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Cobalt 'Shoes' are Made for Running
DETROIT -- When the first 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt comes off the assembly line this fall at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Lordstown, Ohio, it will be rolling on tires specifically selected to provide premium ride and handling, according to Doug Parks, Cobalt chief engineer.Over 45 different tire constructions were considered for overall performance characteristics in specific applications. Tens of thousands of development miles were run on prototype vehicles to evaluate the candidates in all sorts of North American road and weather conditions before the final selections were made, he said. "Because tires are the vehicle's only physical connection to the road, they are the most important factor in determining ride and handling characteristics," Parks commented. "You simply cannot have a great car without great tires."The tires on every Cobalt model -- from the entry-level sedan to the performance-tuned SS Supercharged coupeĀ feature specifically tuned constructions for precise steering and great ride, he added. The tires also are made from high-grade materials selected for their ability to absorb vibration from the road surface and have tread patterns designed for low road noise, he said.In addition, the Cobalt lineup offers a wide range of tire sizes that provide unique appearance and performance characteristics for each model level. The Cobalt starts with 15-inch tires, and has 16-inch tires available as optional equipment. The SS Supercharged coupe boasts high-performance 18-inch Z-rated tires. "We offer a variety of tires to fit each level of Cobalt, but every Cobalt tire provides a great ride and responsive handling," said Parks. "We put the highest priority on getting each tire just right."Other components that contribute to the Cobalt's premium performance: sound-deadening Quiet Steel that is used extensively between the dashboard and the engine compartment; independent front and torsion beam rear suspensions; front and rear stabilizer bars; and fluid-filled rear suspension bushings on models equipped with 15- and 16- inch tires."