GM Cancels Cobalt SS Supercharged

[Mr. Wyndham]

Chevy cancels Cobalt SS Supercharged for 2008



It's been a little while since we talked about the Cobalt SS Supercharged and maybe that's part of the problem. Although this sporty version of the econo-minded Cobalt and one step up from the non-blown Cobalt SS has won its share of accolades from sporting organizations and publications, it hasn't seemed to keep up with the vehicles at the head of the sporty compact class. We know that it is a competent performer, but it seems that GM has quietly decided to discontinue it. The naturally aspirated SS, however, will soldier on, but with a new name. For 2008, the Cobalt SS becomes the Cobalt Sport, and the Cobalt SS Supercharged is being dropped altogether. It could be that Chevy wants to focus more attention on the upcoming HHR SS we showed you a little while ago. Whatever the reasoning, it appears the little Cobalt that could, will be no more. Unless, of course, Chevy is just working on finding a way to get the GXP/Redline 260-hp mill into the Cobalt's engine bay. Follow the jump for the full list of changes for the 2008 Cobalt.

[Source: GM]

Deletions

• (21U) Laser Blue Metallic exterior color
• (56U) Sunburst Orange Metallic exterior color
• LTZ Sedan model
• SS Supercharged Coupe model

New Features

• (37U) Imperial Blue Metallic exterior color
• (39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color
• (87U) Slate Metallic exterior color
• (JL4) StabiliTrak stability control system
• (NW9) Traction control
• (ASD) Head-curtain side-impact air bag delete for Fleet and Government order types
• (UE0) OnStar delete for Fleet and Government order types

Changes

• 1AM37 is now called Sport Coupe and the equipment group code is now 1SP
• 1AM69 is now called Sport Sedan and the equipment group code is now 1SP
• (TV5) Sport Package is now called Performance Appearance Package and is an available option on 2LT Coupe and 2LT Sedan. The 3LT Coupe and 3LT Sedan equipment groups are deleted.
• (ASF) Head-curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models
• (US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback is now standard on all models
• (U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models
• Instrument panel uppers are now Ebony on all models
• LT Sedan with neutral interior now has woodgrain trim

Source:http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/04/c...rged-for-2008/

Okay, the main topic is all well, and good. But that's not what really interested me...read it closer, and you'll pick up on this:

The naturally aspirated SS, however, will soldier on, but with a new name. For 2008, the Cobalt SS becomes the Cobalt Sport

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

This is solid proof that Chevrolet IS in fact taking steps to use the SS name a little less often....makes me happy.

[TAG UR IT]

Proof, yes. GM already came out w/ a statement a while back saying they were reviewing the use of the SS nameplate and that they thought they were using it too much.

[SSRich]

Yes the reason they are doing it is because (IMO) Camaro SS (hopefully). Im probaly going to get a cobalt sport and put SS badges on it because i love the SS nameplate. I need it for a work car and something nice and a little sporty.

[OverAnxious]

They could have just cancelled that dumbass wing and still had a nice car

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Proof, yes. GM already came out w/ a statement a while back saying they were reviewing the use of the SS nameplate and that they thought they were using it too much.

Correct - that was good to hear, just in time to nix the Equinox SS

[OverAnxious]

Originally Posted by SSRich

Yes the reason they are doing it is because (IMO) Camaro SS (hopefully). Im probaly going to get a cobalt sport and put SS badges on it because i love the SS nameplate. I need it for a work car and something nice and a little sporty.

Don't be a poser

[acscamarochick06]

I don't see the point in having a SS unless it has a LOT of power with it!

[SoFlaZ]

Originally Posted by acscamarochick06

I don't see the point in having a SS unless it has a LOT of power with it!

AMEN!!

[frodo]

I was just at a Chevy dealership and saw the brochure for the 2008 HHR. It included info and pictures of the HHR SS. It will have the Turbocharged 2.0 Liter Ecotec. I hope that the cancellation of the Cobalt SS Supercharged is just to make room for a Turbocharged Cobalt SS.

[Silverado]

I personally think that Chevy should use the "SS" as the performance package across the line.....similar to AMG (Mercedes), M (BMW), V (Cadillac), etc. Probably closer to SRT (Dodge) and SVT (Ford), but still.....

Cobalt SS....absolutely....needs a minimum of 220 HP and a good looking SS-specific body kit (no big-ass wing on the back...save that for the aftermarket)....this would at least give the "ricers" an American option...compete with the Civic Si, the Sentra Spec-R, the GTI, etc.

Impala SS....again absolutely...Chevy has done this one right to an extent....good power (more would be better, but....)....needs better looking wheels and some body differentiation (front/rear fascia change, maybe some rocker covers)...compete with the Camry, Accord, "Taurus", etc.

Same idea across the line....

Equinox SS...needs close to 300HP and a seriously upgraded interior.
Trailblazer replacement should put out 320-350HP
Tahoe SS...350HP minimum, AWD from the Escalade
Silverado SS...400+HP motor and AWD used in Escalade/Sierra Denali
Camaro SS...500+Hp
Corvette SS...650-700HP

Probably don't bother with an Aveo SS, but pretty much everything else should have an SS option....it just needs to be a real upgrade, not a plastic body kit and big rear wing only package.

[OverAnxious]

Just because DCX overuses SRT doesn't mean GM has to
Personally I'm glad to hear GM is cutting back on it

[Mr. Wyndham]

[quote=Silverado;16130]Equinox SS...needs close to 300HP and a seriously upgraded interior.
Trailblazer replacement should put out 320-350HP
Tahoe SS...350HP minimum, AWD from the Escalade
Silverado SS...400+HP motor and AWD used in Escalade/Sierra Denali
quote]

No, no, no. these need to end. Completely. SS is super sport, so unless the truck loses all of it's "truckness" - nix it.

[SSRich]

You guys have to understand that the cobalt SS is for the tuner guys which i think the cobalt is a pretty cool looking car and see nothing wrong with a SS on it. It has been killing other import on tracks and setting new records.

[Mindz]

I just drove a SS supercharged at Rev it up. There wasn't much difference in the autocross course they had set up between the SS and blown SS, it just seemed that there was slightly more power in the higher RPMs. The HHR wasn't turbo'd, but it'll probably be like my Eclipse, just a 4 door and heavier like the neon.

I honestly don't mind the overuse of SS. It's like a warning label. If you have a BMW 52x series, and you pull up to a mercedes SL 500, you might feel inclined to have a go at it. If you see SL55 or AMG on the rear, you probably "wouldn't want none".

Granted people go out of their way to put GTR badges on civics and a few people put M on their bimmer or SS on their non SS Chevy's, but it's not at popular as you would think. People can tell most of the time if your car is the real deal.

[OverAnxious]

[QUOTE=Dragoneye;16162]

Originally Posted by Silverado

Equinox SS...needs close to 300HP and a seriously upgraded interior.
Trailblazer replacement should put out 320-350HP
Tahoe SS...350HP minimum, AWD from the Escalade
Silverado SS...400+HP motor and AWD used in Escalade/Sierra Denali
quote]

No, no, no. these need to end. Completely. SS is super sport, so unless the truck loses all of it's "truckness" - nix it.

So a tuned suspension, more performance and upgraded exterior styling doesn't make a vehicle an SS?

What do you think the SS cars from the sixties were?

It makes no difference if it is a truck, just don't use it on every model you offer on showroom floors and over do it

I think the Trailblazer SS is one of the better values out there, for an MSRP starting at only $32K you get great performance, great styling, very nice wheels (an area GM has been lacking until recently), nice interior treatments etc.

[Silverado]

I think the Silverado SS was a nice package too. It just wasn't executed "completely". The Lightning had a lot more power, but the SS had the advantage of AWD...meaning broader market appeal. I think Chevy should use that big Caddy engine that puts out over 400HP, keep the AWD, and the performance suspension to create a "from the factory" sport truck.

Maybe this should have been stated differently....maybe it isn't that they should use the SS badging as often, rather they should use the SS mindset to create an option package (upgraded power, performance suspension, wheels/tires, etc) for all the cars across the lineup. Do like BMW and Mercedes do and upcharge a lot for it. It would still sell, but that way not every Cobalt, Equinox, or even Camaro or Corvette would be an "SS".

I don't care that it isn't called an SS (that's just been Chevy's designation for a long time). Call it a S version (Trailblazer S, Cobalt S, etc) for "Sport" and save the SS for the real Sports Cars (Camaro and Corvette). I'm okay with that.

[SSmoked]

in my honest opinion the term "SS" belongs only to the camaro,chevelle, and the monte carlo. the cobalt should not have ever been a SS, nor should a silverado, or this near coming hhr. even the corvette SS in 09 that should be a stingray(not sure if they retired that name), or a Z06

[Dave McFly]

what about the impala? there are plans to make the next version a rear drive on the same platform as the upcoming G8 sedan. just because it is a sedan does not make it any less worthy of the SS badge. Oh and since they have the camaro upcoming, there is no plans for a rear drive monte carlo in the future. in fact 07 is the last model year you can get the current front drive version .

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by OverAnxious

So a tuned suspension, more performance and upgraded exterior styling doesn't make a vehicle an SS?

What do you think the SS cars from the sixties were?

It makes no difference if it is a truck, just don't use it on every model you offer on showroom floors and over do it

I think the Trailblazer SS is one of the better values out there, for an MSRP starting at only $32K you get great performance, great styling, very nice wheels (an area GM has been lacking until recently), nice interior treatments etc.

I don't know...there's really no reason to my madness. I just don't like trucks being 'SS' designated. I mean, sure power it up (I have no problem with that; in fact I think its awsome to have a truck that can beat the pants off of some cars out there) - but name it something else...TS (truck sport) or something...:o

Part of my problem is probably the over-use of the SS badging...and I guess I take it out on the poor trucks...
I had no problem with the Cobalt SS, it was a real sporty Car, and in it's class-segment, worthy of the title 'SS'...but it's a car_______... I'm just nuts...

[$anani]

i just got my cobalt ss and is cool some good power but the take off is not strong but what do expect from a 4 banger but it kept up with my buddy gt.

[SSRich]

When i went and test drove a cobalt SS Supercharged my papaw went with me and he could swear it didnt have a 4 banger in it. When somebody tells my papaw that 4bangers suck he tells them that the cobalt SS are very fast for a 4 banger. We test drove a Cobalt SS 2.4 he drove it first we hit the 4 lane and he was like a 18 year old (he was playing around) he didnt think it had any power neither did i (did we get fooled) and next thing i know i look over and we are do 85 in a 55. OF course it will not out run a V8 but with a few adjustment to the SS/SC i have heard it will out run a Mustang GT and i belive it.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I've always said it's a powerful car.
People say it's a chick car, but I say, have you ever driven one?

[OverAnxious]

Originally Posted by Z28

Yeah the cobalt is not a bad looking import. But if its over done by hooking it up it looks really stupid looking.

Import?

Anything can be made to look like crap if you try hard enough

[Dave McFly]

MY EYES!!
THEY BURN!!

[Silverado]

What do you mean import? You do know the Cobalt is a Chevy right?

OverAnxious...that is...well...ummmm...it's....well, things like "ugly" and such don't really cover it....maybe more like disgraceful....or disrespectful....or...I don't know, that's just really bad.

[Shadow-phoenix]

[QUOTE=Dragoneye;16162]

Originally Posted by Silverado

Equinox SS...needs close to 300HP and a seriously upgraded interior.
Trailblazer replacement should put out 320-350HP
Tahoe SS...350HP minimum, AWD from the Escalade
Silverado SS...400+HP motor and AWD used in Escalade/Sierra Denali
quote]

No, no, no. these need to end. Completely. SS is super sport, so unless the truck loses all of it's "truckness" - nix it.

AMEN! I hate seeing the SS badge on a car unless it is a Camaro, or and old Chevelle...