DETROIT – The Cobalt SS Supercharged is the high-performance model in the Cobalt family of coupes and sedans. The Cobalt debuted in December of 2003 and became GM’s key player in the mid-size segment, some say to eventually replace the aging Cavalier.

The Cobalt’s suspension tuning was refined at Germany’s famous Nurburgring, one of the world’s most challenging road courses with more than 170 turns over nearly 13 miles. As a result, the Coupe now has increased diameter front and rear stabilizer bars, tuned suspension bushings, stiffened spring rates and larger dampers.

The SS Supercharged features larger, five-bolt wheel hubs, brake calipers, brake pads and wheels. Front disc rotors are 11.6 inches in diameter, which is approximately 1 inch larger than the rotors on standard Cobalt models, and hide behind 18-inch forged-steel alloy wheels.

The Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe features a Ecotec 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The engine includes an Eaton M62 helical roots-type supercharger and features an air-to-water intercooler to reduce the temperature of air entering the engine. The supercharger produces a maximum boost pressure of 12 pounds per square inch (psi).

The Ecotec 2.0L SC is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 240-millimeter clutch assembly is larger on the 2.0-liter supercharged I-4 than the other naturally aspirated Ecotecs. The five-speed has close-ratio gearing that is tailored to the power band of the 2.0-liter engine. To improve acceleration the final drive ratio is also shorter at 4.05:1. A short-throw shifter quickens the shifts and provides a more positive feel as well. Equal length transmission half shafts are also utilized to address torque steer in this front-drive car.

The exterior styling of the Cobalt SS Supercharged complements the performance aspects of the car. The front fascia features a large, deep air inlet and the rear fascia has a cutout for the large, chromed exhaust tip. Along with revised rocker moldings, the enhanced bodywork of the SS Supercharged visually lowers the coupe 1 inch. Halogen fog lamps are also included. The Cobalt Supercharged SS comes standard with a unique, aggressive rear decklid spoiler.

The interior was also modified to complement the performance characteristics of the Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe. The accelerator pedal was redesigned to enable heel-and-toe driving to improve driver feedback and response. The interior also features titanium-faced speedometer, tachometer and gauges in the instrument cluster, and an A pillar-mounted boost gauge to monitor supercharger performance and front leather seats including color-keyed perforated inserts.

Story by General Motors Corp., edited by Supercars.net