Photos: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
With a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine and nondescript looks, the Cobalt SS will surprise with its speed and handling. An iPod connector and Pioneer audio system add to the entertainment.
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
The Chevy Cobalt can be had in LS, LT, and SS trims. This one is the SS, featuring significant performance enhancements.
Intake
The Cobalt SS features an air intake in its front air dam, to help feed the turbocharger.
Unnaturally aspirated
Unlike its model mates, which use a 2.2-liter engine, the SS gets a 2-liter turbocharged direct-injection four cylinder, putting out 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Sheep's clothing
The Cobalt SS looks like a boring economy sedan, although the small rear spoiler hints at its performance characteristics.
Brembos
Brembo brake calipers sit at the front wheels.
Handling
Chevy tuned the springs and dampers, and added stabilizer bars, helping the Cobalt SS achieve impressive handling in the turns.
Sport seats
The interior doesn't deviate much from the car's less expensive model mates, although the SS has sport seats.
Steering wheel
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has buttons for the audio system and cruise control, plus a button to change the trip computer display.
Gauges
Red rings in the gauges confuse as to where redline is on the tachometer.
Boost gauge
The SS also gets a gauge showing the amount of turbo boost, something you won't be looking at when its needle is really moving.
Adequate gearbox
The five speed manual is decent, but not as good as some manual gearboxes we've used. Honda, in particular, makes a nice one.
XM satellite radio
XM radio is included, with an interface that makes it easy to choose channel categories.
iPod adapter
We didn't expect to see a USB port on a car from GM. This new addition to GM electronics works as an iPod adapter and USB drive port.
Audio settings
The stereo includes preset equalizer levels, but we generally preferred customizing them with the bass, mid, and treble settings.
Pioneer audio
The standard Pioneer audio system sounded very good, helped along by this big subwoofer in the trunk.
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