Chevrolet has announced the official fuel economy numbers of the 2011 Cruze Eco and they are good… segment leading good.

The car delivers an EPA estimated 42 mpg for the highway run and 28 mpg for the city run (manual transmission models) beating competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla  and even hybrids like Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid!

Chevrolet Cruze Eco comes powered by a Ecotec 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine delivering 140 ps of maximum power and 200 nm of maximum torque between 1850 – 4900 rpm mated to a 6-speed manual transmission for ideal spread of power and torque.

The car comes with an aerodynamic body kit which has been developed and refined using extensive wind tunnel testing. The aero kit consists of an upgraded front fascia and grille which features “closeouts” to improve air flow, a lower front air dam extension, a rear spoiler, lowered ride height and underbody panels that smoothen air flow beneath the car. As a result the drag has been reduced by 10% with a co-efficient of drag of only 0.298 making it the most aerodynamically efficient car in its class.

Chevrolet engineer also worked extensively on the mass optimization  to reduce weight which is 1,365 kgs compared to 1,462 kgs for the Cruze 1LT to improve the fuel consumption even further.

The same Ecotec 1.4 liter turbocharged engine is expected to power the Cruze petrol which will be launched in India shortly.

Detailed press release after the jump.

Press Release

New Chevrolet Cruze Eco Achieves Segment-Leading 42 MPG On The Highway
Hybrid-Like Fuel Economy Starts at $18,895; Goes on Sale in January
DETROIT – The official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco are in and they’re good. Segment-leading good. It delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway (manual transmission models), with equally impressive city fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Cruze Eco’s highway fuel economy beats non-hybrid segment competitors – including 23 percent greater highway fuel economy than the Honda Civic – as well as the Ford Fiesta subcompact and many hybrid models. In fact, it’s better than Ford Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

“Chevrolet Cruze continues to redefine the compact segment, offering class-leading standard safety features, upscale amenities – as well as hybrid-like fuel economy without the price,” said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. “The Cruze Eco is in a league of its own and will challenge perceptions of the efficiency available in a more affordable non-hybrid.”

The Cruze Eco carries an MSRP of $18,895 (including destination charge). It goes on sale in January.

To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, mass optimization and powertrain enhancements. The refinements in each area paid big dividends towards the car’s overall efficiency, while providing engineers with valuable information to help enhance the efficiency of future Chevrolet models.

“We left no stone unturned or piece of sheet metal un-weighed,” said Russell. “Our engineers were comprehensive and thorough when it came to evaluating and modifying the aspects of the car’s performance that contribute to fuel economy.”

Aero enhancements

Aerodynamic improvements over non-Eco manual-transmission models contributed approximately six mpg to the Cruze’s EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy. Many were developed and refined in more than 500 hours of wind-tunnel testing of the Chevy Volt, which shares a core architecture with the Cruze. Examples include the upper grille, which has more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics, a lower front air dam extension, a rear spoiler, a lowered ride height and underbody panels that smooth airflow beneath the car.

The Eco model also features an all-new technology in the compact segment: a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Another contributor to reduced drag is the use of ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires (used with lightweight wheels), which are also used on the Volt.

As a result of the aero enhancements, aerodynamic drag was reduced by 10 percent over a non-Eco model, with a coefficient of drag of 0.298. That places Cruze at the top of the class for mainstream compact cars.

Mass optimization

More than 42 changes were made on the Eco to reduce weight. It weighs in at 3,009 pounds (1,365 kg), compared to the 3,223 pounds (1,462 kg) of the Cruze 1LT. The diet program for the Cruze challenged engineers to look at all aspects of the vehicle’s construction, including hundreds of weld flanges on the vehicle. They were reduced 1 mm to 2 mm in length, which saved several pounds, while the sheet metal gauge thickness was reduced by about 0.1 mm in select components. This saved weight while preserving structural integrity.

Lighter wheels and tires are used on the Eco. They’re stylish, polished 17-inch alloy units with Goodyear tires that weigh only 36.5 pounds (16.6 kg) apiece. That’s 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg) less than the 16-inch wheel/tires of the Cruze 1LT for a complete savings to the vehicle of 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg).

Efficient powertrain

Cruze Eco is powered by power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission. The transmission’s gearing is optimized for the model’s specific 17-inch wheel/tire combination and includes aggressive ratios for first and second gear coupled with a highly efficient, “taller” sixth-gear ratio for highway driving. That means engine rpm is reduced on the highway, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. A six-speed automatic transmission is available, with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 city and 37 highway.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance. The turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility.

The engine also features premium design elements that give it world-class smoothness and durability while also contributing to the Cruze Eco’s lower curb weight. They include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold.

Comparing the competitors

As a result of aerodynamic improvements, mass reduction and powertrain optimization, the Cruze Eco offers the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while delivering hybrid-like fuel economy without the hybrid price. The following charts show how it compares with primary competitors and popular hybrids.

Cruze Eco vs. segment competitors

Cruze Eco vs. hybrids

Related Posts

• April 13, 2010 -- Chevrolet Debuts Cruze Irmscher Edition At AMI Leipzig
• May 15, 2010 -- Official: GM India Launches Chevrolet Aveo CNG
• February 24, 2010 -- GM Launches Chevrolet Cruze Automatic

Music knows no boundaries, religion, cast and creed. Many of us have been on a constant quest to improve our car stereo, because that is where we spend the most amount of time apart from our home offcourse.

To make your task slightly easier ( I say slightly because musical tastes and how good it sounds remain extremely subjective), Matt Kirsch an Audio engineer with General Motors has made his preferred playlist to test car audio set ups public.

So if you think your car stereo sounds good, play the songs after the jump and judge for yourselves.

Source: USA Today Via Autoblog

Top 10 songs to test your car stereo by Marr Kirsch

1. “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones. Listen for Norah’s voice to sound natural, and centered in front of you.
2. “Diamonds and Rust” by Joan Baez. Listen for strong vocals, and for the instruments to be set across a wide sound stage.
3. “No One” by Alicia Keys. Listen for clarity in Alicia’s vocals and spacious background sound.
4. “Hotel California” by the Eagles. Listen for the clarity and dynamic range during the opening guitar solo, and of course the powerful drum beat.
5. “Boom Boom Pow“by the Black Eyed Peas. Listen for powerful, accurate bass beats, even at full volume.
6. “Rock that Body“by the Black Eyed Peas. Listen clear, intelligible lyrics over the powerful, persistent bass beat.
7. “Hide and Seek“by Imogen Heap. Listen for the enveloping ambience of the song, building on the openness and dynamic vocals.
8. “He Mele No Lilo” by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu from Lilo and Stitch.Listen for the ambience and staging as the children’s chorus is offset by powerful bass.
9. “Bird on a Wire” by Johnny Cash. Listen for the clarity in Johnny’s distinctive voice, and his guitar to sound natural and free of any coloration.
10. “Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box” by Radiohead. Listen for the punch from the percussive bass, and the ring of the steel drums.

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GM India have officially launched the flex fuel variant of the Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 which in addition to petrol, can also run on CNG. The car was shown at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi earlier this year. The new Aveo CNG comes with an advanced and first in India Sequential CNG kit which injects precise amount of gas in each cylinder for optimum performance and economy. The kit further includes high quality fuel selector switch and wiring to ensure safety and trouble free performance.

The 1.4 liter VGIS engine has also been modified suitably for the CNG application. The engine now comes with hardened seat valves and anodized piston valves to compensate for the wear and tear which happens when it runs on dry gaseous fuels like CNG. Chevrolet India is also offering a 3 year or 100,000 kilometers warranty on the CNG Aveo which in many ways displays the confidence the company has in its product.

One thing that you would loose is the boot space which has been mostly occupied by the CNG cylinder but with the performance and economy combination the car represents, the owners wouldn’t mind it at all. The move is aimed at increasing the Aveo sales which have been on a bit of a downward slide since the past few months. The company is also working on the 2012 Aveo which will see an India introduction soon after its international launch.

The new Chevrolet Aveo CNG has been priced at Rs. 6,21,000 Ex-Showroom, Delhi and is a good deal for someone who is looking for class leading economy and performance is a sedan packaged with nice and comfy interiors.

Related Posts

• January 6, 2010 -- GM Chevrolet Launches AVEO With Sequential CNG Kit
• November 15, 2010 -- Indian Bound Chevrolet Cruze Eco 1.4 Ecotec Achieves 42 MPG!
• November 12, 2010 -- GM To Launch 6 New Models In Next Two Years
• April 13, 2010 -- Chevrolet Debuts Cruze Irmscher Edition At AMI Leipzig

GM is working on the next generation of the Aveo hatchback which they displayed as the RS concept at the Detroit Motor show earlier this year.

Its only logical then that a replacement of the Aveo sedan is also under works and these are the first official pictures of production version of the all new 2012 Chevrolet Aveo sedan.

The cheapest car sold in US is all set to become desirable with full makeover of the exteriors and interiors alike. The front end looks to be inspired from the Mitsuibishi EVO and is very modern and striking with dual barrel headlamps and new interpretation of the Chevrolet family grille. The side profile is equally aggressive with buldging wheels arches which gives this Chevvy a planted squat stance.

The interiors are equally interesting and have the same basic shape as the Beat hatchback. The instrumentation is almost similar in profile but has an analogue tachometer and digital speedometer instead of the opposite arrangement in the Beat. We expect the new Aveo to be in India soon after its international launch just like the Beat.

Jump over for more images.

Source: kickingtires via autoblog

The powertrain and pricing details are not yet known but going by what GM has done with the Beat, expect it to be priced very very competitively indeed.

The ‘General’ is back and how!.

Image Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Aveo

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I love what GM is doing in India with Chevrolet. After launching the super value for money Beat and Cruze, the company has now launched the automatic variant of its luxury sedan Cruze which has been priced at a very competitive Rs 13.45 Lakhs Ex-Showroom, Delhi.

Its not everyday that we would call a Rs 14 lakh rupee car value for money but the new Chevvy manages to do that and more effortlessly. The new Cruze Automatic comes with a long list of standard equipments some which are a ‘first in its segment’. Lets run you down through some of the major features of the Cruze Automatic.

First up is the 6 speed automatic gearbox which has more ratios than any other competing car in its segment which include the Honda Civic and Toyota’s Corolla which offer 5 speed automatic and 4 speed automatic respectively. The transmission also offers a tiptronic mode for sporty drive and a clutch to clutch operation for added precision and smoother seamless shifting between the gears. The wide spread ratio gearbox has a very high first gear ratio to provide brisk acceleration and an overdrive ratio for 6th gear to keep the revolutions as low as possible to provide high fuel efficiency. The transmission also comes with premium fluids which dont need replacement for the entire life of their operation.

Jump over for more details.

Other notables include PEPS (Passive Entry Passive Start) system which allows the operation of central locking, anti-theft alarm and ignition starter without the use of a the mechanical key, push button start, cruise control, alloy wheels, smart screen on the central console  which spits out a lot of useful operational info like outside temperature, date and time etc, leather seats, 6 CD changer, Park Assist, steering mounted audio controls and cruise control and even an electric sunroof.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine is still the most powerful in its class delivering a good 150 bhp and a very healthy 327 nm of maximum torque.

The safety features include Dual Airbags, ABS, emergency exit for the boot and all wheel disc brakes for sure shot stopping under any circumstance.

The Cruze Automatic comes with a special 3 coast paint called the Diamond White along with six other color options.

Related Posts

• November 15, 2010 -- Indian Bound Chevrolet Cruze Eco 1.4 Ecotec Achieves 42 MPG!
• April 13, 2010 -- Chevrolet Debuts Cruze Irmscher Edition At AMI Leipzig

If its one company who’s taking all the right steps these days, its GM. After launching the all new Beat at an ultra competitive Rs 3.34 Lakhs, Chevrolet has now announced the launch of Aveo Dual fuel which comes with an advanced and a first for India, Sequential CNG kit.

To explain in layman fashion technology wise, if the normal CNG kits are carburetter, the Sequential Kit is MPFi (although it actually is!). For the more tech inclined, in Sequential CNG kits the ECU calculates the opening times of the injector for each cylinder injecting it with just the precise amount of gas for optimum performance and economy.

Jump over for more details.

All this means that the engine will see minimal deterioration in performance in comparison to petrol mode. Its like having your cake and eating it too! The other changes to the engine includes hardened valve seats and anodized pistons to ensure that there is no damage in the long run considering CNG is a dry fuel. Chevrolet has also modified the suspension to take care of the extra weight of the CNG kit which means no impact on ride and handling as well.

The Aveo CNG will come with industry leading 3 years/100,000 km standard warranty and a service interval of 5,000 kms or six months, whichever is earlier. The car will be available from the first week of February onwards in Delhi & NCR.

Related Posts

• May 15, 2010 -- Official: GM India Launches Chevrolet Aveo CNG
• February 24, 2010 -- Official Rendering: 2012 Chevrolet Aveo
• January 27, 2010 -- 2011 Chevrolet Aveo U-VA

Chevrolet Beat

Ever heard of the term “pulling the carpet from under your feet”… well thats what GM Chevrolet did when they announced the pricing of their next big small car for the Indian market, the Beat. The car has been priced at a very competitive Rs 3.34 Lakhs for the base version which comes with essentials such as power steering and air conditioning as standard!

The super value for money hatch, as we would like to call it, comes with a 1.2 Litre petrol engine which develops a very decent 79 bhp and does 18.6 kmpl if figures from ARAI are to be believed. The new Beat is almost Rs 60,000 cheaper than the immediate 1.2 Litre competition from Hyundai and Maruti. Even the top end version with ABS and Airbags in the optional option pack undercuts the Ritz price tag by Rs 45,000.

The new Chevvy hatch comes in four variants – base, the mid tier LS, top end LT and LT with option pack.

Jump over for the variant wise pricing information.

Model Price (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Chevrolet Beat PS                                Rs 3.34 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Chevrolet Beat LS                                Rs 3.54 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Chevrolet Beat LT                               Rs 3.94 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Chevrolet Beat LT Options Pk        Rs 4.34 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

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