Tudo que você NÃO SABE sobre o Chevrolet COBALT SS | EP 013

Summary

In this video, the host discusses the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, a high-performance version of the Cobalt released in the U.S. The car is compared to its Brazilian counterpart, known for its poor design, while the American model stands out with its impressive performance and multiple iterations. The video highlights the car’s evolution, engines, and tuning options, praising its sleeper status and track capabilities. The host also references the Cobalt SS’s appearance in the game Need for Speed: Most Wanted, lamenting that it’s depicted as a weak car despite its true potential.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The BMW M3 GTR from Need For Speed: Most Wanted is considered one of the best racing games, and you lose the M3 early on, requiring you to choose a less powerful car like the Lexus ES300, Fiat Punto, or Chevrolet Cobalt SS.
• 🇧🇷 In Brazil, the Chevrolet Cobalt is seen as an unattractive car, often associated with taxi drivers, unlike the American Cobalt SS, which was a sporty and high-performance vehicle.
• 🛠️ The Chevrolet Cobalt SS was launched in 2004 in the U.S., replacing the Cavalier, and was based on GM's Delta platform, similar to the Brazilian Vectra.
• 🚘 The first Cobalt SS, introduced in 2005, had a 2.0L Ecotec engine with a Supercharger, producing 208 horsepower and 27.7 kg of torque, with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• 🏎️ Performance kits were available for the Cobalt SS, boosting its power in different 'stages'—up to 260 horsepower in Stage 3 with nitrous, making it a formidable racing car.
• 🔧 A limited-slip differential (LSD) and Recaro seats became standard on the Cobalt SS in 2007, improving its handling and performance.
• 🔄 In 2008, the Cobalt SS received an upgrade, switching from a supercharged engine to a turbocharged one, maintaining the 260 horsepower with better torque management.
• 💨 The Cobalt SS could reach 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, impressive for a front-wheel-drive car at the time, and was praised for its suspension tuning and overall performance.
• 🏆 The Cobalt SS achieved success in racing, beating cars like the Lancer Evolution in specific challenges and remaining competitive even years after its production ended.
• 🛑 Despite its success, the Cobalt SS was discontinued in 2010 to make way for the Chevrolet Cruze, marking the end of an era for Chevrolet’s sporty compact sedans.

Q & A

What is the significance of the BMW M3 GTR in Need for Speed Most Wanted?

The BMW M3 GTR is a key car in Need for Speed Most Wanted. It is the main car that players start with, but they lose it early in the game, prompting them to buy a new, weaker car to begin the career mode.

What are the three car options players can choose from after losing the M3 GTR in Need for Speed Most Wanted?

Players can choose between a Lexus ES300, a Fiat Punto, or a Chevrolet Cobalt SS to start their career mode after losing the M3 GTR.

Why is the Chevrolet Cobalt viewed negatively in Brazil?

In Brazil, the Chevrolet Cobalt is considered unattractive and often associated with being a taxi car, which has led to its unpopularity despite its sporty American version, the Cobalt SS.

What platform is the American Chevrolet Cobalt SS based on?

The American Chevrolet Cobalt SS is based on the General Motors Delta platform, which also underpinned cars like the Opel Astra H and the Brazilian Vectra.

What engine powered the first version of the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, and what performance did it deliver?

The first Chevrolet Cobalt SS, released in 2005, was powered by a 2.0L Ecotec engine with a supercharger, delivering 208 horsepower and 27.7 kgf·m of torque, with a manual five-speed transmission.

What upgrades did Chevrolet offer for the Cobalt SS through its 'Stage' kits?

Chevrolet offered three stages of performance upgrades for the Cobalt SS. Stage 1 increased power to 238 horsepower, Stage 2 added new injectors, and Stage 3 further boosted performance with a nitrous kit, making the car capable of over 300 km/h.

What changes were made to the Cobalt SS in 2008 to comply with emissions regulations?

In 2008, the Cobalt SS switched from a supercharged engine to a 2.0L turbocharged engine to meet emissions regulations. This engine produced 260 horsepower, the same as the previous Stage 3 version.

What technological improvements were introduced in the 2008 Cobalt SS to enhance its driving performance?

The 2008 Cobalt SS introduced forged 18-inch wheels, larger tires (225/40 R18), and a 'no-lift shift' feature, which allowed the turbo to maintain boost during gear shifts by keeping the throttle partially open.

How did the Chevrolet Cobalt SS perform in the Virginia International Raceway Lightning Lap?

The Chevrolet Cobalt SS set the fastest lap time in the category of cars under $60,000 at the Virginia International Raceway Lightning Lap, beating the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Why is the Chevrolet Cobalt SS considered a sleeper car?

The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is considered a sleeper car because, at first glance, it appears to be a regular, unremarkable sedan, but it has high performance and can surprise competitors with its speed and handling.