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GM at the Car Craft Summer Nationals
Posted July 24 2008 05:34 AM by GLAD 
Filed under: Editorials, Chevrolet, Car Craft Summer Nationals

The Car Craft Nationals start on Friday July 25, 2008 at the St. Paul fairgrounds in MN. In addition to the burnouts, dyno runs, Miss Car Craft and other candy, GM is bringing toys. Here is another one. See you Friday!


Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged
True to its legendary moniker, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features – along with an undeniably fun and youthful character.
Developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) and powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers 55 horses (41 kW) more than the previous Cobalt SS Supercharged, and its driving experience was validated on racetracks throughout North America and Europe, including Germany’s legendary Nürburgring circuit.

Vehicle highlights
Engineered and developed by GM Performance Division
2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW) - 0-60 time of approx. 5.7 seconds
GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with short-throw shifter
Nürburgring-tuned FE5 Sport suspension delivers 0.9 g grip
Brembo fixed-caliper front discs and vented rear disc brakes
SS-specific appearance with unique fascias and rear spoiler – including available high wing
18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheels and Y-rated performance tires
SS-specific interior with new sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge and more

Engineered to offer more than merely a turbocharged rush of power, an all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed and includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning – all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate afflictions such as torque steer. Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track.
The unique “no-lift shift” feature enables manual-transmission-equipped models to achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller.

Ensuring the car stops as confidently as it accelerates and corners are four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. The front brakes are from Brembo and have a performance-oriented fixed-caliper design, which resist fade better than floating caliper designs; the rear discs are vented for better heat dissipation. Along with these high-performance attributes, the Cobalt SS comes standard with a host of safety features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and side-impact air bags.
With its balanced tuning, the Cobalt SS delivers a quick 0-60 time of approximately 5.7 seconds – thanks to the manual transmission’s “no-lift shift” feature – and a sports car-like maximum lateral grip of 0.9 g. This combination enabled the Cobalt SS to set a new class record while circulating the famed Nürburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes.

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