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For a brief period, 200 horsepower was enough to put a factory tuned compact into the 'rocket' class. Now, a few carmakers are nudging towards the magical 300 horsepower mark in the same sort of price range.

Case in point- the initial Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged delivered just over 200 horsepower to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Characterized by its big wing, chrome wheels and trademark 'Supercharged' badge, the car had a brief sales run and has now been replaced.

A new Cobalt SS Turbo model is taking it's place. It's powered a by more potent two-liter, 260 horsepower four cylinder engine that's direct injected. It puts 260 lb.-ft of torque on tap from just 2000 revs.

GM engineers have found more power from the turbo than the supercharger, a move that's sure to spark all sorts of online debates about which form of forced-induction is better. One thing's for sure: the increase in power will catapult the new Cobalt SS into a totally different performance arena. Power is sent up front yet again by a five-speed manual, and the package rides a lowered suspension with larger wheels.

It's not a hand-grenade tossed into the arena like the 285 horsepower Caliber SRT4- but Cobalt SS Turbo will more than hold its own against the likes of the Mini Cooper S, Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mazdaspeed 3. Pricing starts under $25,000.