The Cobalt falls into the compact car category and the next-generation model has been redesigned primarily with the aim of increasing fuel efficiency without causing a significant decrease in performance. The new Chevrolet Cobalt is likely to come with the 150 horsepower turbocharged engine.
The new Cobalt is likely to be built on the global Gamma architecture rather than the Delta platform used in previous versions. The new Gamma architecture has previously been used in the Opel Corsa subcompact model. The vehicle will line up and fit between models like the Chevrolet group’s Cruze and Aveo.
The new Gamma-based Chevrolet Cobalt model would continue with the current 4-cylinder, front-wheel drive model. The vehicle includes the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 150 horsepower. Instead of the current model 5-speed manual transmission, the vehicle uses the 6-speed manual transmission. The vehicle can provide the automatic transmission from four-speed to five-speed or even six-speed as an option.
As performance and fuel economy depend primarily on the weight of the vehicle, Cobalt designers plan to use lightweight materials without changing the size of the vehicle.
The Chevrolet Cobalt will be launched as a competitor to the new Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The first model of the new Cobalt arrives for test drive in the fall 2009 or early 2010 season and Chevy is expected to launch the original model in the final 2010 season.