It's supposed to replace the Cobalt. You like it?
Both cars are going to be ready for sale in 2011.Why do they have one next to the Volt?
GM also Considering "Four-Door Coupe" Model in Effort to "Sport Up" Compact Lineup
Chevrolet is looking at two ways to "sport up" General Motors' Delta compact platform. The more radical idea involves all new, "four-door coupe"-style sheetmetal on the same platform as the 2011 Chevy Cruze compact. The car would retain the Cruze's wheelbase, but with a more rakish roofline that would sacrifice some back seat space for a more expressive design.
Both the four-door coupe and the Cruze SS could take the larger Epsilon platform's all-wheel-drive system to mitigate torque steer. We're not likely to see the SS earlier than the '13 model year; the four-door coupe would take even longer. But of course, before either of them hits Chevy dealers, the priority is to do a high fuel-mileage Cruze XFE.
yeah because that worked out well in the past . . . .One easy way for GM to bounce back is to bring Euro/Aussie cars to the US. Same names, powerplants, and bodies. Holdens and Vauxhalls are good looking, performing and selling cars.
Chevrolet's European arm announced today that it will enter the 2010 season of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with two manufacturer-backed Cruze sedans. The Silverline Chevrolet team cars will be prepared by the Wellingborough-based RML team, which also looks after Chevy's WTCC Cruzes.
The first car will be driven by former BTCC champion and 2009 runner-up, Jason Plato, and the second by 19-year old Alex MacDowall.
"The Cruze has already shown itself to be a superb racing car in the World Touring Car Championship," said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry.
"So the decision to enter it in the most high profile series in the UK was made much easier. We're looking forward to an exciting season, and one that will raise the profile of both the Chevrolet brand, and the style and dynamic appeal of the Cruze – a car that has already proven to be a success both on and off the track," Terry concluded.
Chevrolet reveals the compact 2011 Cruze Eco. This high-efficiency model is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing that achieves an estimated 40 mpg on the highway when combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Cruze Eco is expected to deliver the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while offering midsize car presence.
“The Cruze Eco delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president Chevrolet marketing. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, it demonstrates how Chevrolet is working to bring new products to market that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”
Featuring a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing, the Cruze Eco is designed to be the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup, delivering an estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the standard six-speed manual transmission. City fuel economy, as well as estimates for the Cruze Eco equipped with an available six-speed automatic transmission, will be finalized closer to launch.
The Eco achieves greater fuel economy using a number of features that enhance its aerodynamics, minimize weight and reduce rolling resistance. Details include:
* A lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow
* The upper grille has more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics
* A lower front air dam extension, extensive use of underbody panels and a rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics
* A lowered ride height improves aerodynamics
* Unique 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels
* Ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.
Complementing Cruze’s sporty proportions is an optional RS appearance package for the LT and LTZ trim levels, which bolsters the car’s styling with unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps. An uplevel instrument cluster is also part of the package and includes chrome accent rings in place of the standard silver finish, as well as opaque cluster bezels that allow the cluster’s ice blue backlighting to shine through – providing a sporty nighttime appearance.
"For customers who want even more personality and presence in their vehicle, the RS appearance package builds on the already bold face and coupe-like proportions of the Cruze,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design.
Chevrolet and its European tuning partner Irmscher presented a humbly beefed up version of the Cruze compact sedan with cosmetic and performance upgrades at this week's AMI motorshow in Leipzig, Germany.
Dubbed the Cruze Irmscher Edition, the car gets an optional boot lid spoiler along with 18-inch alloy wheels shod in beefier 225 sport tires and aluminum door sills.
Irmscher's performance modifications include a 25mm suspension drop and exhaust silencers with elliptical twin exits along with a 36HP and 146Nm boost for the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine increasing total output to 186HP and 466Nm at 2,300 rpm.
According to the tuner, the diesel version accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.0 seconds.
Compact Corporate Savior? We (Finally) Drive U.S. Spec Chevy Compact
Will the Cruze save General Motors? Frankly, by now it may no longer need to, as it's getting considerable help from some other pretty strong product offerings. This early taste has certainly whetted our appetite for more, and the flavor certainly compares favorably with the aging Honda and Toyota competition. But Ford is readying an equally mouth-watering new Focus that rides on a modernized version of a chassis we already love under the Mazda3. Its styling is similarly handsome and arguably more modern, and its range-topping 2.0-liter direct-injection engine will likely outperform the Cruze's 1.4T -- though probably at some cost to fuel economy. Of course, the real winner will be the patriotic American compact buyer, whose domestic options have never been better. Stay tuned for a more definitive report on the Cruze later this summer when it's fully baked and decorated.
Chevy’s new compact is class-competitive, unlike the outgoing Cobalt. But don’t expect huge driving thrills.
Still, it’s a good all-around package. It’s quiet, refined, offers the promise of excellent gas mileage, rides nicely, is roomy, and looks the part in an understated and substantial way. For a lot of compact-car buyers who aren’t thrill-seekers and don’t need to make a style statement, it’s definitely a contender against the import opposition. And we haven’t said that too often about GM compacts recently.