GM Unleashes XFE Models. Or Will. Eventually. Maybe.

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

You want evidence that GM takes TTAC seriously? I got nothing. You want proof that GM should lend us an ear, or another indication that the American automaker's just too damn slow? No problem. Back in April, Edward Niedermeyer flagged the fact that Chevrolet was [all too quietly] selling a higher-mileage Cobalt XFE with re-jigged gearing and low-resistance tires. "These are exactly the kind of common-sense efficiency improvements Chevy (et al) should spread across their lineup," Edward opined. Yes, the Detroit Free Press reports that "thanks to quick action by GM's engineering and marketing teams," the Cobalt's twin-under-the-skin Pontiac G5 also gets the mods and the new badge. Quick? Yes! Quick! "We saw fuel prices rising early this year, and rather than sitting on the sidelines in a Motown hole-in-the-wall knocking-back boilermakers worrying, we did something," Chevrolet spokesman Terry Rhadigan boasts. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like GM's going promote these "new" cars; Lordstown's maxxed out as it is. And GM's hasn't quite committed to the XFE concept. "Chevrolet may apply the strategy — and the XFE badge — to other model lines. Other GM divisions may do the same, although they might not use the same XFE badge." Hey, what's the hurry?

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • SherbornSean SherbornSean on Jun 30, 2008

    Quasimodo: "Just slow down and hit the brakes earlier. Problem solved. Besides, you shouldn’t be going so fast in inclement weather" Certainly not in a Cobalt!

  • Limmin Limmin on Jun 30, 2008

    Hmmm. I dunno. I'm on another major car site fairly often and the Cobalt XFE is promoted very heavily there. It's the most prominent banner ad. The Cobalt XFE may not be a hybrid, but it's a far more reasonably priced conveyance and GM deserves credit for releasing it so quickly. Funny thing, though. I drive an Alero stick with the ecotec. Recently, I rented a Cobalt with the autotranny. The Cobalt auto was geared higher than my Alero. Highway revs were 200rpm less than my car's top gear at 65mph. Seems like all GM did was gear the 5sp to match the autotranny. I'm convinced the Cobalt is the Model T of the 21st century. Cheap to buy and maintain, high quality, excellent handling. With discounts, it's $4k less than a Civic. What's not to love?? GM rocks!!

  • Alex Nigro Alex Nigro on Jun 30, 2008

    Semi-OT, but is TTAC going to review the Cobalt SS Turbocharged?

  • Gawdodirt Gawdodirt on Jun 30, 2008

    "Thin, hard, slippery tires may help fuel mileage, but they hurt safety and dynamics." The impression that efficient tires mean hard and slippery have apparently evaded the Super bike crowd. Their versions are tacky, efficient and very dynamic in their capabilities. Let's try to think outside of the box inour search for solutions... p.s. REveiew the Turbo Cobalt?!!!?? Great idea!!

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