Keep both hands on the wheel
I enjoyed the accelerations delivered by the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. That said, it feels like a Saab 9-3 Turbo -- torque steer and all -- when you take off or sprint at low speeds. You have to keep both hands on the steering wheel, which reacts violently to the power transfer from the engine to the 18-inch wheels. The stress continuously shifts from one axle to the other, sending the steering wheel into a frenzy. (Just so you know, Honda has the same problem.)
Driving the Cobalt SS is not child's play: you have to remain focused in order to control the full 260 ponies. I love the "pssch" sound of the turbo when the throttle is released just before gearshifts.
Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in 6.2 seconds while passing maneuvers from 80 to 120 km/h take 5.3 seconds in third gear.
The five-speed manual transmission is great, offering short throws and appropriate gear ratios. You can hear the unit work closely with the clutch.
This one sticks!
Engineers concocted an all-new suspension for the Cobalt SS. The result is superb handling in corners. The car sticks to the road and does not suffer from negative understeer. While the P225/40ZR18 Continental summer tires help a lot, the calibration of the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars is a true testament to GM's expertise. Despite firmer settings, ride comfort is not particularly affected.
Braking performance is just as commendable. Fixed Brembo callipers allow stopping distances worthy of the finest sports cars. It took me 33 meters to stop from 100 to 0 km/h.
Affordable performance
With a base MSRP of $24,995, the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS offers very interesting value in terms of performance. Better than most of its direct competitors with regard to braking and handling, this compact requires the driver to master torque steer... and keep both hands on the wheel, something every good driver does anyway.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
I enjoyed the accelerations delivered by the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. That said, it feels like a Saab 9-3 Turbo -- torque steer and all -- when you take off or sprint at low speeds. You have to keep both hands on the steering wheel, which reacts violently to the power transfer from the engine to the 18-inch wheels. The stress continuously shifts from one axle to the other, sending the steering wheel into a frenzy. (Just so you know, Honda has the same problem.)
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| The driver has to remain focused in order to control the full 260 ponies. |
Driving the Cobalt SS is not child's play: you have to remain focused in order to control the full 260 ponies. I love the "pssch" sound of the turbo when the throttle is released just before gearshifts.
Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in 6.2 seconds while passing maneuvers from 80 to 120 km/h take 5.3 seconds in third gear.
The five-speed manual transmission is great, offering short throws and appropriate gear ratios. You can hear the unit work closely with the clutch.
This one sticks!
Engineers concocted an all-new suspension for the Cobalt SS. The result is superb handling in corners. The car sticks to the road and does not suffer from negative understeer. While the P225/40ZR18 Continental summer tires help a lot, the calibration of the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars is a true testament to GM's expertise. Despite firmer settings, ride comfort is not particularly affected.
Braking performance is just as commendable. Fixed Brembo callipers allow stopping distances worthy of the finest sports cars. It took me 33 meters to stop from 100 to 0 km/h.
Affordable performance
With a base MSRP of $24,995, the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS offers very interesting value in terms of performance. Better than most of its direct competitors with regard to braking and handling, this compact requires the driver to master torque steer... and keep both hands on the wheel, something every good driver does anyway.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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