Now that smaller cars are back in style, General Motors is working hard to make sure that its next economy sedan can compete with Japan's finest. How else would you explain the presence of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze on the Nürburgring?
An all-new chassis is probably the main reason why the Chevrolet Cruze is undergoing such heavy development testing. Dubbed Delta 2, the new platform is expected to filter down to several other GM products like the Chevrolet HHR and Opel Zafira.
It remains front-wheel drive and from what we're told, it will feature a torsion-beam axle in back to keep down costs. That's a shame, really, as both Ford and Honda have figured out how to put independent suspensions in their compact sedans without breaking the bank. Of course, Chevrolet's engineers claim that the Cruze will ride and handle every bit as well as a Civic, Focus or Mazda 3. We'll see about that.
In Europe, the Chevy Cruze will be offered with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. For the U.S. market, GM intends to fit a turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4-liter that will deliver up to 40 mpg in highway driving. We presume that number is for models equipped with a manual transmission. Hopefully Chevrolet will find a way to specify a six-speed automatic for those who don't want to do their own shifting, but given the cost reductions found elsewhere, don't count on it.
A replacement for the current Cobalt compact, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is scheduled to be unveiled this October at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The Cruze will go on sale in Europe in spring 2009, but U.S. sales won't begin until mid-2010.
See new Chevrolet models
An all-new chassis is probably the main reason why the Chevrolet Cruze is undergoing such heavy development testing. Dubbed Delta 2, the new platform is expected to filter down to several other GM products like the Chevrolet HHR and Opel Zafira.
It remains front-wheel drive and from what we're told, it will feature a torsion-beam axle in back to keep down costs. That's a shame, really, as both Ford and Honda have figured out how to put independent suspensions in their compact sedans without breaking the bank. Of course, Chevrolet's engineers claim that the Cruze will ride and handle every bit as well as a Civic, Focus or Mazda 3. We'll see about that.
In Europe, the Chevy Cruze will be offered with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. For the U.S. market, GM intends to fit a turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4-liter that will deliver up to 40 mpg in highway driving. We presume that number is for models equipped with a manual transmission. Hopefully Chevrolet will find a way to specify a six-speed automatic for those who don't want to do their own shifting, but given the cost reductions found elsewhere, don't count on it.
A replacement for the current Cobalt compact, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is scheduled to be unveiled this October at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The Cruze will go on sale in Europe in spring 2009, but U.S. sales won't begin until mid-2010.
See new Chevrolet models
Add A Comment »
thechevyguy says:
01:33 PM, 08/23/2010
The newest addition to the Chevy line will be a true hit in the US as it was in the European countries. The car is stylish, affordable and gets great gas mileage. (http://www.2011-Chevy-Cruze.com)