Despite its similar look to its predecessor, the 2008 Cobalt SS sedan was that kind of small, four-door vehicle with which you wouldn’t mess around.
The 2008 Cobalt SS significantly improved over its predecessor since it dropped the displacement and traded a supercharger for a turbocharger. Then, the design department stepped in and added some changes to the bodywork. The car was supposed to rock the Civic Si crown as the most appealing sport-compact sedan on the market, and, in some aspects, it did that. Then, the 2008 financial crisis started and stirred the market.

The Cobalt SS sedan looked almost like a regular compact sedan on the market, apart from the trunk’s small wing. At the front, the car featured an A-shaped grille in the lower bumper area and added a pair of side-scoops for the fog-lights. Its standard 18” light-alloy wheels were demanded by the GM Performance Division, which said they needed to improve cornering speed.

Inside, the evolution continued with high-bolstered bucket-seats seats and SS badge embroiled on the front seats’ seatbacks. The instrument cluster featured two large dials for the tachometer and speedometer and a smaller gauge for the fuel level. Fortunately, there were tons of aftermarket suppliers for the much-needed gauges for turbo, oil pressure, and oil temperature.

Under the hood, Chevrolet dropped a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection and variable valve timing. The 2008 model came fitted with stiffer suspension and a 5-speed ZF gearbox. Moreover, the GM Performance Division thought to add a no-lift shift system, which improved the quarter-mile time.