General Motors has already gone on the record once before in stating that its diesel development plans have not been skewed in the slightest by Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal, which is continuing to unfold day-by-day. But the latest news has GM’s head of powertrain, Dan Nicholson, saying that the upcoming 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel will use its German diesel heritage to its advantage when it launches.
Chevrolet intends to play up the German heritage of the upcoming diesel engine in the upcoming Cruze oil burner, with Nicholson stating the engine will even be called the “Flustern”, which is German for “Whisper.” In Europe, the 1.6-liter diesel powerplant has been called the “whisper diesel” since its inception, a moniker that can serve as the basis for a marketing campaign for the upcoming oil burner.
“We use the German word because even in the U.S., it shows our German heritage.”
“Having worked in Germany for five years, I don’t think this latest incident from VW disparages all of German engineering. I think quite the opposite,” Nicholson continued when speaking to Automotive News.
He also believed consumers will enjoy knowing the powertrain came from a self-proclaimed diesel epicenter. The engine was developed entirely by GM’s subsidiary, Opel, at its powertrain facility in Turin, Italy.
“We want people to know two things: one, it’s European; two, it’s quiet,” added Nicholson.
Comments
Is this the same diesel that is coming out in the Canyon and the Colorado? If not, why not, and what’s the difference between the two?
Ron
Ron,
This is not the same diesel in the Colorado and Canyon. The two midsize trucks use a 2.8-liter turbo-four diesel engine. We have a whole intel page dedicated to it actually: http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lwn/
The 1.6-liter info can be found here: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/01/opel-announces-all-new-1-6-liter-turbo-diesel-engine/
Basically, the applications differ as to what they were designed to be compatible with. I hope this clears up your questions!
Cheers,
Sean
GM had high hopes for the Cruze diesel in the last generation model — they predicted up to 10% of Cruze sales at one time.
However, while it was priced competitively against its VW rival, the real test is in the showroom versus a normal Cruze where it was often perceived as too expensive. If GM wants to sell a lot of these engines, don’t price it against a VW, set a reasonable premium over the Cruze — one that the customer sees as reasonable — and they will sell a lot, regardless of current fuel costs.
No five door (wagon or hatchback) and only available in top trim level with leather interior. All reasons I stayed away.
For those worry it’s sourced from VW — relax, okay? Sheesh.
It’s sourced from Chipotle.
The 1.6L turbo-diesel 4-cyl engine is expected to get 10-percent better mileage than the 2.0L it is scheduled to replace which means the 2017 Chevy Cruze TDI should have EPA mileage of about 51-52 mpg and will be among the highest of non-hybrid cars.
This Cruze diesel should be significantly lighter than the previous diesel as well. This in the hatchback will be an inticing car.
I own a 2013 VW Jetta Sportswagon TDI and lurve it. Amazing car, amazing powertrain technology, despite VW’s (lazy and very unfortunate) end-run around the emissions challenges. This is by far the best car I have ever owned.
(I’m wagering the EPA will make VW fix their problems)
I am delighted to see that GM chose the correct way to meet the challenges of diesel emissions while leveraging the advantages of its diesel technology.
I will be in the market for a new car in Summer 2018. I would love to buy a diesel GM wagon.
I agree with Tim! I have a 2010 VW TDI Sportswagen, and I have to say it’s the best car I’ve ever had. There’s nothing like driving a diesel auto. Great gas mileage and I absolutely love the pulling power (torque). It’s a manual and amazingly fun to drive.
Of course, I’m disappointed with VW for their willful fraud. It’s likely I will sell back my VW TDI in this settlement. Ideally, I’m looking for another diesel car. This search led me to the Chevy Cruze. I’m watching the news in it regularly and hoping to see a Cruze Diesel. The only caveat… It absolutely must have manual transmission. I hate automatics, they are so boring to drive. All this talk about self-driving autos on the horizon… You can bet these are folks who drive automatic transmissions. Nobody who knows the great joy of driving a stick-shift would/could ever want a self-driving car. Incredibly boring idea. And I’d rather stick needles in my eye than drive a boring automatic any day!
So if you’re listening, Chevy… a 2017 Cruze Diesel with manual transmission and I’m definitely sold. But please hurry up, we’ll be getting out VW settlement payments fairly soon!