General Motors has 28 vehicles on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, spanning from mildly modified to true fantasy machines. Amidst all the chromed flash is a production model heading to Chevrolet dealers next year: the Cobalt SS is making a comeback.

Developed by GM's Performance Division, the Cobalt SS is powered by a turbocharged, 260-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. While the 5-speed manual transmission carries over (no 6-speed), it gets a 55 horsepower boost to 260. The SS has chassis enhancements similar to the Chevrolet HHR SS, but with larger Brembo brakes. It is fitted with a new FE5 sport suspension with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates, and damper tuning. GM boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 5.7 seconds, aided by the manual transmission's "no-lift shift" feature, which allows quick shifts without lifting the throttle. Our tested, supercharged 2005 Cobalt SS reached 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

The exterior is dressed with a front fascia with an SS-specific grille, along with unique side trim and optional rear wing. The combined effect is rather mild, especially in Vegas context, compared against its claimed performance capabilities.

Safety features include standard ABS, electronic stability control, and side-impact air bags. Head-protecting curtain air bags are also standard on all Cobalts.

The Cobalt will go on sale in the second quarter of 2008. A sedan version will follow a few months later. We enjoyed driving the previous SS, and are happy that while this model "happened" in Vegas, it won't stay in Vegas.

--Liza Barth