Anyone driven a new Cobalt SS?

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.

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?

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.

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

alas, there are non local....

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

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

You're wrong.

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!"

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.....

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.

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.

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.

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

What a great forum!

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

Yes, yes it is.. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee

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

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

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"?

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