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GM Releases Pictures of the Chevy Cruze and Invests $500 Million to Build it in Ohio
The Chevy Cruze is GMs new compact car destined to replace the Cobalt and set to debut in the US in 2010. It could be considered the combustion sister-car to the Chevy Volt.
For the US market it will use the same 1.4 L engine (only turbocharged) as the Volt does for it’s generator, and will sit on the same Delta global compact platform.
The North American version of the car is expected to achieve > 40 mpg without a hybrid powertrain, although no mention of that option has yet been made by GM.
Today the automaker released full sized photos of the car which will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The car will be available in Europe in March of 2009 in 1.6 L( 112 hp), 1.8 L (140 hp), and 2.0 L turbo diesel (150 hp) versions.
This car is very important for GMs future because it represents their ability to leverage a global platform across many cars and countries, allowing them to profit from the economy of scale. Also it represents a new urgency to make attractive small cars. Both issues indicative of the forced shift from profit-making trucks.
GM also announced today they will invest $500 million overall and particularly $350 million in the Lordstown, Ohio plant slotted to build the Cruze in the US. It will also be built overseas.
123 Responses to “GM Releases Pictures of the Chevy Cruze and Invests $500 Million to Build it in Ohio”
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Acceptable.
At least it doesn’t look like a Prius.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Very Nice. They are on a roll.
Hey #1 out of curiosity what small car do you have now?
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:17 pm
A mini-Malibu. I LOVE it!
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Love it. Love it. Would buy it. Would buy it. Wish it was available now. Enough said.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Wish GM could get a few thousand of these over here in March 2009. I’d take mine in the same red color as shown. It is a hot looking car. Really gets my blood moving faster when I look at the photos. I am ready for one now.
If it does get 40+ mpg, that will be really great.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I like how they inverted the headlight shape into the rear taillight shape. Subtle interest and symmetry. The sides have some sculpting which is nice. Wish they could have done something more interesting with the rear window area.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Vincent @ 2:
2003 30th anniv. Grand Am GT
Nice looks, bullet proof for 125,000 miles and 32 mpg. No complaints.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Well it cant exactly be classified as the ugly sister…
As someone still grappling with the death of the concept Volt design I will have to agree with our first post here …. “acceptable”
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I keep looking at the pictures and can’t seem to find much I don’t like about the Cruz. It is a really sharp looking car. GM is getting back into the style game in a big way. I can’t wait to see if they change the 2009 Impala. If they could make it look like this Cruz, just bigger, I would jump aboard one very quick.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Come on, Murray. The concept Volt has not died. It has just matured into a better car. I bet we all will be very pleased. I sure like the peek shots we have seen of it so far.
This Cruz car is a lot more than just “acceptable”. What do you guys want? This car has great looks and curb appeal. It will be a show stopper in Paris.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I assume that the 40 mpg is the dreaded “highway” mileage. Have they said what the city and combined ratings will be? If it got 40 mpg combined, it would be a home run.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:36 pm
#11 Noel Park
Based on other ratings, I would venture to guess the city mileage will be about 24 mpg. That is just a guess off the top of my head based on the city/highway mileage of other cars in this class. The 2008 Malibu gets 22/32 so, the Cruz may get more than 24 city. But, that would be pretty good, anyway.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Price range????
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
N Riley @ 10:
I don’t know about a show stopper, but the Cruz should be well received. It’s not bad at all. Hopefully the interior will be up to the level of the exterior.
As far as the Volt concept, I too am grappling with it’s potential demise. I am not saying the production Volt won’t be attractive, no one really knows that yet ( I also like the looks of the teaser shots so far). I am having a tougher time understanding why it’s being changed based on the info from Lutz recently. He must be putting out some misinfo to throw some others off. How else could you explain the apparent level of styling redesign just to gain 5-6 miles of range. 35 AER vs. 42 AER means little to a majority of potential Volt drivers, if they allowed themselves to think about it a little.
GM (and us) would be better off designing 3 more E-flex cars to also be offered in 2011 than spending all that effort redesigning the aero of the first one.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
It looks pretty nice – I like it more than the Cobalt, at least
40 is definitely highway – but not only that, its the “once in a blue moon number”, you’ll probably never see it
#14 MetrologyFirst
35 to 42 AER is huge.. thats 1/5 more range!
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Since the CRUZE is to replace the Cobalt, would the price be comparable (adjusted for inflation, of course!)? I just bought a new Cobalt a few months ago, and if the price will be similar, I’d definitely buy a Cruze.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
canehdian @ 15:
The question is: how often will you use it? And what would it have cost you not to have it?
If you do the math, its not much.
Like I’ve said before, if GM had never said “40 AER” when it was introduced, we wouldn’t be having the discussion at all. And the Volt styling wouldn’t be boxed in by the expectation.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
If i cant get a volt by the time i need to buy a car, I will probably buy this.
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
#12 N Riley
The 2009 Malibu hybrid is rated 26/34 with a 2.4 L engine and current BAS technology.
With a 1.4 L direct gasoline injected engine (turbo), the new BAS+ with Li-Ion battery, and the smaller, lighter Cruz, I would expect the Cruz hybrid could possibly achieve 36/42, or something in that range.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Still, better news, Bill R. Sounds like a good deal for most people and the cost should be competitive to the Cobalt, but probably a little higher. Just saying…..
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
#12 N Riley:
From the EPA website:
2008 Civic stick – 26 city – 34 highway
2008 Civic auto – 25 city – 36 highway
2008 Corolla stick – 28 city – 37 highway
2008 Corolla auto – 26 city – 35 highway
With the turbo 1.4, 6 speed manual, or 5 or 6 speed auto, they have got to do better than the above. I mean, by that time, who knows what the Civic and Corolla will be doing?
#19 BillR:
Now that’s what I’m talking about!
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I drive an ‘05 Passat diesel TDI and I get mileage of a Prius (or better) on the freeway. There’s a whole lot of Americans screaming for diesels (see demand for Jettas now selling). GM, why the heck aren’t you offering the diesel version of the Cruiz here???
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
GM did an awesome job with the design of this car. First rate! I hope we can see the interior soon as well. Well done!
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Wow that looks great, very aggressive design! I don’t know why so many people are bitching about the car not looking exactly like the concept. I think it looked stupid with such small headlights and what is with the see through top of the door panels, do people really need to see your pants or lack of them? From what i’ve seen the production volt looks much better, except i miss the concept wheels
Looking at the pictures again if this were the volt i’d be equally impressed! Imagine an electric car looking like this??? Wow.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Great looking car, however does the back remind anyone of the previous gen Malibu or is it just me?
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Mike @ 25:
Bingo!!
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
22#
Probably because diesel is (was) like 5$ a gallon, that really turns people away from buying diesels. I blame the oil companies on this one (I usualy dont blame them) diesel is supposedly easier to produce and its only more expensive because they dont make enough of it (high demand low supply). If diesel costed less then gasoline, i can see a REAL demand for diesel cars.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Finally a compact that’s not FUGLY! and hopefully under 20K and as long as one of the packages has leather I’m sold
@22 The oil companies are full of BS. 99% of trucks in the world run on Diesel that’s as well as cars in Europe it’s just an excuse to high jack prices
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Tyson S @24:
That is exactly the point. GM may have been better off working on this car (Cruz) and others to show up SOON on the E-flex chassis instead of fooling around so much with the Volt design.
We need E-flex choices. Not E-flex aero perfection. Not in 2011.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
These are the kind of automobiles that US automakers should have been producing for the last 20 years. I am sure it will be reasonably priced with nearly the same mpg as the Prius…
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Offtopic: Intel makes advances on wireless power-charging systems, perhaps the future of charging your car without a plug.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/technology/21intel.html?ex=1219982400&en=1e1b5576fd5acd58&ei=5070&emc=eta1
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I’d buy the 150HP Diesel in a heart beat. It will probably get better than 50mpg. I drive a VW TDI that gets between 42 and 50mpg and I don’t mind paying that $4.50 per gallon because the cost for mile is still cheap.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Here we go again with people griping and whining about why they are doing touch-up work on Volt’s aero, when we all know good and well that if the Volt didn’t deliver what was promised, these same people would be b***hing about how GM let them down. Get the hell over it. And as far as the Cruze is concerned, the more good cars in their portfolio the better. Personally, I don’t care what the country thinks. I’ll take a Cruze in (above) red, black interior, with the Opel/Vauxhall inline 4 diesel(turboed) with a 6 speed stick manual, 15 gallon tank and sat/nav. Nuff said…
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
@23 Schmeltz:
Spy shots of the interior here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/spy-shots-chevy-cruze-shows-off-its-interior/
As for these newly-released photos, and the exterior that this new ride is sportin’… damn! I like it a lot! Far nicer looks than the Cobalt. I’m pretty hot-to trot to have a Volt, but if the cost-benefit analysis doesn’t pan out, this may very well be a fine, gas-powered alternative. And it’ll probably be a lot more available than a limited-quantity Volt for quite a while.
Nice job Chevy Cruze designers and engineers!! Can’t wait to test-drive one. It’ll be fun to compare and contrast it with the driving characteristics of a Volt!
EDIT: I forgot to mention, IMHO, that is the PERFECT shade of red! I sure hope it’s available on both the Cruze -and- the Volt.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Built in Lordstown. Very good news.
I just noticed that we’re about to top 40,000 on the waiting list. Regardless of how committed all 40,000 may actually be, I think that any marketing person would tell you that a list of 40,000 prospects with declared interest is a very valuable commodity.
All good foot soldiers in Dr. Dennis’ Army, LOL.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
This thing will easily make good mileage. As said before, this thing will get 9 mpg better than their current offering when mated to the manual transmission.
Current Cobalt manual makes 25/35
so that is 34/44
possibly mating it with the xfe model makes it
from 25/37
to 34/46
The GM press release today also said that this new thing was going to be mated to a 6 speed automatic. So expect the mpg numbers for the auto to be the same, if not better in this car.
These numbers aren’t surprising. With such small displacement as 1.4L and then coupled with a turbo, this should be beautiful. : ) Then you put it in the compact car price range and coupled with this fine styling, and it should be a hot seller.
I know I want one!
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hmmmm…something strange about this.
When was the last time you ever saw GM produce a SMALLER engine for the US market and a larger one for the European market. (Maybe the turbo-charged version will be sufficient, but I have my doubts)
If happens, what usual happens for vehicles in the US, the automaker determines that they need a bigger engine, and I would not be suprised to see them change from a 1.4L to the larger 1.6 or 1.8L that they are building for Europe. Then were back to normal/boring 35mpg car, made by every other manuf.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
#34 Mike-o-Matic:
Thanks for the link to the spy shots of the interior! I agree with all of your sentiments about the Cruze. This would be a great interim car until the price and availability of a Volt comes into range for the bulk of consumers–myself included. Gas friendly…until we can go Gas Free!
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Being from Youngstown, Ohio, this is really good news for our area!!!
The local GM plant is a very large employer, and there was concern that if GM did not have a new vehicle in mind for Lordstown, that the plant may close. This news will let a lot of people breath easier.
And add to that the fact that the car looks really great inside and out, and it is a win-win!!!!
But I am still hoping to be able to purchase a Gen-1 Volt…..
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
There is a lot of talk about this car getting HCCI technology. This might be a reason the NA launch has been delayed. They are expecting around 45mpg for the XFE model…..about 40 combined. This is a technology that only GM and MB are expected to have so if it is true this will be very good for GM! For 15K this will pull way more oil off the road than the VOLT (at least at first).
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I don’t see it anywhere, so here is the ‘official release,’ if your interested:
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=827&docid=47992
It’s also worth noting that the Cruze that is being released in Europe is obviously Euro made, the Lordstown plant originally had it’s production dates pushed back…almost hiatus status, probably because in this ‘new economy’ GM can actually sell the Cobalt/G5/Pursuits/XFEs , and the margin on this car is much greater as the upfront have been paid and less is demanded of it.
Look for the Cruze in NA probably late 2010.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Firefly @33:
GM has made lots of promises with the Volt. Maybe that’s the problem.
The biggest one, and probably most important to you, is the 40 AER.
The biggest promise to me was the one sitting on the big platform in New York. The one they are still using in the commercials.
Apparently they could not coexist.
For the record, I am one of the biggest promoters and fans of GM out there. I would not consider buying anything but a GM product. But I am also a fan of cars and car styling and driving, in general.
Hey, if it was up to me, the Volt would have a stick shift!!
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
O yea, HCCI is an interesting technology. Should provide a 15% boost in fuel economy just on its own. That may indeed be the reason for the year long delay. Maybe that big facility they are putting up for engine research will be the birthplace of the first mass produced HCCI engine. As for XFE models in the future, I am pretty sure that is just a temporary thing that they are just pitching right now. I would expect all the models to be maxing out their mpg potential in the future, and not just a relative handful. The 2009 XFE is impressive on the numbers though. 37 mpg is fantastic. I think the Corolla might get 37 MPG in the EPA ratings if I recall correctly, but it uses a little 1.8L while the Cobalt has a 2.2L producing more HP for more fun. : ) Even though the exterior of the Cobalt can be disapointing, the engine has performed well. I can’t wait for the turbocharged 1.4L. Should be beautiful.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
It’s nice BUT, I hope that’s not what the Volt will look like, just another common looking car that every other car company has. That’s why they should have stayed with the prototype. So it only got 35 miles from a charge instead of 40. What’s so magical about 40? In an earlier article GM was lookng to have 100,000 units sold by 2012, if they stayed with the prototype, they would sell 100,000 units in 2010! Even at 35 miles, look at our waiting list, we’re almost half way there now, two years ahead of GM’s launch date.
So here’s the question. How many of you would Not buy a Volt if it only got 35 miles from a charge?
Let’s find out1
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
@22, 27, 28, & 32
A drum of crude (42 Gal) produced about 19.5 gallons of gasoline and 9.2 gallons of distillate oil. To “NOT” consume more crude oil than a gasoline equivalent car:
10mpg(gas)= 21(diesel)
25mpg(gas)= 52.9mpg(diesel)
35mpg(gas)= 74.18(diesel)
Not too many diesel vehicles that can match that. Until someone finds a way to obtain more diesel from a barrel of crude keep diesel use to a minimum. If more diesel is used, more crude oil has to be bought. I might be wrong on this. So you may save a buck using diesel, but your screwing everyone else.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
When will the Saturn version be available?
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:30 pm
#44 Frank B
This discussion is getting old because we know that GM won’t make the concept body. I actually wouldn’t care that much if was a Cruze body (which looks sexy, IMHO) with an E-flex powertrain. I’m here because I want to buy the technology, not the body style. So, if I can buy car #1 that can get 6-7 miles more than car #2 with the same powertrain, I’ll go with car #1.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
#45
I have always understood that Diesel Fuel is significantly easier to refine
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/oil.html#Howused
Looks like a typically 42 gallon drum produces both 20 gallons of gasoline AND 8 gallons of Diesel.
If it was tuned to produce Diesel only… maybe Diesel yield might be more than 20 gallons?
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Honestly, from what we have seen of it, I think the production model actaully looks better than the concept model. The new ones looks more refined, like lots of time and love was put into it. I expect that we will all be very happy with it.
As for E-Flex Cruze……..only in my wet dreams. lol
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
#44 Metrology-
I can’t help but agree with you. I must admit that it was the concept Volt that got me interested in the first place;so much so, in fact that it was 3 weeks later that I found out it was an EREV. (Hell if I knew what that meant at the time). Pleasant surprise, though. While I’m a fan of refinement, and as much as I’m sure I’ll like the stylistic revisions of the production Volt, I can’t help but be a little sad. The concept had a “Camaro-like” bravado that kinda screamed “Hell yeah! I’m a E-Flex hybrid electric car and I’ll stil beat the crap out of you!” At the same time, it was also the guy that was “the nerd of the class you used to pick on that ended up owning Microsoft and now you work for me” kind of attitude. Someone mentioned a while back, perhaps in another post that perhaps the concept body could still be produced with less AER, more power and just call it the Volt SS (more voltage, perhaps). Regardless of the body, it still won’t be a Prius and for that I’m extremely grateful…Now, about this Cruze thing…
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:40 pm
#45 robb
Believe me, my esteemed colleague-the only people I’d be screwing with a diesel Chevy Cruze are Crisco, LouAna and Mazola. Even then, with biodiesed I don’t see myself screwing anyone unless they don’t like the smell of plants or french fries…
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
#45
Changing the processing method might yield more diesel, but I don’t think any more then now. Just the way the chips fall. Plus diesel’s pollute more and the exhaust contains more toxins that are supposedly cancer causing.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
#51 Firefly
Hmmm… french fries….
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
#51
I think you’re in the minority though. Not everyone wants to bother with bio-diesel or refining waste oil from food. Buying at the pump will still be the main source of diesel distrubution.
Biodiesel is another headache. I understand the cause, but on a national scale it would eat up too many resources. I think it’s corn to make biodiesel right? I’ve just heard it’s not feasable on a grand scale. Smaller usage yes.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:58 pm
With this car GM is well behind VW-Audi group.
They have had a new 1.4T in production for quite a while now. Available for Golf , Jetta and various other models. Comes in different flavours offering 122-170 hp and 34-32mpg. ( Of course here , if the 40mpg is correct, GM triumphs VAG)
VAG also offers it’s 1.4T not only in manual but coupled with a 7-speed automatic DSG (dual clutch) gear box, which will further help to save gas. All that for quite an affordable price. 1.4T Jetta is one of my best-of-all-worlds top choices right now.
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August 21st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I think they are using algae now to make the biodiesel. And there is only relatively small usage here in the states anyways, so small development of this would probably be fine enough to meet the demands of all those diesel users.
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
#56
That’s what I mean. Diesels aren’t bad at all. It’s just that I’m thinking about the majority not the minority. Small scale not petroleum based diesel works for those people who want to do it. If someone could create a processing plant that was made to process waste food oil that’d be great.
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
#44 Frank B and everyone else:
I would have bought the Volt even if it only got 25 miles in EV mode. Having it get 40 or more with the re-design is fine with me. The concept was a good looking car, but I like much of what I have seen of the peek-a-boo photos of the production car even better than the concept.
GM IS NOT GOING TO MAKE THE CONCEPT CAR AS IT WAS INTRODUCED. GET OVER IT!
Now, I feel better. It is time to move on and look forward to the NEW Chevy Volt production version to be introduced to the public. I like what I have seen so far. IMO.
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Lutz
You’d better give this thing a wider chassis and body than the Aveo or all you’ll have for your $500 million to recoup your losses will be a rolling wagon of death!!! How will you recoup anything then?
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Was it just me or is there a pic of the Volt on http://www.gm.com. I think I saw the Volt……..I have a snapshot but I don’t know how to share it. Also, there is like 7-8 photographs of different cars on their home page. I kept on refreshing it and one of them is Volt (I think).
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
#60 Gaurav
Yes, the clay model is of the Volt. You can tell by the front wheel profile and the tail light outline.
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
No, I meant an actual pic. I saw the clay thing too. But there is another one. Its a frontal shot.
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:36 pm
OK.. this is probably a dumb question, since it’s the same engine as the volt and I’m sure everyone here knows every detail of it, but here I go anyway. Is this a flex-fuel platform? E85 Capable? I would have to assume so.. considering GM’s recent partnership with coskota energy (some REALLY promising stuff in the way of celluosic ethanol) I would think they woud be rolling that into all their new cars. Just, historically, they’ve only pushed it in trucks so far(and the impala for whatever reason)… no small cars yet… so I was wondering.
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:36 pm
#27 Cire – “Probably because diesel is (was) like 5$ a gallon, that really turns people away from buying diesels. I blame the oil companies on this one”
The price of diesel is being driven by the fact that the developing world is heavily subsidizing it. China and Indonesia alone are spending something like $80B. Not to mention other countries like Turkey. These countries have bought diesel trucks, buses, and other work vehicles; they can’t just dump them; and those wed to the subsidies are a political force. Don’t expect to see those subsidies disappear anytime soon. (Recently China reduced its subsidies for gas but not for diesel).
The oil companies are not to blame …
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August 21st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Ok, I have the Volt pic as my Gravatar. Just signed up for one. How do I get it here though??
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August 21st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Will the Cruze with its tiny engine last as long as my old Chevy mini truck ? I have a 1996 Chevy S10 with 261,000 miles and it still runs great and almost every part is still ORIGINAL equipment. I have only replaced 4 spark plugs, one set of front disc brake pads, one battery, one timing chain (3 hour job – less than $50) and one fan belt. I bought it new in summer ‘96 for $14K. It has a tiny 2.2 liter engine with push rods and gets 26 mpg combined city/hwy driving. This truck is definitely underpowered but it has been extremely reliable. I just wonder if that new high tech 1.4 L turbo will last as long ? My guess is the turbocharger would fail before the engine. Anyway I am proof that “some” GM vehicles do turn out to be good, despite GM’s overall bad reputation.
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August 21st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I would expect/hope that it would be e85 compatible. flex fuel options have started to available on HHRs as well.
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August 21st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
The cruze is a nice looking car. I’ll take a BEV version today. No plug-No sale.
Take Care,
TED
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August 21st, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Nice looking car. It looks production ready. You can see details of the interior (instrument panel glowing, seat backs, seatbelt strap, little punch-out on the front bumper on the right side, Does anybody know what those little punch-outs are for?)
The only thing they should change is the shape of the front bumper to match the shape of the North American license plates.
Turbo charged engines CAN be very reliable. I had a 1985 Dodge Lancer (turbo 2.2) I bought new. The motor was VERY reliable, the turbo never failed. I put 188,000 miles on it. The rest of the car fell apart but the motor took one hell of a beating from my 20 something driving style.
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August 21st, 2008 at 5:52 pm
The 125 mph Electric Car.
And 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with a 220 mile range.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23542391-details/Green+machine+-+the+125mph+electric+car/article.do
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August 21st, 2008 at 5:55 pm
You can’t tell from the photos, but the Cruze is 5,210 lbs. Also, the cellulite has been airbrushed out. With the right lighting, even my mom can look sexy.
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August 21st, 2008 at 6:22 pm
The punch out in the front bumper is for the plug. LOL
Take Care,
TED
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August 21st, 2008 at 6:26 pm
#70, T
Yeah, thats the Tesla Roadster.
Old news.
It would be cool if it werent for the $110,000 price tag, and the fact that they’ve delivered like 10.. total.
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August 21st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Decent mileage but if you want to see how to get to 120 mpg with off the shelf components (turbo diesel engine) you can see that there:
http://evolution.loremo.com/content/view/97/196/lang,en/
Great aerodynamics. Low weight. It’s an X-Prize entrant. Should be fun to see.
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August 21st, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Very nice looking car. I wonder what market they will target the Cruze? Will it be targeted towards the lower price small car market or the luxury small car market. I.e. compete with small euro luxury cars. Either way, I am sure this car will sell like like hotcakes due to the good gas mileage.
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August 21st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
The post says about the Cruze ” It could be considered the combustion sister-car to the Chevy Volt.”
I understand that to mean that we can expect a close family resemblance between Cruze and Volt. I remember than in the earlier Boniface thread, he was asked about the Volt looking similar to other cars, and he said that the Volt would look different from any competitor’s car.
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August 21st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
The Cruze looks great – and it will sell well – based on our current economy in the U.S. The problem is the market is screaming for a car like this right NOW. Too bad GM couldn’t figure out a way to ship 20-50,000 of these from Europe to the US to speed up distribution . . . but allas we have all of our own unique safety and emissions rules that won’t allow that to happen.
GM will win this battle, but time continues to tick. Let’s hope current cars like the Malibu finally begin to change public perception about GM vehicles and quality. The ultimate success of GM lies in the companies ability to win the battle of perception BEFORE they begin to win the battle for market share.
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Seems like no one wants to help me out here. Is this a Volt pic I have as my image?? Would love to confirm.
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:02 pm
#78 Gaurav — I think you have it.
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
yea, that is a a Volt in a wind tunnel
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
The Cruze looks pretty good.
I think the new Volt front lights look better than the concept.
One version of bio diesel that I have heard of comes from algae and what is interesting to me is that the plan is to situate ponds for growing it next to power plants so the exhaust gas can have the CO2 removed and fed to the algae. kinda like getting two benifits from one process.
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Cruz looks great. I would actually consider buying it.
As most of you know, I don’t have much faith in a GM small car.
I am still a bit jittery about quality. That is why I have said over and over again the the Volt must be spot on.
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:42 pm
#78 Gaurav – “Seems like no one wants to help me out here. Is this a Volt pic I have as my image?? Would love to confirm.”
The photos have captions. The caption on the one which is your avatar says it’s the concept Volt but it looks like the production.
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August 21st, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Please read this interesting article. It looks like Intel was able to send electricity wirelessly. How about embedding the power line underneath the road and transmitting the power to the Volt? What do you think?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080821/ts_afp/usitinternetenergychipcompanyintel
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
In keeping with my new pessimistic attitude.
Why Ohio… how stupid! Anyplace but Ohio! And should they invest more than 500mil in this endevour… I mean less than 500! Either way 500 is absolutely the wrong number.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
When I saw the pictures of the Cruze today, I was very happy to see that the design crew at GM did an outstanding job. I was thinking today that this car (the Cruze) will have much more of an impact to GM’s short term future than the Volt. It will take a couple more years after the introduction of the Volt, and a track record of reliability before the Volt or any EV for that matter will be able to take serious hold of the market. Therefore, small, attractive, fuel efficient cars such as the Cruze, and Ford’s up-coming Fiesta represent the big prospects for the short term survival of these companies. Not only does the Volt need to be a homerun, but cars like the Cruze need to be excellent in all facets as well to keep the money (lifeblood) coming in. GM, great job!
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
#27 Cire
The price of diesel has more to do with its supply and demand than cost to make it. Even if its free to make, but of limited supply, it will be sold for a price dictated by the demand for it and the amount available, not the cost to produce it. If profits are good, this should encourage more diesel. If profits are low, this encourages less. So long term you’d expect to see the price drop below that of gas since its a commodity. As DonC pointed out, distortions may exist from government subsidies or, as other posters have suggested, supply might be limited by the ratio to gasoline.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I think the Malibu is a much better looking car than the Cruze. The one thing I’d change with it, is I’d lower the badge and the bar it is on to the middle of the grill instead of the top. Other than that nice, and I know it’s going to have a stellar interior and is going to be a class-leading car, just like the ‘Bu the CTS and the upcoming Traverse.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Mike #25
“Great looking car, however does the back remind anyone of the previous gen Malibu or is it just me?”
*** *** ***
A little, but it could also be the angle. I actually think the front looks a lot like the Volt, w/o the louvers of course.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Has anyone seen the ROOF of the production Volt ?
I have heard rumors that it will be see through.
The clear roof will have a shade-changing function and the driver will be able to choose opacity settings from clear to completely dark.
Just a rumor, but if true this would be a very cool and stylish feature.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
#85 omegaman66
As a reward, because Ohio voted for G.W. Bush.
And don’t say anything bad about our fearless leader, after all he is the most powerful man on the planet. Of course I am assuming he is an earthling and not an alien.
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August 21st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Don’t want to be the pariah here but, instead of the Volt, I believe the Cruze should have been the first E-Flex powered vehicle.
Why ? The people who drop $45k on a car and the people that have to make personal sacrifices to make ends meet are not one and the same. In the Volt’s case, the people who need (not want) reduced fuel costs are the ones least likely to afford it.
And if there was ever a vehicle designed around the HCCI engine, the Volt would be it. Truly, a match made in automotive heaven…
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August 21st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
HCCI engines would be an amazing concept. I saw on GMnext.com yesterday that they have a prototype engine equipped with this in a saturn Aura. Sounds good to me. Putting this into the Cruze may indeed be one of the contributing factors to its high fuel economy.
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August 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
#90 that special roof is a feature we’d love to see, its been brought up in many “what would you like to see on the volt” posts in the past..
whether GM actually puts it in or not is a completely different thing altogether
If the volt had that, it would make this my dream car.. (well, as long as it wasn’t crippled to like.. Aveo acceleration speeds
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August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Due to my practically clairvoyant abilities…I sense we have quite a few new posters to the blog.
/I could be wrong
Good to have all the new faces, the word is getting out and all…but it’s almost like we need some kind of tutorial 101 course for people just getting acquainted. (other than the FAQ, it’s not quite indepth ‘factual’ enough as it stands)
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#85 omegaman66:
“In keeping with my new pessimistic attitude…Why Ohio… how stupid! Anyplace but Ohio! And should they invest more than 500mil in this endevour… I mean less than 500! Either way 500 is absolutely the wrong number.”
I’ll try out my new optimistic attitude:
No way dude, haven’t you heard? Ohio Rocks! That is the heartland! America heartland workers have…heart. They are like twice as efficient as foreigners (cd of less than .25), and are quite usually larger in stature. 500 million is the exact right amount! GM has highly trained professionals that know exact the right amount to invest, it is sacriledge to say anything that opposes the company line!
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I must say I believe the price of diesel may be a national issue more than global.
It is still comfortably lower in price than gasoline here in New Zealand, and always has been, even including the mileage tax on diesel vehicles.
I guess our only refinery cannot adjust the mix of products like a modern plant.
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I was just funning btw in that last post, omega knows that…but you never know who might take it the wrong way, lol.
Peace and g’ntie.
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
The price of diesel in the U.S. was always cheaper than gasoline until a few years ago when the geniuses at the EPA decided to stick their junk into the diesel business. They drastically changed the formulas required at various refineries throughout the country. Ever since the price of Diesel has been more than Gasoline. IMO, the best thing for this country would be to eliminate the top half of the EPA completely and to absorb the worker bees into the Department of The Interior where they belong. This would save billion$ and eliminate all the politicing and inefficiencies instead of having a total independent EPA organization that is run as 10 separate autonomous entities with a figurehead cabinet-level executive who is clueless about the daily activities of regional EPA offices. To sum it up: The EPA sucks big time.
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
rofl Statik…..classic as usual
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Having the roof of the Volt be color-changing glass would be cool. The new Dallas Cowboys stadium will have color changing glass doors at both ends of the field. I think they change from blue to silver (top/bottom halves) depending on time of day. The will be the largest and most expensive glass doors in the world.
I can’t wait to see them next summer.
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August 21st, 2008 at 10:53 pm
I’ve got to say those pictures of the interior are quite impressive. It looks as though they’ve taken a page out of the Malibu interior book with the brown/tan tones etc. One thing is for sure, if GM want’s to build a competitive small car it’s going to have to be upscale, which could justify a premium.
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August 21st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
This whole cruz thing seemed to come out of the blue a few months ago, first an announcement and then, with apparently lightning speed, a production ready prototype.
Perhaps it has been developed in secrecy on the same time line as the Volt.
I assume that it is an example of the enlarged Delta II design that was once mentioned as being considered desireable by Opel engineers.
Perhaps we are looking at the Volt?
OK, I accept the Volt will have some styling changes to make it an iconic car, and one less seat.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 am
Thanks for your opinion, Christine Todd Whitman. (#98)
I’ll file that under the same category as that announcement you also gave shortly after 9/11 that the air quality of lower Manhattan was within federal definitions of “safe to breathe”.
Kthxbye.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:08 am
The front kind of looks like my Mazdaspeed3. Like it a lot. Hope it comes in an SS version. Give it about 260HP and Mazda will really have some competition.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 5:44 am
#98.
I disagree with your feeling about the EPA.
Like everyone, they make mistakes.
But when they make them, they need to correct them.
Diesel is a carcinogen. It needed to be changed.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:01 am
With a potential 40 mpg plus highway threshold, the Cruze is a much needed addition to the Chevrolet line up. Glad to see that it is on track for production though it will still be about two years before we see the first Cruze cars stateside.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:29 am
A win, win, win situation!
1.) If I get a new car in the two years, I win because the last model year Cobalts will be cleared out at a low price.
2.) If I wait longer, I win because I can get a new Cruze
3.) Lordstown is a mere hop, skip, and jump away from the good ole Steel City. If this car was made in Mexico I would not buy it. Every time a new (or upgraded) manufacturing plant is built in the U.S. we all win!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 am
This is a great looking car, but I still love my 08 Cobalt. 37.3 highway and I have been getting 31.5 mixed driving over all…I can’t complain. Can’t wait to see the Volt!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
#105 Rashiid Amul:
Amen. As Billy Crystal so famously said:
“Don’t get me staaaaated!”
#108 Jim:
Very impressive mileage. Stick or automatic? Would you care to share any of your mileage secrets? Have you done anything to the Cobalt to help the mileage, or is it stock?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Buuuuuuuuuut Ugly front!
Nuff said
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
From the article:
“The North American version of the car is expected to achieve > 40 mpg without a hybrid powertrain, although no mention of that option has yet been made by GM.”
Lyle, if GM made no mention of it, then who did?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
#15 canehdian
“40 is definitely highway – but not only that, its the “once in a blue moon number”, you’ll probably never see it
”
Incorrect about the “once in a blue moon” idea. The 2008-and-beyond EPA standards got stricter, if you noticed….every car’s sticker MPG went down about 3-4 for both city and highway from 2007 to 2008. Many websites (ford, chevy) have it noted that fuel mileage are based on NEW 2008 EPA estimates. They started measuring MPG in a more strict way. IE with passengers, A/C, etc. Basically, according to the 2008 EPA estimates, If you’re driving alone and doing your best to coast when needed and not hammer the gas, you’ll get ABOVE the car’s sticker highway mileage. If you drive on the highway like an average driver, you’ll get the sticker highway mileage, IE 40.
The honda civic in 2007 was rated 30 city / 40 highway. In 2008 it is now 26 city / 35 highway.
The Cruze is gonna be a hit, my guess is.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Diesel can’t be the answer can it? I mean a barrel of oil has 24 gallons of gasoline but only 10 gallons of diesel. How can lowering the amount of fuel help America? Plus, the politicians learned how to tax diesel more because the tax is based on the power capability of the fuel(BTU’s). So because Diesel has more energy per unit volume it is taxed so high it cost $4.50++ a gallon. How does this save you $$ You get better mileage but the fuel cost more.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Great! Release more fuel efficient cars in the US. That’s what the people want to buy now.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
The looks could use a little work, but I am not in favor for a 10 mpg difference coming from a 1.6 or 1.8 and who would want to waste money on a diesel if its not a truck. I have a 06 cobalt and I get 34 mpg so I dont see what the big deal is. GM could do a better job by offering a hydrogen fuel kit for their customers. It would bring more buyers and with out compromising the price of a new vehical for better fule economy.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Great looking vehicle w/40+ mpg GM, & glad to learn you will support the Economy of NA & the Midwest with the assembly plant location.
Now GM if you are really ready to get serious about addressing the mpg race, it would be exciting to see you take the US Automaker Leadership, look into the eye of the tiger & anounce you will also offer the Chevy Cruze with a Two Mode Hybrid. If my understanding is correct that option would stretch the mileage to 50+ mpg hwy & impact on city significantly!
If you were to also mention that you would be commissioning a NA Battery Mfg. you’d probably receive enough FREE PRESS in the current political arena we are all in to offset the funding to make it a reality! My God, it would be a race to see which candidate endorsed the Cruze first!
GM, we as the, “Want to be loyal to the US Automakers Former & Current Customers”, are in sight of your Detroit Headquarters “RW”, our hind ends sit in the likes of Comerica Park, Ford Field, The Palace & Joe Louis all around this country.
We have been anxiously waiting for a “COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE” to be made by someone other than a 16 year old female Gymnast!
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August 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
But it does not use the diesel electric locamotive model?
I am thinking this model with the engine run at peak of torque curve could possibly result in the engine wear being extremely low due to consistently running low RPM.
I will not be surprised in the least if GM ends up building a Volt – like car without the battery !!!
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August 23rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
“At least it doesn’t look like a Prius.”
I hate the Prius dash board too.
>40 MPG is good stuff!
I’d prefer to run E85 with 14:1 compression though. At least with a turbo the computer could change compression on the fly to run almost any grade.
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August 23rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Worst name EVER
I was waiting for the next version of the Cobalt to replace my ‘06 Balt but no way I am buying a car called Cruze.
Unless I was planning on moving to San Francisco and changing my name to Bruce.
Come on Chevy, if you are going to rename the Cobalt at least call it the Chevy Nova.
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August 25th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Yet still another 4 door sedan? It’s like when Homer Simpson said something about jumping into an already overcrowded market and yelling “me too” in reference to jeans. At least the Cruize gets OK gas mileage, or at least better than it’s competitors.
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August 25th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
“Worst name ever”
At least it’s not named “Vega” (essentially the car it replaced if you go back far enough). Personally, always preferred the Cavalier name for this car.
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August 25th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
More importantly, will here be a 2DR hatchback model? Nobody makes a fuel efficient 2 DR hatcback (since 1996 anyway).
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July 10th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Hey GM Why not put a 2.0 Ltr. diesel in the Cruze with a 5 speed manual trans. It would get over 50 MPG and blow away that butt ugly Toyota hybrid. Price it around the low $20K’s…..you would have a winner. I think I read that there will be one in Europe . Please bring it here. I don’t want a Toyota. I want an American car that whips the Japanese. Please fix the grill and DUMP THE BOWTIE PLEASE !!!
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