Chevy Cruzes In With 40 MPG Cruze Eco, Makes Us Question The Logic Of Hybrids

by Manoli Katakis
Apr 3rd, 2010

Yes, sir. Chevrolet finally revealed the official numbers for the car that will in many ways make or break GM at the New York International Auto Show. The C-segment model in question is the highly-anticipated Chevy Cruze. GM announced that the Chevy Cruze will come in two flavors, Eco and RS.

In this article, we will focus on the Eco. Natural to the (somewhat lousy) name, the Eco version will attain an impressive 40 mpg, most likely highway. This great fuel economy is made possible by an unassisted gasoline engine. But the Cruze Eco will not be some four-speed tin can either; rather, it will be granted a six-speed manual transmission married with the 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-banger gasoline engine rated at 138 horsepower and a healthy 148 lb.-ft. of torque. All that will give the gas miser a maximum range of a protracted 500 miles between fill-ups.

What’s even more interesting is that this is the same engine that will power the sportier-looking RS Cruze variant, yet the Eco will be the more efficient of the two. What’s the magic sauce? The secret is in the aerodynamics. Keep reading more after the break!

For instance, the Cruze Eco will boast something called an “Aero Shutter”- a first for the segment. When traveling at highway speeds and letting wind speed cool the turbocharged engine, the shutter is closed, giving the Eco more ability to cut through the air. However, when the car is driving at city speeds, the shutter is open, providing the engine necessary ventilation.

But the cool stuff doesn’t stop there. The rear fascia is smoother and the spoiler is less defined. What’s more, the entire model is lowered a full centimeter compared to other Cruze trim levels, which helps to further streamline the sedan. There is also a full-body underpanel and low-resistance tires, the same shared with the much more expensive Chevy Volt.

While the Cruze Eco may have the appearance of being an “Eco” vehicle (not very exiting), it will make up for whatever styling deficiencies in features. The Cruze Eco will feature three trim packages that have become synonymous with Chevrolet: the basic LS, the mid-level LT, and finally the upper-shelf LTZ. The Cruze will make available premium features such as Bluetooth, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, and even a GPS navigation system – a feature unheard of in the segment. This proves that GM is upping the ante as it refines its staple product and leap-frogs the competition in feature set. And because it’s not a hybrid, it won’t cost a premium an arm and a leg because of a premium hybrid price.

Since the official unveiling of the US-spec model late last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Cruze has increasingly become one of the more anticipated cars arriving in the near future. It will be available in the third quarter of this year along with another important model.

If it’s not readily obvious, a lot rides on the Cruze. Some automotive writers see it as “the car that must save GM,” while others just look at it as a welcome change to the rental-car-grade and uneventful Chevy Cobalt.

Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag

2010-03-28

Cruze Eco delivers an estimated segment-leading 40 mpg on the highway
Optional RS appearance package for Cruze LT and LTZ trim level

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 to include 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.