New king of FWD? - Focaljet

**bbychvz** · 03-25-2008, 03:44 PM

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125288?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*

well Is it time to pass it along?
It is a sad day, but we all know you cannot stay at the top forever, and someone is always gunning for your spot.

American cars are coming up…
this is a kick in the nuts for me "this is the only car under $25,000 that has launch control."
Damn I can use that with 280btq
More on that
You pull the Cobalt SS onto the drag strip and switch the stability control into competition mode. At this point, the DIC (GM's awkward way of saying "Driver Information Center") flashes the happy message: "Launch Control." You put the clutch in, select 1st gear and push the gas pedal to the floor. The Cobalt's computer will immediately rev the engine to 5,100 rpm, and all you have to do is work the clutch

Bobby

**ClintB1321** · 03-25-2008, 04:02 PM

damn, no lift up shifting too!!! this thing is gunna be an awesome little drag car

**brads03zx3** · 03-25-2008, 04:05 PM

I've tried no-lift shifts. The zetec head doesn't flow enough air at the top to even threaten a rev-limiter tap

**biscuitninja** · 03-25-2008, 04:18 PM

That would be awsome on the mush.... On a FWD that's gonna be deadily for anybody who underestimates it.
-bix

**OmniFocus** · 03-25-2008, 04:20 PM

I don't find it aesthetically pleasing, but I can't deny that it is one kick-ass little car.

Go Chevy!

**focuspl99** · 03-25-2008, 04:22 PM

dang, and i thought i was set on an astra or mazdaspeed3 come next year

**ClintB1321** · 03-25-2008, 04:22 PM

and it comes with brembo 4 piston calipers up front with i believe 12.4 inch rotors

**hotrodkris** · 03-25-2008, 04:32 PM

This is all great news and such, but will GM honor it's warranty if used for racing events?

**carlingskie** · 03-25-2008, 04:47 PM

looks like an awesome USED car for me

**hEaT** · 03-25-2008, 04:53 PM

Wow. That looks like some great competition for the MazdaSpeed 3. I think the 3 looks better, but performance can't be argued.

**Chalz** · 03-25-2008, 05:08 PM

Wow...that DIC stuff sounds pretty impressive.

**darkness** · 03-25-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hEaT

Wow. That looks like some great competition for the MazdaSpeed 3.

Unless you want to carry something.

**mievil** · 03-25-2008, 05:16 PM

Still have torsion-beam, huh?

**Ducman69** · 03-25-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mievil

Still have torsion-beam, huh?

Yeah, but allegedly it was pulling some ungodly times at the ring. They may have just made it ueber-stiff to compensate, but I wouldn't count it out in the handling department until we see some side-by-side lapping comparison tests.

**LornesBored** · 03-25-2008, 05:39 PM

I guess they named their iDrive-ish drivers system after the people who buy them.

**mievil** · 03-25-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducman69

Yeah, but allegedly it was pulling some ungodly times at the ring. They may have just made it ueber-stiff to compensate, but I wouldn't count it out in the handling department until we see some side-by-side lapping comparison tests.

I would just think that the way my Lumina handled........in 1993.

They may put a little more money into that department than just getting more HP out of it. Though maybe they are just punching straight line for it.

And you're right, comparisons or even driving it at the AutoShow in Motion would be more telling. But, I do have $2k in GM card earnings so it would be nice to get something for it sometime down the road.

**Reza** · 03-25-2008, 06:05 PM

torsion-beam is not such a bad thing.

The Clio 197 cup has it and its one of the best handling hatches ever.

**Osiris** · 03-25-2008, 06:06 PM

I think I'd still take an MS3, the performance is close enough for me to better consider the MS3's other more endearing qualities. Besides, I could just mod the sucker, lol..

**TXFO** · 03-25-2008, 06:16 PM

late to the party. better late than never I suppose. Now its time to call Borg Warner and buy a DSG from them.

Ford is miles away from DSG and launch control. They will be stuck with Getrag, having to reinvent the DSG because of they rocky relationship with BW. too bad for Ford.

I think the cobalt has come a long ways in terms of a complete car. I wish it had the DSG and even better, an AWD option, but at least the other aspects of the car have improved. The pictures show an interior that is using a higher quality materiel and less of the trademark ugly GM styling. If the steering wheel is actual centered to the driver in this chevy, I'll consider that a major win for the GM group.

The overall look of the car is ok. I still dislike the corporate chevy trademarks but all things in time.

**focuspl99** · 03-25-2008, 06:44 PM

this car seems so amazing, but i dont think i'd be able to get over the horrid interior to buy it......and the fact i probably couldnt carry much inside it

probably ms3 for me

(unless they put the cobalt SS goodness into an astra

)

**Cameroon** · 03-25-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focuspl99

this car seems so amazing, but i dont think i'd be able to get over the horrid interior to buy it......and the fact i probably couldnt carry much inside it

probably ms3 for me

(unless they put the cobalt SS goodness into an astra

)

I'm digging the HHR SS for that very reason. All the good parts of the Cobalt SS in a far more practical package.

Actually thinking about it the Cobalt SS has all the HHR SS goodness packed into an ugly little car

.

**fubar** · 03-25-2008, 08:45 PM

yeah, this will definitly be competition for the focus sv......... oh wait, that's right. ford bent over and took it up the tail pipe on this.

**ZX3autoxtasy** · 03-25-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodkris

This is all great news and such, but will GM honor it's warranty if used for racing events?

Does any car company warranty any car if used in racing events?

Lol. Not really. Maybe Ferrari.

**Thameth** · 03-25-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZX3autoxtasy

Does any car company warranty any car if used in racing events?

Lol. Not really. Maybe Ferrari.

MINI, and they'll pay you if you win....

**2focusd** · 03-25-2008, 08:56 PM

The Cobalt is still one of the ugliest cars on the road in my mind, so I'll still never own one. On the other hand though, I'm REALLY hoping that this package takes off and sells like crazy; Saturn Astra RedLine FTMFW

-Brian

03-25-2008, 03:44 PM	#1
bbychvz Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Fernando Valley CA Posts: 1,227	New king of FWD? http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125288?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .* well Is it time to pass it along? It is a sad day, but we all know you cannot stay at the top forever, and someone is always gunning for your spot. American cars are coming up… this is a kick in the nuts for me "this is the only car under $25,000 that has launch control." Damn I can use that with 280btq More on that You pull the Cobalt SS onto the drag strip and switch the stability control into competition mode. At this point, the DIC (GM's awkward way of saying "Driver Information Center") flashes the happy message: "Launch Control." You put the clutch in, select 1st gear and push the gas pedal to the floor. The Cobalt's computer will immediately rev the engine to 5,100 rpm, and all you have to do is work the clutch Bobby __________________ MazdaSpeed3!!!

03-25-2008, 04:02 PM	#2
ClintB1321 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In the mountain roads of Malibu;) Posts: 3,806	Re: New king of FWD? damn, no lift up shifting too!!! this thing is gunna be an awesome little drag car __________________ Liquid gray 05 ZX3-mosty modified Sonic blue 02 SVT-RIP Classic Red 97 Miata- 100whp never felt so good Boost Camel Racing...cause the bches love BOV's;) JCM Racing #310**

03-25-2008, 04:05 PM	#3
brads03zx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 8,729	Re: New king of FWD? I've tried no-lift shifts. The zetec head doesn't flow enough air at the top to even threaten a rev-limiter tap __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec DuraMonster---'03 duratec ZX3 vs MNTN - 9/0 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 4/1 *JCM Racing #88* Bouncing Back---Bigger, Faster, Stronger Vacuum Vulture Racing - We put the ARG in 'CHARGED

03-25-2008, 04:18 PM	#4
biscuitninja [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 6,496	Re: New king of FWD? That would be awsome on the mush.... On a FWD that's gonna be deadily for anybody who underestimates it. -bix __________________ 2008 Prediction: In the immortial words of Clubber Lang... "my prediction ... PAIN! " I would tell you stories but you are not old enough. They are NC-39. - CheaperSleeper

03-25-2008, 04:20 PM	#5
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 25,823	Re: New king of FWD? I don't find it aesthetically pleasing, but I can't deny that it is one kick-ass little car. Go Chevy! __________________ Check out the shiny new PirateNinjasWithLasers.com for the latest updates in 24 Hours of LeMons goodness. Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the "rad" in scrub radius, and the "ack" in ackerman.

03-25-2008, 04:22 PM	#6
focuspl99 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,206	Re: New king of FWD? dang, and i thought i was set on an astra or mazdaspeed3 come next year __________________ Paul

03-25-2008, 04:22 PM	#7
ClintB1321 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In the mountain roads of Malibu;) Posts: 3,806	Re: New king of FWD? and it comes with brembo 4 piston calipers up front with i believe 12.4 inch rotors __________________ Liquid gray 05 ZX3-mosty modified Sonic blue 02 SVT-RIP Classic Red 97 Miata- 100whp never felt so good Boost Camel Racing...cause the bches love BOV's;) JCM Racing #310**

03-25-2008, 04:32 PM	#8
hotrodkris I wanna cast Magic Missile! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: I <3 LAMP Posts: 26,901	Re: New king of FWD? This is all great news and such, but will GM honor it's warranty if used for racing events?

03-25-2008, 04:47 PM	#9
carlingskie TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 709	Re: New king of FWD? looks like an awesome USED car for me __________________ I Wanted To Buy: Used SVT Snorkel Tube, Used SVT Rear Fascia (MIND CONDITION) 2002 SVT Focus: Operation SVT *#3279 of 4288* "Race Track ready, girlfriend friendly."

03-25-2008, 04:53 PM	#10
hEaT [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: CT Posts: 5,404	Re: New king of FWD? Wow. That looks like some great competition for the MazdaSpeed 3. I think the 3 looks better, but performance can't be argued. __________________ 2001 Twilight Blue ZX3 - Volant Intake, FC 65mm TB, SVT Header, RT High Flow Cat, SVTF Borla Exhaust, Koni's 1985 Nimbus Grey Merkur XR4Ti - Work In Progress Tuned By: Bristol Dyno

03-25-2008, 05:08 PM	#11
Chalz Labeled: Irrational Obama-freak Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A whale's vagina Posts: 2,925	Re: New king of FWD? Wow...that DIC stuff sounds pretty impressive. __________________ Does the above post make you want to indulge in e-thuggery? Try this!

03-25-2008, 05:39 PM	#15
LornesBored [FJ] Special Ed. Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 8,997	Re: New king of FWD? I guess they named their iDrive-ish drivers system after the people who buy them. __________________ Post whore turned super lurker...

03-25-2008, 06:05 PM	#17
Reza Formerly focus_wrc Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 8,492	Re: New king of FWD? torsion-beam is not such a bad thing. The Clio 197 cup has it and its one of the best handling hatches ever. __________________ H&R/// , Team Dynamics , FocusSport , TCE Brakes, Bridgestone.

03-25-2008, 06:06 PM	#18
Osiris Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Yodelin' in the Valley Posts: 3,575	Re: New king of FWD? I think I'd still take an MS3, the performance is close enough for me to better consider the MS3's other more endearing qualities. Besides, I could just mod the sucker, lol.. __________________ 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 GT 2003 SVT Focus

03-25-2008, 06:16 PM	#19
TXFO Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: My sweet insanity Posts: 12,875	Re: New king of FWD? late to the party. better late than never I suppose. Now its time to call Borg Warner and buy a DSG from them. Ford is miles away from DSG and launch control. They will be stuck with Getrag, having to reinvent the DSG because of they rocky relationship with BW. too bad for Ford. I think the cobalt has come a long ways in terms of a complete car. I wish it had the DSG and even better, an AWD option, but at least the other aspects of the car have improved. The pictures show an interior that is using a higher quality materiel and less of the trademark ugly GM styling. If the steering wheel is actual centered to the driver in this chevy, I'll consider that a major win for the GM group. The overall look of the car is ok. I still dislike the corporate chevy trademarks but all things in time. __________________ German and Italian car tech. Chinese Democracy is badass. Get on the stick Axl, release it already!!!!

03-25-2008, 06:44 PM	#20
focuspl99 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,206	Re: New king of FWD? this car seems so amazing, but i dont think i'd be able to get over the horrid interior to buy it......and the fact i probably couldnt carry much inside it probably ms3 for me (unless they put the cobalt SS goodness into an astra ) __________________ Paul

03-25-2008, 08:45 PM	#22
fubar Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: TUCSON, AZ, USA Posts: 1,895	Re: New king of FWD? yeah, this will definitly be competition for the focus sv......... oh wait, that's right. ford bent over and took it up the tail pipe on this. __________________ for those who question religion, look at the picture of the molecule (laminin) that holds the human body together 2004 zx5 svt eap cd silver Mods:Eibach pro-kit, steeda strut tower brace, xcal2, custom exhaust system (magnaflow resonator, flowmaster muffler, 2.5" tubing), K&N SRI, dyno soon to come

03-25-2008, 08:56 PM	#25
2focusd [FJ] Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Uniontown, PA Posts: 13,213	Re: New king of FWD? The Cobalt is still one of the ugliest cars on the road in my mind, so I'll still never own one. On the other hand though, I'm REALLY hoping that this package takes off and sells like crazy; Saturn Astra RedLine FTMFW -Brian __________________ Godspeed, Colin McRae, may you live on forever as the reason countless people fell in love with the Ford Focus (myself included). 1968-2007 http://www.f2focus.com