About how much muscle is that?

Try 260 horsepower and 260 lbs torque. That’s up from its 205 horsepower debut in 2005. Once again a manufacturer has discovered that turbo is a wonderful addition to an ex-supercharged compact.

When the Mini Cooper first figured this out, it saw a boost of 32 horsepower, up to 175… and that’s at a very conservative boost mind you. While the Mini Cooper is perky and nimble, the Cobalt SS is sure to send chills down its checkered race strip spine at a red light. With nearly 100 more horsepower flexing through its open exhaust note, it would fare little chance except on a twisty road.

But the Cobalt is not your typical overpowered American Muscle car lacking the proper suspension to keep it on the road. In fact, in has a very impressive lateral grip of 0.9 g’s. Or in other words, it is capable of holding its own on a race course with some “real” scrappers, such as the R32 Skyline GT-R and E46 M3.

The Cobalt SS wasn’t always the center of praise. In fact, here was quite a bit of bad talk about the little compact once upon a time (say about three years ago). Many critics claimed that it just didn’t do the heritage “SS” badge justice. After all, we’ve had the infamous Camaro SS (1969, with 375 horsepower), Monte Carlo SS (2007, with 303 horsepower), Nova SS (1967, with 350 horsepower)… and when the Cobalt SS showed up with its paltry 205 horsepower, it kind of fell flat in comparison…

But the critics have come to develop an all new respect for the Cobalt SS and for just under $23,000 you can plant your rear in one of these. At this price you get the 2.0 liter Ecotec turbo (0-60 in 5.7 seconds), FES Sport Suspension, tuned stabilizer bars and springs, 4-wheel (ABS) disc brakes (Brembo- front), 18 inch alloy wheels (225/40), StabiliTrak control system, side impact bags, and GM Powertrain 5-speed transmission w/ short throw shifter.

Two of the Cobalts coolest features to performance enthusiasts is its Launch Control and No Lift shifting. The Launch Control is in operation anytime the vehicle is stopped and set to competition mode. With the foot on the clutch and the other foot pressed to the accelerator, the Cobalt with automatically hold itself at precisely 5100 rpm, which will launch the Chevy at perfect boost once the clutch is dumped.

No Lift shifting refers to the Cobalts ability to shift gears with no boost drop. The way it works, is a driver can shift gears while their accelerator foot remain pressed to the floor. You just pop the clutch, slide the gear into the next slot, and pop the clutch… Presto, no turbo lag!

What is even more impressive (given the obvious race specific design), is the fact that the Cobalt can still pull off 30 mpg on the highway with all its power adders in place. But make no mistake, the cobalt still has plenty of stiff competition in the Mazdaspeed3, Dodge SRT-4, and VW GTI. Eenie-meenie-minie-moe…