Turbocharged Cobalt SS and HHR SS Panel Land at SEMA

The discontinuation of the Cobalt SS Supercharged was deemed as a loss for the sport compact community. Though outclassed by increasingly powerful rivals like the Mazdaspeed3 and the Dodge Caliber SRT4, it was “replaced” by the impressively powerful, 260-hp turbocharged HHR SS.

For 2008, the Cobalt SS will return, packing the same engine as the HHR SS. It was expected that Chevrolet would bring a high-performance variant of its compact car back, given that the HHR body style is an acquired taste. The new Cobalt SS features the General’s most advanced four-cylinder motor, the 2.0-liter that features direct injection and a turbocharger for 260 horsepower first seen in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. It will be available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto. Cars with the manual transmission feature something called “no-lift shift”, an algorithm that maximizes acceleration by allowing drivers to shift without letting off the accelerator. The result is a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The ‘08 Cobalt SS is a subtler looking car than the old SS/SC, with a less aggressive body kit and a smaller rear spoiler, though the gargantuan unit that characterized the old car is still an option. Chevrolet has also opted away from the five-spoke flangeless alloy wheels in favor of a star-spoke design. The new SS will also be offered as a sedan, increasing its appeal, though it will arrive at a later date. Nevertheless, the SS features the special FE5 suspension setup, which includes stiffer springs and dampers, reportedly tuned on Germany’s Nurburgring circuit, and a promise that it can deal with the power without issue. Given its performance, the new SS could be considered a real sleeper!

Besides the debut of the new Cobalt SS at this year’s SEMA show, Chevrolet will also be showing a special HHR SS that it’s created as the ultimate courier vehicle. Painted “suede” gray, as a tip of the hat to retro hot rods with unique headlamps, grille and custom 20-inch wheels, the HHR SS Panel is also a quick machine thanks to the 260-hp 2.0-liter turbo four. The SEMA edition show car also features a customized interior with red leather trim on the dashboard, steering wheel and shift knob. However, this show car is more than just a dream vehicle. The demand for an HHR SS Panel version is reportedly strong enough for GM to build one for the road as well.

Starting in 2009, the HHR SS will also be available as a panel van, complete with the appropriate FE5 performance suspension package, and upgraded interior with boost gauge and sports seats. We’re not sure when the car will be available or how much it will cost, but it’s going to make a select few business owners and hot-rodders very, very happy.