Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Anyone driven a new Cobalt SS? « 1 2 »
  • June 11, 2010 8:25 a.m. chuckles New Reader

    I didn't want to hijack the "Drove a Speed 3" thread.

    I've found a new 2010 Cobalt turbo at what looks like a really good price. The dealership is 160 miles away. Has anyone driven both cars? I know about the styling and cheap interior and less utitlity and lower resale, etc. I just thought someone here might know whether the handling and the "punch" and the fun factor of the Chevy is competitive with the Speed 3.

    Many thanks.

  • June 11, 2010 8:47 a.m. klipless Reader

    As long as you're okay with the over-the-top boy-racer wing (if it has one), and the rental car interior, you'll find it's a pretty slick little car that can hold it's own against pricier machines (google 2008 lightning lap, beat S/C Elise, Evo, S2000, etc). It's also about as track ready as they come. You could literally drive it straight from the dealership to the nearest track and lap all day with out any issues. High-temp brake fluid might make for a firmer pedal, but it's not necessary.

    Btw, what's a "really good price" on this car these days?

  • 93celicaGT2

    June 11, 2010 8:50 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    Honestly, and this sounds shallow, if it wasn't a Chevy, i'd buy it over the MS3, hands down.

    It didn't feel like it was giving ANYTHING up to the MS3 when i drove it, and i prefered the handling.

    I just absolutely HATE the way it looks, unfortunately. That said, i also despise the new MS3.

    1992 Celica GT (FSP), 1993 Ford Escort GT (HS), 1990 Mazda MX6 GT Turbo (13.27@118mph)

  • EricM

    June 11, 2010 9:19 a.m. EricM Dork

    I was this >< close to starting this thread, and have actually looked for a Cobalt SS locally.

    alas, there are non local....

    http://crushedcones.blogspot.com

  • jlm_photo

    June 11, 2010 9:20 a.m. jlm_photo Reader

    I thought the 2010 Cobalt SS was Supercharged...not turbo. Correct me if I am wrong.

    Happiness is not around the corner. Happiness IS the corner.

  • 93celicaGT2

    June 11, 2010 9:21 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    jlm_photo wrote: I thought the 2010 Cobalt SS was Supercharged...not turbo. Correct me if I am wrong.

    You're wrong.

    1992 Celica GT (FSP), 1993 Ford Escort GT (HS), 1990 Mazda MX6 GT Turbo (13.27@118mph)

  • AutoXR

    June 11, 2010 9:23 a.m. AutoXR Reader

    I would buy it. I work @ GM in the Mkt dept for Extended warranty and look @ claims all day by vehicle and part. they are robust little machines.

    The pwoertrain warranty alone just screams "Track me like a whoore!"

  • June 11, 2010 9:23 a.m. chuckles New Reader

    klipless wrote: Btw, what's a "really good price" on this car these days?

    $21,641 advertised as "internet price" which I figure means there might be a little more to come off. Bound to be some factory rebate in there. I haven't talked to them or gotten serious yet. Thanks to all.

  • John Brown

    June 11, 2010 9:27 a.m. John Brown SuperDork

    IF I was given $20,000 to spend on a car and it had to be new I would pitch in the remainder for a CoSS no doubt.

    Internationally known as The Brown Stig

  • jlm_photo

    June 11, 2010 9:41 a.m. jlm_photo Reader

    93celicaGT2 wrote:
    jlm_photo wrote: I thought the 2010 Cobalt SS was Supercharged...not turbo. Correct me if I am wrong.

    You're wrong.

    Thanks, I don't know why I thought it was supercharged.

    Happiness is not around the corner. Happiness IS the corner.

  • June 11, 2010 9:43 a.m. z31maniac Dork

    So maybe I should go drive one of these as well.

    These have the same $500ish upgrade for hp/tq that the Sky Redline that keeps the factory warranty right?

  • P71

    June 11, 2010 9:44 a.m. P71 SuperDork

    The original Cobalt SS was supercharged. My dad has one. It's nice.

    Michael Pinto - GoKart / 93 Miata STS / 01 P71 Interceptor

  • Cotton

    June 11, 2010 9:53 a.m. Cotton HalfDork

    z31maniac wrote: So maybe I should go drive one of these as well. These have the same $500ish upgrade for hp/tq that the Sky Redline that keeps the factory warranty right?

    Yes, we had it installed on our Solstice GXP coupe. Made a big difference in seat of the pants feel, but a dyno comparison will come around September.

    Also this kit does not void the factory warranty. On the Solstice GXP it means an additional 30HP and 80 TQ!! Very nice.

  • EricM

    June 11, 2010 9:58 a.m. EricM Dork

    DAMN IT PEOPLE, I am NOT buying a new car this year.

    (google searches for 2009 Cobalt in my area..)

    http://crushedcones.blogspot.com

  • June 11, 2010 10:00 a.m. z31maniac Dork

    340lb/ft of torques in a FWD car is just insane. Granted you have the Solstice, but I'd imagine the upgrade is similar for the Cobalt.

    But like "celica", it's a Cobalt. Don't know if I could get past that.

  • Cotton

    June 11, 2010 10:25 a.m. Cotton HalfDork

    z31maniac wrote: 340lb/ft of torques in a FWD car is just insane. Granted you have the Solstice, but I'd imagine the upgrade is similar for the Cobalt. But like "celica", it's a Cobalt. Don't know if I could get past that.

    Looks like the Cobalt gets bumped up to 280/320 with the kit.

    The HHR gets 290/315

    Plus, you can add the factory catback and intake to get even more and keep your warranty.

    Some of you guys that worry so much about interiors would probably be horrified to learn that neither my 85 911 nor my 87 944 Turbo even have cup holders.....

  • 93celicaGT2

    June 11, 2010 10:27 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    Cotton wrote:
    z31maniac wrote: 340lb/ft of torques in a FWD car is just insane. Granted you have the Solstice, but I'd imagine the upgrade is similar for the Cobalt. But like "celica", it's a Cobalt. Don't know if I could get past that.

    Looks like the Cobalt gets bumped up to 280/320 with the kit.

    The HHR gets 290/315

    Plus, you can add the factory catback and intake to get even more and keep your warranty.

    Some of you guys that worry so much about interiors would probably be horrified to learn that neither my 85 911 nor my 87 944 Turbo even have cup holders.....

    Neither does the MX6, nor did the Escort until i messed with it.

    1992 Celica GT (FSP), 1993 Ford Escort GT (HS), 1990 Mazda MX6 GT Turbo (13.27@118mph)

  • June 11, 2010 10:29 a.m. z31maniac Dork

    Hmmm, how much are teh intake/exhaust good for?

    I noticed the Speed 3 has trouble getting the power down in 1st with sticky 225s, the Cobalt's going to need to some seriously wide, sticky tires to put down that kind of power.

  • Cotton

    June 11, 2010 10:34 a.m. Cotton HalfDork

    z31maniac wrote: Hmmm, how much are teh intake/exhaust good for? I noticed the Speed 3 has trouble getting the power down in 1st with sticky 225s, the Cobalt's going to need to some seriously wide, sticky tires to put down that kind of power.

    Not sure on those. We'll probably add them to the Solstice eventually, then dyno, but that could be awhile. I want to pick up the folding targa top for it first.

    The Solstice doesn't have any trouble getting the power down, but it's RWD. It launches a lot easier than my modded 944 Turbo.

  • June 11, 2010 11:14 a.m. chuckles New Reader

    Oh, Lord. They came off another $200. What have I done?

    What a great forum!

  • Vigo

    June 11, 2010 12:57 p.m. Vigo HalfDork

    340lb/ft of torques in a FWD car is just insane.

    Yes, yes it is.. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee

  • Cotton

    June 11, 2010 1:13 p.m. Cotton HalfDork

    just another interesting fact. The Cobalt SS apparently tops out at 160MPH stock.. Seems pretty impressive to me.

  • John Brown

    June 11, 2010 1:56 p.m. John Brown SuperDork

    For reference the base Cobalt is limited to 115mph stock.

    Internationally known as The Brown Stig

  • HiTempguy

    June 11, 2010 2:00 p.m. HiTempguy HalfDork

    z31maniac wrote: I noticed the Speed 3 has trouble getting the power down in 1st with sticky 225s

    Doesn't the speed 3 NOT have a limited slip, but instead has the lamesauce "traction control"?

    Rallying; It's like skydiving, except you have to dodge trees on your way down!

  • joey48442

    June 11, 2010 2:06 p.m. joey48442 SuperDork

    93celicaGT2 wrote:
    Cotton wrote:
    z31maniac wrote: 340lb/ft of torques in a FWD car is just insane. Granted you have the Solstice, but I'd imagine the upgrade is similar for the Cobalt. But like "celica", it's a Cobalt. Don't know if I could get past that.

    Looks like the Cobalt gets bumped up to 280/320 with the kit.

    The HHR gets 290/315

    Plus, you can add the factory catback and intake to get even more and keep your warranty.

    Some of you guys that worry so much about interiors would probably be horrified to learn that neither my 85 911 nor my 87 944 Turbo even have cup holders.....

    Neither does the MX6, nor did the Escort until i messed with it.

    Your escort didnt come with a cup holder?

    Joey

    Joey "all you are to me is talking ballast" Blatchford

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