L-shaped front control arms contain a forward pivot bushing, which transmits most of the cornering force, and a larger, high-damped composite rear elastomeric bushing that allows rearward movement to minimize harshness from road surface impacts. The front control arms are made from steel on the FE1 suspension and are aluminum on the FE3 and FE5 suspensions.

The direct-acting front stabilizer bar connects to each strut for precise steering response and improved cornering agility with decreased body roll. All front suspension components are mounted to a new, rigid cradle assembly comprised of four large hydroformed steel tubes and two side members that are integrally welded to front and rear cross members. The cradle is mounted to the Cobalt's space frame at four widely spaced points.

2007 Cobalt's torsion beam rear suspension provides excellent ride and handling, while maximizing interior space. A hydraulic rear suspension bushing is employed on the FE1 suspension to improve the ride and suppress road noise. Rear wheel travel, at 126.5 mm in jounce and 68.5 mm in rebound, is longer than most vehicles in the segment.

Vented front disc brakes with single-piston calipers and composite rear drum brakes are standard on LS, LT and LTZ. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on LT and LTZ models, and optional on LS. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on SS and SS Supercharged models. Cobalt also offers an enhanced electronic traction control system on all models equipped with an automatic transmission and ABS; this system is standard on LTZ.

Enhanced traction system (ETS) is integral with automatic-equipped Cobalts with ABS. ETS enhances traction by adjusting engine torque if wheel slip is detected.


Safety and security

The rigid body structure that lays the foundation of Cobalt's dynamic driving experience also reinforces occupant safety. In addition to the solid unibody structure, dual-stage frontal air bags are standard and side head curtain air bags are available. Front seat belt pretensioners, rear center shoulder belts and the LATCH child seat retention system are also standard.

Additional security is provided by the standard PASS-Key III Plus theft-deterrent system, which prevents vehicle operation if the right key is not used. Remote keyless entry and power door locks (not available on LS) provide lockout prevention, delayed locking and programmable operation.

Continuous safety is provided by OnStar. OnStar-equipped Cobalt models feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar's digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allow drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

The OnStar service standard on the 2007 Cobalt includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system (excluding SS models), making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.


Plentiful powertrains

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt offers buyers a variety of segment-leading powertrain combinations that deliver distinct levels ranging from maximized economy to race-inspired performance. Chevrolet Cobalt's GM-proven Ecotec 2.2L and 2.4L engines receive slight horsepower increases for 2007.

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