GM Releases More Information & Photos For 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

[Perian]

GM Announces 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
www.gminsidenews.com
August 21, 2008

Detroit - The first photographs of Chevrolet's all-new Cruze sedan - making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October - reveal a dynamic four-door coupe that proves exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive.

On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie.

Cruze's arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.

Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance.

Cruze's dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Other distinct design themes include a concave shoulder line, the two-tier grille and a "wheels-out/body-in" stance. Inside, Cruze features a 'twin cockpit' design motif, first introduced in the iconic Corvette sports car.

"Our goal in designing Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary," says chief designer Taewan Kim. "We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world."

Visitors to the Paris show will see how Chevrolet's progressive design is also reflected in the quality of Cruze's interior. The use of grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels ensures a quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior.

At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet's first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.

With sales in Europe up by 23 percent for the first six months of 2008, Chevrolet is GM Europe's fastest-growing mainstream brand. The arrival of Cruze spearheads an exciting new product roll-out program that is expected to propel the brand to even greater success.

"We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product," said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. "Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world."

Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM's global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.

The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices.









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[Perian]

That is one very nice looking vehicle.

Bring it on!

[DetroitWonk]

Chevy just revealed high-res pictures and engine details of the new Chevy Cruze to be revealed in Paris:

Chevrolet Cruze Gets Full Detail Reveal Before Paris Unveil

Ray

[motorman]

bet this means no diesels for the USA. The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices.

[Family Man]

Again, I can not wonder why GM is trying to pump up people with info about a car that is scheduled as a 2011 model.

While the Cruze is a nice car, you do not see other car makers touting models that are 2+ years away. GM always does this, and by the time the car finally hits the market, there is already something better.

GM, keep these under wraps and surprise us months - not years - ahead of time like other car makers do.

[K-1]

for the six-speed. The head-on shot looks very nice. I'm still meh on the rear door design. Let's hope "wider and longer" means a spacious interior.

[Sgt Beavis]

Originally Posted by Family Man

Again, I can not wonder why GM is trying to pump up people with info about a car that is scheduled as a 2011 model.

While the Cruze is a nice car, you do not see other car makers touting models that are 2+ years away. GM always does this, and by the time the car finally hits the market, there is already something better.

GM, keep these under wraps and surprise us months - not years - ahead of time like other car makers do.

The reason they have released the pictures is because the car is being revealed soon anyways. It goes into production early next year in Europe. At this point it doesn't matter.

[mrgto]

Decent...nothing groundbreaking though.

[CamaroCrazy]

Originally Posted by Family Man

Again, I can not wonder why GM is trying to pump up people with info about a car that is scheduled as a 2011 model.

While the Cruze is a nice car, you do not see other car makers touting models that are 2+ years away. GM always does this, and by the time the car finally hits the market, there is already something better.

GM, keep these under wraps and surprise us months - not years - ahead of time like other car makers do.

They're releasing the info because the car is going to be available in Europe next year. We're going to find out anyway.

I like the way it looks. The rear is a little too Korean for my tastes, but it has so much more personality than a Corolla or the fugly Focus. It looks tough.

[coaster.n3rd]

Even my die hard Saturn loyal co-workers like it. That says something.

[jkennedy293]

The front reminds me a lot of the new Commodore.

This is so much better looking than the Cobalt.

[msupete]

wow, pretty nice

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by Family Man

Again, I can not wonder why GM is trying to pump up people with info about a car that is scheduled as a 2011 model.

While the Cruze is a nice car, you do not see other car makers touting models that are 2+ years away. GM always does this, and by the time the car finally hits the market, there is already something better.

GM, keep these under wraps and surprise us months - not years - ahead of time like other car makers do.

Agreed. However the problem is that it is going to be revealed in Europe soon because like so many other really good GM vehicles - it is going on sale outside of North America before it goes on sale here.

The problem with GM is that internal politics demand that the Cobalt be sold for another two years before a replacement is slotted into the line up. If GM wanted to - they could really shock the industry and kill the Cobalt and put in motion the changes necessary to get the plant ready to start production of the Cruze for next year as a late 2009 or early 2010. But that would make too much sense.

By the time this reaches US dealerships - Mazda, Honda and Ford will have something new - and probably better for sale in this segment. If GM wanted - they could be proactive. Instead they just send more pictures.

Hang this picture next to the Volt, Chinese SLS, Park Avenue, Camaro (from two years ago) and Opel Insignia. Just more GM promises while market share continues to slide...

[doh]

Originally Posted by Family Man

Again, I can not wonder why GM is trying to pump up people with info about a car that is scheduled as a 2011 model.

While the Cruze is a nice car, you do not see other car makers touting models that are 2+ years away. GM always does this, and by the time the car finally hits the market, there is already something better.

GM, keep these under wraps and surprise us months - not years - ahead of time like other car makers do.

To kill the sale of the 2009/2010 Cobalt.

Bring back the 50's, when dealers used to paper the showroom's windows to announce an "All New" model.

[boblutzfan]

More info...

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/s...-on-august-21/