GM CEO Confirms Diesel Cruze For U.S.

[nsap]

GM CEO Confirms Diesel Cruze For U.S.
As GMI reported in February, Cruze is getting diesel.
www.GMInsideNews.com
July 22, 2011
By: Nick Saporito

Update: GM has issued a press release confirming that a diesel-powered Cruze will launch in 2013.

Way back in February GMI reported that General Motors was developing a diesel variant of the popular Chevrolet Cruze small sedan. In an interview with USA Today, GM CEO Dan Akerson flat-out confirmed the car and said he has even driven it!

According to the interview, Akerson admitted the car will arrive in 2013. GMI has already reported that the car will be a 2014 model year vehicle.

The CEO even stated that the car drives great and is very quiet. He also stated to expect fuel economy numbers in the low to mid-40's, lower than recent speculation has suggested.

The Cruze diesel has been in development for some time now, with many test mules of the car running around the metro Detroit area.

Cruze Diesel will utilize GM's 2.0-liter diesel that is currently utilized in Europe under the Opel nameplate and the European Cruze also sports the 2.0-liter diesel.

Expect other major changes to the Cruze in the 2014 model year.

[chevypowa670]

So wait, is the Cruze getting its major refresh in 2012 or 2013?

Anywho, I was kind of thinking the 50 mpg estimate was a little lofty, but either way, as long as it gets better MPG's than the Jetta diesel it should be fine.

I applaud GM for this move, people have been asking for an American compact diesel for years, and now they will get one. Doesn't seem like it should take until 2013 to get here though, especially if they are already driving it around and such, but hey what do I know.

[ChevroletGuy]

I bet that 40mpg figure is combined, so 30 city and 50 hwy.

[Dr. Show-Me]

For a Cruze to average mid 40s, real world, it would almost certainly approach 50 on the highway. And that doesn't even consider eAssist, that could substantially improve fe even more.

[ILLICEMAN]

I will own one if it gets in high 40s mpg.I can,t wait

[70AARCUDA]

...but, which diesel engine? There's the current 2.0L and a new 1.7L version in Europe!

[catbert]

Why that kind of lead time for a car that already exists? Mule - why do they need a mule? GM still has no sense of urgency. Catch the wave on the way up, as opposed to their normal way down.

[robsBU08]

...but, which diesel engine? There's the current 2.0L and a new 1.7L version in Europe!

The article states that it will use the 2.0L.

[jckjds]

I hope the Cruze cdti does well, and the 2.0 cdti lands in a few other models, as well. Equinox, Terrain, Malibu, Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, ATS, and the upcoming compact pickup should all be on the list of vehicles under consideration.

The CNG discussion is interesting, too. I am anxious to see what vehicles get CNG powertrains.

[knack0125]

For a Cruze to average mid 40s, real world, it would almost certainly approach 50 on the highway. And that doesn't even consider eAssist, that could substantially improve fe even more.

Well as someone at GM said eassist makes sense in only certain applications but yes I would bet it would be up there. This is a great idea, got eco model for those who don't want a diesel and don't mind only cloth seats and the diesel for people who want the mpg and a bit of luxury.

So wait, is the Cruze getting its major refresh in 2012 or 2013?

Anywho, I was kind of thinking the 50 mpg estimate was a little lofty, but either way, as long as it gets better MPG's than the Jetta diesel it should be fine.

I applaud GM for this move, people have been asking for an American compact diesel for years, and now they will get one. Doesn't seem like it should take until 2013 to get here though, especially if they are already driving it around and such, but hey what do I know.

I think they said Cruze is due for an update in 2013MY so something tells me the engine is the only real change other then maybe colors and small add ins for 2014. I know i'd like an american diesel compact, I looked at the Jetta and the trade off with how much the diesel costs vs kick back wouldn't be worth it. Hopefully GM will price it better. But not so much better that makes no sense in the eco model. Unless they are dropping it at that time then I feel wasted time with marketing most fuel effecient gas only car. Since it was copared to a Jetta diesel not that long ago.

[jaydee]

For a Cruze to average mid 40s, real world, it would almost certainly approach 50 on the highway. And that doesn't even consider eAssist, that could substantially improve fe even more.

I'm not sure if e-Assist would be much benefit, since the diesel doesn't need any more more load-end torque. Adding the LaCrosse e-Assist to the 2.0 diesel Cruze would give you combined numbers something like 160 hp and 310 ft-lb of torque...

[calgaryhhr]

This is great news and I look forward to seeing the Cruze with a diesel powertrain. Now, if GM can make a wagon version with the diesel I'd be extremely pleased.

[GMFAN85]

Akerson is an idiot for saying that the US is getting the Cruze diesel. Everyone knows that a smart CEO waits until the last minute, or when interest in a diesel variant of one of your most popular vehicles becomes non-existent, or several months after your competitors announce theirs first.

None of this first domestic manufacturer offering a compact diesel car in the US crap. Chevy should be last not first. Everyone knows this!

Time to fire him!

[Lowboy]

This is great news and I look forward to seeing the Cruze with a diesel powertrain. Now, if GM can make a wagon version with the diesel I'd be extremely pleased.

If I had to pick between a Diesel sedan or gas wagon it would be the wagon first.

Icing on the cake would be Diesel wagon, AWD, SS, magna-ride, Z71, bushwackers, KC highlights, warn winches.......oh, hello nurse, is it time for my meds again?

[MCGARRETT]

That profile pic of the Cruze in the article is one it best angles.

It sounds interesting, lets see how much of an increase in price the diesel adds before we get to crazy.