GM considering powerful compact cars, Cruze SS in the works?

August 23, 2010August 23, 2010 Omar Rana Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Cruze SS, Compact Cars, Hatchbacks

General Motors’ high-performance group is considering venturing into powerful small cars. Jim Campbell, who was moved last week to a new position of vice president of GM’s performance vehicles and motorsports said that GM has “tremendous opportunity in the small and compact car market.”

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It is now reported that GM is considering a performance version of the new 4-cylinder Chevrolet Cruze as well as the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo.

“Small cars and compact cars are going to be more and more important going forward, and we’re looking at efficient performance,” said Campbell. “We will work with those teams to provide performance variants.”

Shall we keep our fingers crossed for a Chevrolet Cruze SS? We think so.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze”s base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the Eco, LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder Ecotec engine making 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and the Cruze Eco is estimated to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway. All 2011 Cruze models will be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $16,995 for the base model.