2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Specs and Official Photos
We are all tingly now that Chevy has released official Photos of the 2011 Cruze. Once a concept that was going to come from their Lordstown, Ohio assembly line, the vehicle has been designed for mass production! These official press photos accompany GM’s information and specs on all the lovely new variants of 2011′s Cruze, available for sale by late 2010 at local Chevrolet Dealerships.
Available in three trim levels (LS, LT and LTZ), the Cruze will come nicely equipped with electronic stability control, 16-inch wheels, soft-touch interior components, and a six speaker stereo system (with MP3 playback and an auxiliary jack). According to Chevrolet’s product marketing manager, Margaret Brooks, “At a very competitive price, you’ll be able to get a Cruze with leather and heated front seats, 16-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, Bluetooth, a USB port for your iPod, cruise control, power locks and power outside mirrors.”
Under the hood, two different four-cylinder engines will be offered. The 1.8-liter Ecotec (standard on LS models) produces 136 hp (101 kW) and 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) of torque. On the other hand, LT and LTZ Cruzes will be equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec engine that produces 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm). Connected to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, GM predicts the Cruze will be able to obtain a fuel economy rating of 40 mpg highway. Set to go on sale in the third quarter of 2010, the Cruze will likely be priced from $16,000 USD.
Press Release:
2011 Chevrolet Cruze at a Glance:
* Popular global car refined for America
* Expected segment-best fuel economy – up to 40 mpg highway – with new family of small-displacement engines, including Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo
* Progressive design with exceptional levels of refinement, quietness and build quality
* More spacious interior and greater cargo room than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla
* Ten standard air bags help make it one of the safest cars in its class
* Built at Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant
* On sale in third quarter of 2010
* Five-year/100,000-mile powertain warranty – the best coverage in America
Chevrolet unveils the U.S. production version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan at the L.A. Auto Show on Dec. 2. It is a global car refined for America, delivering many segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America.
The Cruze also affirms Chevrolet’s commitment to building refined, fuel-efficient vehicles, with new, small-displacement four-cylinder engines. It is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model.
“Cruze is already a hit across Europe and Asia; and now, it’s coming to America to challenge the status quo,” said Brent Dewar, GM Vice President, Chevrolet Global brand. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, Cruze is the latest tangible example of how Chevrolet is working on exciting products that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”
Leveraging Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Cruze brings to market a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail – from precise tolerances between body panels to the use of premium materials throughout the interior.
“The amenities, quietness and roominess you expect in larger cars are what the Cruze delivers,” said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet product marketing manager. “This is a car that will shake up the compact segment, with a more spacious interior and more cargo room than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.”
Cruze goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most real world-tested GM products prior to a U.S. launch. The U.S. and Canadian versions of the Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio, where $350 million was invested for their production.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims. Standard and available equipment includes:
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New family of efficient four-cylinder engines, including a 1.4L turbo and 1.8L
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Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions
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Ten standard air bags, including frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear seat side air bags and new knee air bags
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Electronic stability control with rollover sensing
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Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation system
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XM Satellite Radio and OnStar
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MacPherson strut front suspension and Watts Z-link rear suspension, with a family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels
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Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes
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Fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering
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Unexpected levels of quietness, smoothness and refinement for the segment
Sounds like a real winner from Chevrolet….