No matter what you think of the ECO trim level of the Chevy Cruze, there’s no denying the fact that the Delta II-based sedan is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicle on the market. From the 1.4 liter turbo-charged ECOTEC engine and aerodynamic body work to the decreased weight, lowered ride height, and active front air shutters – all of ECO’s components work in harmony in order to contribute to the impressive 42 MPG highway fuel rating. But one feature of the Cruze ECO that’s not widely publicized — yet still plays an important role in the car’s impressive mileage — are the special wheels.
The Cruze ECO is equipped with unique lightweight 17″ wheels that — believe it or not — weigh less than the 16s found on the Cruze 1LT. When all is said and done, the wheels, wrapped in ultra-low rolling resistance tires shared with the Volt, shave a hefty 20 pounds off the weight of the car compared to a 1LT model — contributing to the increased fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
And while the wheels may not be the best-looking out of those offered in the Cruze, they sure seem to be right for the (uber fuel-efficient) job. So there you have it ladies and gents — one Cruze ECO feature that you may not have seen or known about until reading this artice. Now if only those sick 17 inch five-spoke flangeless rims (pictured here) or the LTZ’s gorgeous 18s were just as light…
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Comments
Saving 20 lbs of unsprung weight is HUGE! Thats like removing over 160lbs of sprung weight….
Better ride, better handling, better acceleration, better fuel economy…
I remember on my 1999 c5 corvette I was able to drop 25lbs of unsprung weight by dumping the runflat tires and going to a nice set of non runflat michelin pilots…
the change in driving dynamics was dramatic and one not to be taken lightly….
thanks for the heads up.
JB