When GM-Holden engineers exhibited extreme confidence that the Cruze SRi-V can consistently stop from 100 km/hr in the same place time and time again, someone decided to put their claim to the test. And what better way to do that than to roll out the one-of-a-kind gorgeous concept car — the Holden Efijy — and then to test the Cruze’s ability to stop before hitting the million-dollar concept? We can’t think of a better way, so that’s exactly what they did:
Unsurprisingly, the Cruze safely comes to a stop before the Efijy — a circumstance we assume would come to an end when done repeatedly, lap after lap.
Fun fact: the gorgeous Efijy was designed by none other than the recently-appointed GM-Holden design director Richard Ferlazzo.
The GM Authority Take
Now that’s an entertaining way to demonstrate stopping prowess. We’re not sure which video is better — this one, or the one featuring the Cruze lapping the (very same) track with three GM-Holden interior designers in the back seat in the hands of a professional driver.
Comments
That was a pretty brave stunt IMO. I think the Efijy show car is gorgeous. Also this brings up another point: I get so tired of GM and it’s America always has to have the watered down versions of most everything if at all mentality…
I agree with you Paul. I am sure, that the new 1.6 petrol turbo will boost the Cruze as a serious competitor in the compact segment. GM also needs to introduce that 2.0 turbo in the next generation Cruze as well. With a good DI 2.0 normal aspirated as the base engine, and the diesel 2.0turbo as the 3rd option, I am sure the Cruze will become the segment leader.
Whenever you look at the Holden “EFIJY”, as beautiful as it is, you should be aware of its true progenitor, the Buick “Blackhawk”. The design concept for the “Blackhawk”, wherein major styling cues come from earlier production versions of the vehicle make, is identical to that of the “EFIJY”. The “Blackhawk was styled and constructed by Steve Pasteiner at Advanced Automotive Technologies under contract to Buick, in about 2000 or 2001. Compare the styling of these two cars; you will be astounded by their similarity.
Mr. Pasteiner worked for GM Design until he retired around 1989 or 1990. The “Blackhawk” job was contracted to him through a gentleman at Buick named “Mike Doble”, if my memory serves me correctly. Except for the carbon-fiber retractable top, I believe the body of the “Blackhawk” was actually constructed by modifying steel body panels salvaged from old Buicks of 1939-1949 vintage. The 455 engine is from Mike Tomasewski at TA Performance, and I have been told the chassis is largely of Corvette components.
That the “Blackhawk” is such a work of art is no surprise. Besides being a consumate craftsman, Mr. Pasteiner’s automotive paintings are among the finest you will find.
Yeah, those cars look quite similar.
Here is the Google search result of Buick Blackhawk images