When enthusiasts think of performance figures there are a few considerations. Anything making over 200 horsepower is a good start. 250hp is even better. Yet, usually to be able to enjoy this performance you have to ante up a sizable amount of cash. Not any more.

Chevrolet is offering it’s new Cobalt SS for $23,000 including destination fees. There is more to it though. You see when the Cobalt SS debuted a couple of year’s back it came equipped with a 200hp supercharged four cylinder. Pretty decent for a little econo-coupe and on par with the likes of Volkswagen’s GTI.

Well for this year though, the general has upped the factor significantly. The newest version of the Cobalt SS ditches the old supercharged lump for a turbocharged four that makes 60hp more for a total of 260hp. All that power gets put to the ground via a 5-speed manual equipped with a genuine limited-slip differential. The standard FE5 sport suspension package keeps all that power under control too, making this one wicked quick ride which will sprint to 60mph in about 5.7 seconds. Impressive stuff and on par with much more sporty cars like Nissan’s 350z and Mazda’s RX8, even BMW’s 328i coupe!

Exterior touches to the Cobalt SS include a standard deck lid spoiler, new front upper and lower grilles with an SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance. An airdam-style front fascia completes the look up front while the interior gets a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a special shifter arrangement.

Look for this little speed demon to fly out of GM dealer lots. They are already available and for the money  nothing else will touch it. 260hp for $23k? Sign me up!

Above: 260hp for $23k is a smokin’ deal….