Saturday, March 27, 2010
Chevrolet will use the 2010 New York Auto Show to reveal a few more details about the production Cruze sedan going on sale this fall. Specifically, the Big Apple is where Chevy will formally unveil the high-mileage Cruze Eco model and RS trim package (inset). The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is propelled by the new turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec inline four-cylinder. This engine, combined with a six-speed manual transmission, is not only the most powerful unit available, it's also expected to yield a hybrid-like 40 miles per gallon on the highway. In order to help achieve that lofty number, the Cruze Eco gets drag-reducing shutters that close off the lower grille at higher speeds. Also contributing to the car's elevated fuel efficiency are a deep front air dam and under-body panels. The 1.4 turbo is rated at 138 horsepower and a healthy 148 pound-feet of torque.
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Press Release
Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price
Tag
o Cruze Eco delivers an estimated segment-leading 40 mpg on the highway
o Optional RS appearance package for Cruze LT and LTZ trim levels
NEW YORK – At the New York Auto Show, 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."
Chevrolet also shows an optional RS sport appearance package for the Cruze LT
and LTZ trim levels.
Cruze is the first in a family of all-new Chevrolet small and compact cars
designed to offer excellent fuel economy, outstanding quality and top safety
ratings. Cruze models for the United States and Canada will be produced at the
Lordstown, Ohio assembly complex. In February, Chevrolet announced the addition
of a third shift at Lordstown that will add 1,200 workers to support a smooth,
fast and flawless ramp-up of Cruze production. More than $350 million has been
invested to re-tool the plant and add new, state-of-the-art manufacturing
equipment.
"This investment helps secure the best possible manufacturing footprint to react
to market demand and deliver vehicles faster to our customers," said Campbell.
"We believe Cruze is the right car at the right time for American consumers."
Cruze Eco details
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.
The axle ratio on the manual-transmission model is also optimized for fuel
economy, while helping the car deliver confident performance. Chevrolet
estimates the Cruze Eco will deliver 0-60 mph performance of about 10 seconds
with the manual transmission and 9 seconds with the six-speed automatic.
The Cruze Eco will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Cruze RS details
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.
Midsize presence in the compact segment
All Cruze models offer the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car, combined
with segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions
about what a compact car can be in North America.
Along with the Eco, the 2011 Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims.
Standard and available equipment includes:
* Ten standard air bags, including frontal, front-seat side-impact air bags,
roof rail head curtain, rear-seat side air bags and new front knee air bags
* Bluetooth, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and navigation system
* Standard OnStar with one year of Directions and Connections service
* MacPherson strut front suspension and Z-link rear suspension, with 16-, 17-
and 18-inch wheels
* Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing,
traction control and anti-lock brakes
* Fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering
* Unexpected levels of quietness, smoothness and refinement for the segment.
All models share an interior characterized by upscale materials and a lengthy
roster of equipment usually found in larger and more expensive vehicles.
Available technologies include Bluetooth and a navigation system.
Cruze's 1.4L Ecotec turbo performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains
the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions;
it is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models. Rated at an estimated at 138
horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm), it enables a cruising
range of more than 500 miles (800 km). Cruze will lead the way for Chevrolet in
the use of small-displacement, turbocharged Ecotec engines that are highly
fuel-efficient and power vehicles that are fun to drive.
Standard on LS models is a 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder rated at an estimated 136
horsepower (184 kW) and 123 lb.-ft. of torque (166 Nm). Both engines are
designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as variable
valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy.
Backing the Cruze's engines are six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Each contributes to excellent fuel economy.
Chevrolet engineers have already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and
durability testing worldwide, making Cruze one of the most real world-tested
products prior to a U.S. launch. It is backed by Chevrolet's
five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – the best coverage in America.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and
one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range
from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has nine models that offer an
EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers two hybrid
models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold.
Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and strives to
provide the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information
can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit
http://media.gm.com/volt.