According to Lori Queen, GM's vehicle line executive for small cars, Cobalt and Pursuit were ''created to deliver a driving experience not expected in the small car segment. These models achieve a new level of small car refinement, quality and performance," she said. ''With their great looks and outstanding performance, Cobalt and Pursuit will be just plain fun to drive.
 |
| "The sedan offers sophisticated appearance coupled with a higher seating position for a more commanding view of the road." (Photo: General Motors) |
In general, Queen said, that means ''a diverse selection of expressive body styles, refined interiors, race-inspired Ecotec four-cylinder engines, smooth-shifting transmissions, precision-tuned suspensions and dynamic wheels.''
Both models will come in sedan and coupe body styles, in a variety of body trim levels. While final Canadian details are still to be resolved for Cobalt and Pursuit, in the U.S. it means eight trim levels for Cobalt, with the sedan in base, LS, LT and SS, and the coupe in base, LS, SS and SS Supercharged.
Each distinct model will include a specific interior, powertrain, suspension and wheels, Queen explained, as well as a long list of standard and available features. Queen said U.S. pricing will be announced in late summer of 2004, and we can expect Canadian pricing about the same time.
Though Queen was unable to go into details about the Pursuit, she spoke widely about the Cobalt. ''The sedan offers sophisticated appearance coupled with a higher seating position for a more commanding view of the road,'' she explained. ''For the coupe, Chevrolet builds on the identity of North America's most aspirational sport coupe, the Corvette.''