2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

     Chevrolet is talking gas mileage; the reasons to buy American just keeps on piling up. Here's an article from Road and Track Magazine after visiting the New York Auto Show.

Who needs a hybrid, or a diesel, when you’ve got the Chevrolet Cruz Eco?

     By Matt DeLorenzo | Photos by Marc Urbano

     2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

While the wraps have been off the Chevrolet Cruze for some time, the bowtie division cruises into the New York show with a new model, the Eco, and a new RS trim level for this entry-level 4-door sedan.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine mated to a 6-speed automatic, returns 40 mpg highway. Jim Campbell, Chevrolet’s vice president of Marketing, says the Cruz Eco “delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag.”

The 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec engine produces 138 bhp and 148 lb ft of torque. Chevy estimates that the Cruze models equipped with this engine will have a highway range of 500 miles.

Among the features that enable the Cruze Eco to return such impressive high fuel economy are unique 17-in. lightweight wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, an upper grille with more closeouts to improve aerodynamics, a lowered ride height and a special lower grille shutter that closes at speed for better air flow. Other aero devices include a front air dam extension, the use of underbody panels to seal off the floorpan, and a rear spoiler.

Instead of the 6-speed automatic, buyers will be able to opt for a 6-speed manual with optimized gear ratios that will deliver similar fuel economy and a 0 to 60 mph time of about 10 seconds. The automatic, according to Chevy, is nearly a second quicker to 60. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco goes on sale this fall.

In addition to the regular lineup of Cruze LS (which comes with a 136-bhp normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine), LT and LTZ trim levels, Chevrolet will also offer the RS, which features unique front and rear fascias, rocker extensions, a rear spoiler and fog lamps. The upgraded instruments include chrome accent rings and opaque bezels that allow the instruments blue backlighting to shine through.


     Let me tell you, I'm being impressed more and more each day by what General Motors is doing today with the new they are adding to their line-up of automobiles. Just imagine what kind of mileage can be obtained if this were offered in a Hybrid, They probably have plans to do just that.


    I'm interest in what you think, post a comment give me your feed back on how Detroit is doing.


     I'm planning on doing some road test soon, and will be posting my observations and opinions as I do.


     Chill's Rides