Selasa, 08 Desember 2009

Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works


2011 Audi A8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

At last week's tony Design Miami reveal of the 2011 A8 luxury cruiser, we were able to corner Johan de Nysschen, Audi's executive vice president in North America, and ask him for some tasty tibits on the brand's upcoming products, including the A8's sexier derivative, the A7.

In addition to giving us the first official confirmation of the A7's existence, de Nysschen revealed that the four-door coupe model will slot in "a little bit below" the new A8 in terms of pricing, just as we expected. Of course, it's worth noting that the 2011 A8 faces a price bump due to substantial increases in content and technology, so when the A7 finally comes to the States, the average model is likely to sticker at around $82,000-$83,000, which de Nysschen says is about the price for a typically equipped 2010 A8 (pricing starts at $74,550 plus delivery).

Based on Audi's new longitudinal modular platform technology, the A7 will be clearly related to the A8 (and the A6 replacement that will follow it), and de Nysschen says that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Sportback concept car serves as a "very reliable indicator" of what the production model will look like. Judging by recent spy shots from our friends at KGP, that very much appears to be the case. While parts commonality will be "substantial," de Nysschen says that the A7 will not use the full aluminum spaceframe design of the A8, although it will have aluminum elements.

As expected, the A8 will launch Stateside in both standard and long-wheelbase formats, with the latter predicted to make up the lion's share of the volume (the A8L presently accounts for about 80 percent of the model's sales).

We asked De Nysschen about how the two models will interact in the full-size luxury sedan segment, and he noted that:
"This top end segment is characterized by more conservative people, and we need to clearly take lower levels of risk with a flagship model [the A8]. But we recognize too that there is a sizable enough cluster of customers in that same segment who are ready for a more avant-garde design [the A7]. So we will essentially be positioning two cars into the same segment, which means that independently, the volume each attains is not that significant, but when you put them together, it will mean that our share of that segment will grow quite dramatically."
All-in De Nysschen thinks that the A8 will account for about 4,000 to 5,000 sales per year in the U.S., and the less costly A7 could clear 7,000-8,000 additional units.

And what of a high-performance S8 to take on Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup, or the A5 Sportback? Click through to the jump for more details.


2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Jumat, 06 November 2009

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan



Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.


Models On Their Way Out
  • Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
  • Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
  • Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
  • Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
  • Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
  • Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming
  • Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
  • Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
  • Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
  • Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
  • Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
  • Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
  • Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
  • Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
  • Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
  • Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
  • Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
  • Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
  • Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
  • Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention
  • Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
  • Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
  • Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
  • Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
  • Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
  • Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
  • Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
  • Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
  • Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler's website.

The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit


SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.

Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image

For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.

Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.

The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.


Honda Fit FF engine

Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4



It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:
  • Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Sabtu, 10 Oktober 2009

Jumat, 10 Juli 2009

Chevrolet Cruze Review and Prices 2011

2010 Chevrolet Cruze
Like future versions of the Saturn Astra, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be based on GM's upcoming "Delta 2" platform.

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

It will end up being called the Chevrolet Cruze, and the once-planned replacement for the Chevy Cobalt may be bowing earlier in Europe than it is in the United States, but the new car is expected to help consumers--and General Motors--deal with the wildest market swing in automotive history.

What We Know About the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

It's no secret that the U.S. vehicle market is undergoing a swift, seismic shift. With unstable gas prices and gloomy economic conditions that seem to get worse by the day, nervous consumers are no longer just deserting big pickups and SUVs, now even thrifty cars and more-economical crossover SUVs aren't selling as well as they had been. It's the biggest market upheaval since the Great Depression.

Automakers everywhere are scrambling to keep up, none more than General Motors. With GM suffering steep sales and revenue declines, the planned replacement for Chevrolet's Cobalt compact car could prove critical to the company's bottom line, and even its overall health. Cruze debuted in the fall of 2008 at the Paris Motor Show, and should go on sale in Europe by March 2009, likely as a 2010 model.

General Motors has announced that North American production of the Chevy Cruze will begin by April of 2010 at GM's plant in Lordstown, Ohio. This time line means Cruze will debut in the U.S. as a 2011 model. The company says Cobalts will continue to be built at Lordstown for a short time after Cruze production starts, and at least one media report suggests Cobalt production could then shift to Mexico. GM says Cruze will also be built at plants in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze employs GM's new front-wheel-drive Global Compact Vehicle Architecture, also known as "Delta 2." That makes it a platform-mate of the next-generation Saturn Astra, expected as an early-2010 model, and the Chevrolet Volt that is expected at the end of 2010. Cobalt and the current Astra use the older "Delta 1" architecture. The next-gen Astra for American consumption may be sourced from GM's Lordstown, Ohio, plant as well. At this point, the Astra's production location and the fate of the Cobalt-based Pontiac G5 are unknown.

Sources expect the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to maintain the Cobalt's general size, but possibly with an inch or two added to wheelbase and maybe overall width. Engineering should be more weight-conscious in light of tough new U.S. fuel-economy mandates and pending new clean-air regulations in California and elsewhere. Look for greater use of lighter materials despite their higher cost, as weight is the enemy of fuel economy and a car's carbon footprint, not to mention performance. Despite the pound-paring, structural rigidity is likely to improve, which should benefit durability, quietness, and perhaps ride and handling, too.

So far, GM has only confirmed a Cruze sedan in base, LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels. But local media reports covering the Cruze press conference at the Lordstown plant said that Ed Peper, GM North America vice president of Chevrolet, described the Cruze sedan as the first of a new family of compact, fuel-efficient Chevrolets. What this means is unknown, but it could point to other vehicles wearing the Cruze badge. Recently the company announced a Chevrolet Orlando concept that is a version of Opel's Zafira. Code named "MPV-7," the small people mover, like the Cruze sedan, is based on the company's "Delta 2" platform and debuted at the Paris show in October 2008. The Cobalt's coupe body style could also be reprised, but with a somewhat edgier, wedgier look than Cobalt.

So far, the company has confirmed two engines for the American version of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The more interesting of the two is a new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The company predicts this optional engine will be rated at 140 horsepower. There is talk that the 1.4-liter turbo's fuel economy could be as high as 45 mpg, presumably on the highway. By contrast, the 2009 Cobalt's base 2.2-liter non-turbo four produces 155 horses and is EPA-rated at 25/37 mpg city/highway in new gas-miser XFE trim. The second engine is a normally aspirated 1.8-liter four that should be good for 138 horsepower. The 1.8-liter unit is likely the same engine that is found in the 2009 Saturn Astra.

The company plans to offer American consumers a 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 6-speed automatic versus Cobalt's 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. It isn't clear yet if both transmissions will be available with either engine. Gearing will be chosen with an eye to maximizing fuel economy without compromising low-rpm performance. At some point, Chevrolet might add a sporty Cruze akin to the current Cobalt SS, perhaps with the same 260-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The decision will hinge on buyer sentiment and how much higher gas prices go in the next couple of years.

Because it will sell for a short time alongside Cobalt, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is likely to be positioned as a more-upscale small Chevy with nicer appointments, more features, and higher prices. The alternative would be to slide Cobalt down-market by eliminating some now-standard equipment. Either way, the new Cruze will likely mimic Cobalt by including standard features like ABS, antiskid system, traction control, curtain side airbags, and GM OnStar assistance, plus 16-inch tires instead of 15s. Options should also broadly duplicate Cobalt offerings, with 17- and maybe 18-inch tires, various cosmetic add-ons, upgraded audio, power sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, and leather upholstery. A navigation system could well join the list.

In all, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze stands to be better than today's Cobalt in many ways. It should thus be a more appealing bow-tie alternative to hot-selling, import-brand compacts like the Honda Civic--and now even the elderly Ford Focus. That and the early arrival time show just how serious GM has become about the small-car market. Considering the company's worsening financial condition with the steep drop in sales, the Chevy Cruze won't get here a moment too soon.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be sold alongside the Cobalt for a short period of time.

A Notable Feature of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Though the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should be a mostly conventional front-drive small car, we think it may have one or more features designed to maximize mpg. Aside from its smaller new engine and other weight-reducing measures versus Cobalt, the Cruze could conceivably adopt the new low-power lighting, wipers, and audio system being devised for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid compact sedan. This would help GM defray development costs that much sooner, and would also be in line with the Cruze's likely upscale market positioning versus Cobalt. Understand that we can't guarantee any of this right now--but hey, it could happen.


Buying Advice for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze enters an already crowded field that's bound to become even more competitive. A fast-growing crop of attractive choices is certainly good news for consumers. The bad news is that certain compacts--the Honda Civic for one--are now in such demand that retailers are again padding prices and forgetting discounts. So, as always, it will pay for you to shop the dealer and the deal, not just the vehicle. But all else being equal, you probably won't go wrong with the Civic. It is, after all, a Consumer Guide Best Buy among compact cars. Then again, so is the Nissan Versa. If neither of those strikes your fancy, consider CG's Recommended compacts, the Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, and the winsome but relatively pricey Mini Cooper. The newly redesigned Toyota Corolla is unrated but deserves a look because of who makes it. And don't forget that a redesigned Ford Focus is set to debut in early 2010, though we hear it, too, may be introduced ahead of time. As for the Chevrolet Cruze (and sister Saturn Astra), it could well emerge as a new class star. We'll get back to you on that once we see it a few months from now.

Chevrolet Cruze
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will offer an optional 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.


2011 Chevrolet Cruze Release Date: Cruze hits the European market in March 2009, and should be on sale in the United States during the summer of 2010.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze First Test Drive: Media drives could take place in Europe soon after the Paris debut, but formal introduction to American reporters will likely happen just before the car goes on sale here.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Prices: As noted, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is likely to be priced and equipped above comparable Cobalt models, but it's unclear what the differences will be, given today's fast-changing sales picture and the bumpy economy. Our educated guess is that the Cruze will start near $15,500, perhaps a little less, and top out at around $21,000. As usual with new-model intros, Chevrolet probably won't announce final pricing until just before sales begin.

Senin, 06 Juli 2009

GM releases 2011 Chevy Cruze


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Cruze

They're here! The first official pics of the 2011 Chevy Cruze have been released by General Motors, and we're not ashamed to say it – we like it. Of course, we're comparing it to the current small car in GM's lineup, the Cobalt, so the bar is pretty low. That said, GM's new small car takes the split-grille motif made famous by the Malibu and makes it more interesting with sharp creases rather than rounded corners. The front end features headlights that extend up and "point" to the A-pillars, and a strong character line running the length of the vehicle sits below a concave bend that sweeps up to meet the windows.

GM claims that fit and finish of the Cruze will be world class for a small car, and that its interior will use "grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels" to improve its perceived quality. Unfortunately, no shots of the interior were provided, but you can catch a glimpse in this rear 3/4 shot.

The Cruze will be a global car, and as such it's going on sale in Europe first. It will makes its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, where European customers will be the first to check it out in person before it goes on sale in March 2009 overseas. It will be available at launch with a 112-hp 1.6L engine, a 140-hp 1.8L and a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. The North American version will likely get GM's upcoming direct injected 1.4L four-cylinder. The Cruze will also offer a five-speed manual and GM's first application of a six-speed automatic in a small car.

The kicker? The 2011 Chevy Cruze will be built at GM's plant in Lordstown, OH where the current Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built. Though it'll be built right in our own backyard, the Cruze reportedly won't be available in the U.S. for at least a year or two.

Check out AutoblogGreen's report on the new Cruze to discover its close connection with the Chevy Volt.


[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE

All-New Chevrolet Cruze Features Dramatic Design

Detroit - The first photographs of Chevrolet's all-new Cruze sedan - making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October - reveal a dynamic four-door coupe that proves exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive.

On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie.

Cruze's arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.

Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance.

Cruze's dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Other distinct design themes include a concave shoulder line, the two-tier grille and a "wheels-out/body-in" stance. Inside, Cruze features a 'twin cockpit' design motif, first introduced in the iconic Corvette sports car.

"Our goal in designing Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary," says chief designer Taewan Kim. "We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world."

Visitors to the Paris show will see how Chevrolet's progressive design is also reflected in the quality of Cruze's interior. The use of grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels ensures a quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior.

At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet's first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.

With sales in Europe up by 23 percent for the first six months of 2008, Chevrolet is GM Europe's fastest-growing mainstream brand. The arrival of Cruze spearheads an exciting new product roll-out program that is expected to propel the brand to even greater success.

"We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product," said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. "Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world."

Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM's global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.

The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices.

Sabtu, 04 Juli 2009

2011 Chevy Cruze

What: A replacement four-door for Chevy's Cobalt

When: Will be sold in Europe starting Spring 2009. Production on the U.S. Cruze should begin April 2010

Price: Unknown. The similar Chevy Cobalt starts at approximately $14,500

The 2011 Chevy Cruze's story is a complex one. Initially meant to replace the fuddy-duddy Chevrolet Cobalt, the Cruze is roughly the same size and holds fives people, just like the Cobalt. But a struggling economy and the memory of astronical fuel costs has caused a renaissance for inexpensive small cars with small engines, and the Cobalt has been given a temporary reprieve. Although the 2011 Chevy Cruze is still in the queue, there are rumors that GM will continue production of its Cobalt for the immediate future.

General Motors, Chevrolet's parent company, has recently declared bankruptcy. While the company says that business should continue as usual, the bankruptcy could add a layer of uncertainty for those interested in purchasing a Cruze when it comes out. However, those who are able to stomach the uncertainty may be able to get a great deal on a new Chevrolet. Check out What GM's Bankruptcy Means for You to answer any questions you have before buying.

The new Cruze is a front-wheel drive vehicle to be built on the new Delta 2 platform. It has a confirmed 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, and reportedly makes 140 horsepower and 130 pound feet of torque. Writers also speculate the Cruze could achieve 40 mpg on the highway.

What the Auto Press Says

As the months progress, more information has become available about the upcoming Cruze. Whereas the design, features and release date were previously very hush-hush, Chevy's website now reports production will begin April 2010. Still, test drives with any Cruze -- from either side of the pond -- are few. A Motor Trend journalist had the opportunity to test-drive a Euro-spec Cruze, only to leave with conflicting impressions of coarse engines but tidy handling. Luckily, GM has promised a different engine for the U.S. market. Auto writers, however, eagerly anticipate the Cruze's high fuel numbers.

Here is what the press has to say about the coming 2011 Chevy Cruze:

  • "Amid the financial mess that has become General Motors, we're told that the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is coming our way, one more piece of GM's constantly improving product portfolio. Despite GM's financial drama, the Cruze refuses to get sidetracked." -- Edmunds
  • "If GM can pull off that mileage, it will surpass the standard gas, non-hybrid offerings on the market today from Honda and Toyota -- Fit and Yaris." -- BusinessWeek
  • "Born from Chevy's global design and engineering team, the Cruze will sport many of the exterior elements we've seen on recent concepts, so expect lots of angular lines, a high belt-line and a squat greenhouse." -- Autoblog
  • + "Look for greater use of lighter materials despite their higher cost, as weight is the enemy of fuel economy and a car's carbon footprint, not to mention performance." -- Consumer Guide
  • During the first published test drive of the European Cruze, Motor Trend notes, "You can certainly feel the solidity of the body, as it traverses rough surfaces with nary a shake, and less audible clang than in most of the Japanese rivals. This despite the reasonably firm spring settings in the European-spec version. The firmish springs make the ride a bit lively over rough roads, but the damping is well-judged provided you limit your speed. Which you probably will." -- Motor Trend

Key Details

GM has confirmed the 2011 Cruze's name, but additional details are few.

Stay tuned for more details on the 2011 Chevy Cruze.

Kamis, 02 Juli 2009

new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

GM claims that fit and finish of the Cruze will be world class for a small car, and that its interior will use “grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels” to improve its perceived quality. Unfortunately, no shots of the interior were provided.

Read more (+photo)!!

The Chevy Cruze will be a global car, and as such it’s going on sale in Europe first. It will makes its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, where European customers will be the first to check it out in person before it goes on sale in March 2009 overseas. It will be available at launch with a 112-hp 1.6L engine, a 140-hp 1.8L and a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. The North American version will likely get GM’s upcoming direct injected 1.4L four-cylinder. The Cruze will also offer a five-speed manual and GM’s first application of a six-speed automatic in a small car.

UPDATED: new photo from 2011 Chevy Cruze presentation:



Selasa, 30 Juni 2009

GM Releases First Chevy Cruze Photographs

At its Lordstown, Ohio plant today General Motors will be announcing a significant investment in that plant, one that will allow the automaker to bring forth one of its most important cars — the subcompact Chevrolet Cruze. Announced earlier this summer, the Cruze represents the direction the automaker is going with its small cars, one that could help GM (particularly Chevrolet) improve its entry level presence in the US.

General Motors has revealed the first images of the Chevrolet Cruze, an entry-level model that will replace the Cobalt.

General Motors has revealed the first images of the Chevrolet Cruze, an entry-level model that will replace the Cobalt.

Though the pictures show a 2011 model, the Cruze will be on sale in Europe starting next March as a 2010 model. Visitors to next month’s Paris Auto Show will see the pre-production model. The car will go on sale in the US in early 2010 as a 2011 model.

Europe gets to see the Cruze first at next months Paris Auto Show. The first production cars will be sold in March 2009 for the European market; stateside delivery will begin in 2010.

Europe gets to see the Cruze first at next month's Paris Auto Show. The first production cars will be sold in March 2009 for the European market; stateside delivery will begin in 2010.

Chevrolet is the fastest growing brand in Europe with sales up 23% year to date over last year. “We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product,” said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world.”

At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolets first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.

At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet's first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.

As with all promising new models, The Auto Writer will continue to follow the Cruze’s progress and report developments over the coming months.

Minggu, 28 Juni 2009

Chevrolet Cruze transformed into Camaro-aping

Chevy Cruze gets the Bumblebee treatment – Click above for a high-res image gallery

The idea behind building a stunning performance car like the new Chevy Camaro is as much about selling the car itself as it is about casting a bright light on the rest of the automaker's range. The muscle car in the window may bring you into the dealership, but you're more likely to walk out with something more practical. Say, a Cruze, for example.

That's what happened with one customer in China, where the price of an imported Camaro is, according to one report at least, the equivalent of a whopping $200,000. Having apparently geeked out like the rest of us at Michael Bay's blockbuster hit Transformers, the customer looks to have fallen in love with Bumblebee like that little punk Shia LeBeouf with Megan Fox (who really should be with a certain blogger whose name starts with an "N" and ends with an "oah"), but...where were we? Oh yeah, the Chinese fan gave his Chevy Cruze the full Bumblebee treatment, which looks to have involved a bit more than just plastering on some racing stripes. Check it out in the gallery below.


Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze with Bumblebee treatment


[Source: China Car Times I Images: Club.Sohu.com]

Jumat, 26 Juni 2009

Chevy Cruze Will Give Small-Car Buyers

During a live chat session last week on the GM FastLane blog, CEO Fritz Henderson answered questions from the media, analysts and customers.Read Article
GM:Chevy Cruze Will Give Small-Car Buyers a Better Package Over Asian Rivals

However, he was unable to answer every question due to time constraints - one that had to deal with GM’s most significant small car, the Chevrolet Cruze.
To make sure that Fritz provided his input on the Cruze, FastLane just posted a follow-up from the big boss at GM. Several questions were asked about GM’s small-car strategy, which has recently been making headlines.
“If you haven’t heard, next year we’ll roll out an all-new compact that will surprise most customers with its terrific fuel efficiency (approaching 40 mpg highway), appealing interior design and spacious five-passenger cabin,” said Fritz.

Read Article
GM:Chevy Cruze Will Give Small-Car Buyers a Better Package Over Asian Rivals

Rabu, 24 Juni 2009

Chevrolet Cruze photo gallery 2011

Chevrolet's all-new Cruze compact goes on sale in Europe in March 2009 as a 2010 model, with engine options including 112 horsepower 1.6 and 150 hp 1.8 liter gasoline engines as well as a 150 hp 2.0 liter turbodiesel. The Cruze is expected to replace the current Cobalt, though GM has not announced a firm date for the Cruze's arrival in the US or which engines the American version will have under its hood.

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Chevrolet Cruze front viewChevrolet Cruze front viewChevrolet Cruze front three-quarter viewChevrolet Cruze front three-quarter viewChevrolet Cruze rear view

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