat-out on the Buttonwillow track," said Heinricy, current SCCA driving champion and GM Performance Division's Director of High Performance Vehicle Operations. "GM Performance Division and the Powell Motorsports crew gave me a perfectly prepared car, and the Ecotec engine ran flawlessly."
A television crew from Speed Channel's Street Tuner Challenge was on hand to direct the day's competition at the track. The Street Tuner Challenge chose three vehicle makes representing North America (Chevrolet Cobalt SS), Europe (Volkswagen Jetta) and Asia (Nissan Skyline) and followed each team throughout a 13 week build competition. The Cobalt build team was comprised of engineers and designers from the GM Performance Division and Powell Motorsports, while the Nissan Skyline was built by XS Engineering and the Jetta was assembled by Autobahn Designs. The final time attack race served as the build completion and the culmination of Speed Channel's taping. For program times, please check Speed Channel's web site at http://www.speedtv.com.
The production Cobalt SS Supercharged has strong performance credentials in factory trim. Powered by a supercharged and intercooled 205-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and equipped with a tenacious suspension developed on Germany's famed Nurburgring race track, the production Cobalt SS Supercharged will bring more heat to the already red-hot sport compact segment.
GM Performance Division created the Cobalt SS for this time attack competition to demonstrate the ultimate capabilities of the four-cylinder, supercharged Ecotec engine and Chevy's new front-wheel-drive "tuner" car. The program was led by the GM Performance Division, in collaboration with Chevrolet, GM Powertrain, GM Performance Parts, and GM Design. Powell Motorsports, in Blackstock, Ontario, Canada provided vehicle preparation and logistical support for the successful assault on the time attack.
"The Cobalt SS surpassed every expectation we had going into this competition," said GM Performance Division Executive Director Mark Reuss. "We came to Buttonwillow to demonstrate the performance and reliability of the Ecotec engine on one of the most demanding tracks in the world. The Cobalt SS, driver John Heinricy, and the entire team performed to the highest standards. We're out here to be the best, and today we proved that Chevy and GM race to win."
Enthusiasts will be able to catch a live glimpse of the Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged this November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. It will also run on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 in Super Street magazine's Time Attack at Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged Specifications
Body/chassis structure: Uni-body
Body material: Two sided galvanized steel, carbon fiber doors, hood, decklid, rear wing, front splitter, roof
Chassis material: Two sided galvanized steel, carbon fiber roof
Suspension
Front: Macpherson strut, no front bar, increased spring rates, Ohlins adjustable struts
Rear: Twisting beam with adjustable sway bar, increased spring rate, Ohlins adjustable shocks
Wheels: 9.5 x 18, 9.5 x 17
Tire size
Front: 245 40 17
Rear: Same as front
Tire brand: Hoosier DOT
Brakes: 111.6 / 296 x 1.02 / 26; vented discs front 0.6 / 270 x .55 / 14; solid discs
Powertrain
Engine:
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged
With Stage 2 Kit: Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): 2000 cc
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 265 hp (SAE)
Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm) 270 lb-ft
Transmission: F35 5 spd mt with 4.45 final drive
Dimensions
Height (in / mm): 55.7
Length (in / mm): 180.3
Width (in / mm): 67.9
Wheelbase (in / mm): 103.3
Track
Front/rear (in / mm): 57.1/58.1 nominal
Weight (lbs / kg): 2300 lbs
CONTACT(S):
Jeff Holland
GM Western Regional Communications Manager
Phone: (805) 373-9748
E-mail: jeffrey.holland@gm.com
Official media.gm.com link;
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...=2&docid=19244
BUTTONWILLOW, California - Timing is everything, and the timing of the new Cobalt SS Supercharged's introduction couldn't be better. As Chevy's new sport compact performance car debuts in dealer showrooms, it already has a record-setting pedigree. Driver John Heinricy piloted a race-prepared Cobalt SS Supercharged on a challenging road course at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park, besting both the legendary Nissan Skyline and the new Volkswagen Jetta by more than seven seconds. The Cobalt SS, which is based on Chevy's new factory-built front-wheel-drive Super Sport, posted a time of 1:58 around Buttonwillow's #13 track configuration, which was fast enough to eclipse the marks set by the All-Wheel-Drive, twin-turbo Skyline (2:05) and the nitrous-charged Jetta (2:07).
"It was an absolute blast to run the Cobalt SS flat-out on the Buttonwillow track," said Heinricy, current SCCA driving champion and GM Performance Division's Director of High Performance Vehicle Operations. "GM Performance Division and the Powell Motorsports crew gave me a perfectly prepared car, and the Ecotec engine ran flawlessly."
A television crew from Speed Channel's Street Tuner Challenge was on hand to direct the day's competition at the track. The Street Tuner Challenge chose three vehicle makes representing North America (Chevrolet Cobalt SS), Europe (Volkswagen Jetta) and Asia (Nissan Skyline) and followed each team throughout a 13 week build competition. The Cobalt build team was comprised of engineers and designers from the GM Performance Division and Powell Motorsports, while the Nissan Skyline was built by XS Engineering and the Jetta was assembled by Autobahn Designs. The final time attack race served as the build completion and the culmination of Speed Channel's taping. For program times, please check Speed Channel's web site at http://www.speedtv.com.
The production Cobalt SS Supercharged has strong performance credentials in factory trim. Powered by a supercharged and intercooled 205-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and equipped with a tenacious suspension developed on Germany's famed Nurburgring race track, the production Cobalt SS Supercharged will bring more heat to the already red-hot sport compact segment.
GM Performance Division created the Cobalt SS for this time attack competition to demonstrate the ultimate capabilities of the four-cylinder, supercharged Ecotec engine and Chevy's new front-wheel-drive "tuner" car. The program was led by the GM Performance Division, in collaboration with Chevrolet, GM Powertrain, GM Performance Parts, and GM Design. Powell Motorsports, in Blackstock, Ontario, Canada provided vehicle preparation and logistical support for the successful assault on the time attack.
"The Cobalt SS surpassed every expectation we had going into this competition," said GM Performance Division Executive Director Mark Reuss. "We came to Buttonwillow to demonstrate the performance and reliability of the Ecotec engine on one of the most demanding tracks in the world. The Cobalt SS, driver John Heinricy, and the entire team performed to the highest standards. We're out here to be the best, and today we proved that Chevy and GM race to win."
Enthusiasts will be able to catch a live glimpse of the Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged this November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. It will also run on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 in Super Street magazine's Time Attack at Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged Specifications
Body/chassis structure: Uni-body
Body material: Two sided galvanized steel, carbon fiber doors, hood, decklid, rear wing, front splitter, roof
Chassis material: Two sided galvanized steel, carbon fiber roof
Suspension
Front: Macpherson strut, no front bar, increased spring rates, Ohlins adjustable struts
Rear: Twisting beam with adjustable sway bar, increased spring rate, Ohlins adjustable shocks
Wheels: 9.5 x 18, 9.5 x 17
Tire size
Front: 245 40 17
Rear: Same as front
Tire brand: Hoosier DOT
Brakes: 111.6 / 296 x 1.02 / 26; vented discs front 0.6 / 270 x .55 / 14; solid discs
Powertrain
Engine:
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged
With Stage 2 Kit: Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): 2000 cc
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 265 hp (SAE)
Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm) 270 lb-ft
Transmission: F35 5 spd mt with 4.45 final drive
Dimensions
Height (in / mm): 55.7
Length (in / mm): 180.3
Width (in / mm): 67.9
Wheelbase (in / mm): 103.3
Track
Front/rear (in / mm): 57.1/58.1 nominal
Weight (lbs / kg): 2300 lbs
CONTACT(S):
Jeff Holland
GM Western Regional Communications Manager
Phone: (805) 373-9748
E-mail: jeffrey.holland@gm.com
Official media.gm.com link;
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...=2&docid=19244
10-06-2005, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by brentil
Official media.gm.com link;
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...=2&docid=19244
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...=2&docid=19244
10-06-2005, 04:07 PM
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awesome ...most interesting thing to me was this
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged
With Stage 2 Kit: Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): 2000 cc
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 265 hp (SAE)
Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm) 270 lb-ft
give us a great idea of how much power the stage 2 will actually put down
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged
With Stage 2 Kit: Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): 2000 cc
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 265 hp (SAE)
Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm) 270 lb-ft
give us a great idea of how much power the stage 2 will actually put down
10-06-2005, 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by c7015
awesome ...most interesting thing to me was this
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged
With Stage 2 Kit: Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): 2000 cc
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 265 hp (SAE)
Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm) 270 lb-ft
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged
With Stage 2 Kit: Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley
Engine displacement (cu. in / cc): 2000 cc
Horsepower maximum (hp / kw): 265 hp (SAE)
Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm) 270 lb-ft
Edit: Wait a tick...I just noticed your info says you're in London. Are you an American living in London, or are you actually English? Cause if you're English, that seems a bit strange to me that you'd have a Chevy, as I was under the impression that all of Europe thinks American cars are crap.
Edit #2: OR, you live in a town somwhere in N. America named London...this one just came to me, heh.
10-06-2005, 04:08 PM
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the skyline was over 800 hp not 600
the cobalt made 235 when dyno tested , which i thought was pretty dam weak for a build up
it was great watching them cook the stock skyline , and get outta control in the stock VW , then nuke the VW they built up on a 50 shot
also the built skyline had a bearing problem so he had to slow up way before the corners
also the cobalt was a striped out race car , the VW and skyline had 2 or more seats , and alot more interior stuff
it was a great show , i laughed the whole time
the cobalt made 235 when dyno tested , which i thought was pretty dam weak for a build up
it was great watching them cook the stock skyline , and get outta control in the stock VW , then nuke the VW they built up on a 50 shot
also the built skyline had a bearing problem so he had to slow up way before the corners
also the cobalt was a striped out race car , the VW and skyline had 2 or more seats , and alot more interior stuff
it was a great show , i laughed the whole time
Impressive 
10-06-2005, 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 97cavie24ls
the cobalt made 235 when dyno tested , which i thought was pretty dam weak for a build up
I agree for a build up though on an LSJ 265HP isn't much compared to other GM prjoects. Were they just possibly trying to show the ability of what official parts GM will be selling by just using the Stage 2 kit? That would make sense marketing wise once the Stage 2 kit is finally released.
10-06-2005, 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 97cavie24ls
the skyline was over 800 hp not 600
the cobalt made 235 when dyno tested , which i thought was pretty dam weak for a build up
the cobalt made 235 when dyno tested , which i thought was pretty dam weak for a build up
10-06-2005, 07:08 PM
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I'm impressed one hand because its brand new car.
On the other hand, I'm not sure the car was built to the spirit of the rules they laid down. I also don't think it was totally fair to put a car prepared by an outfit that builds racecars on a regular basis, has experience building Cobalt SS racing cars, has full support from GM's small car division and its racecar engine building arm (Katech) vs basically a bunch of novices in XS and ABD who do NO PROFESSIONAL racing whatsoever.
I fault XS a bit by using a car with parts that are not easily found in short notice (fault wheel bearing). They could have built a Silvia clone based on a 240SX and found just about any replacement they needed right at the local Nissan dealer.
Its a lighter car with better ideal balance and could make 300-400hp easy. The Siliva is not only a good drifter but excellent time attack car and road racer because of its IRS rear supension and less heft than the Skyline which even using the R32 chassis tips the scales at around 2900lbs.
They should have known GM would have come loaded for bear and doesn't want to loose.
If GM really wanted to put down sick HP numbers, all they had to do was drop in a mildly detuned Ecotec drag motor in the car and it would easily been realiable, powerful and impressive.
They went for light weight and reliablity by going with basically a blueprinted engine and small pulley upgrade on the engine, combined with an free-flowing exhaust system.
I know Mike Kojima personally and while he's a proven club style road racer, he does not comparable to multi-time SCCA Runoff champion John Heinricy, who has also spent time behind the wheel of Pratt & Miller's Caddy CST-V World Challenge racecars and laps vs professional racers at a competitive winnable pace.
Especially when Mike has never turned laps in anything like that Skyline which had never turned a wheel in competition, when GM has feedback from about 3-4 Grand Am Cup cars to pull from.
Hmmm....
ABD was at a total disadvantage because of the automatic trans and the newest of the new for 2005 5 cylinder engine in the Jetta that has NO AFTERMARKET support whatsoever.
How does a car with a basically stock struts, Eibach Pro Kit Springs and street rubber be competitive with two cars on racing rubber and both sporting adjustable coilover suspensions?
In the final breakdown of this series its flawed, badly like alot of other new shows of this type, including "Pinks".
If they are going to pit tuner shops vs factory supported efforts they should have at least leveled the playing build somewhat by making GM build a streetable car with functional A/C, Interior and Stereo system.
Overall I enjoyed the series and I look forward to seeing a new IMPROVED show next time.
On the other hand, I'm not sure the car was built to the spirit of the rules they laid down. I also don't think it was totally fair to put a car prepared by an outfit that builds racecars on a regular basis, has experience building Cobalt SS racing cars, has full support from GM's small car division and its racecar engine building arm (Katech) vs basically a bunch of novices in XS and ABD who do NO PROFESSIONAL racing whatsoever.
I fault XS a bit by using a car with parts that are not easily found in short notice (fault wheel bearing). They could have built a Silvia clone based on a 240SX and found just about any replacement they needed right at the local Nissan dealer.
Its a lighter car with better ideal balance and could make 300-400hp easy. The Siliva is not only a good drifter but excellent time attack car and road racer because of its IRS rear supension and less heft than the Skyline which even using the R32 chassis tips the scales at around 2900lbs.
They should have known GM would have come loaded for bear and doesn't want to loose.
If GM really wanted to put down sick HP numbers, all they had to do was drop in a mildly detuned Ecotec drag motor in the car and it would easily been realiable, powerful and impressive.
They went for light weight and reliablity by going with basically a blueprinted engine and small pulley upgrade on the engine, combined with an free-flowing exhaust system.
I know Mike Kojima personally and while he's a proven club style road racer, he does not comparable to multi-time SCCA Runoff champion John Heinricy, who has also spent time behind the wheel of Pratt & Miller's Caddy CST-V World Challenge racecars and laps vs professional racers at a competitive winnable pace.
Especially when Mike has never turned laps in anything like that Skyline which had never turned a wheel in competition, when GM has feedback from about 3-4 Grand Am Cup cars to pull from.
Hmmm....
ABD was at a total disadvantage because of the automatic trans and the newest of the new for 2005 5 cylinder engine in the Jetta that has NO AFTERMARKET support whatsoever.
How does a car with a basically stock struts, Eibach Pro Kit Springs and street rubber be competitive with two cars on racing rubber and both sporting adjustable coilover suspensions?
In the final breakdown of this series its flawed, badly like alot of other new shows of this type, including "Pinks".
If they are going to pit tuner shops vs factory supported efforts they should have at least leveled the playing build somewhat by making GM build a streetable car with functional A/C, Interior and Stereo system.
Overall I enjoyed the series and I look forward to seeing a new IMPROVED show next time.
10-06-2005, 08:21 PM
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Don't forget to watch ^^ http://www.speedtv.com/programs/384/
10-06-2005, 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 2006ArrivalBlueSS
This is the same dyno that they originally got 189 hp from on the stock engine so I think these are good numbers fro just a pulley and larger injectors.
10-06-2005, 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by BullDog71ss
Yeah, very interesting. I wonder if those number may be underated as well??
Edit: Wait a tick...I just noticed your info says you're in London. Are you an American living in London, or are you actually English? Cause if you're English, that seems a bit strange to me that you'd have a Chevy, as I was under the impression that all of Europe thinks American cars are crap.
Edit #2: OR, you live in a town somwhere in N. America named London...this one just came to me, heh.
Edit: Wait a tick...I just noticed your info says you're in London. Are you an American living in London, or are you actually English? Cause if you're English, that seems a bit strange to me that you'd have a Chevy, as I was under the impression that all of Europe thinks American cars are crap.
Edit #2: OR, you live in a town somwhere in N. America named London...this one just came to me, heh.
.Permafried-
10-07-2005, 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by c7015
I want stage 2 ...and just think all that power with a 80 mm (3") pully ...think of the stg 2 with a 2.8" , it makes me giddy
10-07-2005, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Waylin22
I dont care what it costs, the stage 2 will be worth it, and it will be included with the factory warranty!
10-08-2005, 10:27 AM
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here is the SpeedTV article:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto...festyle/20047/
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto...festyle/20047/
10-08-2005, 04:21 PM
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if the stage two is only a pulley and injectors, then just putting a 2.8" pulley on is probably still safe, since GM is going to make the car run rich with the bigger injectors. And did they metion any computer up grades.