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Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Monday, March 29, 2010 10:15 PM on
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.

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.

Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Monday, March 29, 2010 10:31 PM on
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.
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2011 cruze eco.jpg (32k)
2011 cruze RS.jpg (38k)



"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein

Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Sunday, April 04, 2010 9:09 PM on
That is pretty sad the 2200 has what 115 HP and now they have a 1.4 smoking it.

Disclaimer: Dey see me Trollin' Dey hatin' for trollin dey trying to catch me ridin dirty.

Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Monday, April 05, 2010 3:54 PM on
Cavie Freak wrote:That is pretty sad the 2200 has what 115 HP and now they have a 1.4 smoking it.


Welcome to 20 years later.
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Saturday, April 10, 2010 5:12 AM on
BlackEco wrote:
Cavie Freak wrote:That is pretty sad the 2200 has what 115 HP and now they have a 1.4 smoking it.


Welcome to 20 years later.


best comment right there


JBO since July 30, 2001
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Saturday, April 17, 2010 6:27 PM on
i think its about time an american automaker realeased something like this that can actually compete against the foreign cars.
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Thursday, April 29, 2010 6:15 PM on
the body style reminds me of the mazda 3 and the malibu a little but in a good way. this is one of the few low budget 4drs that I find attractive. hopefully a 2dr comes along soon

'99 Sunfire - Bought April 07/Sold April 2010
'05 Sunfire - Bought May 2010/Wrecked Feb 2011
'05 lssport - soon???
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:05 PM on
It was sounding pretty good till I got to the equipment list. No one in their right mind (IMHO) needs or wants OnStar or "stability control" features such as ABS - the lack of those extras is what made the '03-'05 Cavalier what it was.

Minimum 16" wheels raised an eyebrow, but 16" tires are getting comparatively cheap these days, so the only problem there is if you live in Michigan and need a tall tire to keep from ruining rims.

_________________________________________________________________________________
2003 Cavalier, base with auto/tilt/CD/AC (wife's) -- 2012 Mazda5 Touring with audio package (mine)
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Thursday, May 20, 2010 11:53 AM on
Onstar is too much. But ABS rocks. Saved my butt a few times.

One thing that seems weird to me is how all newer cars seems to be in the 3,000+ lbs range.
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 2:15 PM on
I agree, ABS should be standard on all cars, especially light weight ones. If you live anywhere that gets snow, you'll agree.

I'm guessing the weight is also to help with driving in the snow and so the car feels more stable on the freeway. I don't drive even within 200' of semi's because the turbulence wobbles the car all over the place.
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 10:30 PM on
It was sounding pretty good till I got to the equipment list. No one in their right mind (IMHO) needs or wants OnStar or "stability control" features such as ABS - the lack of those extras is what made the '03-'05 Cavalier what it was.

Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 8:19 AM on
Avis Austin wrote:It was sounding pretty good till I got to the equipment list. No one in their right mind (IMHO) needs or wants OnStar or "stability control" features such as ABS - the lack of those extras is what made the '03-'05 Cavalier what it was.


I would have to disagree. I sell Chevy every day and I can tell Onstar has a place and is a huge benefit. I had a customer get hit by and F-150 head on in his Silverado at 75 mph. Onstar had an ambulance and a fire truck dispatched before his brother who was following him could pick up his cell phone. There is nothing that says you have to keep onstar past the free trial period of 6 months. there is a reason why they have stabilitrak in all vehicles now. Its a huge benefit if you get into a position when you lose traction or control. And since the sticker price didnt go up from the Cobalt to the Cruze you are getting more standard equipment and a vehicle that is light years ahead of the cobalt.
Re: Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag
Tuesday, March 01, 2011 10:13 PM on
Just got approved for a lease on a 2011 Cruze Eco (Trading in my 98 'fire GT) with the 6 spd manual. That car is a blast to drive! I love the way it handles and drives. The J-Body has nothing on it. I will always have a place in my heart for the old Sunfire, but the new Cruze is amazing. I got mine RIGHT off the truck. I drove it home with 3 miles on the odometer.

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