GM 'Unveils' 2011 Chevrolet Cruze As Prelude to L.A. Auto Show
By John O'Dell November 29, 2009UPDATED DEC. 1: Adds info on optional specially tuned engine offering better fuel economy.
It's looking like a Chevy Sunday.
We've got a short test drive of the 2011 Volt coming up this afternoon, and while we're waiting, the folks at Chevrolet issue a press release touting the official unveiling of the production Cruze during the LA Auto show's media preview Wednesday.
As has been said, many times, before, the 2011 Cruze lineup will get two Ecotec engines - a torquey, turbocharged 1.4-liter (the same engine, sans turbo, will run the Volt's on-board generator) and a 1.8-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder.
The car will be offered in three trim levels, LS, LT and LTZ.
That 1.4-liter engine, standard on the LT and LTZ models, is expected to deliver fuel economy of up to 37 miles per gallon in highway driving, which makes the Chevy Cruze pretty green, no matter which exterior color you you might pick.
A specially tuned high-efficiency version of that engine, mated to a manual transmission, will be available and is expected to get upwards of 40 mpg on the highway.
Powerwise, the 1.4-liter is rated at 137 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque; the 1.8-liter at 136 ponies and 123 lb.-ft.
Chevy's offering choices of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with both engines.
Stability control, traction control and anti-lock braking all are standard, as are 10 air bags - front, side-impact, roof rail curtain, rear seat side bags and knee bags.
No word on pricing of the of-seat compact, but sales are slated to begin in the third quarter of 2010.
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So I'd assume the 1.8L is for the budget-minded buyer, while the 1.4L T is for the fuel-economy fanatic?
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