Autoblog

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, Quick Spins

42 MPG, Batteries Not Included

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's always a little skepticism attached to Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates. Even though the agency adjusted its testing procedures in 2008 to help generate more realistic figures, buyers and experts seem to approach the mystical city/highway numbers with the general impression that figures have little bearing on what owners actually experience in day-to-day use. So it should be no surprise that when General Motors and the EPA announced that the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco would hit 42 miles per gallon on the highway, a stink of disbelief filled our newsroom.

That kind of lofty highway fuel economy is typically relegated to hybrids, clean diesels and subcompacts that require an uncanny mastership of human origami to ferry four friends along - not roomy four-door compact sedans. Fortunately, GM was kind enough to turn us loose on a long stretch of Southern California interstate to put the fuel economy of the Cruze Eco to the test.

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Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Quick Spin

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco rated at 42 mpg highway

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has released official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, and the automaker's original target of 40 miles per gallon (highway) has been surpassed. The Cruze Eco is officially rated at 28/42 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission, making it the segment-leader in terms of efficiency.

To achieve this, the Eco uses GM's latest 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. On its own, the engine is efficient enough to deliver 24/36 mpg, but a host of aerodynamic changes and weight reductions on the Eco account for the extra bump in fuel economy. In addition to a lower front air dam extension, rear spoiler, lowered ride height and revised underbody panels, the Cruze Eco rides on lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires. What's more, a front grille shutter has been developed to improve airflow at higher speeds, thus accounting for a 10 percent coefficient of drag over standard Cruze models.

The Cruze Eco is priced from $18,895 and hits dealerships in January of next year. For the full details, hit the jump for GM's press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco rated at 42 mpg highway

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco rated at 42 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom

Zach Bowman — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet

Our first drive report of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze was originally published over the weekend when GM's embargo lifted at 12:01AM EST on Saturday morning. We didn't want you to miss it, so check out the opening below and click through to read the rest.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for full first drive report

Until now, General Motors hasn't exactly taken the small-car market seriously. While Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia have built their empires on the hoods of pint-sized, fuel-efficient transportation, history has shown the captains of Detroit tend to offer up parts-bin afterthoughts. Cars like the Chevrolet Cavalier and Cobalt have left a sour taste in the mouths of buyers thanks to noisy and de-contented cabins, rough engines and build quality that would make a Yugo blush. As a result, Americans have developed a sort of Pavolovian retch when we hear the term "compact car."

But a new dawn may be approaching - one heralded by a rash of new straw-weight fighters that aim to bring a global small car philosophy to the U.S. GM intends to be part of that party with the introduction of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, a sedan that, for all intents and purposes, is more of a landmark model for the company than the endlessly-hyped Chevrolet Volt. To get our meaning, you'll need to throw all of your heinous memories about American-built small cars out the window beginning... now.

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Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: First Drive

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom

Zach Bowman — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, First Drives

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet Cruze WTTC entry gets the time-lapse build treatment

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Videos, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cruze WTCC Build - Click above to watch the time-lapse video

Ah, the World Touring Car Championship. Whereas we Americans are led to believe that 35 identical cars with different sticker packages, all running around in circles for 500 miles somehow constitutes "stock car" racing, our cousins in Europe treat themselves to something entirely different. They pit production-based cars from just about every automaker out there against each other on a slew of very demanding road courses. As you might expect, carnage ensues, but so does some of the best fender-to-fender action found anywhere.

The crew from Ray Mallock, Ltd. have released a time-lapse video showing exactly what goes into turning a body-in-white Chevrolet Cruze into something fit for competition. Weeks of hard work gets distilled into a little under two minutes worth of entertainment. Who doesn't love technology? Make the jump to see the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet Cruze WTTC entry gets the time-lapse build treatment

Video: Chevrolet Cruze WTTC entry gets the time-lapse build treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:54:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - click above for high-res image gallery

For the past week, we've been hearing all about the latest iteration of the Chevrolet Cruze, the 40-mpg Eco model. While the name is rather uninspired (Eco's the best they got?), the technology that allows the Cruze Eco to hit that lofty number is anything but. Here's the really interesting part: Chevy is claiming that fully 70% of Cruzes will feature the 1.4-liter variable-valve timing turbo I-4, including the Eco model. But wait a moment, how does the Cruze Eco achieve such lofty mileage with the same engine (same power, too - 138 horsepower @4,900 rpm, 148 pound-feet of torque @1,850 rpm)? Keep reading.

Starting with the front of the Eco, there's a new, wind tunnel-massaged front fascia complete with a class-first "Aero Shutter." Take a look at the air inlet area below the grill. During low speed driving (say stop and start city type stuff) the aero shutter is open. However, at higher speeds when cooling the turbocharged engine isn't as much of an issue, the shutter shuts, allowing air to more efficiently stream around the vehicle.

There's also a slim lower chin spoiler and "tire blockers," which we typically call spats. Moving on to the rear, there's a new fascia back there that's also been wind tunnel tested for more slippery-ness. Surface area is further decreased by lowering the car by 10 mm compared to other Cruzes. There's a full-body underpanel to keep air from getting hung up on stuff like the exhaust and suspension components, as well as ultra low rolling resistance tires shared with the Volt. Finally, there's an ultra-tall 6th gear (the Cruze Eco is manual-only) that allows the rpms to greatly drop when the vehicle is at cruising speed.

As you may imagine, Chevy has also done its very best to reduce mass as much as possible, going to far as to shave welds down by a millimeter. But here's the thing: while working on the body in white, Chevy discovered that the mass-saving measures they made to the Eco could easily be applied to other Cruze models, which means that the not-quite-yet-on sale Cruze will have across the board improved mileage. Nice, no? The Chevy Cruze should go on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2010 with the Eco (probably) making it out of the gate by the 4th quarter of this year.

As far as the seemingly random "not a stripper" fragment in the title goes, Chevrolet has made the decision not to totally decontent the Eco. According to Chevy, people's tastes are changing (ya think?) and they want high mileage vehicles to have lots of creature comforts. For instance, the Eco ships with 17-inch forged aluminum wheels. Nice. Make the jump to read the press release.

Gallery: New York 2010: Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper

New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chevrolet Cruze SS being pushed for hard by company insiders

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

Still mourning the death of Chevrolet's pint-sized pocket rocket, the Cobalt SS? According to a report from Motor Authority, you're not alone, and a number of those fellow fans come from right inside Chevrolet's own hallways. This begs the question: With the Cruze set to replace the aging Cobalt for the 2011 model year, is there any chance that General Motors will revive the SS nomenclature for a high performance version? Could be, though we're certainly not holding our breathe.

The powerplant for the supposed Cruze SS is ripe for the picking in the form of the excellent 260-horsepower turbocharged and direct injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder called Ecotec and six-speed manual gearbox as seen in the defunct Cobalt SS and still-available HHR SS, including the very cool Launch Control and No-Lift Shift technology. Of course, the Cruze's rear torsion bar suspenders may limit the car's handling prowess a bit, but a wholesale redesign would cost way too much for a low-volume SS model.

In any case, if the car ever does come to market - and, like we said, we're not holding our breathe - it won't appear right away, perhaps instead for the car's planned mid-cycle refresh in 2014.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

[Source: Motor Authority]

REPORT: Chevrolet Cruze SS being pushed for hard by company insiders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM may delay Cruze and Malibu

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Click above for a high-res gallery of the ~~2010~~ 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

As General Motors burns through $1 billion in cash each month, the automaker's belt-tightening continues unabated, spanning the spectrum from lay-offs to shutting down the escalators at the RenCen. Naturally, its products aren't immune from the cash-strapped hatchet.

First came word that the CTS Coupe and Buick Lacrosse debuts have been delayed, and now BusinessWeek reports that the Cruze's launch has been put off by a year, now set to hit dealers in 2011. Additionally, the next generation Malibu won't be out until 2013 - six months after it was due to arrive.

GM spokesperson Dee Allen wouldn't get into specifics, only saying that new-car programs "are going to shift around a bit."

The General's decision to put off development of certain projects isn't surprising considering the automaker's current predicaments (that's putting it lightly), and it's more a move to limit costs as 2008 draws to a close, saving money for 2009, what will surely be GM's make-or-break year.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Cruze - live shots

[Source: BusinessWeek via eGMCarTech]

GM may delay Cruze and Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM releases official pics of 2011 Chevy Cruze

John Neff — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Europe, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Cruze

They're here! The first official pics of the 2011 Chevy Cruze have been released by General Motors, and we're not ashamed to say it - we like it. Of course, we're comparing it to the current small car in GM's lineup, the Cobalt, so the bar is pretty low. That said, GM's new small car takes the split-grille motif made famous by the Malibu and makes it more interesting with sharp creases rather than rounded corners. The front end features headlights that extend up and "point" to the A-pillars, and a strong character line running the length of the vehicle sits below a concave bend that sweeps up to meet the windows.

GM claims that fit and finish of the Cruze will be world class for a small car, and that its interior will use "grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels" to improve its perceived quality. Unfortunately, no shots of the interior were provided, but you can catch a glimpse in this rear 3/4 shot.

The Cruze will be a global car, and as such it's going on sale in Europe first. It will makes its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, where European customers will be the first to check it out in person before it goes on sale in March 2009 overseas. It will be available at launch with a 112-hp 1.6L engine, a 140-hp 1.8L and a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. The North American version will likely get GM's upcoming direct injected 1.4L four-cylinder. The Cruze will also offer a five-speed manual and GM's first application of a six-speed automatic in a small car.

The kicker? The 2011 Chevy Cruze will be built at GM's plant in Lordstown, OH where the current Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built. Though it'll be built right in our own backyard, the Cruze reportedly won't be available in the U.S. for at least a year or two.

Check out AutoblogGreen's report on the new Cruze to discover its close connection with the Chevy Volt.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM releases official pics of 2011 Chevy Cruze

GM releases official pics of 2011 Chevy Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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