Chevrolet will debut a new model and styling package for its Cruze at next weeks New York Auto Show.
The 2011 Cruze Eco will be powered by a 102 kW 1,4-litre Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing, that helps it achieve an estimated highway fuel-economy of 5.8 l/100km when mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
“The Cruze Eco delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president Chevrolet marketing. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, it demonstrates how Chevrolet is working to bring new products to market that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”
The Chevrolet Cruze Eco receives some other fuel-saving modifications such as a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds to optimise engine-cooling airflow; upper grille with more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics; lower front air dam extension, extensive use of underbody panels and a rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics; lowered ride height; 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels; ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tyres.
Chevrolet says that 0-100km/h for the Cruze Eco should come in about 10 seconds when mated to a 6-speed manual and 9 seconds when mated to a 6-speed automatic.
Making its debut at the New York Auto Show, alongside the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco will be the Cruze RS appearance package. The RS package will give the Chevrolet Cruze unique fascias, side skirts, rear spoiler and fog lamps. An uplevel instrument cluster is also part of the RS package and includes chrome accent rings in place of the standard silver finish, as well as opaque cluster bezels that allow the cluster’s ice blue backlighting to shine through – providing a sporty nighttime appearance.
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