Possible 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hybrid Mule Spotted In Michigan
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Despite gas prices tanking faster than we could have ever imagined, General Motors is not backing down on the fuel-efficient vehicle front, which it has stated loud and clear once before.
Adding to those efficiency fighting words are these latest spy shots from World Car Fans portraying what seems to be the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze hybrid. This would make the for a four vehicle in a rapidly expanding Cruze lineup; standard sedan, hatchback, diesel and now, hybrid.
The front fascia is masked with camouflage, but hides a more mundane and toned down looks, likely for aerodynamics and efficiency. The side skirts receive the same treatment, too, along with some eco-friendly looking wheels.
Powertrain details are unknown, but it seems likely either the 1.5-liter four-cylinder from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt or the 1.8-liter four-cylinder from the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid would find a home under the hood of a Cruze hybrid. We’ll put our money on the 1.5-liter for now.
Regardless, the engine will be mated to a battery pack and possibly an electric motor for optimal fuel economy.
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Considering the use of 1st gen Cruze Eco wheels on this one, I’d be more than willing to bet this is a similar Eco version of the 2nd gen Cruze. I see no signs that point towards specifically calling this one a hybrid.
sounds like the General is goin strong with the efficient vehicles.
“Old Jed was shootin’ at some food
When all of a sudden right up from the ground, there
Well, there came a bubblin’ crude
Oil that is Well, maybe you call it black gold or Texas tea
He gonna move next to Mr. Drysdale And be a Beverly hillbilly…”
Ha! Weird Al Yankovic that’s good!
Definitely going to affect Volt sales. Will have a lower price point and similar highway mileage when the gas generator is operating.
I don’t think so. A Volt buyer is interested in avoiding gasoline as much as possible and only uses it when necessary. The Cruze hybrid will be likely marketed to frugal minded long range commuters. Also to add the Volt will qualify as a green vehicle and have HOV access in many regions where the Cruze Hybrid will not get the same distinction in most cases.
I think it is a Cruze Eco. But since the car has already been shown, why the strange camo bits? They must want some attention, eh.
I just don’t like the name ‘Cruze’. Instead of thinking ‘cruise’ I get ‘cr-ooze’.
It’s like naming a car ‘Awwsum’. Meh
OK, so why is it that the hybrid systems only seem to go in already efficient vehicles at gm? My Traverse gets 12mpg. I’d be more than willing to pay a 4k premium to average in the 20s.
The Volt’s new 5ET50 drive unit can be upscaled as in the Malibu Hybrid and the Cadillac CT6 Hybrid. Maybe the 2018 Traverse will have a hybrid version.
Chevy’s Malibu Hybrid has mileage of 48 mpg which means unless the Cruze Hybrid is capable of achieving mileage besting the mark of Toyota’s Prius while costing less.. one has to wonder whether this program makes a whole lot of sense especially as the upcoming 1.6L turbo-diesel engine should give the Cruze mileage that should equal or possibly better mileage than the 48mpg of the Chevy Malibu Hybrid.
Maybe for the EPA “Highway” rating, but a hybrid will easily beat the Diesel in the EPA “City” rating. Besides, most Cruze owners live in cities and urban area where a hybrid is much better (less contamination, too).
Borrow a Volt and see why hybrids are better!