SS-specific front and rear fascias, rocker moldings (similar to SS Supercharged) Standard four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS system Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires of torque (221 Nm)Īvailable Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission Highlights of the SS coupe and sedan models include:Ģ.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder with 171 horsepower (128 kw)* and 163 lb.-ft. The new SS sport compacts bring more options for attainable performance to the compact segment. Each model includes a specific interior, exterior appearance, wheels and tires, as well as a long list of standard and available features. (concept carz) Returning for '06 is the SS Supercharged coupe. It boils down to what matters most to you: all-out performance with some rough edges or a more refined package that offers very respectable performance.The Chevrolet Cobalt, launched in late 2004, expands its lineup in 2006 with the addition of SS coupe and sedan models, and revises the model strategy to now include the entry-level LS coupe and sedan, LT coupe and sedan, and the premium LTZ sedan. The SS may be faster and more powerful, but the Si offers a more refined and better overall driving experience. Offering the most power for the price doesn’t always mean you have the best deal. I’m still not ready to say I would throw down $22,000 of my hard-earned dough on this car. The 18-inch aluminum rims look good and also separate the SS from the rest of the Cobalt family. The bumpers differentiate the SS from run-of-the-mill Cobalts enough for enthusiasts to know the difference, but I bet the average Joe wouldn’t notice.
The SS could almost qualify for sleeper status if you lose the enormous wing, a move I would recommend for anyone who likes rear visibility. I like the Recaro seats, though a little more padding wouldn’t hurt. Most buyers in this segment are looking for bang-for-buck, and Chevy decided to put that bang under the hood, not around the driver. The interior of the Cobalt is where the car has drawn most of its criticism, but I don’t think the quality of the plastics is terribly important in the pocket-rocket class. The limited-slip does a great job of getting the power to the ground and minimizing wheelspin, but you can still get smoke off the inside tire in first gear. I was pleasantly surprised by how composed the car was through turns at speed, but the limitations of front-wheel drive are still noticeable. Suspension is firm enough to tear up the corners, but not too harsh for daily driving duties. The torque makes up for the lack of a sixth gear, and because there are only five gears you don’t need to deal with the mediocre shifter as frequently. Some have bemoaned the choice of a five-speed by Chevy, but it works well in this car. I never had a problem finding gears, and there were no missed shifts, but if you compare it to a Honda Civic Si, the Cobalt leaves you wanting for more feel. This time I kept my foot in it and lived with the roughness.
Last time ’round I would shift early to keep the engine in the smoothest rev range but missed out on the big power. The supercharger does give a healthy boost of power, though it does nothing to refine the wheezy four-banger. I put a lot more time behind the wheel with this tester than the last, both driving it hard in a variety of conditions and keeping my foot out of it for a while in town. Chevy came through, and I got my weekend in the SS. The hate mail poured in after my last romp with a supercharged Cobalt SS, so I begged Chevy to send another example our way in hopes of testing it over a weekend.
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