2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Norcross GA

October 27, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
DriverSide Overview
The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS has been designed from the ground-up as a no-nonsense budget performance car and, for the most part, Chevy has hit its target. For a front-wheel drive car, the Cobalt SS is brutally fast on track, with ample power delivery, potent braking ability and a well-tuned performance chassis. Furthermore, common front-wheel drive issues such as torque steer and understeer have been kept to a minimum. For such a track-ready performance coupe, the Cobalt SS has managed to retain all the practicality of the base model. While the new Cobalt SS's styling has not grown in leaps and bounds the way its performance has, make no mistake about it - anyone looking for brawny, aggressive small car should look no further than this.








What's to Like
The Cobalt SS has solid turbocharged torque delivery and is nothing short of rampant above 4,000 rpm. The Brembo brakes are firm, with good pedal feel and excellent stopping power. Few options mean the base model is full of features and accessories.

What's Not to Like
The Cobalt's suspension is tuned for performance, so as a result it can be stiff and crashy over uneven surfaces. Rear legroom is cramped and not very adult-friendly. Price is somewhat high compared to the import competition.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Cobalt SS has been built as a driver's car from the ground up and it shows. The high-output turbocharged engine, which receives its full 260 lb-ft of torque at a very low 2,000 rpm, pulls harder and harder as it approaches the redline. Torque steer, a common problem in fast front-wheel drive cars, has been kept to a minimum by use of electronic traction control and revised front suspension geometry. The steering is direct and accurate for an electric system, but can be slightly vague on feedback at high speed. A clever "no-lift" up shift feature keeps the turbo on boil by allowing the driver to keep the throttle pinned to the floor while moving up through the gears.

Engine and Drivetrain
The Chevy Cobalt SS is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four which puts 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque down through the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. Currently, GM has no plans to offer an automatic transmission. The clutch is light and compliant, making it easy to get the car rolling from a standstill, but the gearbox is too soft on occasion. We'd prefer a shorter throw to go along with the track ready engine.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The Cobalt SS comes standard with plenty of performance-oriented features including a superb, fade-free Brembo brake system, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and both front and rear stability bars. Standard safety features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control and side-impact airbags.

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