Chevrolet Cobalt

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Chevrolet Cobalt<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Chevrolot-Cobalt-sedan.jpg</tr> <tr><th>Also called:<td>Pontiac G5</tr>
Manufacturer:	General Motors<tr><th>Production:<td>2005–</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Chevrolet Cavalier Chevrolet Prizm</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Compact</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>2-door coupe 4-door sedan</tr><tr><th>Platform:<td>FF Delta</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>2.2L 145 hp I4 2.4L 171 hp I4 2.0L 205 hp I4</tr><tr><th>Transmission:<td>4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive</tr><tr><th>Wheelbase:<td>103.30 in.</tr><tr><th>Length:<td>180.5 in. (coupe) 180.3 in. (sedan)</tr><tr><th>Width:<td>67.9 in.</tr><tr><th>Height:<td>57.1 in.</tr><tr><th>Fuel capacity:<td>13 gal.</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Chevrolet HHR Saturn ION Pontiac G5</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Ford Focus Hyundai Elantra Toyota Corolla</tr>

The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced the Cavalier as Chevrolet's compact car. The Cobalt is intended to compete with Japanese cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

It is available as both a coupe and sedan and is based upon the GM Delta platform, along with the Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac G5, Saturn ION, and European Opel Astra. All Cobalts are manufactured at GM's Lordstown Assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

Although the EPA lists the Cobalt as a subcompact, the Cobalt is still a compact car.

1 Specifications
2 Changes by Model Year
3 Performance
4 Reviews
5 Racing
6 External links

[edit] Specifications

The front suspension is independent with MacPherson struts, while a semi-independent torsion bar is used in the rear. The wheelbase is 103.3 in (262.4 cm), longer than its competitors, and the width is 68.4 in (173.8 cm). Weight is high at 2808-2989 lb (1273-1355 kg), and best EPA fuel economy is 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway (9.4/6.9 L/100 km). The car is notable for its use of electrical power steering, rather than the conventional hydraulic system. It is built at the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

[edit] Changes by Model Year

2005

Introduction of Cobalt Coupe and Sedan

2006

A non-supercharged Cobalt SS is added to the lineup. This car is equipped with a 2.4 Ecotec naturally aspirated inline-4.

2007

Both Ecotec motors were retuned for more power while retaining the same fuel economy. The 2.2 Ecotec now is rated at 148 net horsepower. The 2.4 Ecotec now is rated at 175 net horsepower. Other changes include a new console, new steering wheel and new radio head unit that features an MP3 Aux-In port.

[edit] Performance

The cobalt is available with the SS performance package. There are two motor choices the naturally aspirated 2.4L I4 with VVT (171 BHP). Or the 2.0L Supercharged engine(205BHP). GM currently offers dealer installed performance upgrade packages called stage kits that are covered by factory warranty. Stage 1 consists of new injectors and a reprogram of the ECU, and yields up to a 30BHP improvement Stage 2 consists of new injectors and the same reprogram with a smaller serpentine belt and pully for the supercharger, producing a 40BHP improvement and 30FtLbs of torque Both stage kits increase the engine redline to 7000RPM.

[edit] Reviews

Although the Cobalt is considered light years ahead of the Cavalier, it is still under heavy fire because of numb electric steering and relatively boring interior design. Another major complaint was the relatively high body roll. However it is still rated higher than its cousin car, the Saturn Ion Quad Coupe.

Engines:

Years	Engine	Power	Torque
2005–2006	2.2 L Ecotec L61 I4	145 hp (108 kW)	155 ft·lbf (210 N·m)
2007-	2.2 L Ecotec L61 I4	148 hp (108 kW)	155 ft·lbf (210 N·m)
2005–	2.0 L Ecotec LSJ supercharged I4	205 hp (153 kW)	200 ft·lbf
2006	2.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4	171 hp (128 kW)	163 ft·lbf (221 N·m)
2007-	2.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4	175 hp (128 kW)	163 ft·lbf (221 N·m)

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS coupe

Chevrolet Cobalt LS sedan

Chevrolet Cobalt coupe

[edit] Racing

Chevrolet Cobalts are currently used in the Grand Am Cup Series. As of 13 September 2006, Chevrolet is in second place in the Sport Tourer class, behind Acura.