2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

2008 CHEVROLET COBALT: STREAMLINED MODEL LINEUP INCLUDES MORE SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES

With a broad range of models, offering a variety of well-equipped and sporty choices, the Chevy Cobalt continues to shine as one of the segment's most popular cars. The Cobalt enters the 2008 model year on the heels of a successful '07 model year, which introduced several significant enhancements, including more powerful Ecotec engines. For '08, the Cobalt builds on that powerful foundation with a streamlined model lineup and more standard safety and convenience equipment.

The '08 Cobalt lineup includes LS, LT and Sport models. The SS and SS Supercharged designations have been put on hiatus while the next generation of Cobalt high-performance's legacy is finalized. Also, the previous Sport Package is now the Performance Appearance Package and is available on 2LT models; it includes a rear spoiler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, stainless steel exhaust with chrome tips, fog lamps, white-face gauges, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob.

Cobalt's enhanced safety feature offerings include:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system standard on 2LT and Sport

• Traction control standard on all models equipped with an automatic transmission and optional ABS

• Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models

• Head-curtain side impact air bags standard on all models

• OnStar standard on 2LT and Sport; available on 1LT.

And for those who enjoy a broad range of radio selections, XM Satellite Radio is standard on all '08 Cobalts.

Strong foundation, expressive design
Cobalt features a strong foundation, rigid body structure, well-isolated chassis and low interior noise levels, thanks in part to the use of Quiet Steel laminated sheetmetal, a premium material not normally found on vehicles in the compact segment. The strong foundation also enhances occupant protection. Precise electric power steering, tuned to each tire/wheel combination, further contributes to the dynamic driving experience.

Available in coupe and sedan body styles, Cobalt features smooth and sleek exteriors with fast rooflines. Cobalt is smooth through the air, too, with a coefficient of drag of just 0.324 for both body styles. A myriad of subtle details, such as aircraft-style doors that integrate the door frames into the exterior surface for a tighter, flush fit, contribute to Cobalt's overall feeling of strength and solidity. Jewel-like headlamps and taillamps exude a premium appearance. The coupe features additional upscale cues, such as Corvette-inspired taillamps.

A sporty look for all models is achieved with a low-slung body and a curvaceous roofline – particularly in the coupe, which has tapered, reverse C-pillars that lead to Chevy's signature four round taillamps. Cobalt's other carefully executed design details include:

• Monochromatic details on all models, including door handles, bumpers, B-pillars (sedan) and roof molding for a more finished look

• Single-cavity headlamps with all forward lighting functions contained in the same unit (except foglamps)

• Different rear fascias for sedans and coupes creates distinction in lineup

• Chevy-signature horizontal grille bar and gold bowtie insignia

• Available stanchion-mounted rear spoiler

• Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on Sport

• Front wheelhouse liners with molded-in mud/stone guards for LS and LT models.

A new Chrome Exterior Package is available on LT sedan models and includes a chrome grille, bodyside moldings and door handles.

Cobalt's exterior color palette is revised for '08; Imperial Blue Metallic, Blue Flash Metallic and Slate Metallic are new, replacing Laser Blue Metallic, Sunburst Orange Metallic and Blue Granite Metallic.

Dynamic driving experience and safety

All Cobalt models feature a strut-type front suspension, semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars for more exact body roll control. Speed-sensitive electric power steering is tuned to match the performance levels of the various tire and suspension packages.

The Cobalt rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension. Front and rear stabilizer bars – uncommon features for compact cars in Cobalt's price range – are standard on all models. Suspension tuning for each model, including steering feel, spring rate and stabilizer bar diameter, is dialed in to provide distinct driving and handling characteristics. Two suspension settings are available:

FE1 suspension – standard on LS and LT models, it provides a smooth ride and includes a 19-mm front stabilizer bar and a 16-mm rear stabilizer bar.
FE3 suspension – standard and available only on Sport, it delivers a firmer, more direct ride and includes 22-mm front and rear stabilizer bars, four-wheel disc brakes, monotube shocks and 17-inch wheels and performance tires.
Cobalt's strut-type front suspension is compact yet provides long wheel travel, with 90 mm of compression travel and 87 mm of rebound, which is substantially more than most competitors and enhances overall ride and handling. Monotube rear shocks are used for a more precise road feel. L-shaped front control arms contain a forward pivot bushing, which transmits most of the cornering force, and a larger, high-damped composite rear elastomeric bushing that allows rearward movement to minimize harshness from road surface impacts. The front control arms are made from steel on the FE1 suspension and are aluminum on the FE3 suspension.

The direct-acting front stabilizer bar connects to each strut for precise steering response and improved cornering agility with decreased body roll. All front suspension components are mounted to a rigid cradle assembly comprised of four large hydroformed steel tubes and two side members that are integrally welded to front and rear cross members. The cradle is mounted to the Cobalt's space frame at four widely spaced points.

Cobalt's torsion beam rear suspension provides excellent ride and handling, while maximizing interior space. A hydraulic rear suspension bushing is employed on the FE1 suspension to improve the ride and suppress road noise. Rear wheel travel, at 126.5 mm in jounce and 68.5 mm in rebound, is longer than most vehicles in the segment.

Vented front disc brakes with single-piston calipers and composite rear drum brakes are standard on LS and LT. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on 2LT and optional on 1LT and LS. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on Sport. Cobalt also has a standard Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and ABS. ETS enhances traction by adjusting engine torque if wheel slip is detected.

The rigid body structure that lays the foundation of Cobalt's dynamic driving experience also reinforces occupant safety. In addition to the solid unibody structure, dual-stage frontal air bags are standard and side head curtain air bags are standard. Front seat belt pretensioners, rear center shoulder belts and the LATCH child seat retention system are also standard.

Cobalt's enhanced safety feature offerings include:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system standard on Sport models

• Traction control standard on all models equipped with automatic transmission and the available anti-lock braking system

• Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models

• OnStar standard on 2LT and Sport; available on 1LT

Continuous safety is provided by OnStar. OnStar-equipped Cobalt models feature OnStar digital equipment, which also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Únited States and Canada . Úsing the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allow drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

The OnStar service standard on the 2008 Cobalt includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

Additional security is provided by the standard PASS-Key III Plus theft-deterrent system, which prevents vehicle operation if the right key is not used. Remote keyless entry and power door locks (not available on LS) provide lockout prevention, delayed locking and programmable operation.

Ecotec power


Cobalt offers a pair of segment-leading powertrain combinations that deliver an invigorating balance of performance and efficiency. To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, Cobalt's 2.2L and 2.4L engines will receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. The 2.2L engine is rated at 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 152 lb.-ft. of torque (206 Nm).

All Cobalt engines are from the technically sophisticated Ecotec family. Each has distinct performance and hardware characteristics, but all share a basic all-aluminum architecture and construction that includes:

• Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder

• Twin counter-rotating balance shafts

• Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters

• Zero-maintenance chain camshaft drive

• Extremely compact dimensions and low mass

• Direct mounting of all accessories to the engine structure to eliminate common sources of noise, vibration and harshness

• Full circle transmission attachment is more rigid than most 4-cylinder powertrains, for reduced noise and vibration

• GM Oil Life System for optimum oil change frequency

• No routine maintenance apart from oil/oil filter changes

• Dual catalyst located close to the exhaust manifold to speed catalyst 'light-off' and reduce hydrocarbon emissions

• Innovative cast-in oil filter housing eliminates crawling under the car to perform oil changes. The design also eliminates throwaway oil-filter 'cans' that retain used oil and typically end up in landfills

Cobalt's standard transmission is a Getrag F23 five-speed manual, known for smooth shifting. Available is the Hydra-Matic 4T45 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Like the standard F23 manual transmission, the 4T45 is renowned for its smooth and durable operation. In the Cobalt, this transmission uses full perimeter fastening directly to the engine block and oil pan to increase driveline stiffness, resulting in reduced noise and vibration. The 4T45 uses the new Dexron VI fluid and is 'filled for life,' meaning there is no scheduled maintenance required for the transmission under normal operating conditions.

Interior refinement and comfort

Surprising amenities – such as an optional remote vehicle starter system (when an automatic transmission is ordered) – also lend an upscale feel to the Cobalt's interior, as many of the standard and available features aren't generally found within the vehicle's competitive set. The available factory-installed remote vehicle starter system is integrated with the remote keyless entry feature and allows the driver to get a head start on the car's interior heating and cooling from a range of up to 200 feet (61 m).

Additionally, Cobalt features plenty of interior comfort and flexibility, including easy access to the rear seat, 60/40 folding rear seats and interior access to the trunk area, as well as ample, versatile storage.

Available features include power sunroof, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack; seven-speaker Pioneer Premium Audio System and OnStar. Other interior highlights include:

• Height-adjustable three-spoke steering wheel

• Adjustable front head restraints

• Four cupholders in the center console; two for front-seat passengers, two for rear-seat passengers

• Pivoting center armrest has contoured top to facilitate easy, comfortable manual shifting; interior of console holds five CDs

• Numerous storage areas, including large, bin-like glove box

• Driver's foot rest

• Height-adjustable driver's seat

• Extensive applications of acoustic materials throughout

Cobalt interiors reflect a focus on ride comfort, with quality materials and stylish appointments throughout. The seats are designed to reflect the performance level of each model. Cloth bucket seats are standard on LS, while sport cloth seats with driver's lumbar adjuster are standard on LT and Sport. Leather-appointed heated seats with leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob are available on LT and Sport.

Changes and revisions to the Cobalt's interior trim for '08 include an all-ebony upper instrument panel and woodgrain trim on LT sedans with the neutral interior color.

Source - Chevrolet