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Beijing first to see next-gen Chevy Cruze

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Chevrolet may have just introduced a slight styling refresh and new tech for the North American Cruze at the New York Auto Show, but Shanghai GM, General Motor's Chinese joint venture partner, has gone a step further, unveiling an all-new generation of the popular compact at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

The Chinese-market Cruze has sleeker frontal styling with inspiration from the Chevy Tru 140S Concept. The headlights are more pointed and dip down into the two-tier grille. Overall, the sedan has more aggressive lines and a coupe-like roofline. Power for the new version is provided by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder or 1.4-liter, direct-injected turbocharged four, and Chinese buyers can choose among a seven-speed dual-clutch, six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual as gearbox options. GM Shanghai claims the latest model is good for a 14-21 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Chevy authorities in China tell Autoblog that North American customers will eventually get a new model based on this architecture, but it won't look exactly like what you see here – in fact, it will almost certainly ride on a longer wheelbase, among other changes.

Why introduce the model in Beijing? The Cruze has been a hot seller in China for years – GM has sold over one million units in the market – and the model has been on sale in the Middle Kingdom significantly longer than it has been available in North America. What's more, the C-segment cars like the Cruze are China's most popular vehicle type, enjoying nearly 50 percent marketshare. Said another way, China's due for a new generation.

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Shanghai GM Launches Trax and Introduces New Cruze at Chevrolet Night in Beijing

BEIJING – Shanghai GM this evening launched the Chevrolet Trax, its new urban SUV, and hosted the world premiere of the new-generation Chevrolet Cruze at Chevrolet Night in Beijing. The two products are among the 11 Chevrolet models that will be on display at Auto China 2014, which opens tomorrow.

Chevrolet Trax

The Trax urban SUV has a dynamic, muscular exterior with large, 18-inch wheels. Its flexible interior has 25 storage spaces and can carry up to 1,372 liters of cargo. Powering the Trax is a 1.4L turbocharged engine that is mated with a new six-speed automated manual transmission. The Trax generates maximum output of 103 kW and 200 Nm, while achieving fuel economy of 6.9 L/100 km.

The Trax comes with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which enables it to effectively take on slippery and bumpy roads. The Trax received a five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP testing. It benefits from eight major safety systems, including Electronic Stability Control, Curve Braking Control and Rollover Mitigation.

To meet the demands of younger customers, the Trax comes with the latest Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. Its 7-inch full-color touch screen supports a number of user-friendly functions such as eyes-free integration, multimedia entertainment and navigation.

The Trax will be available in China at a price of RMB 119,900 - 159,900. Taiwanese actor Kai Ko and actress Amber Kuo will serve as ambassadors for the Trax across China.

New-Generation Chevrolet Cruze

The much-anticipated new-generation Chevrolet Cruze represents GM's newest entry in the midsize compact car segment. It was developed by GM's global R&D team, which gave the Cruze a new clean-sheet design and brand-new architecture. The team's goal was to set new benchmarks in the segment for fuel economy, handling and intelligent technology.

The new Cruze offers the first expression of Chevrolet's next-generation design language characterized by the slogan "Design with a Heartbeat." Developed with a focus on efficiency and inspired by the Chevrolet Tru Concept, which appeared at Auto China 2012, it features coupe-like flowing lines that support enhanced aerodynamics. A compact body, wheels pushed out to the corners of the car, shorter front and rear overhangs, and a roofline that stretches to the rear make for a spacious interior. A dual-mesh grille extends to the sleek headlights to create a more dynamic visual effect. Chrome-plated trim stretches from the outside rearview mirrors to the rear seat windows, conveying a rhythmic refinement.

The new Cruze is the first model featuring the new-generation Ecotec small-displacement engine co-developed by GM and SAIC. It is available with a choice of the segment's first 1.4L mid-mounted direct injection turbocharged engine or the first 1.5L mid-mounted naturally aspirated engine. The new Cruze is also offered with the all-new DCG seven-speed dual-clutch transmission co-developed by GM and SAIC, an all-new six-speed manual transmission developed in Europe, and the third-generation S6 six-speed automated manual transmission. The powertrains provide best-in-class fuel economy, ride comfort, emissions and quiet performance. The new Cruze is expected to deliver a fuel economy improvement of 14-21 percent compared with its predecessor.

Chevrolet Transformers 4 Stars

Three Chevrolet vehicles that will star in this summer's blockbuster Transformers 4 – the Camaro TF4 Concept, Corvette Stingray and Trax – will make their grand debut at Auto China 2014. A 3.3-meter-tall android that transformed itself from the Trax and a 2.0-meter-tall Camaro robot will show visitors the magic of the movie. The Trax is joining the autobot team for the first time in the fourth installment of the popular Transformers franchise.

In the movie, the Corvette Stingray will transform into a partner of Optimus Prime to lead the autobots onto the battlefield. In reality, the Stingray is the seventh generation of the Corvette, which was originally launched in 1953. Its newly designed 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine boasts maximum output of 338 kW and 635 Nm, resulting in 0-100 km/h acceleration time of only 4 seconds. In addition to a refreshed exterior and interior, the Stingray features a new body structure, chassis and powertrain, as well as other innovative technologies.

The Camaro TF4 Concept has a handsome exterior, with a futuristic-looking front end and body. It has special paint and improved aerodynamic pockets that forge a strong combination of sport and science.
General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 12 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.

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