The 2009 Cobalt SS, developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) designers and engineers, features a turbocharged intercooled version of GM's 2.0-l Ecotec engine.  This unique setup enables a balance between performance and fuel economy.  What's amazing is that souped-up Ecotec engine puts out 260 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and still achieves 30 MPG on the highway.

The Cobalt LS and LT versions are equipped with a 2.2-l Ecotec four-cylinder, rated at 155 HP 150 lb.-ft. of torque.  The tested SS Cobalt was a sedan but also comes in a coupe version.

Body style aside, the powertrain setup on the Cobalt SS allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 MPH in 5.7 seconds.  This performance set a class record in Germany when running the famed Nürburgring racing circuit, posting a time of 8:22.85 minutes. 

An LCD display in the dash of the Cobalt SS can be modified to record performance benchmarks, such as zero-to-60 performance, quarter-mile acceleration, braking performance, and cornering grip, also known as "g load."

On the streets, the amount of power to the front axle does result in torque steer, causing the vehicle to veer a bit from left to right, especially as the turbo kicks in.  Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance and minimize torque steer, depending on performance or street conditions.

The manual five-speed "no-lift shift" transmission does give the driver more control than an automatic.  The "no-lift shift" feature enables the Cobalt SS to achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller. 

GM's new FE5 Sport suspension was developed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and also mitigate afflictions inherent with turbocharged engines, such as torque steer.  It includes stabilizer bars, spring rates, and damper tuning.

The car is equipped with front Brembo brake calipers, a performance-oriented, fixed-caliper design, which resists fade better than floating-caliper designs.  The rear discs are vented for better heat dissipation. It also is equipped with GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system for safety.

The exterior of the Cobalt SS sports an air-dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps. It also has new front upper and lower grilles with a diamond-mesh look. The SS badge appears on the rocker panel.

Large, five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels, wrapped in 225/40-series Continental summer tires, give the vehicle a lower, performance-oriented stance and show the red Brembo front brake calipers.

Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the Cobalt SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo-boost gauge, and a new shifter arrangement. Three interior color combinations are available: ebony, light gray, and victory red.

Priced at $24,105, the Cobalt SS breathes new life into the GM performance lineup, making it appealing to sport compact enthusiasts seeking an alternative to entry-level performance imports.