Diesel-Powered Cruze To Be Called Eco-D?
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The recently-confirmed-for-North America Chevy Cruze Diesel may end up wearing the Eco-D nomenclature, according to GM Authority sources familiar with the project. The Eco designation implies that General Motors is positioning the diesel-powered Cruze as a highly fuel-efficient model rather than a high(er)-performance model, with sources telling us that 50 MPG or higher is the goal for engineers.
The turbo-diesel Cruze is expected to launch late in 2012 as a 2013 model year with a 2.0-liter common rail diesel. The Holden Cruze is currently the only Cruze available with a diesel powerplant. In that model, the engine makes 160 horsepower and a healthy 265 lb.-ft. of torque.
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What’s the gas mileage of the Holden?
5.6 liters of 100 kilometers combined city and highway. That’s a 42 MPG equivalent… again, city and highway. With some super low-rolling-resistance tires, grille louvres, and even more tuned overdrive gearing, I think they can squeeze 50 MPG out of it for the States.
I hope they have found something against the big turbo hole everybody complaining about , due to the Euro5 engine and DPF , btw if the DPF breaks it is a very costly affair.
the dpf should be OK, there has been millions of miles of testing to dial in the regeneration process and with add blue (NOX absorber) type fluid the dpf doesn’t work as hard near its limits. Europe tries to reduce nox and the US tries to reduce particulates two directly opposite emissions to reduce such as if nox rises then pm will reduce and vice versa….. on a class 8 truck a dpf is about 8k for a replacement after a meltdown or failure. fuel economy is the main target so there most likely be some turbo lag but this is being dialed out with a VGT turbo on some tests. 50 is the target but it will most likely come in slightly below but everyone is working on 50 mpg and we are close.
I’d love to buy a Cruze, but I just can’t get over the fact that it simply doesn’t have enough power for me. This might be the perfect next vehicle for me!
I know exactly where you’re coming from — my Cruze is underpowered… for me. I’m sure it’s more than ok for folks who don’t want a spirited driving experience, but for me, it’s not enough.
If I were you, I’d look at the manual Cruzen that are just coming out for 2012. Unlike in 2011, when only the Eco and 1.8 (non-turbo) LS were available with the stick, the 2012s offer the 6-speed with the 1.4 turbo. Having driven one back-to-back with my 2011 2LT Auto, the stick definitely helps in that you can rev it at stand-still and then slowly drop the clutch.
Already tried it, and though it’s better, it doesn’t have what I need – which is passing power.
I spend a lot (A LOT) of time driving, and a lot of that time is spent on 2-lane highways. I need something that has enough power to allow me to quickly and safely (and amusingly) execute passing maneuvers. Basically, I need more torque.
Either this, or the Verano (or Verano turbo) looks to be the ticket. I’m sure the V-T would be the more fun (and luxurious) of the two, but if I can get good performance with a budget price tag, that’s always attractive.
I think it’ll shake down to the cost of the diesel engine versus the gas savings over the Verano. You know, just like every car purchase.
Then again, if the Astra GTC comes out in the interim, I may just scrap the whole exercise and go for awesome!
I am a moderator of a Cruze Forum in Belgium and The Netherlands most of the users are diesel riders and the average consumption is between 6 and 7 liters / 100 Km depending on the drive style , for a lot of drivers is even the 163 HP not enough power and some of them did a software tuning to about 180 Hp. The 2.0 turbo diesel engines are Italian made from VM motori and don’t get the ECO label in Europe .
Good to know, thanks CruzeBe! So even 265 lb.-ft. of torque (3,600 Nm) isn’t enough, huh? Do you know what the 180 hp tune does to the torque numbers?
One on the forum did software tuning to his diesel to 172 hp with a torque of 409Nm@2694rpm , he is very pleased with it and says that the Cruze responses better he had an average fuel consumption of 8Lt/100Km and it dropped to 7Lt/100Km ( he’s driving style is “sporty” ).
We have our 1.4L eco tuned with an intake and exhaust plus other goodies and see well over 50 mpg and we put down 188hp and 210tq at the wheels, GM just simply dropped the ball when they tuned the 1.4L. Also, the 6MT is the only way to go!
That’s interesting, Steve — thanks for sharing. What other goodies does your Eco have?
Do you know if the mods effect the emissions in a negative way?
I can’t honestly say it betters or worsens the emissions. The only thing I can say is with the mpg increase, your using less fuel due to the fuel and timing maps being tuned for max fuel burn, thus in turn would most likely lessen emission output, I would put my car up to a stock one any day and would like to see a comparison.
Other mods: Custom made HotPipe, intercooler sprayer for hot days, suspension and chassis tuning to help the center of gravity and lessen the coefficient drag over the already volt like Cruze Eco setup.
Nice! That’s the one thing the stock Cruze needs (at least as an option) — a more powerful engine. The 139 hp from the 1.4T is fine for most folks, but those wanting more from their driving experience should be able to opt for a more powerful powerplant.