An automatic transmission is now an option on the Indian-market Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan. The triptronic-capable six-speed gearbox, available only on the Cruze LTZ, is mated to the VM Motori-sourced 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that’s good for 147 hp and 241 lb.-ft. of torque, all while achieving 33 mpg (14.12 km/l). By comparison, the 5-speed manual transmission 2.0-liter diesel Cruze, which launched in India back in October 2009, is capable of 43 mpg (18.3 km/l).
The automatic Cruze is available in a special three-coat White Diamond paint – in addition to the existing six colors offered on the Cruze (Atlantis Blue, Light Gold, Olympic White, Velvet Red, Misty Lake, Caviar Black). The Cruze AT – as the automatic Cruze is known internally – “uses premium fluids in the transmission that does not need replacement during normal use.”
On top of that, the Cruze has recently been awarded the maximum 5-star rating in European New Car Assessment Program (ENCAP), after winning 5 star ratings in Australian and China NCAP. The Indian-market Cruze, which differs from the upcoming U.S. version only by its (right-hand) placement of the steering wheel and the diesel powerplant, is manufactured in GM’s Halol, India plant and – according to GM India – is “a demonstration of [GM India's] sustained commitment to making Chevrolet the most admired and preferred vehicle brand in this country.”
The GM Authority Take
Being GM’s first ever truly global vehicle, the Cruze is the first of its kind for GM. Even though its price is significantly higher than what the mainstream Indian car buyer would prefer, the Cruze is a world-class vehicle worthy of every Dollar (or Rupee). But this announcement adds insult to injury to North American GM fans, since the Cruze is not even available on this side of the pond (albeit the lackluster Cobalt is). But even when the Cruze does come to U.S. and Canadian markets later in 2010, it won’t be available with the super efficient (and tourqy) 2.0L diesel. So not only will North American Chevy buyers have access to the Cruze more than a full year after other worldwide markets, but that wait won’t have proven to be “worth it.”
We have the full press release from GM India after the jump! (more…)
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In case you didn’t already know, the Camaro-Mustang rivalry has been (and still is) one of the hottest comparisons of all time. Some people are staunchly Ford/Mustang people while the rest lie faithful to the muscle car wearing the bow tie (you can guess what camp we fall into). But fast forward to the muscle cars of today and it’s plain to see that these vehicles have evolved to be much more than that: they are valid and credible performance choices among today’s automotive landscape.
Today GM has announced that it is initiating a voluntary recall of 1.3 million vehicles to fix a power steering assist issue where a vehicle may become difficult to steer under 15 mph. The recall is linked to 14 crashes and one injury and will be applied to the following models:
Here’s another great video from the folks at Chevy. This time, the subject is the truck’s sturdiness and 6,000 lb FGAWR (if you know what means, you know you’re a hardcore pickup trucker!). As with all videos of the 2011 Silverado, the conversation touches upon the truck’s heavily-revised frame and chassis. So go on and click past the break to watch the updated truck go through snow like nothing else! 
GM wowed many a car enthusiast (us included) when it first unveiled the 
