2010 New York Preview: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco gets 40 mpg highway

At the 2010 New York Auto Show next week, General Motors will unveil its new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco. The 2011 Cruze Eco will be powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing that helps it achieve an estimated highway fuel-economy of 40 mpg when mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

“The Cruze Eco delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president Chevrolet marketing. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, it demonstrates how Chevrolet is working to bring new products to market that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”

The 138-hp 1.4L Ecotec turbo engine will also be available as standard on the LT and LTZ model. So what’s the difference between the Cruze Eco and the Cruze LT and LTZ? The Chevrolet Cruze Eco receives some other fuel-saving modifications like a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow, upper grille with more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics, lower front air dam extension, extensive use of underbody panels and a rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics, lowered ride height, 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, and ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.

Chevrolet says that 0-60 mph for the Cruze Eco should come in about 10 seconds when mated to a 6-speed manual and 9 seconds when mated to a 6-speed automatic.

The base Chevrolet Cruze LS model will be powered by a 1.8L Ecotec 4-cylinder making 136 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.

The Cruze Eco will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2010 along with all the other Cruze models.

Make the jump for the press release.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco:

Press Release:

Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Hybrid-Like Fuel Efficiency Without The Price Tag

o Cruze Eco delivers an estimated segment-leading 40 mpg on the highway
o Optional RS appearance package for Cruze LT and LTZ trim levels

NEW YORK ““ At the New York Auto Show, Chevrolet reveals the compact 2011 Cruze Eco. This high-efficiency model is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing that achieves an estimated 40 mpg on the highway when combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Cruze Eco is expected to deliver the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while offering midsize car presence.

Chevrolet also shows an optional RS sport appearance package for the Cruze LT and LTZ trim levels.

Cruze is the first in a family of all-new Chevrolet small and compact cars designed to offer excellent fuel economy, outstanding quality and top safety ratings. Cruze models for the United States and Canada will be produced at the Lordstown, Ohio assembly complex. In February, Chevrolet announced the addition of a third shift at Lordstown that will add 1,200 workers to support a smooth, fast and flawless ramp-up of Cruze production. More than $350 million has been invested to re-tool the plant and add new, state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

“This investment helps secure the best possible manufacturing footprint to react to market demand and deliver vehicles faster to our customers,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president Chevrolet marketing. “We believe Cruze is the right car at the right time for American consumers.”

Cruze Eco details
Featuring a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing, the Cruze Eco is designed to be the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup, delivering an estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the standard six-speed manual transmission. City fuel economy, as well as estimates for the Cruze Eco equipped with an available six-speed automatic transmission, will be finalized closer to launch.

The Eco achieves greater fuel economy using a number of features that enhance its aerodynamics, minimize weight and reduce rolling resistance. Details include:

* A lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow
* The upper grille has more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics
* A lower front air dam extension, extensive use of underbody panels and a rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics
* A lowered ride height improves aerodynamics
* Unique 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels
* Ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.

The axle ratio on the manual-transmission model is also optimized for fuel economy, while helping the car deliver confident performance. Chevrolet estimates the Cruze Eco will deliver 0-60 mph performance of about 10 seconds with the manual transmission and 9 seconds with the six-speed automatic.

The Cruze Eco will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Midsize presence in the compact segment
All Cruze models offer the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car, combined with segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America.

Along with the Eco, the 2011 Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims. Standard and available equipment includes:

* Ten standard air bags, including frontal, front-seat side-impact air bags, roof rail head curtain, rear-seat side air bags and new front knee air bags
* Bluetooth, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and navigation system
* Standard OnStar with one year of Directions and Connections service
* MacPherson strut front suspension and Z-link rear suspension, with 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels
* Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes
* Fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering
* Unexpected levels of quietness, smoothness and refinement for the segment.

All models share an interior characterized by upscale materials and a lengthy roster of equipment usually found in larger and more expensive vehicles. Available technologies include Bluetooth and a navigation system.

Cruze”s 1.4L Ecotec turbo performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions; it is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models. Rated at an estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm), it enables a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km). Cruze will lead the way for Chevrolet in the use of small-displacement, turbocharged Ecotec engines that are highly fuel-efficient and power vehicles that are fun to drive.

Standard on LS models is a 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder rated at an estimated 136 horsepower (184 kW) and 123 lb.-ft. of torque (166 Nm). Both engines are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as variable valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy.

Backing the Cruze”s engines are six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Each contributes to excellent fuel economy.

Chevrolet engineers have already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making Cruze one of the most real world-tested products prior to a U.S. launch. It is backed by Chevrolet”s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty ““ the best coverage in America.

– By: Omar Rana