General Motors has offered diesel-powered cars all over the world sans North America over the years, but things are going to change next year when the company launches the Chevy Cruze diesel for the 2014 model year. And from the sound of things, advocates of oil-burners are going to be in for a treat. As will everyone who loves extraordinary fuel economy numbers.
From the little information General Motors has gone official with, we know that this Cruze will cradle an all-new 2.0L turbodiesel engine with a global engineering pedigree. Pretty much everyone is involved, as it’s being co-developed by GM’s Powertrain teams in Torino, Italy (Turin) and Pontiac, Michigan. GM engineers from Russelsheim, Germany are supporting the project by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components. Additionally, the validation process at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio plant — where the U.S.-spec Cruze is built — began this past fall.
Now, going beyond the official record, we have learned that the Cruze diesel could very well end up being called the Cruze Eco-D, which is fitting. It’s also expected to come along with the Cruze’s planned mid-cycle refresh.
The biggest selling point for the Cruze Eco-D is this all-new engine. And while its power figures are still in the dark for the time being, engineers have targeted it for a 700-mile highway cruising range before needing to refuel. The Cruze Eco-D will have a 14 gallon tank. Do some math, and you’ll quickly realize that this range translates to a Prius-fighting 50 mpg on the highway. The official EPA ratings are still pending, however. To note, the VW Jetta TDI is rated at 42 mpg on the highway. Sounds like a knockout punch to us.
At a time of year when luxury car ATP usually rises.
Sales decreased 5.6 percent to 16,670 units during the first ten months of 2024.
Specifically critical minerals supply chain development.
Scheduled for a Spring 2025 launch.
View Comments
I just hope the mid-cycle refresh involves some LEDs in the front and rear
Leds would look so nice and maybe a bigger change to the back end
I hope it's as fun to drive as the Jetta TDI it delivers this "knock out punch" to.
I hope there is a 6spd manual and a 2 lt pkg offered
I want the Cruze Diesel Wagon. That would have me camped out at a dealership waiting for the truck to arrive.
Me too! I would be in line right behind you. I think it would really compete with the Jetta then!
I don't like diesels , I don't like the noise they make and they are more polluting the environment than gas even with DPF .
Also maintenance cost are higher .
Never asked Your selfs why the WTCC don't use diesels any more ?
The Cruze Diesel isn't for everyone, just like many who won't buy a Corvette because it can't carry children or dogs. But a Diesel engine can use bio-fuel, such that one can feed it processed cooking oil, who doesn't pollute as much, and smells like fried potatoes or even popcorn.
The noise problem will be resolved, since GM has built Diesel sedans before. I wish Gm the best of luck with this vehicle!
Seriously? You haven't been in a modern diesel car then. Yes, trucks are still noisy but the euro designed, small displacement diesels used everywhere BUT the USA are absolutely fantastic. You'd be hard pressed to know that the car was a diesel if you were a passenger and no one told you.
Very true, @JeremyK. You can slightly tell standing from the outside during hard acceleration, but I actually like the sound :)
Could it be because a diesel won in 2008, and they feared a trend coming?
I look forward to a Cruze Eco-D. Slowly, more diesels are beginning to trickle into the US market. VW can't keep the new Passat TDI in stock and the Golf/Jetta diesels sell within a few days of delivery. I've also read that BMW considered its now discontinued 335d a hit, despite low volumes and Audi, Mercedes and BMW all have a diesel option for their large SUVs. The towing power is better as is the fuel economy.
Aside from VW, there has been a reluctance to spend the money to federalize a small, 50-state legal diesel engine. Mazda says it is bringing its new 4-cylinder SkyActiv-D to the US, probably in the next 18 months. I also think that eventually, BMW and Mercedes will relent and bring a super-efficient 4-cylinder turbo-diesel to the US market in the 3-Series and C-Class.
I wasn't aware of any significant extra cost for maintenance. I've owned a Mercedes diesel for years and while the oil is more expensive (my mechanic uses a German diesel truck, part synthetic motor oil), but I can easily drive 10,000 miles without any need for replacement. The car always starts perfectly and runs like a top. 130,000 miles and still going.
You can get hybrid fuel economy, particularly on the highway, without all the complication and refrigerator feel of a hybrid. Range is great too. I have a big tank in my diesel and it can do 700 miles of highway driving before refueling. I usually fill it at 600 miles, but still, that's damn nice.
Why is this being put back to 2014? Remember back when it was first learned that it was going to happen the year quoted was 2013. Boy GM you are acting just like old GM, wait until someone else introduces something then come out with it later.
2013 calender year launch, 2014 model year. Nothing's changed.
So the Mobil near me has Bio-diesel so Raymond would I be able to use the Bio-diesel in just any Diesel. I use E85 right now for my Flex Fuel HHR, would love to have another vehicle with that kind of flexibility.
My diesel mechanic warned me not to use the biodiesel or recycled vegetable oil as it seems to gunk up the fuel lines and injectors. There is only one biodiesel station in all of Metro LA and it's used mostly by owners of diesel-powered cars that have been specifically converted to run on it. I'd make sure that the manufacturer approved of biodiesel - and its specific formulation - before I'd even consider using it (not that it's any cheaper that regular low-sulfur diesel).