The Cobalt is built on the same "Delta" platform as the Saturn Ion (but with a steel unitbody rather than a steel spaceframe with plastic body panels) and will offer the same base 2.2 litre "Ecotec" four cylinder engine in base, LS and LT trim levels. A new 2.4 litre four cylinder powerplant with variable valve timing will be offered in Cobalt SS sedans and coupes, and a new supercharged 2.0 litre four cylinder engine will be available in Coupe SS models - the same engine soon to be offered in the Saturn Ion Red Lin Quad Coupe.

Compared to the current Cavalier, the Cobalt sedan is about two inches shorter in length, about the same width, and with a slightly shorter wheelbase.

The Cobalt will offer a standard 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, CD player, driver information centre, dual stage front airbags, and electric rear defogger. Options will include a four-speed automatic transmission, side curtain airbags, heated leather seats, power sunroof, MP3 playback and OnStar. Base and LS models will offer standard 15 inch tires and wheels, LT models will have 16 inch tires, SS models 17 inch, and SS Supercharged 18 inch tires and alloy wheels.

New engine choices
The Cobalt's standard "Ecotec" 2.2-litre engine offers 140 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque - the same as in the current Cavalier. A new "Ecotec" 2.4 litre four cylinder engine, with its larger displacement and new variable valve timing, produces 170 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and one of the highest torque ratings in its class: an estimated 170 pound feet at 4400 rpm.

Both the 2.2-litre and 2.4-litre engines feature aluminum block and cylinder heads, dual overhead camshafts, counter rotating balance shafts, roller finger follower valve lifters, chain driven camshafts, electronic throttle control, coil-on-plug ignition, GM Oil Life System and extended life spark plugs and coolant.

The 2.4 litre engine's new VVT system uses electronically controlled hydraulic camshaft phasers to alter the relationship of the intake and exhaust camshafts as much as 50 degrees relative to the crankshaft for improved performance and efficiency.

Transmission choices are a standard Getrag five-speed manual or optional Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. The Cobalt isn't offered with the new 5-speed automatic transmission available in the Saturn Ion.

Horsepower and torque ratings for the 2.0 litre supercharged engine are to be announced later.

Improved crashworthiness, noise reduction
The Cobalt's new "Delta" platform offers increased body rigidity, structural integrity, and crashworthiness, according to Doug Parks, Cobalt Chief Engineer. "The Delta architecture provides a solid foundation for a great small car. With Cobalt, we focused on every detail. By selecting the right components and aggressively working on excellent ride and handling characteristics and noise reduction, we've engineered a small car with a truly premium feel."

The Cobalt features a strut-type front suspension, semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension, electro-hydraulic power steering, and a tight turning radius of 34.8 feet (10.6 meters) curb to curb. Brakes are standard front disc/rear drum. Anti-lock brakes are optional on base models and standard on LS, LT and SS models. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on SS models. The Cobalt will also be offered with traction control.

Lori Queen, GM vehicle line executive for small cars, said the Cobalt will offer a driving experience not expected in the small car segment. "The Cobalt achieves a new level of small car refinement, quality and performance," she said. "With its great looks and outstanding performance, Cobalt is just plain fun to drive."

Pricing will be announced in late summer, 2004.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt - Preliminary Specifications