Turbocharging Equals Fuel Economy and Performance on Cruze Ecotec

2010-05-26

The turbocharger’s on-demand performance in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is like having two engines in the same vehicle – one for fuel economy and one for power.

Proper sizing of the turbocharger allows the small 1.4L engine to sip fuel under lighter driving conditions because the extra turbo power, normally associated with a larger sized engine, is held in reserve.

The turbocharger’s performance-boosting advantage comes from forcing greater airflow into the engine. Its pressurized charge packs more air into the cylinders, allowing them to process the air and fuel normally associated with a larger engine for improved acceleration.

The Cruze’s turbocharger is lubricated by engine oil and is liquid cooled for long-term durability and reliability. The pressurized air charge is cooled via an air-to-air intercooling system prior to entering the engine. This lowers the temperature of the inlet air for more effective boost charge and combustion efficiency. The turbocharger system does not require any special maintenance.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models and helps the Cruze Eco achieve an estimated 138 horsepower, 148 pound feet of torque and 40 mpg on the highway (with a standard six-speed manual transmission), which is expected to be the best fuel economy in the compact segment.