2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

There’s always a little skepticism attached to Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates. Even though the agency adjusted its testing procedures in 2008 to help generate more realistic figures, buyers and experts seem to approach the mystical city/highway numbers with the general impression that figures have little bearing on what owners actually experience in day-to-day use. So it should be no surprise that when General Motors and the EPA announced that the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco would hit 42 miles per gallon on the highway, a stink of disbelief filled our newsroom.

That kind of lofty highway fuel economy is typically relegated to hybrids, clean diesels and subcompacts that require an uncanny mastership of human origami to ferry four friends along – not roomy four-door compact sedans. Fortunately, GM was kind enough to turn us loose on a long stretch of Southern California interstate to put the fuel economy of the Cruze Eco to the test.

 

Production Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback coming to Geneva

General Motors has confirmed that it will debut the final production version of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchbackat the Geneva Motor Show next month. The original design was previewed by the five-door Cruze show car we saw in Paris last year, but we expect the completed car to look more like the design renderings that were filed at the European patent office in December, complete with front-end fittings more closely related to what we see on the Cruze sedan.

Oh, and just in case you forgot, the Cruze Hatchback has not been given the green light here in North America. A shame, since Ford’s new five-door Focus is just about to hit dealerships and Hyundai haspromised us a hatchback version of its swoopy new Elantra. What gives, GM?

We’ll have the complete details live from Geneva in just a few weeks. For now, follow the jump for The General’s official press release.

 

Source:Autoblog

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

 

Chevrolet doesn’t need any help selling its Camaro. It handily throttled the Ford Mustang in sales last year despite only being able to offer customers a single coupe bodystyle compared to the Stang’s more expansive coupe, convertible and GT500 range. In fact, General Motors says the Camaro is jumping off of dealer lots with nearly no incentives and 90 percent retail sales. Still, buyers have been clamoring for a droptop version of the mighty Bowtie since the Camaro Convertible concept hit the scene in 2007. This year, The General has finally obliged by taking out the knife.

The history of the Camaro is littered with topless wonders that looked like a stack of cool cash while parked, yet most drove like a wet noodle when you stepped on their skinny pedals. The minds that pull the strings at GM have made it clear that in the coming years, what was once the king of the muscle car heap will turn its attention more toward the sports car crowd, and to that end, they’ve striven to deliver a Camaro Convertible capable of all of the same driving dynamics as the coupe. Have they pulled it off? We took to the streets of San Diego to find out.

 

Source:Autoblog

Chevrolet Cruze hatchback production version to debut in Geneva

GM has announced the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback production version will make it’s world debut in Geneva next month.

Identical to the Cruze Hatchback concept displayed at the Paris Motor Show last September, the five-door will be available with several new engines.  But for now, Chevrolet is only naming the top spec 2.0-liter diesel engine with 163 hp (122 kW / 165 PS) also found in the Orlando. Six-speed manual transmission will be standard.

Since hitting the market in 2009 sales have been brisk for the Cruze sedan exceeding sales expectations across the globe. The Cruze hatchback widens the opportunity even further for Chevrolet as it targets the top players for the first time in hatchback happy Europe.

In the UK Chevrolet is keen to mention its British Touring Car Championship drivers and constructor titles with Fifth Gear television show presenter Jason Plato at the helm. It is Chevrolet’s first season ever in the sport.

“Motor sport is part of Chevrolet’s DNA,” added Mr Terry. “What we learn on the track is passed down to our road cars, and this latest incarnation of Cruze proves that.”

The Cruze Hatchback will go on sale in Europe summer of 2011, with prices and exact specifications to be confirmed nearer the time.

This is not your typical review of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

 

Gene Weingarten is not an automotive journalist. He is, however, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning writer forThe Washington Post. And yet, despite limited automotive knowledge by his own admission, he’s written an excellent review of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Weingarten admits he was predisposed to hate the Volt (and American cars in general), but his time behind the wheel didn’t jibe with those expectations. And it wasn’t even because the car apparently made him more attractive to members of the opposite sex (though we doubt that hurt its chances any). Trust us on this: Go and read all five pages of Weingarten’s review of the Chevy Volt, then come back and tell us what you think.

Source:Autoblog

Super Bowl MVP will receive a Chevy Camaro Convertible

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and that means one NFL player is close to winning their dream prize. No, we’re not talking about the Lombardi tropy, but the Pete Rozelle MVP award, and more importantly the prize car that goes along with it. This year, the winner will get to feel the breeze through their un-helmeted hair because General Motors is supplying a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible for the most valuable player.

Previously, GM supplied a long string of Cadillacs for Super Bowl MVPs, and the Escalade proved to be the most popular ride of choice. Now the General is using the coveted NFL stage to highlight its newest drop-top… probably a better way to spend its money considering a 30 second spot costs up to $3 million. Wait…GM is doing that too. No matter, check out the press release after the break for the official announcement.

GM to double Chevy Volt production capacity in 2012

With fuel prices anticipated to rise, General Motors anticipates increased demand for the Chevrolet Volt. To stay ahead of the game, the automaker reportedly plans to double production capacity for the plug-in hybrid.

Production was originally pegged at 10,000 this year and 60,000 next year, but if the increased capacity comes to pass, those figures could increase to 25,000 this year and 120,000 units next year. This strategy depends on parts availability, however, and if the outsourced parts necessary to build more Volts can’t be ramped up by OEM suppliers, the plans could be cut short.

As has been reported, in addition to the Volt itself, GM is evaluating possibilities to apply the car’s gasoline-electric drivetrain to a range of additional products across different GM brands.