Rendering of upcoming Buick sedan at 2009 LA Auto Show

The 2009 LA International Auto Show has produced an interesting tid-bit about GM’s future product portfolio. For example, during a press conference for the recently-unveiled Buick Regal, a rendering of what looks to be Buick’s upcoming compact sedan flashed across the screen.

It’s widely expected that the confirmed Buick compact sedan (possibly named Verano) will share a lot of components with the new Opel Astra, while adding a proper trunk lid in the process. Last month, Buick’s China division unveiled the Buick Excelle XT hatch, which features a choice of two four-cylinder 1.6 liter engines (turbo and naturally aspirated) mated to a six-speed transmission. When the baby Buick makes its way to North American shores, expect it to come with the high-output 1.6 liter turbo, good for 181 horses and 173 lb-ft of torque.

But enough guessing: the sketch at the LA show presented the baby Buick with a proper trunk lid (read: sedan form, as opposed to the Astra’s hatchback design), a larger grille, restyled headlights, and the addition of hood-mounted portholes. These are all features that haven’t (yet) made it to the Chinese-market Excelle XT, so it looks like there may be some differences between the two products after all. Recently, some eagle-eyed spy photographers have caught the disguised Buick compact in Germany.

The GM Authority Take

As I’ve mentioned before, GM’s long-term plan for Buick is to become a full-fledged global pure luxury brand. Although competitive, the current generation of Buick products such as the LaCrosse, Regal, and this upcoming Astra-based compact sedan are really stop-gap vehicles intended to establish the respective brand names. The next-generation of Buick vehicles will be more in line with GM’s goals of turning Buick into a pure luxury brand – as I will outline in an upcoming in-depth research report. Look for that in about a week.

In the meantime, check out the gallery of the Chinese-market Buick Excelle XT after the break.

2010 Buick Excelle XT – Chinese Market

[Source: Autoblog]

So you could imagine our excitement when instead of Fritz Henderson, it was Maximum Bob Lutz who took the stage at the LA Auto Show keynote address. That’s right, the same Lutz who – if left in a room filled with journalists – would probably end up slipping hints about the future of every vehicle in the product pipeline.

To our dismay, Lutz stated “I know you’d like the true, inside story of what really happened at General Motors. I’m not giving it to you.” Perhaps we’ll get the story in Bob’s next book.

But then, in typical Lutz fashion, he went on to say: “I think all of us were surprised. The whole General Motors team is genuinely saddened over what transpired. Fritz is without question a great executive.”

The GM Authority Take

Make of that what you will, but if Henderson’s departure has GM employees feeling down, who should we blame – Ed, Fritz, or the entire board of directors?

[Source: Jalopnik]

Chevy will announce other lead markets for the Volt as we get closer to the launch of the much-anticipated EV. At the present time, Volt production is scheduled to commence in late 2010.

The GM Authority Take

Here we go folks! It goes without saying that the Volt is very important for The General. And we’ve just witnessed the first step by GM in bringing the Volt to market. Since the success of the Volt (and other plug-in EVs) is highly dependent on the surrounding electric infrastructure, it’s important that GM go about picking the initial launch markets carefully. A slow and steady roll-out and development of said infrastructure in the primary launch markets will ensure that Volt owners have the tools they need to refuel recharge their vehicles. In fact, Chevrolet is working with three utilities and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to tackle the whole infrastructure issue – more about this in a bit!

Check out the high-resolution gallery of the Volt after the break!

[Source: GM]

• Chevy is expecting the Cruze to deliver “many segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America.” In other words, it should beat the competition and finally deliver an American compact car that doesn’t correlate size to quality and feature set. Having been on sale across Europe and Asia, we expect Chevrolet to have worked out any kinks and glitches in the Cruze’s production line, materials, and reliability. Moreover, since the development of the Cruze has been somewhat in tune with that of the Volt, we expect both vehicle teams to have learned something from one another and applied it to make both products better (now that’s what you call a synergy!)
• The Cruze LT and LTZ will feature the exhaust-driven 1.4 liter turbo Ecotec that delivers 138hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) while the Cruze LS will come with the 1.8 L Ecotec four-cylinder. Both powerplants have the same basic architecture, as they are part of GM’s family of global small-displacement engines designed to be fuel-efficient. The engines can be mated to either an automatic or manual six-speed transmission.
• Chevy is really emphasizing efficiency here – the 1.4L turbo will give a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km). The Cruze is, of course, backed by the best powetrain coverage in the US – five-year/100,000 miles.
• The Cruze features a strong body structure and chassis system designed to deliver a responsive and fun driving experience. This enabled engineers to more precisely tune the chassis for comfort and driving control: MacPherson strut set-up in the front, Watts-Z-link design in the rear.
• StabiliTrack (electronic stability control) with rollover mitigation, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electric power steering are standard. No steering pump from the engine’s driven accessories means less mechanical complexity and a decrease in fuel consumption
• As far as wheel sizes go:
  • LS and LT models get 16-inch wheels standard
  • LTZ gets the 17-inch alloys
  • 2LT and LTZ models are available with 18s
• The interior of the Cruze contains high-quality materials, with many soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels – a quality that is uncommon in the mainstream compact segment
• Of interest to me is the following segment:

The doors have triple seals and feature fiberglass “blankets” that serve as water, airflow and noise barriers. The doors are also beta-braced, meaning they close with a solid, precise sound and no resonance.

BETABRACE is a Dow Automotive Systems product that is said to improve distortion resistance, flexural strength, impact resistance, and fatigue. Most importantly, however, is that these benefits can be provided by BETABRACE without the added weight and cost of steel supporting structures. More info about BETABRACE can be found here.

The Cruze will be built at the Lordstown, OH assembly plant and is planned to go on sale during Q3 of 2010.

Check out GM’s press release after the break.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

PRESS RELEASE

The 2011 Cruze: Chevrolet Unveils U.S. Version Of The Popular, Fuel-Efficient Global Compact Sedan

2011 Chevrolet Cruze at a Glance:

• Popular global car refined for America
• Expected segment-best fuel economy – up to 40 mpg highway – with new family of small-displacement engines, including Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo
• Progressive design with exceptional levels of refinement, quietness and build quality
• More spacious interior and greater cargo room than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla
• Ten standard air bags help make it one of the safest cars in its class
• Built at Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant
• On sale in third quarter of 2010
• Five-year/100,000-mile powertain warranty – the best coverage in America

LOS ANGELES – Chevrolet unveils the U.S. production version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan at the L.A. Auto Show on Dec. 2. It is a global car refined for America, delivering many segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America.

The Cruze also affirms Chevrolet’s commitment to building refined, fuel-efficient vehicles, with new, small-displacement four-cylinder engines. It is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model.

“Cruze is already a hit across Europe and Asia; and now, it’s coming to America to challenge the status quo,” said Brent Dewar, GM Vice President, Chevrolet Global brand. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, Cruze is the latest tangible example of how Chevrolet is working on exciting products that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”

Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail – from precise tolerances between body panels to the use of premium materials throughout the interior.

“The amenities, quietness and roominess you expect in larger cars are what the Cruze delivers,” said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet product marketing manager. “This is a car that will shake up the compact segment, with a more spacious interior and more cargo room than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.”

Cruze goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most real world-tested GM products prior to a U.S. launch. The U.S. and Canadian versions of the Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio, where $350 million was invested for their production.

More than expected

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims. Standard and available equipment includes:

• New family of efficient four-cylinder engines, including a 1.4L turbo and 1.8L
• Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions
• Ten standard air bags, including frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear seat side air bags and new knee air bags
• Electronic stability control with rollover sensing
• Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation system
• XM Satellite Radio and OnStar
• MacPherson strut front suspension and Watts Z-link rear suspension, with a family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels
• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, 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 premium materials and a lengthy roster of unexpected equipment, including leading infotainment. A stereo system that includes MP3 playback capability, six speakers and an auxiliary jack for personal playback devices is standard. A premium Pioneer sound system is available, as is a USB port for iPod operation. Other available technologies include Bluetooth and a navigation system.

“There’s a lot of content in all Cruze models; it was designed to give customers the features they want regardless of the car’s size or segment,” said Brooks. “At a very competitive price, you’ll be able to get a Cruze with leather and heated front seats, 16-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, Bluetooth, a USB port for your iPod, cruise control, power locks and power outside mirrors.”

Arching roofline

Chevy Cruze’s design is distinguished with a bold face – including a two-tier grille with the iconic Bowtie logo – that is Chevrolet’s signature look around the globe. An arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty, coupe-like proportion.

The sporty aesthetic is also seen in prominent headlamp housings that wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and sculpted hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sports coupes. The wheels are at the corners, too, with minimal front and rear overhangs. All the elements work cohesively to give Cruze an aggressive look that is complemented by a wide, confident stance.

Indeed, the Cruze is wider and longer than most of its competitors. Taut, tightly drawn bodywork conveys solidity, while restrained use of exterior trim enhances the car’s high-quality feel. The overall appearance is one of purposeful precision.

Precision is also seen in the Cruze’s build quality. The Lordstown assembly plant’s body shop was retooled with the latest in body-framing and welding equipment to optimize the manufacture of a very solid body structure. That strong structure fosters minimal production variance and repeatable gap tolerances of 3 mm or less between most exterior panels. To the customer, this means a better looking car when new and one that feels solid for years to come.

Interior refinement

Cruze’s bold design cues and attention to detail carry over to the interior, where a Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit motif is matched with high-quality materials and exceptional assembly tolerances. Grained, soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels exude a quality that is uncommon in the segment.

The instrument panel is an excellent example of how Cruze eschews expectations of compact cars. It features richly detailed instruments that are backlit with light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The LED lights provide a crisp, ice-blue illumination of the analog instruments, as well as lighting for other interior controls. A segment-rare standard driver information center offers a wealth of data for the vehicle owner.

Blending harmoniously with the instrument panels is an integrated center stack that houses the infotainment display, climate controls and radio controls. Flush-mounted components within the center stack have a gap tolerance of less than 1 mm, while the instrument panel-to-door panel gaps are less than 5 mm. Those tolerances are among the best in the class and contribute significantly to the Cruze’s aura of refinement and precision.

Cruze’s headliner and pillar trim exude craftsmanship, too. The headliner cover is made of a knit material that also serves as one of five layers of an acoustically designed headliner to help make the passenger compartment quieter. The interior pillar and other moldings are color- and grain-matched to the headliner, while seat inserts are color-matched to the color of the instrument panel accent trim, giving the cabin the detailed appearance of larger, upscale sedans.

New, efficient powertrains

Enhanced with its exhaust-driven turbocharger, the Cruze’s Ecotec 1.4L 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 LT and LTZ models, with power ratings estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm).

Standard on LS models is an Ecotec 1.8L four-cylinder that has the same basic architecture as the 1.4L turbo. Both engines are part of GM’s family of global small-displacement engines designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy across the rpm band.

Backing the Cruze’s new four-cylinder engines are six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Each contributes to Cruze’s excellent fuel economy and, with their carefully matched gears, enhances its fun-to-drive quotient.

With the Ecotec 1.4L turbo, Cruze’s fuel efficiency enables a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km), meaning it can go longer between fill-ups.

Cruze is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – the best coverage in America.

Responsive, quiet driving experience

Complementing Cruze’s new powertrains is a strong body structure and chassis system designed to deliver a responsive and fun driving experience. The body structure is tight and stiff; and its solidity enabled engineers to more precisely tune the chassis for comfort and driving control.

A MacPherson strut suspension is used up front, while a technically advanced Watts Z-link design is used with the rear suspension. It helps center the rear axle during cornering, helping to keep the Cruze’s handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more balanced driving experience, as the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, as well as traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard. Electric power steering is also standard on all models. It helps save fuel because it removes the conventional power steering pump from the engine’s driven accessories. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on LS and LT models, with 17-inch alloy wheels standard on LTZ. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are available on 2LT and LTZ models.

Along with a responsive driving experience, the Cruze delivers quietness and refinement on the road. Hydraulic ride bushings and an isolated engine cradle reduce or eliminate vibration pathways that could be transmitted to the passenger compartment. Similarly, a number of noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are employed throughout the body structure, including 18 distinctive acoustical treatments. Examples include:

• The steel front-of-dash panel is sandwiched between two damping mats
• Nylon baffles are used in various hollow portions of the body structure and filled with sound-absorbing foam that expands when the body enters the paint oven
• The headliner comprises five layers of thermal fiber acoustic material, including a premium woven fabric on the visible outer layer
• Patches of sound-damping material are applied strategically throughout the body structure and melt into place when the body passes through the paint oven, allowing the patches to follow the contours of the sheet metal below
• Sound insulation material between rear-body structural components that is made from recycled blue jean material
• The doors have triple seals and feature fiberglass “blankets” that serve as water, airflow and noise barriers. The doors are also beta-braced, meaning they close with a solid, precise sound and no resonance.

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 three 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/.

# # #

2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engines

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels / Tires

Dimensions
Exterior

Interior

Capacities

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Having debuted at the Paris Motor Show in October of 2008, the Cruze has been sold in Europe and across the Pacific for most of 2009 and is (finally) destined to replace the aging Cobalt compact in the ‘States. GM expects the Cruze to achieve 40 mpg on the highway, in large part due to its 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-banger. It looks like Chevrolet doesn’t plan on offering the 1.6 or 1.8-liter gas/petrol engines (or the European 2.0-liter turbo diesel) at launch. We expect other power plants to show up later on in the production cycle.

Chevrolet claims that since the Cruze has been doing well in Europe and Asia, it has “undergone refinement for America” – an interesting position, given that none of the big 3 (GM included) has taken the compact market very seriously in the last two decades. In any event, the Cruze will offer more interior space and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and will include “upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio.”

On the safety front, the compact Chevy will be equipped with ten standard air bags that “provide a safety cocoon for occupants” as well as the critically-acclaimed OnStar technology.

Production will begin at The General’s Lordstown, Ohio plant in April – bringing back nearly 1,000 laid-off workers to meet forecast demand.

In this humble blogger’s opinion, the Cruze can’t come soon enough and is one of the most important launches for Chevrolet and GM over the next five years. That said, let’s not forget about the Volt!

Full press release after the break.

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Volt

PRESS RELEASE

Chevrolet at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

• U.S. premiere of the all-new Cruze, delivering up to 40 mpg highway
• Volt electric vehicle to be available in select markets in 2010
• Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevrolet vehicles also on display

DETROIT – Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet’s expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

“With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free,” said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. “Chevrolet’s focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range.”

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale’s at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

The Chevrolet show exhibit also will feature the all-new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. The popularity of these vehicles helped Chevrolet boost sales by 9 percent in October, including a significant 31-percent increase in retail sales.

The Camaro continues to distance itself from its closest competitor as a fuel-efficient interpretation of a 21st century sports car, achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the popular 304-horsepower direct injected V-6. Camaro has been a leader in the regular sports car segment for the last five months.

Demand for the Camaro continues to be strong, as Chevrolet now has more than 36,000 sold orders for the car.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover that combines distinctive design, extensive functionality and outstanding efficiency. At 32 mpg highway, the Equinox gets better fuel economy than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. It even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid while costing $7,000 less.

In just a few short months, Equinox has captured 10 percent of the critical compact crossover segment, its best share since August of 2007 and up 4.6 percent from a year ago. More than half of 2010 Equinox customers traded in a non-GM vehicle (based on internal PIN data). Demand is so strong for the Equinox that the plant where it is built recently added a third shift.

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 three 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/.