GM Engineer Drives 2013 Chevy Cruze Diesel 900 Miles On One Tank

Chevy's Cruze diesel is one of the more significant cars arriving this year.

It's not just economical by Chevy's own standards, but at 46 mpg highway it comfortably takes the fight to the class-leading Volkswagen Jetta TDI too,

With a 15.6 gallon gas tank, that 46 mpg should be enough to get you over 700 miles at highway speeds--717, to be precise. But one GM engineer has gone even better, with an astonishing 900 miles on a tank.

Reversing the math, that works out at just shy of 58 mpg, if she ran the tank dry--so potentially a little more.

How on earth do you get that from a Cruze Diesel? According to Tessa Baughman, the energy engineer in question, it simply involved traveling at 5 under the speed limit on a family visit to Arkansas.

Even on the return journey, with more traffic, she achieved over 800 miles to a tank - just over 51 mpg.

Now at this point we do have to highlight that the video you see above is a GM promotional video--so there's more than an element of "well, they would say that" about it. The Cruze's official EPA figures are a more modest 46 mpg highway and 27 city, for a combined rating of just 33 mpg.

But you only need look at the EPA's fueleconomy.gov site or sites like Fuelly to see that it isn't unusual to see diesels comfortably exceeding their EPA ratings.

Not everyone will get nearly 60 mpg from their Chevy Cruze diesel--in fact, it's likely that very few owners will.

But drive like a GM energy engineer and there's every chance you'll get that figure on some journeys, at least.

Source: Green Car Reports

2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel Rated At 46 MPG Highway

It has been almost 30 years since General Motors embraced a diesel-powered sedan in America, and there is a lot riding on the success or failure of the 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel. With a 46 mpg highway rating though, the new diesel Chevy offers good fuel economy and lots of torque…but is that enough to justify the $25,695 MSRP?

Originally it was estimated the Chevy Cruze Diesel would get just 42 mpg on the highway, the Cruze Diesel bested GM’s own estimates by some 4 mpg. In the city, the Cruze Diesel will get just 27 mpg, but the 46 mpg highway rating makes it the most fuel efficient non-hybrid for sale in the U.S. The 46 mpg rating also beats out perennial favorites like the Volkswagen Jetta TDI (rated at 42 mpg).

The 2.0 liter diesel engine has 148 horsepower, the same as the 1.4 liter turbocharged gas engine, but 258 ft-lbs of torque, a 110 ft-lbs of torque advantagee. An overboost feature will even allow for brief periods where the engine churns out up to 280 ft-lbs of torque, while still managing to go up to 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. 0 to 60 mph is estimated to take about 8.6 seconds.

Ultimately though, it will come down to the dollars and cents of it, and some buyers may be turned off by the $25,695 MSRP. The Chevy Cruze Eco, rated at 42 mpg, is just $19,995, an almost $6,000 difference. It would take close to 20 years to make up the price difference, especially since gasoline is cheaper than diesel in the U.S. But for those who do a lot of highway driving, or just want more torque, the Chevy Cruze Diesel might be the way to go.

Source: Gas2.0

Chevy Cruze diesel delivers EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway

GM announced that the new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel delivers an EPA-estimated 46 mpg US (5.1 l/100 km) on the highway—better than any non-hybrid passenger car in the US. It will be available in certain cities this spring and nationwide and in Canada in early fall.

Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, the latest addition to the Cruze powertrain family has an estimated range of 700 highway miles (1,127 km) on one tank of diesel fuel, based on the EPA highway estimate and the vehicle’s fuel tank capacity.

Cruze Diesel offers a segment-leading estimated 148 hp (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft of torque (350 N·m), and can go 0-60 in about 8.6 seconds.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft (380 N·m) for short bursts of stronger acceleration when needed, such as entering freeway traffic.

GM is strongly positioning the Cruze Diesel against the VW Jetta TDI automatic. With a starting price of $25,695, including an $810 destination charge, the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is a better value than a similarly equipped VW Jetta TDI automatic, GM argues. Compared with Jetta, the Cruze Diesel offers standard equipment including the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seating, a longer five-year 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a two-year maintenance plan.

Chevrolet has sold more than 2 million Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010—more than 33,000 of those were diesel-powered (about 1.7%).

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel: Ultimate Guide

Set to join the Chevrolet Cruze Eco during thefirst half of 2013, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is one of Chevy's most eagerly-awaited models.

The Cruze Diesel has featured several times before on GreenCarReports, so below you can find all our previous coverage on the model. The most recent articles are listed first--bookmark this page in your RSS reader to be alerted to future updates.

The basics

Chevy announced full details on the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel--including that long-winded name--at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

You can check out our Cruze Diesel show preview here, we learned plenty more information at the show itself.

The diesel Cruze uses a 2.0-liter, direct injected and turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. It's rated at 148 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque at only 2,000 rpm, but there's also an overboost function, raising torque to 280 lb-ft for ten seconds--useful forpassing other cars.

There are no EPA figures just yet, but highway mileage is estimated at 42 mpg--identical to that of its chief rival, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Source: Green Car Reports

Chevrolet debuts 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel for US and Canada

2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel engine. Click to enlarge.

Chevrolet is entering the US and Canadian diesel car markets this summer with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of the Cruze. Assembled in Lordstown, Ohio, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has demonstrated an estimated 42 mpg (5.6 l/100km) on the highway. Final fuel economy ratings and power specs will be released closer to the on-sale date.

The compact sedan’s new Tier 2 Bin 5 2.0L turbo-diesel engine is based on a proven 2.0L architecture already used in European models, where approximately 40% of all Cruze models sold feature a diesel engine. The GM engineering team—comprising engineers from the US, Germany and Italy—altered the base engine to address four main areas: emissions; on-board diagnostics; operation in more difficult environmental conditions; and operation at higher altitudes. The engine is manufactured in Kaiserslautern in Germany.

This Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel represents a new era in diesel performance for American cars. We’ve adapted a proven engine from Europe, the world’s diesel capital, and married it with the emissions-reducing technology that was perfected in the United States. It’s a great example of how Chevrolet’s global resources work harmoniously to produce the right product at the right time and for the right market.

—Jens Wartha, GM chief engineer

2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. Click to enlarge.

The US Cruze diesel produces an estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft torque (350 N·m ) with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds—better than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and competitive with German diesel cars that dominate the US market, GM notes. (GM anticipates going head-to-head with the Jetta TDI.)

Peak torque is achieved at a low 2,000 rpm for a sustained feeling of power on demand at almost all speeds – particularly when passing or entering a freeway onramp.

The engine also has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft (380 N·m), for stronger acceleration periods of about 10 seconds.

“Chevrolet has had a lot of success globally with the diesel engines. Based on our technology capability, we wanted to bring diesel in to the US. We’re bringing it at small scale; we believe that this vehicle will be very competitive.” —Cristi Landy - Director, Chevrolet Small Car and Electrified Vehicle Marketing

Cruze models in the United States and Canada offer a 1.4L turbo, a 1.4L Eco model and 1.8L naturally aspirated engine. The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine provides greater fuel economy than a comparably sized gasoline engine through greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process. It features an iron cylinder block and a forged steel crankshaft, each designed to stand up to the greater cylinder pressures that come with a turbo-diesel engine.

A lightweight aluminum cylinder head and aluminum intake manifold contribute to the engine’s comparatively low weight of 408 pounds (185 kg), helping the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel deliver a balanced ride with outstanding handling characteristics. Additional highlights include:

• Dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters with low-friction roller-finger followers.
• Quiet belt-driven cams/valvetrain with high-strength belt material and tensioner rated for 100,000 miles.
• High-strength aluminum pistons with reinforced top ring and integral combustion bowl design.
• Central direct injection, with the injector positioned in the middle of the cylinder, with the bowl in the piston serving as the combustion chamber. This enables a high 16.5:1 compression ratio that enhances power and combustion efficiency.
• Variable-swirl intake manifold design, which optimizes air charge mixture motion in the cylinders for a more-efficient combustion that enhances performance and reduces emissions.
• Common-rail fuel system with Piezo fuel injectors that create multiple injections per combustion for greater performance, combustion efficiency and quietness.
• Variable-nozzle turbocharger that broadens the engine’s torque curve, particularly at low rpm, and supports greater high-rpm horsepower. It is mounted close to the exhaust outlet of the engine for quicker spool-up of the turbine and faster light-off of the exhaust catalyst.
• Intercooling system produces a cooler, denser air charge for greater power.
• Piston oil jets that help reduce friction and optimize piston temperature for greater performance and efficiency.
• Turbocharger bearings are oil-lubricated and cooled via an oil cooler.
• Variable-displacement oil pump helps save fuel by optimizing the oil pressure, which reduces friction.
• Vacuum pump designed for lower engine friction.
• Ceramic glow plugs, which provide greater cold-start performance over conventional metal glow plugs (an engine oil heater is offered for cold climates).
• B20 bio-diesel compatibility.

Quiet, smooth performance is enabled by a number of features on and around the engine. There are also sound-absorbing features added to the Cruze, specific to the diesel model, including a unique dash mat, hood blanket and more.

A precise exhaust gas recirculation control system features a high-capacity cooler and bypass feature that enable the engine to meet US and Canadian emissions regulations. The exhaust after-treatment system is similar to what is used on Chevrolet’s heavy-duty trucks and vans equipped with the Duramax diesel, including a diesel particulate filter and SCR system for NO_xreduction. (The SCR system in the Cruze is specific to the vehicle.)

An approximately 4.5-gallon (17 liters) tank in the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel holds enough diesel emissions fluid to provide at least 10,000 miles (16,000 km) of driving between refills. The system is also designed for servicing to coincide with oil changes, for greater driver convenience.

With a starting price at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees) Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Chevrolet is planning a limited roll-out initially for what it anticipates will be a lower volume vehicle, starting with 13 markets,followed by a national rollout. Cristi Landy - Director, Chevrolet Small Car and Electrified Vehicle Marketing, noted that the company has “found it to be a good thing” to do a focused launch on a lower volume vehicle.

This initial launch will include the West Coast, some cities in the central US, and a few cities in the East.

Source: Green Car Congress

Chevy Cruze Diesel To Debut In Chicago

American automakers have shied away from diesel passenger cars for the past few decades due to bad experiences in the early 1980s. But 2013 could be a watershed year for diesel cars in America, and General Motors is set to lead the way with the Chevy Cruze Diesel, set to debut next month at the Chicago Auto Show.

GM already sells a diesel-powered Cruze over in Europe, where a 2.0 liter turbodiesel engine delivers 130 horsepower and 221 ft-lbs of torque. Rumor has it that the Cruze Eco-D diesel could achieve as high as 50 mpg on the highway using the EPA testing method (though in the UK the Cruze is rated at more than 72 mpg) and could go up to 700 miles between fill-ups.

While diesel fuel is more expensive in America, those extra mpgs could go a long way towards saving drivers money at the pump. The current Chevy Cruze Eco is rated at up to 42 mpg highway with a six-speed manual transmission, so an 8 mpg improvement could mean a few more days between fill-ups.

The Chevy Cruze Diesel is reportedly going on sale in the second-quarter of 2013, which means it has to be unveiled soon. With just two major U.S. car shows between now and April, that leaves only Chicago and New York as options…and early indicators point towards Chicago.

GM follows the lead of Chrysler, which will offer a 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee this year as well. The five-passenger SUV have a 30 mpg highway rating, 7 mpg more than the gas-powered V6 model. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the MSRP. Can GM and Chrysler make the dollars-and-cents case that diesels are a better option than hybrids or EVs?

Source: GM Authority

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Set to join the Chevrolet Cruze Eco during the first half of 2013, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is one of Chevy's most eagerly-awaited models.

The Cruze Diesel is based on a model already sold over in Europe, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel.

U.S. versions will feature AdBlue urea injection to help it comply with present and future emission requirements. Power output details haven't yet been revealed, but the top European models produce a useful 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Source: Green Car Reports

Want 40 MPG, Don't Want Hybrid? Here's Your Top Five Options

Look to the top of the fuel economy charts and, if you're not in the market for a plug-in vehicle, it's hybrids that typically top the list.

Cars like the 2012 Toyota Prius C, which currently tops the list, sip gas whether in the city or on the highway, and ultimately they're the greenest way of getting about without going electric.

But what if you don't want a hybrid?  If that's the case, you might be interested in some of the vehicles below, which offer 40 mpg-plus gas mileage on the freeway without having to go down the hybrid path. They won't match hybrids in city driving, but if you typically drive longer distances, they could be the cars for you.

2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI

Topping the non-hybrid tree for highway gas mileage is the VW Passat TDI. Its 2.0-liter, turbocharged diesel can be found in several Volkswagen and Audi products, and in fact we've excluded the others here (the Jetta, Golf and A3 all top the list) just to prevent the list being a VW washout!

At 43 mpg on the highway and 35 combined it actually sips less diesel than its smaller counterparts, despite offering more space for passengers. That makes it a great choice for long freeway drives, where the strong low-down torque, quiet engine and great economy will raise a smile. It's not unknown for diesels to beat their EPA mileage estimates, either...

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco Quick Drive and Live Photos

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

The award for highest-placed non-diesel goes toChevrolet, with the Cruze Eco. A few subtle tweaks to aerodynamics and gearing, plus an efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, allow it to top 42 mpg on the highway. Even better, Cruze Eco owners are actually averaging over 41 mpg, to the EPA's 33 mpg combined mileage. The Cruze Eco is a good example of what can be achieved with a downsized engine and an aerodynamic body, and proves that the Volt isn't the only efficient vehicle on Chevy's fleet.

2012 Honda Civic HF

Missing out to the Cruze Eco by 1 mpg on the highway, the Civic HF matches the Chevy's 33 mpg combined rating. And just like the Cruze, owners are actually averaging a much higher figure, judging by the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website. In fact, they're getting almost 40 mpg on average.

Less sophisticated than the Civic Hybrid, the HF instead makes tweaks to the regular 1.8-liter gasoline Civic. Some aerodynamic alterations allow it to slip through the air more cleanly, and low rolling resistance tires let it roll down the road easier too. It may lack excitement to drive, but it's a good alternative choice to the hybrid,

2013 Dodge Dart test drive, Austin, Texas, April 2012

2013 Dodge Dart Aero

The Dart is very much the new kid on the block, and manages to sneak above the 40 mpg highway limit, with a Civic HF-matching 41 mpg. To achieve this it takes a similar route to its main rival, Chevy's Cruze Eco: A 1.4-liter, 160-horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine. In this instance, it's sourced fromChrysler's partner Fiat, which uses a similar engine in Fiats and Alfa Romeos. The engine uses Fiat's "MultiAir" technology, which uses electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation to continually alter the fuel and air mixture for best performance and economy. In addition, the Dart Aero swaps some steel components for lightweight aluminum, electric grille shutters to reduce drag, and other aero aids.

2013 Fiat 500

Rounding out our top five non-hybrids, the cute Fiat 500 is one of the better minicars when it comes to highway mileage. It just sneaks onto our list at 40 mpg thanks to 2013 model-year tweaks, and at 34 combined it's second only to the Passat TDI in this list. Rather than being packed full of fuel-saving tech, the 500 actually employs a fairly low-tech, old-school way of improving mileage--a small engine and light body.

Provided you can live with the Fiat's retro image, you'll find a lot to like elsewhere too. It's fun to drive, attracts loads of attention, and can even be had as a roll-back convertible, for the more extroverted among us...

Source: Green Car Reports

Chevy Proves Green Streak With Highest Ever Sales Figures of Spark, Sonic, Cruze and Volt

Chevrolet is definitely going green--or at least, its customers are, as GM announces best-ever monthly sales of its four most gas-sipping models.

Helping to reach sales 10 percent greater than those in August last year, the Spark, Sonic, Cruze and Volt all set their highest monthly sales figures since hitting the market.

In addition to the Volt's August sales record of 2,831 vehicles--up on the previous best of 2,289, set earlier this year in March--the Sonic and Cruze also beat their previous bests by several hundred vehicles.

The tiny Chevy Spark almost doubled its July figures, as a result of natural increases following its first full month on sale. Chevy sold 2,630 Sparks in August, up from July's tally of 1,460.

GM is putting some of the sales boost down to extensive promotion during the summer's Olympic Games, but increasing awareness of cars like the Volt is also playing a part, having out-sold its Nissan Leaf rival consistently this year.

Passenger car sales were up 25 percent overall, buoyed by a spate of recent product launches.

But the good news is that buyers are really taking to Chevrolet's range of small and fuel-efficient vehicles, spurred on both by rising gas prices, and a huge increase in quality over GM's small cars of only a few years ago.

And whether it's the technology of the Chevrolet Volt or the lightweight simplicity of the Spark, green buyers have more choice than ever in Chevy's lineup.

Source: Green Car Reports

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon

Since it came on the scene in 2009, General Motors' first truly global modern-day product, the Chevrolet Cruze, has become the company's best seller. Over 1.5 million deliveries – admittedly 46 percent to rental fleets, 12 percent to company car fleets and 42 percent as private purchases – have helped firmly establish the Cruze in people's minds worldwide.

And we've really liked our Cruze experiences so far. It won't necessarily win all the comparison battles going head-to-head with competitors (it did win one of ours – Ed), but it could well win the whole sales war, which is ultimately the best sign of a well-done mass-produced small car when it carries a Chevrolet Bowtie.

We've had drives aplenty in the original four-door sedan, and in 2011 we tooled around in the five-door hatch. Now it's the station wagon's chance to impress us. Besides the Cruze wagon's above-average load lugging credentials for everyday practicality, this li'l Chevy is important enough to warrant the simultaneous launch of a new range of turbo-diesel engines as well as the Euro-launch of the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder we've had from the start. The packages we tested definitely take the Cruze's game up a notch or two.

This is the most efficient Cruze powertrain yet, delivering an estimated average on the European cycle of 52.3 mpg.

And then came the announcements of mass recalls right after our recent drive. Ah, well, it's gotten to the point where automakers' quality control people are using voluntary recalls with near enthusiasm, doubtlessly in an effort to fend off ugly court cases and/or government fines later on. But, all in all, this is a good trend toward corporate responsibility. May those 413,418 Cruze sedans in North America have their engine shields fixed post-haste and get back on the road to happy motoring.

This time around, the majority of our time was spent with the all-new 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec diesel powerplant developed at GM of Europe's studios in Turin, Italy. The engine is built at the Tychy factory in Poland – the same plant that formerly built all Isuzu diesels before GM took it over. Taking the pleasant Euro-ness of this drive to the max, our tester's compact 131-horsepower 1.7-liter with 221 pound-feet of torque arrived attached to a likewise new and solid six-speed manual transmission. With the start-stop feature chiming in at seemingly every lit intersection, this is the most efficient Cruze powertrain yet, delivering an estimated average on the (routinely over-optimistic) European cycle of 52.3 miles per U.S. gallon. Driving our accelerated version of 'average,' though, we realized actual consumption of 36.2 mpg, a decidedly more ordinary figure. Acceleration to 60 miles per hour is just fine at 10.2 seconds.



If the Cruze were already doing well in Europe, this powertrain in a wagon bodystyle should help sales zoom off the charts. GM Europe anticipates that just over 25 percent of Cruze sales on The Continent will be wagons, and that around 90 percent of those vehicles will rely on diesel propulsion.

Room behind the passengers ranges from a minimum of 17.7 cubic feet to a full 52.2.

The finest aspects of the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon as tested, besides the new engine and shifter, are the sheer space for cargo and the upmarket comfort we noticed in this top LTZ trim. Room behind the passengers ranges from a minimum of 17.7 cubic feet with rear seats up and a load that stops sensibly at the windows. Drop all seatbacks and load it like a collegiate, however, and those cubed feet rise to a full 52.2.

Driving the 1.7 Cruze LTZ wagon is an altogether sober and sturdy experience. It is not particularly nimble, nor is it surprisingly uppity under hard acceleration. Forget about it, but also don't criticize this noble little wagon for these issues. We left the little green Eco light on almost the entire time and were determined to simply drive more or less like an owner who obeys laws and such. Taken in this context, it's easy to understand why the Cruze is a runaway success. Cruising at 85 miles per hour at a smooth and quiet 2,200 rpm is a right good feeling. And the livability factors are huge here. In this trim, the 3,250-pound wagon is lovingly built like a tank. At least thus far, its dependability record – recent self-induced precautionary recalls aside – has been very good, too.

This configuration of the Cruze lineup is, for us, the best yet.

What we mainly noticed by switching from the strong diesel over to the equally strong little 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine is its throttle response behavior, which is much cleaner and smoother, and with almost no turbo lag. Acceleration to 62 mph (100 kmh) with this little gas unit in the wagon is a commendable 9.5 seconds with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

As far as the energy-efficient electric power steering goes, there are no surprises here, either: it's soft to the hands but it's also precise heading down the road. GM of Europe reps are freely comparing this Cruze estate evolution to the sensation caused by the two-door, compact Nomad station wagon of 1955. Sadly, there is no V8 or six-cylinder available(!) and no evocative fins in the metal, but we get their point. This configuration of the Cruze lineup is, for us, the best yet, as it fills out the body and makes the front end's edginess feel more balanced with the design as a whole. The 17-inch wheels and tires that come with the LTZ trim don't hurt either.

The little Eco button governs just the Start & Stop deal, so it's not terribly sophisticated in the end.

We asked the engine guys on hand in Germany for this test what exactly happens when one switches on or off the Eco function. It felt as though more was going on than just the advertised Start & Stop deal. Well, we were wrong; the little Eco button governs just the Start & Stop deal, so it's not terribly sophisticated in the end. Having tested our fair share of diesel-powered cars and trucks with this technology aboard, the restart moment doesn't really bother us anymore like it used to. It used to feel slow, and in commuter stop-and-go traffic it could eat at us after a while, but either these implementations are getting slicker or we're getting duller. Maybe both.

Living inside the ample cabin of the Cruze wagon is a truly comfortable experience, and there's plenty of space for above-average-sized humans in front and back. Keeping with the tradition of the old Nomad, visibility for all aboard is terrific, though not quite so tour-bus expansive as on the Nomad, which didn't have to answer to the same crash regulations as today's Cruze.



By the time this model launches in Western Europe in September, LTZ wagons will not only come equipped with standard navigation and a backup camera, they will also be available with Chevrolet's MyLink integration system for smart phones and portable music players. We played with a demo version of this enhanced display and it's good, friendly tech that shouldn't actually jack the price by much. That price, could you get an LTZ trim Cruze wagon here, would most likely begin at around $25,000.

Stateside consumers will receive the larger 2.0-liter diesel that's already on sale in other markets.

So, the Cruze station wagon completes the lineup in this first generation of Chevy's successful compact – no convertible model is planned. GM has already confirmed that it will market the Cruze in the U.S. with a diesel in 2013, but it won't be this new 1.7-liter engine. Instead, Stateside consumers will receive the larger 2.0-liter diesel that's already on sale in other markets. Under the hood of Australia's Holden Cruze, the 2.0 generates 160 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, both numbers that compare favorably with its most natural rival, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI (140 hp/236 lb-ft).

Here's hoping that America's re-acquaintance with this diesel goes swimmingly enough that GM reconsiders bringing over this wagon, too. After all, not everyone who needs space and frugality wants to ride high in an Equinox. 

 

 

Source: Autoblog Green

GM CEO Akerson Assures All the Volt is Still on Course Despite Five Week Production Halt

If the Chevy Volt is a sales failure, you'd never know it from the guy who runs General Motors.

At a meeting of Volt owners in San Francisco yesterday, GM's CEO Dan Akerson said unequivocally that the company was standing behind its halo plug-in electric car.

"We are not backing away from this product," he told the assembled Volt owners.

Akerson had earlier said, both during a Congressional hearing and on GM's VoltAge blog, that the Volt was designed as a safe, state-of-the-art car, not a "political punching bag."

"Although we loaded the Volt with state-of-the-art safety features, we did not engineer the Volt to be a political punching bag," Akerson told Congress in January. "Sadly, that is what it's become."

In San Francisco, the CEO met with about 30 Volt owners to answer questions, assure them that the five-week production stoppage was just temporary, and reaffirm the company's commitment to the range-extended electric car.

Volt owner Fred Ehnow attended the lunch and posted his thoughts in the Volt Owners Group on Facebook. Some excerpts (slightly edited for clarity):

GM CEO Dan Akerson speaks to Chevy Volt owners, San Francisco, Mar 2012 (photo: Shad Balch, GM)

Akerson assured us that the five-week Volt production shutdown was nothing more than a matter of keeping inventories in line with demand.

He pointed out that the best-selling car in the U.S. last year, the Chevrolet Cruze, also had a two-week production shutdown in November, and nobody made a fuss over it.

But because the Volt has been under such heavy scrutiny, the media has pointed to the shutdown as yet another indication that the Volt is doomed.

He said that in the old days, GM would not have shut down production, but rather would have tried to bend the demand curve by incentivizing dealers and offloading Volts to fleet sales.

That's what got them (and other American auto manufacturers) into the troubles they were in several years ago.

Akerson spoke and answered questions for over an hour. I was impressed with how genuine and unguarded he was.

To add a note of Machiavellian reality, it may be worth remembering that CEOs are paid to say the right thing.

There's another scenario in which Akerson publicly supports the Volt...right up until the time when he doesn't.

But we think it's far too early for GM to make that decision. The car's barely been on sale for a year, and one year is a very short time in the life of a vehicle program.

Our best guess: GM continues to hammer away at Volt sales through 2012 and 2013, and launches the 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe--based on Voltec mechanicals--next year.

But will there be a Volt 2.0? That's the big question to us.

And it seems far too early to answer--despite what you read in the media.

Source: Green Car Reports