Cobalt wins time attack?

[Joey D]

This is the car in question, I found the pictures of it.

 

[LeadSlead#2]

sooooo.... Cobalts (Front wheel drive) won 3 out of 10? that's almost a third--aren't the other guys Rear wheel drive? i'd say it's pretty impressive---in fact, if I was driving the Mazda's or BMW's & lost to a front-drive Cobalt, I'd be P!$$ed

 

[Driftster]

All I did was read the first post and realized how lame this thread was..

I saw about 5 minutes of that show and knew the Ecotec 2.0L wasn't stock.......

and he thinks it's only making...what? 36HP over stock?
pleeaaazzee

 

[Joey D]

Uhhh the 2.0L comes with a supercharger from the factory.

 

[Driftster]

Oh I know it comes with a s/c from the factory..

but watch the build up of this car....and you'll know it's not a 230HP car..

 

[Joey D]

230hp...no way. The car had 264hp @ 7000rpm and 230 lb.ft. at 4000rpm. With nitrous though it pushed to 344 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.


Here is the actual article from GMinsidenews.com

To turn a street machine into a track racer you need the right pedigree: a hot, lightweight performer with plenty of handling capabilities, and a team of battle-tested racing engineers to make it happen. That explains why Chevrolet and GM Performance Division have taken the sizzling Cobalt SS Coupe Supercharged coupe and turned it into an Unlimited Class Time Attack machine, which already bested the legendary Nissan Skyline’s times by seven seconds in Street Tuner Challenge’s Time Attack on July 21.

The premise behind Time Attack is to take a street vehicle and – using tires that are legal on public streets – turn in the fastest lap on a racetrack for the vehicle class. The vehicle must be from a model originally produced for legal street use and it must have a silhouette largely faithful to the original.

Because Time Attack challenges involve multiple runs, the engine must be powerful and durable. The Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe’s Stage 2+ Ecotec engine is certainly up to that challenge. Developed by GM Performance Division and GM Powertrain, it features an Eaton M-62 Gen 5 Hybrid supercharger and delivers 264 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 230 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. When nitrous boost is added, performance jumps to 344 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.

Because weight is the nemesis of performance, many of the production Cobalt elements have been replaced with carbon fiber counterparts. These include the fenders, hood, doors, roof, decklid, spoiler, side splitters and Sparco car seat. The vehicle’s glass has also been replaced with Lexan, and interior trim has been kept to a minimum. The result is a vehicle that weighs a mere 2,350 pounds.

Inside, the Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe incorporates safety systems per National Auto Sport Association (NASA) race rules, including a full roll cage, side net and fuel cell. It also features a full complement of race gauges, as well as a Sparco race steering wheel and GM Accessories pedals.

The Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe runs in NASA’s Unlimited class, which includes FWD, RWD and AWD vehicles. Following SEMA, it will race on Nov. 8 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in central California – the same track where it beat the best times of an 801-horsepower AWD, twin-turbo Nissan Skyline and a nitrous-charged Volkswagen Jetta.

Vehicle Highlights

* Stage 2+ Ecotec engine developed by GM Performance Division and GM Powertrain
* 264 hp @ 7000 rpm (344 horsepower @ 6800 rpm with nitrous boost)
* 230 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm (350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm with nitrous boost)
* Eaton M-62 Gen 5 Hybrid supercharger
* Carbon fiber body panels (fenders, hood, doors, roof, decklid, side splitters and spoiler)
* Modified suspension, tires and brakes
* Glass replaced with Lexan
* Corsa exhaust system
* Fuel cell
* Nitrous oxide system
* Race paint scheme with sponsor logos
* Race wheels
* Minimal interior trim
* Full roll cage and side net
* Sparco race steering wheel
* Safety system per National Auto Sport Association race rules
* Sparco carbon fiber race seat
* Race gauge package

 

[Driftster]

just did some more readon
-sorry bout the DP

but yeah the Cobalt makes 265HP at the wheels...
the skyline made 600HP

This guy copied and pasted an article..and doctored it to make his car not sound so lame...

Besting a 600 HP Nissan Skyline and nitrous-charged Volkswagen Jetta


BUTTONWILLOW, California - Timing is everything, and the timing of the new Cobalt SS Supercharged's introduction couldn't be better. As Chevy's new sport compact performance car debuts in dealer showrooms, it already has a record-setting pedigree. Driver John Heinricy piloted a race-prepared Cobalt SS Supercharged on a challenging road course at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park, besting both the legendary Nissan Skyline and the new Volkswagen Jetta by more than seven seconds. The Cobalt SS, which is based on Chevy's new factory-built front-wheel-drive Super Sport, posted a time of 1:58 around Buttonwillow's #13 track configuration, which was fast enough to eclipse the marks set by the All-Wheel-Drive, twin-turbo Skyline (2:05) and the nitrous-charged Jetta (2:07).

"It was an absolute blast to run the Cobalt SS flat-out on the Buttonwillow track," said Heinricy, current SCCA driving champion and GM Performance Division's Director of High Performance Vehicle Operations. "GM Performance Division and the Powell Motorsports crew gave me a perfectly prepared car, and the Ecotec engine ran flawlessly."

A television crew from Speed Channel's Street Tuner Challenge was on hand to direct the day's competition at the track. The Street Tuner Challenge chose three vehicle makes representing North America (Chevrolet Cobalt SS), Europe (Volkswagen Jetta) and Asia (Nissan Skyline) and followed each team throughout a 13 week build competition. The Cobalt build team was comprised of engineers and designers from the GM Performance Division and Powell Motorsports, while the Nissan Skyline was built by XS Engineering and the Jetta was assembled by Autobahn Designs. The final time attack race served as the build completion and the culmination of pee Channel's taping. .

The production Cobalt SS Supercharged has strong performance credentials in factory trim. Powered by a supercharged and intercooled 205-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and equipped with a tenacious suspension developed on Germany's famed Nurburgring race track, the production Cobalt SS Supercharged will bring more heat to the already red-hot sport compact segment.

GM Performance Division created the Cobalt SS for this time attack competition to demonstrate the ultimate capabilities of the four-cylinder, supercharged Ecotec engine and Chevy's new front-wheel-drive "tuner" car. The program was led by the GM Performance Division, in collaboration with Chevrolet, GM Powertrain, GM Performance Parts, and GM Design. Powell Motorsports, in Blackstock, Ontario, Canada provided vehicle preparation and logistical support for the successful assault on the time attack.

"The Cobalt SS surpassed every expectation we had going into this competition," said GM Performance Division Executive Director Mark Reuss. "We came to Buttonwillow to demonstrate the performance and reliability of the Ecotec engine on one of the most demanding tracks in the world. The Cobalt SS, driver John Heinricy, and the entire team performed to the highest standards. We're out here to be the best, and today we proved that Chevy and GM race to win."

Enthusiasts will be able to catch a live glimpse of the Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged this November at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. It will also run on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 in Super Street magazine's Time Attack at Buttonwillow Raceway Park.


Time Attack Cobalt SS Supercharged Specifications

Body/chassis structure:
Uni-body

Body material:
Two sided galvanized steel, carbon fiber doors, hood, decklid, rear wing, front splitter, roof

Chassis material:
Two sided galvanized steel, carbon fiber roof

Suspension

Front:
Macpherson strut, no front bar, increased spring rates, Ohlins adjustable struts

Rear:
Twisting beam with adjustable sway bar, increased spring rate, Ohlins adjustable shocks

Wheels:
9.5 x 18, 9.5 x 17

Tire size

Front:
245 40 17

Rear:
Same as front

Tire brand:
Hoosier DOT

Brakes:
111.6 / 296 x 1.02 / 26; vented discs front 0.6 / 270 x .55 / 14; solid discs

Powertrain

Engine:
ECOTEC LSJ Supercharged

With Stage 2 Kit:

Larger injectors, 77.9 mm pulley

Engine displacement (cu. in / cc):
2000 cc

Horsepower maximum (hp / kw):
265 hp (SAE)

Torque maximum (lbs-ft / Nm)
270 lb-ft

Transmission:
F35 5 spd mt with 4.45 final drive

Dimensions

Height (in / mm):
55.7

Length (in / mm):
180.3

Width (in / mm):
67.9

Wheelbase (in / mm):
103.3

Track

Front/rear (in / mm):
57.1/58.1 nominal

Weight (lbs / kg):
2300 lbs

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/10/07/145041.html

 

[Joey D]

I usally stick with the stuff I read on www.gminsidenews.com because its either GM press releases or people that know what the hell is going on.

But the stage 1 & 2 kits are going to be offered through GM starting in 2006 and the stage 3 kit is going to follow shortly there after which is rumored to put the car close to 300 ponies.

 

[skip0110]

Driftster has the actual press release, sorry Blazin, but here it is from GM directly:

http://media.gm.com/servlet/Gateway...monthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=13&docid=19340

 

[Joey D]

Driftster has the actual press release, sorry Blazin, but here it is from GM directly:

http://media.gm.com/servlet/Gateway...monthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=13&docid=19340

That works, an actual thing from GM. I'll buy it.

 

[Layla's Keeper]

Seems to me, with the season now over, the Mazda's did the hurtin. They won the ST manufacturers championship, with BMW coming in 2nd, and Chevy in 3rd. In fact, the Cobalts only won 3 times, with the Mazdas and BMWs winning the other 7. Aside from the events they won, they never really placed much higher than 4th or 5th in the races, getting beat by some RSX in the process as well. So, again, the Cobalt did well. But, didn't do much hurting.

Hilg

True, Waddel and his crew of Speedsource RX8's are still the class of the Grand Am Cup ST field. They've spent a few years now perfecting the Renesis for the class and have proven exceptionally well balanced on a multitude of circuits.

But that the Cobalt SS's could come in out of left field in their first year and run to the front the way they have is putting a hurtin' on established teams. AND that they did it with a car that was completely within the letter and spirit of the rules (as opposed to the FR500 program Ford Mustangs of Multimatic and Blackforest in GS) makes it even more of an accomplishment.

Makes me look forward to year two of the program.

 

[Joey D]

Ya and there is supposed to be AWD added to the SS in 2008 which is going to be sweet I must say. And possibly a turboed 2.2L puting out 265ish horsepower.

 

[skip0110]

Ya and there is supposed to be AWD added to the SS in 2008 which is going to be sweet I must say. And possibly a turboed 2.2L puting out 265ish horsepower.

Are they thinking of rallying it or something? It's going to be hard to gain alleigance without some sort of racing history. (Even Ford Europe can justify the Focus RS with the older Cosworths...) Personally I'd like to see the supercharger on the AWD car (for the low-end torque).

265 hp would slot it between the $25K 230 hp WRX and $33K 300 hp WRX STi, so can we expect a price of $29,000 or so?

 

[JNasty4G63]

But that the Cobalt SS's could come in out of left field in their first year and run to the front the way they have is putting a hurtin' on established teams.

Again, I'm not knocking the Cobalt, or its racing prowess. But, I really don't see what it did in this series a "hurtin" so to speak. Aside from the 3 races it won, and the one 2nd it got, the other races were a few 5ths, a 6th, a 7th, and a 9th. Yes, as you said, for a maiden year program, that is a decent first step. But, not what I personally would call dominant or worthy of any "hurtin" comments.

You could say the same thing about the Toyota F1 team. Granted, thats over a little longer time frame of 4 years. But, I don't see the Toyota team coming real close to winning a few times, and many 2nd-3rd-4th finishes as "hurting" any of the big boys. What they've both (Cobalt and Toyota F1) done in such a short time relative to their series is impressive and good work. But, not what I'd call scary to the other teams just yet. But, they both look very good for more progress next year. We'll see.

Hilg

 

[Joey D]

Are they thinking of rallying it or something? It's going to be hard to gain alleigance without some sort of racing history. (Even Ford Europe can justify the Focus RS with the older Cosworths...) Personally I'd like to see the supercharger on the AWD car (for the low-end torque).

265 hp would slot it between the $25K 230 hp WRX and $33K 300 hp WRX STi, so can we expect a price of $29,000 or so?

No rallying...well at least not in the WRC, maybe SCCA teams will try it. But as far as I know they are going to offer both a S/C and turboed engine packages. Either the 2.0L 205hp S/C with optional Stage 1,2, or 3 and a 2.2L 265hp turbo motor out of a Soltice.

I would wager upper 20's for the car. And its going to be a nice contender with the WRX...not the STi so much but definatly the WRX.

 

[LeadSlead#2]

I'd say Mazda & BMW are worried about it-- the cobalt won 3-10 times & one 2nd place & I'd also be so brave to say they did put a hurtin on any other manufactures' pride every one that they beat....didnt they beat RSX's in this cup? i'd also say they beat all FF cars as well--yes they put a hurtin out there---- but that's what GM does----need we remember that Chevy is the winningest nameplate in racing's history?

 

[Joey D]

I doubt Chevy is the winningest name plate in racing history, I would think Mercedes Benz is.

 

[Ev0]

Ya and there is supposed to be AWD added to the SS in 2008 which is going to be sweet I must say. And possibly a turboed 2.2L puting out 265ish horsepower.

Now that I wouldn't mind buying. AWD would be a very welcome improvement, and it would definitley be directly compared to the Subaru WRX; a car vitrually in a class of its own (small AWD sedan). It would definitley improve sales in Canada, where AWD is a very welcome feature during the winter months (For the record, I don't think I've seen a single Cobalt SS on the road yet).

 

[JNasty4G63]

....didnt they beat RSX's in this cup? i'd also say they beat all FF cars as well--yes they put a hurtin out there

Actually, aside from the 3 wins and the 2nd, the RSX beat the Cobalts everytime. So thats 6-4 on better finishes for the Acura. And, Acura only finished 3 points behind them in the final manufacturer's points. And, thats basically because they had less cars scoring points.

So, again, a good job by Chevy and the Cobalt. But, not a hurting. They got beat pretty good by the RX8 in points. A few flash in the pan wins doesn't mean much if you can't continue it for the whole season. Like I said before, a good start for a new program. But, not a hurting by any means.

.....but that's what GM does----need we remember that Chevy is the winningest nameplate in racing's history?

Um, yea, I'd have to agree with Blazin on that one as well. The Daimler/Mercedes brand has been making and racing cars for as long as cars have been around. And, if not them, I still have to say Porsche is ahead of Chevy. Porsche races in so many series, and wins VERY often. Chevy does good here in the states with Cup. But, aside from that, they don't do much to speak of in any big numbers.

Hilg

 

[Young_Warrior]

I doubt Chevy is the winningest name plate in racing history, I would think Mercedes Benz is.

Audi aka Auto union pretty much won every competition they ever entered so their contenders aswell.

 

[Joey D]

Now that I wouldn't mind buying. AWD would be a very welcome improvement, and it would definitley be directly compared to the Subaru WRX; a car vitrually in a class of its own (small AWD sedan). It would definitley improve sales in Canada, where AWD is a very welcome feature during the winter months (For the record, I don't think I've seen a single Cobalt SS on the road yet).

I'm pretty sure the SS isn't sold in Canada, in fact I'm not even sure you guys get the Cobalt. You guys get a bastardize Pontiac version of it called the Pursuit.

 

[Wolfe]

Looks to me like the time attack was just a poorly-done publicity stunt. A tricked out Skyline, a nitroused Jetta, and a race-ready Cobalt? WTF kinda competition is that?

Now, before someone leaps down my throat, I'm not calling the Cobalt a ****ty or slow car; I'm just not impressed by this time attack thing, and I don't think the Cobalt is a class-leader in any category.

Audi aka Auto union pretty much won every competition they ever entered so their contenders aswell.

I'd bet on Ferrari before I would Chevy, as well...

 

[Driftster]

Looks to me like the time attack was just a poorly-done publicity stunt. A tricked out Skyline, a nitroused Jetta, and a race-ready Cobalt? WTF kinda competition is that?

Now, before someone leaps down my throat, I'm not calling the Cobalt a ****ty or slow car; I'm just not impressed by this time attack thing, and I don't think the Cobalt is a class-leader in any category.



I'd bet on Ferrari before I would Chevy, as well...

Well considering the cobalt was never intended to be a class leading car..

It was designed to give dodge competition and take away sales...Not to spank every car in the market. It does what it's supposed to do..not as well as they assumed it would, but damn good enough.

I don't think this was any sort of publicity stunt..
A. People wanted to see a skyline, some people tuned in for that..
B. A new VW with very minor mods holding it's own on a road course?

That's damn impressive
and C. The possibilities you can have with a cobalt...

It was in no way designed to say "GO BUY A COBALT AND YOU'LL BEAT 600HP SKYLINES" on the show..That is just what GM is trying to portray with these articles...

 

[LeadSlead#2]

ok you guys need mental help. you suppose mercedes & auto union? holy crap guys, seriously, auto union hasnt even raced in what? 40-60 years? im sure they won more races than chevy---mercedes would have a chance---if they started racing in more forms of racing despite only turning left, NASCAR series Does count---you guys in these car forums really, really need to check your facts before you run off about these things-----fart
so you can keep betting on whoever & thinking maybe these guys, or, go get an actual solid fact-based opinion!

 

[300zxfairman]

What's next? Viper-eating Prius?

Thats funny!

 

[Young_Warrior]

ok you guys need mental help. you suppose mercedes & auto union? holy crap guys, seriously, auto union hasnt even raced in what? 40-60 years? im sure they won more races than chevy---mercedes would have a chance---if they started racing in more forms of racing despite only turning left, NASCAR series Does count---you guys in these car forums really, really need to check your facts before you run off about these things-----fart
so you can keep betting on whoever & thinking maybe these guys, or, go get an actual solid fact-based opinion!

No offense what so ever but chevy might be big in racing in america but on a world wide scale theyre pretty much unknown. The average Brit man doesnt even know that a company called chevy even existed and auto union is basically just audi. And Aude has dominated evry form of racing they have entered since they first developed the quattro. Other manufactures may have won more races but for the race entered to race wins ratio of audi is probaly the highest in the world for a mass market manufacturer.

 

[JNasty4G63]

.....so you can keep betting on whoever & thinking maybe these guys, or, go get an actual solid fact-based opinion!

Then, oh master of all that is automotive, show us some real facts that back up your "Chevy is the winningest manufacturer ever" claim. You're just spouting crap so far. Show some real facts, otherwise your doing nothing more than anyone else.

Hilg

 

[JNasty4G63]

Also, I'm still sticking with Porsche for most wins world-wide. They've basically raced full-time for over 50 years. And they win, A LOT. And, they race all over the world, all year. There isn't many series that they have entered that they haven't won in. I'm personally going with Porsche on this.

Hilg

 

[skip0110]

Even looking at just NASCAR, Chevy has only something like 10-15 more wins than Ford, which isn't that much of a gap...

The numbers are something like 250-260 wins apiece.

JNasty's probably right, Porsche seems like it is going to be one of the top 5...

 

[Young_Warrior]

top 5 I believe would be audi porsche ferrari bugatti maserati? Maybe throw in silver arrows.