![]() ![]() The remaining Cobalts do get some additional standard equipment including tire-pressure monitoring, curtain airbags, and XM satellite radio. The Cobalt is a straight-C student in an extremely competitive and burgeoning class of cars.Ĭlick here to read our full review of the Chevrolet Cobalt.Ĭlick here to read our full review of the Chevrolet Cobalt SS.įor 2008, the SS returns as a single turbo model that replaces both of the old SS models, naturally aspirated and supercharged. Unfortunately, the look of the Cobalt is similarly forgettable and uninspiring. For nonenthusiasts, the remaining Cobalt models offer an inoffensive if forgettable driving experience and good fuel economy. The SS trades punches with the Volkswagen GTI, Mazdaspeed 3, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Subaru Impreza WRX, and the upcoming Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.īeyond the fun and capable turbocharged SS model, the Cobalt line offers little for the enthusiast driver. Major competitors to the Chevy Cobalt include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Scion xD, Suzuki SX4, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac G5, Saturn Astra, and Volkswagen Rabbit. Pontiac dealers sell a clone of the Cobalt called the G5, but it is available only as a two-door. Aside from the SS, though, the Cobalt might not be the best option if you’re looking for a sporty compact-many of its competitors offer a superior driving experience-but the Cobalt’s price, looks, and calm over-the-road demeanor make it an acceptable choice as a transportation appliance. ![]() The old SS and SS Supercharged models were dropped and replaced by a single turbocharged SS version. The SS uses a 260-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four and is available only as a coupe with a five-speed manual transmission.įor 2008, Cobalts come in five different trim levels (LS, LT, 2LT, Sport, and SS). An easy-to-shift five-speed manual is standard on all Cobalts, and a four-speed automatic is optional. Moving upward yields a 2.4-liter version of the same engine with 171 horsepower. Base models are powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 148 horsepower. Interior quality is not quite up to the best in the segment loads of shiny, poorly grained plastic and a dashboard design that tries to ape the previous-generation Volkswagen Jetta but comes up short are among its faults.Īll Cobalt models have front-wheel drive and distinguish themselves in their class by offering above-average horsepower for the price. Available as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan, the Cobalt offers class-competitive interior space in either iteration. Built on the front-drive Delta platform that also underpins the Saturn Astra, the Cobalt boasts a solid structure and a compliant ride. Launched in 2005, the Cobalt replaced the aged Cavalier in showrooms. "To think that we're going to be able to move all this back into the United States in short order and be self sufficient is not right.Chevrolet’s entry into the compact-car segment is the Cobalt. "It will be a while before we can actually say that this is going to be a growth industry," says Brad Martin, director of the RAND National Security Supply Chain Institute. Enough for several hundred thousand electric cars, the company says. Once fully operational, the Idaho mine is expected to meet only about 10% of overall U.S. The $100 million enterprise that publicly traded Jervois is launching will, even at full production, amount to a small blip in the global market. "So we viewed it as a strategically important asset for the country." "Idaho's is the only cobalt mine in the United States and it's going to remain so," Crocker says. Most of its production goes to China, which also controls most cobalt refining globally. Most of the cobalt mined in the world today comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where there are widespread child labor and other human rights problems. Electrifying transportation will require massive amounts of new mining. ![]() Not far from the famed Salmon River, the mine is the latest reminder of the environmental quandary for the United States and world as economies shift away from fossil fuels and toward greener energy. Department of Energy's Geri Richmond told workers and dignitaries gathered at the remote mine site. "We're talking about building a world class clean energy economy, and this mine, this project. The opening of Australia-based Jervois Global's Idaho facility, near the site of a defunct cobalt open pit mine, is being hailed by state and federal officials pushing to fast track development of minerals that support domestic and national security. SALMON, Idaho - The first - and only - cobalt mine in America in decades opened Friday in Idaho amid rising demand for the unique metal, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and battery storage. Cobalt is an important component of lithium ion batteries, like those in many electric vehicles. ![]()
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