Australian auto enthusiast site GoAuto.au is reporting that the land Down Under could see a high-output version of their domestically made Holden Cruze as soon as next year.  Powering the “Cruze SS” could be the same or a variant of the turbocharged 1.6L ECOTEC engine seen in the Opel Astra which produces178 horsepower and 170 pounds-feet of torque. The SS version will also come in both sedan and five-door hatch flavors, should the rumors be true.
If true, we can only hope that a high output version of the Cruze will make its way to North American soil as well, along with the diesel variant.
Source: GoAuto
Comments
This would be a GREAT idea for the American market but to “top” them I think our version of an “SS” should give you 2 choices of power under the hood–either a 2.0L turbo ECOTEC or a 2.4L non-turbo ECOTEC with also your choice of 6 speed manual transmission or an automatic with a performance-mode switch when needed during those aggressive times while motoring down your favorite avenue–CHEVROLET/USA…..PLEASE do it for US–If you build it WE will come.
They ended up making a sports cruze model called “SRi” and “SRi-V”.