2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS review

Chevrolet Cobalt SS review:

The Cobalt debuted in December of 2003 and in 2005 in Detroit the Chevrolet presented the Cobalt SS Supercharged which is the high-performance model.

The Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe features a Ecotec 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The engine includes an Eaton M62 helical roots-type supercharger and features an air-to-water intercooler to reduce the temperature of air entering the engine. The supercharger produces a maximum boost pressure of 12 pounds per square inch (psi).

The Ecotec 2.0L SC is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 240-millimeter clutch assembly is larger on the 2.0-liter supercharged I-4 than the other naturally aspirated Ecotecs. The five-speed has close-ratio gearing that is tailored to the power band of the 2.0-liter engine. To improve acceleration the final drive ratio is also shorter at 4.05:1. A short-throw shifter quickens the shifts and provides a more positive feel as well. Equal length transmission half shafts are also utilized to address torque steer in this front-drive car.

The Cobalt's suspension tuning was refined at Germany's famous Nurburgring, one of the world's most challenging road courses with more than 170 turns over nearly 13 miles. As a result, the Coupe has increased diameter front and rear stabilizer bars, tuned suspension bushings, stiffened spring rates and larger dampers.

Other features for the SS Superchargedare: five-bolt wheel hubs, brake calipers, brake pads and wheels. Front disc rotors are 11.6 inches in diameter, which is approximately 1 inch larger than the rotors on standard Cobalt models, and hide behind 18-inch forged-steel alloy wheels.

The exterior styling of the Cobalt SS Supercharged complements the performance aspects of the car. The front fascia features a large, deep air inlet and the rear fascia has a cutout for the large, chromed exhaust tip. Along with revised rocker moldings, the enhanced bodywork of the SS Supercharged visually lowers the coupe 1 inch. Halogen fog lamps are also included. The Cobalt Supercharged SS comes standard with a unique, aggressive rear decklid spoiler.

The interior was also modified to complement the performance characteristics of the Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe. The accelerator pedal was redesigned to enable heel-and-toe driving to improve driver feedback and response. The interior also features titanium-faced speedometer, tachometer and gauges in the instrument cluster, and an A pillar-mounted boost gauge to monitor supercharger performance and front leather seats including color-keyed perforated inserts.