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Intended to replace the Cobalt for the 2011 model year, the Chevrolet Cruze will go on sale in the United States and Canada in the first half of 2010.
Initially available only as a front-wheel-drive sedan, the Cruze will be offered in base, LS, LT, and LTZ trims. Power will be provided by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder and an all-new turbocharged 1.4-liter Inline-4 engine, both connected to either a 6-speed manual or automatic.
Design
The new Chevy Cruze’s design is distinguished with a bold “face” that is becoming the signature look for Chevrolet models around the globe, as well as an arching roofline that gives the car a sporty, coupe-like proportion.
Large headlamp housings are incorporated in the front-end design. They wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and sculpted hood. The headlamps flank a two-tier grille that features the iconic Bowtie logo between the horizontal openings.
An arching roofline extends from the Cruze’s steeply raked windshield to fast-sloping rear pillars, culminating at a short rear deck.
The Cruze is wider and longer than most of its competitors, with minimal overhangs around the wheels.
Turbocharged efficiency
Pumped up with its exhaust-driven turbocharger, the Cruze’s 1.4L Turbo performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. Its power-boosting advantage comes from forcing more air into the engine than a non-boosted engine would draw normally; power ratings are estimated at 140 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 1.4L Turbo is part of GM’s family of global small-displacement engines. They are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy across the rpm band. Carefully matched transmissions, including a six-speed automatic available on the Cruze, further enhance performance and fuel economy.
In addition to the 1.4L Turbo, the Cruze will also be offered in North America with an efficient 1.8L four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable camshafts. It is rated at an estimated 138 horsepower.