TxLonghorn#1

Trim Levels
Base: LS
Mid-level: LT
Up-level: LTZ
Sport: Cobalt SS
Body Styles: Coupe, Sedan

Introduction
Introduced in 2005, the Cobalt was a dramatic improvement over it's predecessor, the Cavalier. It truly was a huge step forward for GM in the small car segment. As it's stands, the current Cobalt is a competent small car but with all the changes that have came about at GM over the past few years, GM could put forth a class leading effort at a compact. There is a lot of potential for appealing to the Gen Y youth market that Toyota has been trying to capture with it's Scion brand. The current model has done some of what it was intended to do however, and the SS Coupe in particular has met success with the youth market. Every model has it's place, but each brand has it's core pillar models. For the Chevrolet car lineup, the Cobalt is one of those pillars.

Volt-like styling is apparent on the Cobalt, and it's fitting given their close relations, both being based off of Delta II and being developed alongside each other. In this lineup, the SS in particular was a focus, because of it's importance in appealing to the market the Cobalt is intended. The positive attention given to the SS by it's target will have lasting effects for not only the whole Cobalt line, but for all of Chevrolet. Therefore stylistically Cobalt adds a lot of drama and excitement that's missing from the current generation. With a wide stance, the Cobalt is handsomely bold, and a complete departure from the laid back styling of the current model. A promising development for the Cobalt has been the introduction of the Civic and more recently, the Corolla. To many, the Corolla is unappealing and boring, while they find the Civic too polarizing. This segment's traditional class leaders Civic and Corolla haven't been particularly strong on the product side, and there's an opportunity for GM to gain some markets share here with a class leading entry. Because of the some missteps made by the competition, this is where GM's focus on style can reap huge benefits. As has been said before, style can be the differentiator. No doubt, it can do for the Cobalt what it has done for the 2008 Malibu.

The Cobalt stops the upward march in standard HP in it's lower trim levels, for reasons of economy. We've reached the point to where most all modern mainstream vehicles have more than enough HP. As such, LS and LT come with a standard 2.0L 150HP ECOTEC 4, an increase of only 2 HP from the previous generation. The higher end LTZ however adds 15HP, coming in at 165HP, still less then the current Sport model. And while Cobalt's lower trim levels may be holding the line on HP, the Cobalt SS makes a return to the lineup, with more power then ever. Truly a pocket rocket, the SS trim is available in both sedan and coupe body styles. Who says a Chevrolet 4-door compact sedan can't be fun? Not us! The $24,150 SS, is powered by a 2.0L 245HP High Output Turbo ECOTEC 4, with Direct Injection.

The Cobalt is currently being developed on the next generation Delta platform. Potentially the Cobalt may be released as 2010 model, however this is another Chevrolet vehicle that GM has placed a priority on getting out quickly so we may see this come as a 2009 model. So for our RIA feature, we've decided to go with the best scenario; a launch for the next generation Cobalt in late 2008.

Specifications Sheet
Vehicle Type: Compact FWD 4-Door Sedan and 2-Door Coupe
Size Comparison: Current Cobalt
Competitors: Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus (Cobalt SS): Mazdaspeed3, Honda Civic Si, Dodge Caliber SRT-4
Base Platform: Delta II
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD (SS)
Engines:
LS: 2.0L 150HP ECOTEC 4 - Starting at $15,250
LT: 2.0L 150HP ECOTEC 4 - Starting at $17,250
LTZ: 2.0L 165HP ECOTEC 4 w/DI - Starting at $20,450
SS: 2.0L 245HP ECOTEC HOT 4 w/DI - Starting at $24,150
Transmissions: 5-speed Manual (Standard: LS), 6 Speed Automatic (Standard: LT/LTZ/SS Optional: LS), 6-Speed Manual (Standard: SS, Optional: LT, LTZ)



Can anyone confirm if this is the "new look" for the Cobalt?

Co|3aLt $$

abolutely no freaking way.

DoubleLP

Won't happen for a couple of years yet....IF it happens. Looks good though!

3fo893013L

nice baby camaro. orginality I give it a 2..

lOwBaLt

if it is, then I will be keeping my balt.

Misery5567

Looks like a Cadillac and a G5 mated

mjesenovec

make the SS RWD...and this thing could be sick.

TxLonghorn#1

^X2...plus I kinda like the look of the coupe....kinda looks like a Saturn Sky from the front!

LE5CAV

Undecided, Need To See Some More Pics, But Its Kind Of Disappointing That There Going Do Drop 15 Hp In The Ss From The New Ss/tc, But In Any Case Htv All The Way

scottyguy401

I don't think they really will go with a awd cobalt like it says in the description of the 09 balt

JonyyB

Fake article that keeps coming up. NO SUCH THING

http://www.gminsidenews.com/naias/re...a/cobalt.shtml

This was a “vision/dram” sort of article written by a member of the GMI forums.