2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan

What Changed for 2009:

• More powerful 2.2-liter Ecotec engine with VVT
• Lineup includes LS, LT, turbocharged SS Coupe, and new SS Sedan
• Sport model discontinued, but Sport Appearance package available
• SS models powered by 260-hp, turbocharged, 2.0-liter Ecotec engine
• Brembo front brakes, new sport suspension, electronic stability control, 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on SS
• OnStar standard on all models, Bluetooth available
• iPod-compatible USB port added to the radio
• New wheel choices
• Standard tire inflator kit
• One new interior and three new exterior colors

Overview
Chevrolet’s subcompact 2009 Cobalt adds a new SS Sedan this year, but the rest of the lineup has minimal changes. For 2009, the Cobalt features new wheel choices, OnStar standard on all models, Bluetooth capability for hands-free calling, and a more powerful 2.2-liter Ecotec engine with variable valve timing (VVT). Ebony is the new interior color, and three new exterior colors—Silver Ice, Gold Mist and Silver Moss—are added. Top-of-the-line SS models offer the most features, including electronic stability control; 260-hp turbocharged, 2.0-liter Ecotec engine; specific sport suspension; Brembo front brakes; and 18-inch wheels.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is available in either coupé or sedan body styles and in LS, 1LT, 2LT and SS models. New this year is the addition of the SS Sedan. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Cobalt comes with standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment on the LS includes a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine; driver information center; CD/MP3 player; XM satellite radio; cloth bucket seats; premium ride suspension; tire-pressure monitor; vented front disc and rear drum brakes; touring tires; and 15-inch steel wheels. Cobalt 1LT trim adds a driver’s lumbar adjuster. The up-level 2LT has an available Sport Appearance package with a rear spoiler; larger body-color fascias and rocker moldings; 17-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires; chrome exhaust tip; fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob; and steering-wheel audio controls. SS models feature a distinctive front fascia with integrated fog lamps; new front upper and lower grilles with SS-specific appearance; SS-specific rockers and badging; standard spoiler; 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and performance tires; 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS); and electronic stability control. Inside, the SS has UltraLux-trimmed sport seats.

Cobalt options include a sunroof; heated leather seats with leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob (LT); remote vehicle start; traction control on models equipped with automatic transmission; ABS; stanchion-mounted rear spoiler; and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Also available for LT models is the chrome exterior package, including chrome grille, body-side moldings, exhaust tip and door handles.

Powertrain
The 2.2-liter Ecotec dual overhead cam (DOHC), 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with VVT is standard on 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS and LT models and produces 155 hp at 6100 rpm and 150 lb.-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm. This is a 6-hp increase over last year’s standard engine and qualifies it as an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Power is transferred through the standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Cobalt SS models have a 2.0-liter Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine that delivers 260 hp at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2.2-liter engine are 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway for the automatic transmission, and 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway for the 5-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine EPA estimates are 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway (manual transmission).

The Cobalt rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. Cobalt LS and LT have standard vented front disc and rear drum brakes, with 4-wheel ABS standard on 2LT and optional on 1LT and LS. SS models have Brembo front brakes, standard 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, as well as standard electronic stability control. Cobalts with an automatic transmission and ABS also have traction control. The SS has an all-new FE5 Sport suspension with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning to complement the turbocharged powertrain.

Safety
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt safety features include standard dual-stage front air bags, as well as side head-curtain air bags; front seat belt pre-tensioners; child-seat anchors; emergency interior trunk release; daytime running lights; dusk-sensing headlamps; and a theft-deterrent system. All-speed traction control is optional on LS and LT models, while an electronic stability control system is standard on SS models. OnStar-equipped vehicles have the Advanced Crash Response System.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 4-door sedan and 2-door coupé receive a 4-star driver and 5-star passenger frontal crash test rating. In NHTSA side-impact crash testing, the sedan receives a 3-star rating for driver and 5 stars for rear-seat occupant protection, while the coupe receives a 4-star rating for both driver and rear seat occupants. Both coupe and sedan models receive a 4-star NHTSA rating in rollover testing.

Technology
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers Bluetooth capability for wireless connectivity of cell phones and hands-free calling. A USB port on the radios enables iPods and other portable devices to play through the car’s audio system. Standard equipment also includes an AM/FM, in-dash, single-CD player with CD/MP3 playback and 4 speakers. Mast antenna, and adjustable speed-sensitive volume, auxiliary MP3 audio input jack, radio data system and XM satellite radio add to the entertainment capabilities. Available on SS models is a reconfigurable performance display that allows the driver to select numerous performance measurements to record and display on an LCD screen. These include quarter-mile and 0-60 mph acceleration, cornering grip and braking performance.