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Sources: All-New D2XX-Based Cruze To Be ‘Significantly Lighter’ Than Outgoing Model

The Chevrolet Cruze. The words we’d use to describe it would include such adjectives as good-looking, well-mannered, safe, comfortable, practical… even sporty. What’s not on that list? Light.

Based on GM’s global Delta 2 vehicle architecture, the first-generation Cruze is a heavyweight in its class, tipping the scales in the former half of the 3,000-pound mark. In fact, the Cruze Eco with a manual transmission weighs in at a respectable 3,005 pounds (1,336 kg), the well-equipped Cruze 2LT weighs in at 3143 pounds (1,425 pounds), and the Cruze Diesel comes in at a hefty 3475 pounds (1,576 kg). That’s quite a bit more than the competition, and quite a bit more than what the Cruze should weigh for a car of its size and class. Luckily, that’s all about to change.

Yupp, compared to the outgoing model, the all-new D2XX-based 2016 Chevy Cruze (2015 for the Chinese market) will have gone on a diet while undergoing a workout regiment. Our sources haven’t provided specific numbers, but the new model has been said to be “significantly lighter” than the outgoing first-gen vehicle, even when equipped with advanced technologies such as the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and new direct-injected and turbo-charged four-cylinder engines.

When this pans out, The General will have quashed what is pretty much the only major (and valid) criticism of the current model.

Stay tuned as we dig in to bring you specifics on the weight of the next-gen Cruze.

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Comments

  1. Will help out the Volt too, I suppose.

    Reply
    1. I heard that the Volt is going on its own platform…

      Reply
  2. Get used to this as every new platform will feature less mass.

    This is something the industry as a whole is working towards and GM really has the lead on it right now. With future regulations les mass is going to be key on getting more MPG.

    Reply
  3. With the right engine/tranny combo this newfound weight loss should do wonders for fuel economy. I guess this also means the end of the “Lutz effect” with being so heavy because of the way the stiffness in the chassis caused so much weight gain.

    Reply
    1. It was just older platforms that were stiffened to make a better car till the platform could be replaced.

      Lutz was restricted in styling and weight loss by the hard points in the older platforms. This is why Cars like the Camaro could not be lightened up as to do so would compromise the platform and make it a quivering mess.

      it was mostly about doing the best with what you have till you can replace it.

      Lutz just wanted better versions of what he had and the weight would come off when replaced. But to be fair all the MFG were struggling with added weight too. The crash standards did more to add this than anything.

      Reply
      1. Lutz made the most of the resources available to him. In reality, this ‘New GM’ consisting of great vehicles like Cruze, LaCrosse, Regal, Camaro, 2008-12 Malibu, Spark, Sonic, Box, and others were all made possible due to the high standards of Lutz. Bob Lutz transformed an auto maker of the brink long before the formal restructuring.

        Reply
        1. Very true and we should see thing get even better with those he left in place and enabled to do what they can do.

          Reply
  4. I agree, the bigger the drop in weight, the better. This is good news for sure, as it will help in fuel economy, acceleration and handling. As the heavy old platforms get replaced, slowly but surely it’s the end of the GM entrant in each category being the fat kid at summer camp.

    Reply
  5. Don’t you meant 1425 kg instead of pounds lol?

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  6. My 2014 Cruze diesel is pretty darn fast. With light weight, same engine… This sucker should really honk.

    Gets great milage now. Potential 60mpg… Yeah baby.

    Reply
  7. And it had better improve significantly in city fuel economy. I’m tired of seeing where automakers are boasting so loud about improved fuel economy, but it’s mostly the highway number due to more gears with taller gearing, and meanwhile the city number is only up by one. Minimum 4 higher in the city.

    Reply
    1. I’ve been noticing that as well and find it irritating. Point in fact my current car The last gen Malibu and it’s city mpg vs. what I get mostly being in a semi-rural area and the kind of driving I do. A lot of city stop and go and back and forth to work means it isn’t doing as good as I had hoped.

      Reply
  8. This new Cruze is looking to be best in class! The exterior is very sharp and I can easily tell that it’s a Cruze (sure, it doesn’t resemble the previous generation, but perhaps that’s a good thing). The interior looks like its comfortable, spacious, and is well-built. The 1.5L, 1.4t, and 2.0tdi engines will benefit from better fuel economy as well as less emissions from the lower weight of the D2XX Platform and new 7-Speed DCT. Initially, I expect:

    1.5L I4 VVT and SIDI (113HP and 108-LB-FT) – 31 City and 45 Highway (38mpg)
    1.4t I4 VVT and SIDI (140HP and 173LB-FT) – 30 City and 41 Highway (36mpg)
    2.0tdi I4 (151HP and 264LB-FT) – 29 City and 48 Highway (39mpg)

    For the mid-cycle refresh, GM should bring out all of their technologies.

    1.0t eAssist I3 VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM (130HP and 135-150LB-FT) – 38 City and 56 Highway (47mpg)
    1.3t I4 VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM (150HP and 160-175LB-FT) – 32 City and 47 Highway (40mpg)
    2.0CDTi I4 VVT, IVVL, and VTM (170HP and 295-310LB-FT) – 34 City and 50 Highway (42mpg)

    Reply
  9. According to the chinese review of the new cruze (using google translate), they show an official GM slide that indicates weight loss of 10% on the new cruze compared to the outgoing model.
    That would suggest a whopping 300 pound lost. Color me impressed if that’s the case.

    Reply
  10. Reply

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