Chevrolet Cruze SS Concept Debuts In Brazil, Never Coming To North America
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As pony cars continue to increase in price, buyers have resorted to more utilitarian ways to get a thrill. The hot hatch market in North America enjoys healthy offerings, with entries from Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen. Their performance combined with their five-door practicality make them ideal for buyers with just enough change for a single car, and seem to appeal to all ages. Chevrolet hasn’t quite put this together yet. At least, not for the North American market.
The Sao Paulo Motor Show is going on right now in Brazil, and Chevrolet delivered a slew of product releases, including the rollout of the Bolt EV in the market, and 4G LTE vehicle wifi. A Chevrolet Cruze SS “Concept” was also there – although the brand’s Brazilian media site has yet to release any photography of the vehicle. Thanks to an attendee of the Sao Paulo Motor Show, we get our first glimpse of the Chevrolet Cruze SS hot hatch.
The Chevrolet Cruze SS hatchback has its 1.4-liter engine equipped with a “high-performance package,” which delivers an output of 295 hp (220 kW / 300 PS). While no specifics have been given, it’s likely that this stems mostly from an increase in turbocharger boost pressure. For reference, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback delivers a pedestrian 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, and it might be better off electric. 0-60 times of the Cruze SS have not been specified.
Appearance wise, the Chevrolet Cruze SS concept has a front lip spoiler, black accents and oversized 20-inch wheels. The video also shows black bowtie emblems, red brake calipers, and new rear spoiler. It’s otherwise unremarkably indistinguishable from any other Chevrolet Cruze hatchback. The interior of the Chevrolet Cruze SS features bolstered racing seats with Sparco harnesses, metal driving pedals and a JBL audio system with a massive subwoofer. It’s almost as if it was meant for the 2018 SEMA show, but got on the wrong truck.
As GM outwardly plans an “all electric future,” it’s likely we’ll never get to see a gasoline-powered hot hatchback from Chevrolet in the North American market, ever.
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Chevy. You better bring this beast to the US, I don’t give a shit if it’s gasoline or electric (although, an electric hot hatch putting out ~300hp would be incredible). Just don’t tease me with this. I had an HHR SS back when they first came out. I loved how roomy it was and the power was perfect. This is definitely better looking so why not give it a shot, and give me what I want lol.
Of course it’s not, why would GM bring anything remotely (intentionally) fun outside of the Camaro/Corvette here?
The Cobalt SS was a blast, so let’s not repeat that.
There are a couple first-gen Cruzes that have had 2.0Ts shoved into the engine bay in an attempt to do what GM was too lazy to do from the factory, with great results. There also is a 2.0T/9AT swap in a new Cruze hatch that has been done as well.
Like the Camaro podcast said, you cannot use a Camaro Turbo 4 1LE to go against the hot hatches.
This is why I haven’t bought a new GM vehicle since 2012. They don’t care at all about an entry level “fun” car. I would pay $30k for this if done right and truly delivering 300 hp. I am just about to cross the 100k mile mark in my daily driver, a 2009 Cobalt SS turbo sedan. Ready for a modern version of it. Why would you build this car for Brazil and not make it work for North America?
GM stop being boring , i would buy one in a heart beat !