At first glance, a Chevrolet Cobalt might strike the average person as a featureless economy car with an attractive price tag that compensates for its lackluster appearance. On some level, that assessment is correct. Even the word “turbo” on the higher-end model does not compel one to place this car in the same strata as legendary sports cars like the Mustang or Corvette. But when a customizer like Todd Weaver sees a small car like this, his first thought is how he can take an underdog vehicle and push it to the next level. So despite its sport compact status, it doesn’t hurt that the car’s 2-liter Ecotec turbo engine is factory-rated at 260 horsepower. With a curb weight below 2,700 pounds, that kind of power allows Weaver to take on an unmodified Mustang or two off the line.
Weaver knows higher-end performance. His previous car was a modified 2002 BMW M3. But with a slouching economy and new EPA mileage standards that went into effect in 2009, Weaver traded in his European import for a practical American driver that would burn less fuel. After researching the market, the Chevrolet Cobalt seemed like the all-around best choice. Nevertheless, it was hard to leave his modification program behind. And Weaver knew he could push the car past stock configuration without degrading its fuel economy. So he went to Kelley’s Performance shop in Bladensburg, where he began picking up parts including a high-performance Flowmaster exhaust and down pipe. The tunes emanating from the factory speakers were in need of a serious sound boost, so Weaver installed two 10-inch subwoofers in the trunk, powered by an 850-watt amplifier.
Next, Weaver filled out the gaps in the wheel wells left by the undersized stock wheels by adding 18-inch five-star rims. After debadging the whole car, Weaver added a ZZP charge pipe with a Tial blowoff value to add a few extra horses to the stable. With the car riding high with the addition of the 18-inch rims, Weaver installed Eibach Sportline lowering springs to create a lower profile.
| Stats box |
| » Engine: 2-liter Ecotec turbo |
| » Performance: ZZP charge pipe, Tial blowoff valve, Eibach lowering springs |
| » Wheels: 18-inch Speedy |
| » Interior: two Diesel 10-inch subwoofers, Power Acoustik 850-watt amplifier, Pioneer head unit with nine-speaker surround sound |
| » Exterior: 20 percent window tint |
Weaver is far from done and only sees more modifications in his future, including a DVD player linked to a backup camera and a dual exhaust for an even more aggressive look.
What do you drive? A 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS turbo.
Why do you drive it? I love sport compact coupes. I’m tall, so I love that I can push the seat all the way back. And it’s fast.
What makes this car so special? I knew that I wanted to customize this car and it has a great look to it.
What is your most memorable driving experience? Driving through Virginia Beach with my car club. There were about 30 Cobalts all in a row together.
What was the first car you owned? A 1985 Toyota Cressida.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? Old school rap and gospel on my iPod.
And your first ticket? What was it for? My first ticket was for failure to stop at a stop sign. But I haven’t received a ticket in this car.
