No more Cobalt SS?
07-10-2004 | 10:22 PM
#12
Premium Member
Joined: 04-17-04
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Yeah the SS Coupe was the poster car for the whole Cobalt line at every car show this year (I love that paint by the way). You wouldn't think GM would completely axe it like that.
As for the 2.4 VVT, I really hope they keep it at least as an option for the Cobalt. The engine itself is not going anywhere as much as I can see, as it will serve as the base engine in the G6 and the only engine in the Solstice. The G6 will be introduced this fall ONLY with the 3.5L V6 however, and the 2.4 for the base models and 3.9 for the GTP's are supposed to arrive next spring or fall. Maybe the delay for the Cobalt will be the same as that for the G6.
As for the 2.4 VVT, I really hope they keep it at least as an option for the Cobalt. The engine itself is not going anywhere as much as I can see, as it will serve as the base engine in the G6 and the only engine in the Solstice. The G6 will be introduced this fall ONLY with the 3.5L V6 however, and the 2.4 for the base models and 3.9 for the GTP's are supposed to arrive next spring or fall. Maybe the delay for the Cobalt will be the same as that for the G6.
07-18-2004 | 04:56 PM
#14
New Member
Joined: 07-18-04
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
four months later not a year
http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...4&record=1 < link
Chevy's Compact Challenger: 2005 Cobalt to take on entry-level heavyweights
By ROGER HART
WITH THE UNVEILING OF CHEVROLETS Cobalt SS Supercharged (AW, April 5), it seems the company is getting serious about playing at the top of the sport compact class, heavily dominated by import brands. But what about the lower end of the segment? Chevy recently gave us a sneak peak at the upcoming Cobalt lineup, and despite the stiff challenge to best Toyota and Honda, among others, it is clear the General is not abandoning the entry-level portion of the compact class.
When Cobalts begin arriving at dealerships around Thanksgiving, two models will be available. The base model, powered by a 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine making 140 hp, will be joined by the aforementioned Cobalt SS Supercharged propelled by
a 205-hp 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder. About four months later the regular SS model arrives with a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine making 170 hp (the same engine that will power the Pontiac Solstice roadster). Initially, only sedans will be built, but plans call for coupes to follow shortly after the family haulers. The sedans and coupes will be identical from the A-pillar forward.
Several trim levels will be available on the Cobalt, with wheel sizes ranging from 15 inches on the base model to 18 inches on the SS Supercharged. With 17- and 18-inch wheel packages, four-wheel disc brakes will be standard. Base models will get front discs and rear drums. The bigger wheel and tire packages will sport stiffer monotube shocks. The seats on sport models will see more side bolstering, with color inserts in the seats, matching the exterior paint, optional.
Chevrolet is engineering Cobalt to be a couple of steps higher on the ladder than the car it replaces, the Cavalier, and one way to make that climb is to reduce cabin noise.
Polymer-coated pistons will cut noise at the source, while a large foam cover will insulate any other emanations from the Ecotec powerplant, with hydraulic engine mounts isolating the engine from the chassis. Laminated steel, so-called quiet steel because of its energy-absorption properties, will be used for the firewall. Engineers will double-seal all openings into the cabin and add foam insulation around the wheel wells.
Weve been fanatical about cutting down on noise, says Doug Parks, GMs small-car chief engineer. Anything you could think of was put on the table for us to talk about. And we havent been taking the cheapest way out.
One item that had the purchasing department asking questions was the cars alternator. With all the noise reductions, a standard alternator that had been used in other GM cars simply made too much racket, forcing engineers to find a quieter but more expensive unit.
No prices have been announced, but base Cobalts should be about where base Cavaliers are, in the $14,000 range, with the SS Supercharged model pushing $20,000, close to its supercharged sibling, the Saturn Ion Red Line. And only Pontiac dealers in Canada will get a Pontiac version of the car, called Pursuit, for our friends in the Great White North.
Chevy's Compact Challenger: 2005 Cobalt to take on entry-level heavyweights
By ROGER HART
WITH THE UNVEILING OF CHEVROLETS Cobalt SS Supercharged (AW, April 5), it seems the company is getting serious about playing at the top of the sport compact class, heavily dominated by import brands. But what about the lower end of the segment? Chevy recently gave us a sneak peak at the upcoming Cobalt lineup, and despite the stiff challenge to best Toyota and Honda, among others, it is clear the General is not abandoning the entry-level portion of the compact class.
When Cobalts begin arriving at dealerships around Thanksgiving, two models will be available. The base model, powered by a 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine making 140 hp, will be joined by the aforementioned Cobalt SS Supercharged propelled by
a 205-hp 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder. About four months later the regular SS model arrives with a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine making 170 hp (the same engine that will power the Pontiac Solstice roadster). Initially, only sedans will be built, but plans call for coupes to follow shortly after the family haulers. The sedans and coupes will be identical from the A-pillar forward.
Several trim levels will be available on the Cobalt, with wheel sizes ranging from 15 inches on the base model to 18 inches on the SS Supercharged. With 17- and 18-inch wheel packages, four-wheel disc brakes will be standard. Base models will get front discs and rear drums. The bigger wheel and tire packages will sport stiffer monotube shocks. The seats on sport models will see more side bolstering, with color inserts in the seats, matching the exterior paint, optional.
Chevrolet is engineering Cobalt to be a couple of steps higher on the ladder than the car it replaces, the Cavalier, and one way to make that climb is to reduce cabin noise.
Polymer-coated pistons will cut noise at the source, while a large foam cover will insulate any other emanations from the Ecotec powerplant, with hydraulic engine mounts isolating the engine from the chassis. Laminated steel, so-called quiet steel because of its energy-absorption properties, will be used for the firewall. Engineers will double-seal all openings into the cabin and add foam insulation around the wheel wells.
Weve been fanatical about cutting down on noise, says Doug Parks, GMs small-car chief engineer. Anything you could think of was put on the table for us to talk about. And we havent been taking the cheapest way out.
One item that had the purchasing department asking questions was the cars alternator. With all the noise reductions, a standard alternator that had been used in other GM cars simply made too much racket, forcing engineers to find a quieter but more expensive unit.
No prices have been announced, but base Cobalts should be about where base Cavaliers are, in the $14,000 range, with the SS Supercharged model pushing $20,000, close to its supercharged sibling, the Saturn Ion Red Line. And only Pontiac dealers in Canada will get a Pontiac version of the car, called Pursuit, for our friends in the Great White North.
