2008 Chevrolet Cobalt in Rockingham, NC - $5,199

Developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting high-performance vehicles, the performance-oriented Cobalt SS coupe is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features, including a distinctive, air dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps.

The front upper and lower grilles sport a SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance. SS-specific rockers and badging adorn the body sides, while a standard deck lid spoiler adds the requisite sporty touch to the rear of the car. The standard spoiler can be replaced with an optional high wing-style aero enhancement. Also at the rear is a prominent, bright-tip exhaust outlet.

Large, twin five-spoke 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and P225/40R18 Continental performance tires are standard, and are tailored with the specific body enhancements to give the Cobalt SS a lower, performance-oriented stance, while showing off the large Brembo front brake calipers.

Changes and enhancements for 2009: OnStar communications system; Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity; and iPod-compatible USB port in the radio.

Power for the SS is generated by a 2.0L Ecotec turbo-charged four-cylinder engine with direct injection. As the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family, gasoline injection technology helps the engine produce more power while maintaining lower fuel consumption. A GM Powertrain Sweden F35 five-speed manual is the standard gearbox. An automatic transmission is not offered.

GM's Delta chassis architecture provides the fundamental structural integrity that gives GMPD engineers the ability to fine-tune road feel with excellent ride and handling characteristics. An all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed for the SS. It includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning -- all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate torque steer.

Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track. The unique "no-lift shift" feature enables the Cobalt SS to achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller.

Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the Cobalt SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement. Three interior color combinations are available: ebony, light gray and victory red.

For 2009, the SS coupe is equipped with a reconfigurable performance display. It allows the driver to select from a variety of performance measurements to be recorded and displayed on an LCD screen, including 0-60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration, braking performance and cornering grip (g load).

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 103.3; overall length: 180.3; width: 67.9; height: 55.7 -- All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo -- 260 hp at 5,300 rpm and 260 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual.

EPA fuel economy: 22 city/30 highway.

Cargo capacity: 13.9 cubic feet.

Parts content by country of origin

Final assembly point: Lordstown, Ohio.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system, all-speed traction control, battery run-down protection, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitor, PASS-Key III Plus theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and fog lights.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS coupe starts from $23,425. Destination charges add $660.

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