05 Chevrolet Cobalt

[mikeyb]

For some reason i'm on GMs email list and I get updates on new GMs vehicles and the latest one was about the Cobalt. The Cobalt will be replacing the Cavalier and with use 3 motors 2.2l, 2.4l, and a supercharged 2.0l from the Saturn ION Redline.

http://www.chevrolet.com/cobalt/

 

[tonkabui]

still looks like a cav, although the rear looks better than the current crop. the front... i'm not too sure about. hope they improved the interior's quality, my gf's rattles like no tomorrow.

 

[mikeyb]

I would think the interior would be alot better then the current Cavalier which has been on the market since 95. The dash hasn't change at all. I had a 97 Z24 and its the some as the 95 and the 04s. I've seen the new Malibu and its interior is a big improvement over the old car's interior. I would think GM with do the same thing with the Cobalt. Did you see the interior pics? Leather seating as an option and yes there is still "some clunky plastic" but you will get that with any compact car. I think the Cobalt looks like a 99-02 Cougar in the rear and Civic/Accord on the sides. The headlamps look to be similar to the Malibus.

 

[PepiMartinez]

I think the Cobalt looks like a 99-02 Cougar in the rear and Civic/Accord on the sides.

I couldn't agree more... that was my first thought. Look at the wheels... they look exactly like the old coupe accord wheels. If you showed me that car from the side, I would tell you it's an Accord.

 

[mikeyb]

I think the coupe looks so much better then the Sedan. I just wonder if Chevy got the power output and handling right?

 

[pro5utah]

got to at least hand it to chevy for taking a stab at it all.....the 2.0l from the saturn is supposed to be a pretty decent engine....it puts out 200hp if i remember hearing right...i am personally a import fan when it comes to compacts though, they just seem to have the edge on styling......
just my .02

 

[mikeyb]

The Saturn Ion and Cobalt are based of an Opel plateform. The motor is related to the Saab 9-3 motor.

 

[MazdaDryvr]

well, I have to say that after 22 years the j-bodies needed to be retired. I had a 97 Sunfire 2.2 that treated me well but the design of the later models went from ugly to hideous. Cav's were even cheaper looking and feeling. As far as what I have seen of the Cobalt, the front is dopey looking and the rest is rather uninspiring. Perhaps they look better in person.

 

[scotthidley]

I saw it at the LA show. It looks pretty good. Though I think it looks more like the RSX, than the Cavalier.

 

[RAAZ227]

eehhh

 

[matallama]

Not too bad. Overall I think it's an improvement to most of their current cars, which are bland, uninspired, or awkward (or all three). I hate the current Chevy grill design with the annoying chrome cross-slat. They need to get over that.

 

[MazdaDryvr]

as far as ugly grills go, i think Nissan has the first prized there. The new sentra? ug

 

[mikeyb]

as far as ugly grills go, i think Nissan has the first prized there. The new sentra? ug

Nissan could of done something else with the grille. I'm just glad I bought an 03 Sentra SE-R. There is a few mesh grilles on the market for the 04.

 

[Dexter]

ill give it chevy for making a shitload of options.

 

[TURBO3WAGON]

I agree, I think Chevy is on the right track with the new Cobalt.

 

[2words]

looks like a cougar.

 

[mikeyb]

I wonder if Chevy will be offering a bodykit, exhaust, and wheels as options?

 

[mikeyb]

Cobalt offers three race-inspired Ecotec four-cylinder engines, one proven automatic transmission and two manual transmissions. The Ecotec family includes a standard 2.2-liter engine in the base, LS, and LT models; a new 2.4-liter engine standard in the SS coupe and sedan; and a 2.0-liter supercharged engine standard in the SS Supercharged coupe.
The Ecotec 2.2-liter engine delivers an estimated 140 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. The combination of increased displacement and variable valve timing technology enables the Ecotec 2.4-liter to achieve one of the highest torque ratings - an estimated 170 lb.-ft. - for a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder in the United States. The 2.4-liters 170 horsepower at 6000 rpm also is one of the highest specific-power outputs for any non-boosted four-cylinder of any size sold in the U.S., according to Wards 2003 market data.
The 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engines feature aluminum block and cylinder heads, counter rotating balance shafts, roller finger follower valve lifters, chain driven camshafts, electronic throttle control, coil-on-plug ignition, GM Oil Life System and extended life spark plugs and coolant.
With the new 2.4-liter engine, variable valve timing (VVT) is introduced to the Ecotec family. The new VVT system uses electronically controlled hydraulic camshaft phasers to alter the relationship of the intake and exhaust camshafts as much as 50 degrees relative to the crankshaft for improved performance and efficiency.
The Ecotec 2.2-liter is the foundation for GMs front-wheel-drive drag racing efforts. The race-prepared Ecotec engine, which produces more than 1,000 horsepower, powers GM Racings Chevrolet Cavalier in the NHRA front-wheel-drive Sport Compact class and has been a proven winner throughout 2003.
Mated to the Ecotec 2.2-liter engine in the Cobalt is a standard Getrag five-speed manual and available Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The compact and efficient five-speed manual features five synchronized forward gears and a synchronized reverse gear. The 4T45-E is engineered to deliver transparent shifts in a quiet and durable package. With the Cobalt SS Supercharged models 2.0-liter supercharged engine, a manual transmission tailored to its unique power bands is included.

Everyone is going to VVT?