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?
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I think it’s a very good move although the badge ‘Xfe’ will pale in comparison to Toyota’s ‘hybrid synergy drive’. Not many folks realize the lineage between the Geo Metro Xfi and Chevy Cobalt Xfe.
The funny thing is GM would have needed to entertain this type of program regardless of the current market demands. With CAFE rising and a limited number of fuel efficient vehicles, GM would have needed to stuff the fleets with higher efficiency models across the board after a few years.
If this is the General’s idea of how to promote the efficiency of their fleet, they are in sad shape indeed.
I like the idea of taller gearing, manual transmissions, and engine recalibration, but low rolling resistance (aka low-friction) tires scare me. Thin, hard, slippery tires may help fuel mileage, but they hurt safety and dynamics.
Hopefully, they can add weight reduction to the list of XFE changes.
seoultrain:
Thin, hard, slippery tires may help fuel mileage, but they hurt safety and dynamics.
Good point, glossed over by the Freep:
“Those modifications mean the XFE’s acceleration and handling are not quite as good as other Cobalts and G5s, but the trade-off created a new model that was right for the times and ripe to be advertised.”
Dynamics are overrated. Most American roads are straight, and since nobody goes fast enough to use any additional horsepower, they certainly can’t be going fast enough to test the limits of a car’s suspension and tires.
Besides, sacrifices need to be made if you want to save that extra mpg.
I’m hoping they reduce the weight and add a couple cogs in the Chevy Colorado’s tranny. I’ve liked that truck for a long time, but the fuel economy has always been a downer for me. Right now, I’d like it to get twenty-one miles per gallon in crew cab form (at least) with an automatic transmission and 3500 pound towing capacity. If they could do it, more power to them. I’d consider one.
I don’t know how else Chevrolet can increase the mileage in the truck aside from a new transmission, new tires and lower weight, but if there’s a way I’d like them to do it. Attaching the mild hybrid system from the Saturn Vue would be a cracking start. It seems to do better in heavier vehicles like the Colorado anyway, considering that the same system adds 2 mpg in the Aura and six mpg in the Vue.
Steven Lang :
XFE stands for “Xtended Fuel Economy”, I believe. I wonder if this is a stopgap model until the new Balt comes out…
And as for promotion, I have seen a few ads advertising the XFE’s fuel economy, so it’s out there. I think it’s also advertised on Chevrolet’s web page, too.
What the hell is XFE? First I heard of it, and I don’t consider myself an uninformed idiot.
GM needs to do a better job advertising it. Sounds like just another meaningless jumble of letters otherwise.
GM seems schizophrenic about promoting the Cobalt XFE. Only after digging around their website a while will you learn:
“all newly produced Cobalt LS and 1LT Coupes and Sedans with manual transmissions will wear a special XFE (Extended Fuel Economy) badge — and for good reason.
Cobalt XFE Coupe (very limited availability) has the best standard highway fuel economy in its class,(1) and Cobalt XFE Sedan has better highway fuel economy than the comparably equipped 2009 Toyota Corolla(2) — with an EPA estimated MPG 36 highway. Both models come equipped with a standard five-speed manual transmission, 2.2L engine and all-season tires.
How did Chevy do it?
GM engineers worked to recalibrate the already efficient 2.2L ECOTEC engine. We improved the tires to give them lower resistance on the road and made a few other tweaks we’ll keep as our little secret.
One thing we aren’t afraid to shout about is how proud we are of our engineers’ dedication to making Cobalt XFE more fuel efficient without sacrificing the 2.2L ECOTEC engine’s horsepower.”
So it’s not really a new model, but a new badge slapped on current production models to signify the economy tweaks. Also, lotsa luck finding a coupe XFE. Hope drivability hasn’t noticeably suffered.
I had a rental Autotrans, ecotec Cobalt while a personal vehicle was in the body shop. Overall it got about 26mpg’s. I reset the MPG readout at the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 on the return trip to the dealer in Denver. Keeping in mind the descent is a mile in elevation, the meter displayed 55mpg when I pulled into the dealer’s lot.
It seemed to be a reasonable transportation appliance. They just need to raise the roof about 4-6 inches.
Isn’t the XFE with manual Cobalts only? Hopefully the next-gen Cobalt, which looks pretty in spy pics, comes with XKE in auto.
Isn’t the XFE with manual Cobalts only? Hopefully the next-gen Cobalt, which looks pretty in spy pics, comes with XKE in auto.
That would be nice.
I think the question is how will this change the specs when gasoline goes to $7.00 a Gallon?
I wonder if the skinny 185 wide tires on my Saturn actually help my fuel economy.
I think the Colorado realistically gets better fuel mileage than all the other compact trucks. Chevy tells you the fuel economy of both the crew cab and regular/extended cab models separately. The other manufacturers probably give the light regular cab numbers. You can get 20 MPG if you’re careful.
davey49:
The Colorado saw improved fuel economy numbers for MY09:
http://ask.cars.com/2008/06/2009-chevrolet.html
Well, seoultrain (and RF), if I ever see you opine positively on a Prius, I will remind you of your aversion towards LRR tires.
Frankly, it’s not that the tires are not slick or thin or anything (although, a thin tire is a component in the Prius, giving it its charming *gag* handling dynamics). LRR and low-loss characteristics are generally attributed to a tire’s resistence to deforming. Typically, LRR tires maintain a pressure of 40-50 psi in most applications. That, plus some tire engineering, keep the sides from deforming, creating loss through heat, and flattening, creating loss through drag.
I put LRR tires on my Focus, and my handling is not much changed, although the limit is definitely reached earlier than before – but I could handle with some much better cars before, so my downgrade only clobbers a Corolla rather than completely shaming it. My gas mileage is up noticeably (I used to average about 30 per tank – I’m up to 32 now). My ride is harsher, however. With LRR tires should come different damper rates on shocks, for example. The high PSIs and stronger sides expose bumps much more easily. That’s really the only downside to them.
Frankly, if you think this Cobalt would be unsafe with new LRR tires, the Prius should be banned from public consumption with its 3,100 lbs sitting on 185s (a base Focus carries 195s, most cars the weight of the Prius have 205s standard).
Dynamics are overrated.
Really? Suppose the slippery tires add 10 feet to braking distance. That’s the difference between a nasty crash and not even brushing the paint.
The current style of wheels and tires is a pet peeve of mine. Wide tires increase rolling resistance. Large diameter wheels increase unsprung weight and cause undue stress on suspension and steering components. Low profile tires give a bone jarring ride and offer little road hazard protection. Wide tires are plenty grippy on dry pavement , but suck in wet conditions
Most 3500 lb cars would handle perfectly well on 205/ 70 X15 tires My 3200 lb 528e does fine on 195/70 x14
Really? Suppose the slippery tires add 10 feet to braking distance. That’s the difference between a nasty crash and not even brushing the paint.
Just slow down and hit the brakes earlier. Problem solved. Besides, you shouldn’t be going so fast in inclement weather.
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!
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!!
Semi-OT, but is TTAC going to review the Cobalt SS Turbocharged?
“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!!