The Chevrolet Cruze is the gas-powered sister car to the Chevy Volt, riding atop the same global compact delta platform. It is also one of GM’s greatest hopes for its future, a feature-packed luxury-like small car in an affordable price range. It is designed to sell at high volumes and compete head on with bread and butter cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. And unlike GM’s past small cars is to be sold at a profit.
The car has been on sale for more than a year internationally with over 165,000 having been sold, and starting today launches in the United States. The first US retail Cruze rolled off GMs Lordstown Ohio production line at 10:30 AM today and will be delivered to a dealership. The configurator is now online, and pricing will begin below $17,000.
Accompanying the launch of GMs most important car next to the Volt, will be an advertising blitz including television commercials. Movie and TV star Tim Allen, perhaps known best for his most famous role on the Home Improvement TV series, is GMs choice for the voice and spokesperson for the car, and indeed the Chevrolet brand as a whole.
Joel Ewanick who comes from Hyundai and is GMs new marketing chief told Automotive News his views on advertising the Chevrolet brand. He said GM wont hammer home the message that Chevrolet is an American icon. ”The nice thing about Chevrolet is that people know it’s an American brand,” he said. “We don’t need to remind them of the obvious.”
Ewanick doesn’t prefer the term social media it seems. ”Maybe we need to change the language, it’s not media, it’s social engagement,” he said. “Aren’t we causing a conversation? Media is when you buy television or print.” Whatever you call it, he promised some new social initiatives. ”We’re going to do interesting things ,” he said. ”Even this fall with the Cruze launch. ”
He also doesn’t believe Chevrolet needs a special theme or tagline. “I think the bow tie speaks for itself.” said. “And you’ll see us use the bow tie prominently and proudly in everything we do. ”
Ewanick feels strongly about having halo cars for the brand, and sees them as a good thing. ”We should be using the Corvette to make a statement about Chevrolet,” he said. “Tying the Corvette to Chevrolet is a beautiful thing.”
“The Chevrolet brand has several halos, he said. ”The Camaro could be a halo. You could look at the Volt as a halo product.”
“I hope we turn the Cruze into a halo in that segment,” he added.
GM has released two 30 seconds commercials including Allen’s narration which have begun appearing on national television.
You can see them below:
Source (GM) and (Automotive News)
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:39 am)NHNS
No HatchBack No Sale
+6
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:39 am)Good! I will be glad to see how this plays to the general public (and to myself). I hope that there is synergy in relation to the Volt. But it kind of irks me that the volume of this car is going to be so much higher than the Volt.
-22
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:41 am)(click to show comment)
+6
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:43 am)These are really good!
I hope they do as well with the Volt advertising!!!!
+13
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:44 am)I still can’t get cruise control with a standard shift.
I just don’t understand this stupid rule.
No plug, no sale.
It’s a nice looking car, though.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:44 am)I saw the “neighborhood” ad air on CNN yesterday. Nice job with the quiet tone.
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:45 am)# 3
Money Pit Said:
Looks like a Ford Fusion Clone … in the ad is listed cost is $24,750 as shown … so whats a 17K car have , a cup holder?
$8000 would come close to paying for a Voltec drive, if you leave off the fluff.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:48 am)Love that Craftsman home in the background. The Cruze looks great too.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:48 am)Seems to be done in the style of the “Pure Michigan” ads which are very classy.
+15
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:48 am)Ok, another small car hits the market. Runs on gas, right? Then I don’t care.
I want to know the Volt’s MPG in CS mode. Not interested in the Cruze.
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:57 am)Hope the Chevy bowtie thingy on the Volt doesn’t look twice as big as it ought to, like it does on this thing. Actually, they need to take that thing off the noses of their cars and let their designs breathe a little.
(Yeah, it might seem like a small complaint but it keeps me from taking small Chevrolets seriously)
+8
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:05 am)The ads look good. Was expecting 39 mpg highway. The Volt will match better against BMW and Lexus than Cruze will to Honda. The Cruze is basically an American Civic. The 1LT trim level doesn’t compete with the Civic. The 2LT has the best chance to hold it’s own and should be the priority model produced. Solid first year reliability ratings will be meaningful. Initial satisfaction ratings don’t mean much.
Give me minus 1′s if you like, just my honest opinion.
=D-Volt
+20
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:12 am)I hope they sell well. However I’m not interested unless it has a plug. They should offer a hybrid version. Add a small battery with 10 miles all electric range and you’d have something special.
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:13 am)I like it.. I LIKE IT A LAUGHT. (Jim Carrey – Dumb and Dumber)
I hope someone remembers that part of the movie.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:17 am)This is still my favorite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kieAv-Tecak
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:18 am)Agree with #1 Eco_Turbo…between not offering the HB here, and only being able to get a manual shift on the base model (or even with the 1.4T on any model), just not interested. Although I’m probably in the minority.
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:19 am)I like the car and I like the commercials so far. Tim Allen seems to be an excellent choice for the voice-over parts, (Morgan Freeman would’ve been high on my list as well).
The bait has been cast, we’ll see if they get any bites.
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:28 am)Cruze Snooze
NPNS
+21
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:28 am)From photos I’ve seen with Volt sitting next to Cruze –
Cruze makes Volt stand out in it’s sporty design and classic identifying details.
Cruze is a pedestrian, blandly handsome ICE people mover that can seat 5. Volt is a 4 seat attention-getter with steeply raked nose and sport-inclined profile.
I hope GM sells a boatload of Cruzes so they can continue to ramp up production of my future sleek, sexy——————ELECTRICALLY MOTIVATED——————–Chevrolet Volt!*
RECHARGE!
James
L
*My wife just walked by – glanced at my post and muttered: “Get a room!” L
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:34 am)Article: He also doesn’t believe Chevrolet needs a special theme or tagline. “I think the bow tie speaks for itself.”
———
Wasn’t “Get used to more” the tagline?
I like the Cruze. but I’d prefer a 2-door coupe. I think its going to sell well.
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:44 am)Agree with others. The Cruze should be offered in a hatchback configuration. I need a hatchback.
-13
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:47 am)(click to show comment)
+40
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:49 am)I know we all here are enamored with the Volt, but the plain truth is that if GM doesn’t sell Cruze’s and Malibu’s and even Silverado’s and Suburban’s then there will be no Volts. So I hope this Cruze is a smashing success and I might even buy one to hold me over until I can get a Volt which will most likely not be until 2012 sometime, maybe late 2011 here in Minnesnowta.
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:53 am)great question …. mpg in cs mode
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:55 am)29 mpg combined, 25/36 city/highway = Civic
29 mpg combined, 26/34 city/highway = Corolla
29 mpg combined, 24/36 city/highway = Cruze
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:56 am)Along with the gm-volt.com regular’s patented slogan ” the Volt smile “, I will add a new one, ” Volt envy “.
Cruze hatchback photos are circulating around the net, and it seems likely GM could package gen II Volt in this body style, especially if they find a way to break up the solid T battery configuration so a 5th center seat can be added. Still, to me, the rakish, sporty Volt design is not only more aerodynamic, it’s just more lust-worthy. Plus sales stats show consumers long for “different” to signify an electric vehicle – one reason that unmentionable huge-selling hybrid soared to celebrity in it’s second generation. It still surprises me that large contenders like VW and Hyundai still move ahead with plans to distribute hybrid versions of their best selling models rather than produce a unique identifiable body style.
I hope Corvetteguy’s “Thought For The Day” ad graphic contains a photo of Volt and the tagline:
“Volt – Get Used To More -
Attention
Freedom
Clean Air
SPG – ( Smiles Per Gallon)
Peace of mind
Independence”
RECHARGE!
James
+9
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:15 am)Ewanick feels strongly about having halo cars for the brand, and sees them as a good thing. ”We should be using the Corvette to make a statement about Chevrolet,” he said. “Tying the Corvette to Chevrolet is a beautiful thing.”
(…sniff…) I think I’m gonna cry into my morning cup of coffee! (…sniff…)
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:16 am)# 23
ronr64 Said:
So I hope this Cruze is a smashing success and I might even buy one to hold me over until I can get a Volt.
I was considering the same thing, until I found out no hatchback for Cruze. My current GM car, a Saab 9000 Aero hatchback, has 190,000 miles. I drove the last one I owned ’til 280,000 miles, so I guess I’ll just keep it a while longer ’til Volts are here.
+9
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:17 am)Beautiful car. Nice work GM. I hope you sell millions of them.
Thanks and good luck to the great people of Lordstown, Ohio, who proudly make this American product.
+6
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:24 am)Why compare against the Fusion? The Cruze competes against the Focus, not the Fusion. The Malibu competes against the Fusion.
-5
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:36 am)Doesn’t cruise control integrate into the transmission to shift as necessary? If it is a manual transmission, it wouldn’t work. So I think it is more about how if functions, more than some arbitrary rule, don’t you think?
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:36 am)CorvetteGuy, I’ve been meaning to ask you something, and this is as good a place as any. As you know, there’s been some hand wringing over the last 5-6 days over rumors that certain interior trim packages (e.g. leather, black console) may not be available at launch, rather coming out later like January, March, etc.
Since you work for a Chevy dealership, can you tell us about what happened with the Camaro launch in Spring 2009? Did it launch with a subset of the trim packages? What about the Corvette, when they’ve introduced new generations or major trim packages?
I’m just wondering if this is actually normal for a brand new model. I’ve never been this far out on the bleeding edge with a car purchase before. I normally don’t buy the first year of a car, and here I am buying (or trying to) one of the first units of the first model in a new CLASS of car
+8
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:41 am)Nope, wrong, full stop. Both cars in our driveway are manuals with cruise control, and I drove one of them for hours that way last weekend. Rashiid is onto a real limitation there, and a mystery. Might just be a configurator error.
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:43 am)My stickshift car has cruise control. And I can get cruise to engage in at least 4th and 5th… never tried 3rd or lower.
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:45 am)Thought 40 MPG was supposed to be the number for the CRUZE.
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:45 am)He says he doesn’t like tag lines, but then uses one for the Cruze? He should know from history that a great tag line can make all the difference… And for generations!
“Get used to more” is a great line for the Cruze. The Volt needs one of it’s own. Keep ‘em coming!
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:54 am)That’s interesting… I have a 2006 Corvette with 6 speed manual tranny and it has cruise control which works just fine. So what is the problem?
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:56 am)Those are questions for the factory. 95% of Camaros have a black interior as far as I know. I think the White center console is a parts supplier issue. If you recall, White is all they showed in photos till just recently. I’ll bet they made a BUNCH of those first, now they are stuck with them.
-7
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:01 am)Marketing and advertising talk just make me yawn.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:02 am)The used to be GM car, Saab has had manual shift cruise control for years, works great too, especially with the turbo.
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:05 am)I disagree. No car should be offered with less than 20 mile electric range. It just cheapens the electric concept. Very few people drive less or near 10 miles and will not charge often enough to make it worthwhile. On the other hand. 20 miles electric range would be much better.
-16
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:09 am)(click to show comment)
-5
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:12 am)A decked out Focus is 21K and has more options like SYNC. By the look of it, I thought it was a similar size and cost to the Fusion. You would think being last to the show room floor time wise they could be more competitive with Ford products price wise
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:16 am)The Cruze is certainly a good looking car and would be a good choice for those who can not afford a Volt. Or have a Leaf with a Cruze as the distance runner. I wish GM was selling the hatch-back version this year in the U.S.
+7
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:19 am)Chevrolet Cruze Fun Facts
2001-2008 Chevy Cruze
First generation Cruzes were a joint venture with GM made in Japan by Suzuki and sold from 2001-2008 as a compact SUV.
2nd gen Cruze is literally a global platform currently being built in factories in Incheon South Korea, Saint Petersburg Russia, Shenyang China, Halol India, Lordstown, Ohio, USA and in 2011 an Australian-specific Holden hatchback version will be built in Elizabeth South Australia!
Underpinned by the front-wheel drive GM Delta II platform, GM said the Cruze was “developed by a global design and engineering team”. Most of the design work was conducted by GM Daewoo, with Opel responsible for most of the engineering. Global Cruzes lower cost by using a solid torsion beam axle, but North American Cruzes get a more advanced “Watts Z-link” suspension arrangement.
Cruze ( sold in S. Korea as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere ) went on sale in Korea October 2008, January 2009 Daewoo introduced a turbodiesel variant. Mexico became the first North American country to recieve Cruze, it went on sale in 2009 as a 2010 model.
Asia – The Chevrolet Cruze was launched in the Chinese market on April 18, 2009. Manufactured at GM India’s Halol factory, the Chevrolet Cruze was released in India October 2009.
Africa – The Chevrolet Cruze was launched in the Egyptian market during mid-2009.South African sales of the Cruze commenced in September 2009.
Australia – GM’s Mark Reuss announced alternate-fuel powertrain technologies including liquid petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and ethanol (E85) flexible-fuel powertrain technologies and a hybrid start-stop system are all under consideration for Cruze in Australia. One or more of these “alternative” fuel systems would allow Holden to take advantage of the Australian Government’s AU$6.2 billion “Green Car Innovation Fund”.
Currently under development, the Holden designed and engineered Cruze hatchback has been designed for global markets,to be build in Austrialia’s Elizabeth facility with Holden export plans “being formulated for the car”.
In the USA-specific Eco model, aerodynamic improvements have been made such as an electronically controlled air shutter that adjusts air flow to the engine depending on the temperature, wind speed and tow weight!
On March 18, 2010, Holden issued a recall for 9,098 gas-engined 2010 Cruzes in Australia and a further 485 in New Zealand over a faulty fuel hose. According to Holden, some hoses on 1.8 liter cars had developed a leakage, although no accidents or injuries had been reported prior to the recall. The recall followed a stop-delivery notice issued by Holden to its dealers on March 3 while the automaker conducted an investigation into the matter.
——————————————————————————————————————————————-
This tells us Cruze is a tried-and-tested platform that’s gotten tweaks and refinements for the American market, sans turbo diesel and diesel powerplants available elsewhere. It tells us a hatchback version from Australia may be on the way, and that GM wanted to smooth out all the glitches before it introduced it’s vital U.S. version. This is a very important model for GM.
Daewoo Lacetti Premiere
RECHARGE!
James
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:20 am)When used with an automatic, I believe cruise control triggers shifting in just the same way your foot on the accelerator does (could be wrong). When used with a manual, on the highway, you leave the shifter in it’s tallest gear and engage. Both of my Saturn SL1s had a 5-speed manual with cruise control. The first (1995) worked better than the second (2003). I could use it on back country roads (55 – 60 mph) and it would hold speed pretty well. The 2003 worked well only on the expressway.
I don’t know that just any manual could be fitted with a cruise control. There would have to be a fairly wide power band available just in the top gear. I hope this doesn’t tell us something about the Cruze that we’d rather not hear.
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:25 am)Gm is going to have a hard time competing against Hyundai in this segment. They are eating everyone else’s lunch in the compact categories. Hiring one of their own was a smart move though.
-9
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:25 am)The devil is in the details. The only model listed in the comparison on that page is the LS, which is the manual. The automatic gets less in city driving.
What I like is the negative votes… from simply stating fact, only the numbers. No opinion, yet they shot the messanger anyway.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:30 am)The problem with 10 mile EV range is battery stress. The Volt battery pack delivers 110 kW. Pull 110 kW out of a pack 1/4th the size and you force each cell to deliver 4x as much current. High current kills battery life. Small packs also face a cycle life problem. The Volt pack needs 2500 full cycles to provide 100k EV miles. That’s within the ability of some lithium chemistries if they’re babied. But a 10 mile pack needs 10,000 full cycles to provide 100k EV miles. That’s well beyond any commercially available battery chemistry.
Advances in battery technology will make EREV-10s possible, but that’s probably 5-10 years away. 10 mile blended-mode PHEV are a different story. High-current damage is avoided because the battery pack doesn’t power the car by itself, the ICE kicks on in high-power situations such as freeway merges up uphill accelerations. The absence of a true EV range might be a marketing issue but doesn’t add that much to annual gasoline consumption. It would seem to create emissions problems, with a cold ICE kicking on periodically and running at high power. It also can suffer from the cycle life problem if a user has access to plugs at home, work and while shopping. It will be interesting to see how Toyota deals with these issues with the Prius PHEV.
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:34 am)40 mpg hwy is for the Cruze Eco, isn’t it? At least that’s the rumor, I haven’t read anything official.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:35 am)But you see John, we know the messenger so well …
If anyone else had made that post (besides another troll), it might have been received and responded to in a more positive way. However, we know so very very well exactly where you’re coming from:
http://www.john1701a.com
In this case, negative votes have far more to do with the messenger than the message.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:42 am)Plus, the Cruze has six speed transmissions while the others are only five speed.
Of course, john1701a would always misquote on the Chevrolet models. I’m not surprised though; he made an error on quoting the mileage of the Toyota. Its 35 not 36! He’ll deflate the competitions rating while inflating Toyota’s.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:45 am)I agree with your post, except for this:
In 5 – 10 years, an EREV10 will be a complete non-starter; the cells will also have much greater availability (as well as be intrinsically cheaper). By this time, we may all be discussing whether or not the Gen III EREV20 variant needs to continue being manufactured; given that the newer Voltec EREV60s are selling so well …
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:47 am)Now THAT’s the way to back up a point with an excellent post and summary. Emphatic +1
ps. Dear Chevy, despite the sales numbers for manual transmissions, there are quite a few of us that like them. Put that darned cruise control in them, it seems as if you think we’re stupid so you’re not letting us have it. Think again, please.
-13
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:50 am)(click to show comment)
-14
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:52 am)(click to show comment)
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:55 am)Ha ha. Yeah, we’ll need to “get used to more” — mo content mo money. But that may be fine. Chevy with the Cruze is going down the same path as Ford is with the Fiesta and proving that small cars don’t have to be low end vehicles. In a world of triple digit oil prices it will be a very big seller. In a world of oil at half the price not so much. But the great thing is that it truly is a world car and that’s what GM is going have to make if it wants to survive.
On the 40 MPG question, I think that’s only for the Eco with the 1.4L turbocharged engine and the shutters.
+6
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:58 am)PriusJohn#guy isn’t really wrong with his post, he just selectively picks data to make a point, just as he does to quote a post or two. He doesn’t really distort the truth, but tweaks info into having a meaning that strays away from the original intent just to make his own point. A lot of guys do that, mostly politicians and lawyers, and we all have a pretty popular opinion of those guys, huh!
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:59 am)This is more than adequately supported by your history here.
Your mere presence on this site is not constructive. Of course, you will stay anyway (so it doesn’t matter if I engage you, it won’t make any difference in your behavior).
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:02 am)I think the A123 batteries might have that capability today. Maybe not 10k but close enough at 7k or 8k. Here’s an article from last year about Magna going with A123: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/07/magna-20090710.html
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:09 am)Here we go again. Please don’t…
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:12 am)The truth is EPA hasn’t issued the mileage for the 1.4L turbo engine driven Cruze at this time. GM anticipates the 40 mpg rating for the model of the Cruze.
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/vehicles/chevrolet/cruze/2011.brand_gm.html
“Vehicle Highlights
* Spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car with the fuel economy of a compact
* New Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine delivers up to an expected 40 miles per gallon on the highway on Cruze Eco model
* Segment-leading safety features including 10 standard air bags”
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:18 am)Not saying it’s a bad thing, since the lion’s share of profits makes it’s way back to our shores, but – since Opel was responsible for most of Cruze’s engineering and development, along with Daewoo……and since GM is already building and selling Cruze off our shores, proudly announcing Chinese production facilities expanding and joint ventures in lithium battery study and development inside China….
Doesn’t that make you, as an American, even more proud of GM’s American Volt engineers? After all, Volt is American – nearly as American as applie pie and baseball. Engineered here and built by Americans. You can poke with the LG battery details and America’s $150 million loan to Korea for the plant…etc , etc….. I’ve seen that horse ridden over the last couple of days on cable news….But to me, I’m very proud Volt is American.
A few of us here have stated how proud we are of GM’s American Cruze….and yes, it is GM’s, but as my earlier post illustrates – not very American, at all…… VOLT IS ALL AMERICAN in my book. It’s just another reason we shouldn’t fold to the “just look at that amazing Volt’s technology – but over here is your $20,000 Cruze! – approach to marketing.
I agree fully with Laura M, that sacrificing for an American engineered, American built Volt is a worthwhile undertaking. Will patience be required? You bet. Will there be sacrifice for most of us spending $35K+ for a four seat automobile? Most definately. Will it be worth waving a big American flag?
Without a doubt.
RECHARGE!
James
+9
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:35 am)To underscore my point —-
Last night, Jay Leno held up a large picture posted in a newspaper of a young boy waving an American flag draped in red, white and blue celebrating at a July 4th parade – with his Uncle Sam hat clearly displaying a “Made In China” label – for his “Headlines” segment on the Tonight Show. Of course, the joke illicited snickers —-
But it aint funny, people…our unemployment rate is 9.6% last I checked!
Buy American, you know?
It’s another reason I am such a Chevrolet Volt fan – and hopeful future owner.
RECHARGE!
James
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:38 am)Sure I would like even more range, but it come at a cost and that extra 10 miles might ad $1,500 to $2,000 to the price. There are many people that drive 10-20 miles per day, mostly in urban areas and the car would be perfect for them without becoming too expensive. I think there is a market for a 10 mile AER, a 20 mile AER, a 30 Mile AER and so on. In a perfect world we could order the car with the AER we wanted, from 10 to 300 depending on how much battery you were willing to pay for.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:40 am)I clicked on that link D|ck posted. What gets me is why didn’t they put numbers up for the Eco model?…lol
Don’t make no sense.
I like the Cruze. If we survive till next year that will be my bridge car. Maybe a used one will pop up somewhere by then.
/ok, me a cheap azz.
//back to my Kahlua n coffee…
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:41 am)In the end, it’s always been about the product. Just keep good ones coming and you’ll be fine, GM.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:45 am)A working EREV10 will be purchased by people who would rarely plug the car in; in order to get the good CS-mode mpg (which should be considerable by that time), and better performance than a traditional hybrid. If the price is right, this might not be a bad thing from some consumers’ (or GM’s) point of view; but it will still be a shame. We want to displace more gas than that, don’t we?
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:50 am)Yeah, I saw it too. Not bad. Good luck to GM. +1
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:51 am)This is not a negative reference but how many of us remember the Vega?
“There’s a great bit of interest developing in these little cars.” is a quote from a 1970′s video promoting another car built in Lordstown, Ohio.
I caught this from Autoline Detroit and was surprised to see the similarities between the Volt and the Vega and how GM has been so consistent in the process of design validation over the years. The international design and development of the Cruze is a major departure from what GM has done to develop volume cars for the US market.
http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/journal/?p=11529
If only GM decided to sleeve that block, small cars from GM would have had a different history.
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:51 am)Amen. +1
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:53 am)#64
Yup. +1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:55 am)The price vs EV range vs fuel economy gee wiz numbers is the debate for the PHV Prius. But still Tom has a point too. I wouldn’t mind seeing a GMC Granite EREV10 sold and compared to the Volt MPV5. That would be a direct and valid comparison of what the buying public understands and is willing to pay for.
+5
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:55 am)I’m signed up for the 2011 Cruze ‘Ride and Drive’ coming up next Tuesday. (photos coming) I’m interested in seeing the fit and finish. Does it ‘feel’ like a really well built car? GM has been coming out with MUCH better quality builds the last 2 years. I’m sure the Cruze will be at the top of the “Ten Best List” for next year. (Plus, I can pretend I’m driving a Volt… hee hee.)
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:55 am)OH!!!!
OK, I get it now…..lol.
/big duh on my part
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:58 am)AHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!
OMG, my buddy had one back in high school. We put a crazy azz’d glasspack on it and bored the carbs out and slapped on some wider rear wheels….etc….
It used to be green but we sanded it down and made it grey primer….
Man that was a fun car to mod……back in the days.
-12
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:02 am)(click to show comment)
-10
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:04 am)(click to show comment)
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:05 am)Here’s another one I remember. 283 with a Hurst shifter and 4:11 rear end. Hood scoop and bad camber on the front wheels. Sold to buy a Z-28 when we grew up.
Did you check out the video?
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:05 am)My bad, john1701a. I misread what you said, and I appologize for it. However, I do believe that Toyota claims 35 mpg for the Corolla’s highway rating.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:06 am)I never said the idea wouldn’t make sense, just that it would be a shame.
I was drawn to the Volt originally because of a thought-experiment I’d done 20 years earlier; concerning how to make a car run, essentially, under a kind of CS-mode all the time. My car wouldn’t have had a plug at all. I’d assumed that batteries would never be capable of economically storing enough energy to do more than this (and I didn’t know enough at the time to realize that a small pack with this much power wasn’t really possible).
The Volt program has won me over. It is clearly transformative to use stored electricity, along with a very efficient means of extending that range for longer distances. A Voltec offering with a smaller AER number might actually be as close as it is possible to come to my original thought-experiment, but I now believe that the EREV itself is a superior approach: and that it will reach it’s highest potential with greater electric ranges, not smaller ones.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:09 am)lol…..I forgot the hood scoopt too.
Ah man, we better quit. We’re showing our age bro.
/i’m only 21.5yrs old.
P
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:11 am)Good sport!! A reciprocation probably wouldn’t happen.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:13 am)That would work for me. Even a EREV-10 Aveo….lol
My commute is 9.5 miles one way. That’ll cover my daily drives 100%. We have a charger at my office and at a few of our other sites.
Besides, I think everyone drives at least 10 miles in one day which means everyone will benefit from a EREV-10.
/but I want the bare bones strip model “Trim”.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:16 am)Enough here too, plus I got to get ready for work, the lunch rush at Wetson’s starts soon!!!
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:19 am)EREV10 was referenced by the comment I was responding to. I agree with the poster who suggests that 20 is probably the minimum range to offer, and still count on plug-use (and probably the minimum required with present or soon-expected battery technology to achieve efficient CS-mode).
We’ve had the discussion here before concerning the possibility of people buying the Volt, and then not plugging it in. The expense of the battery in Gen I makes this seem unlikely, but many initial buyers won’t be constrained as to funds, and who knows what they’ll do day-to-day. In fact, EREV20 is on the list of follow-on Voltec projects which GM is considering (not EREV10), so perhaps some of this thinking is in effect there (they want the cars to be plugged in).
Of course the motivation behind your post is based in the limited electric range proposed for one version of the Prius, which doesn’t really have anything to do with the price of eggs. I honestly did not even think about the Prius. What a Prius driver can be persuaded to desire has much more to do with Toyota’s marketing machine than with it’s engineering department.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:20 am)While I like that Tim Allen is from Michigan, he has a mainstream following, and his charecter is known for working on mechanical things, he is also known for creating mechnical monstrocities. Tim Allen’s character is known for making things bigger, faster, more powerful, and as a result less efficient. I don’t think that is the image that Chevy should use to sell the Cruise or the Volt or the Chevy brand. I think the message should be for better, smarter, more elegant solutions rahter than Tim Allen’s light-heated mantra: “Bigger is better”.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:20 am)The PHV Prius would work for me too.
Now if they will just sell the PHV Prius I to us “po folks” / “general public”. You have any info if they will sell the PHV Prius I to Pat Q. Public dude? Any info would help.
We rented a 2010 Prius a few months back and it was a Prius I. Obviously it was fleet purch but it was fine. I hate having to buy a specific “Trim”/Package just to get one thing.
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:20 am)Jackson: But you see John, we know the messenger so well …
——————————————————————————
john1701a Says
No, you imply intent by association.
——————————————————————————
Turn to John 1701a, chapter 1, verse 1… ok, let’s not.
Jackson’s got you nailed, dude. Better let the name John 1701a cool off, and start using unbseawolf2000 or itchinmccrotch (or whatever) again. No matter what name you use, your hate of all things GM comes shining through, so you get neg -1′ed.
You can always post as “earwax magoo” or something (ROFL). It will keep the neg -1′s at bay for a while.
———————————————————————————–
BTW: I still want to know the Volts MPG in CS mode.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:20 am)I’m not sure I totally agree with you, although as trolls go john1701a isn’t as bad as the ones who do totally distort the truth! Please note that I did post an apology to him. I was surprised that He quoted a lower figure than what Toyota shows on their website; but misquoting by one isn’t really much to get upset about.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:25 am)Yes. I feel like Chevrolet is indeed on its way to every car being a Halo. You’ve got the Corvette, the new Camaro, the Volt, the Cruze, the Equinox, all pretty amazing cars, and the 2nd best selling vehicle in America, the Silverado, and the Malibu is a fairly competitive car in its own right, but hopefully the next gen has a good strong hybrid option that competes well with the Prius because if was looking for a car in that segment, I’d pick the Prius with its efficiency, and reliability record over the Malibu which is the same size and costs the same.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:26 am)A pretty good example of driving a PHV with a relatively short range is the Google employee program. Even though the ideal drive shows 75 mpg, real world use shows that people just don’t plug in. But that’s for a car that is known for gasoline fuel economy not specifically for any real EV range.
Come back in a year and compare results.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:29 am)LauraM and I do not always agree but on this, we are in complete agreement. The Volt is definitely a good reason to buy American. When the price comes down to where I can afford it, I will buy one. For now, the Cruze with the EcoTec 1.4L engine is my choice to transition to the Volt.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:31 am)=========================================
I stand completely corrected!!!!
Sorry guys.
+11
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:34 am)Thought for the Day:
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:34 am)I really don’t consider Priusjohn much of a troll either, just a persistent knight for a cause, dying on his sword and all that. Your apology is well noted. Just that he uses subtle bits of info to back a point that is not often questioned with reason but virility. WOPontour calls him out plenty of times and has shown me enough to reduce PJ to mosquito status. Plus, he really doesn’t belong posting on the Volt site, I guess he’s just gotten bored with the me too crowd at the Prius forums.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:39 am)Not quite sure why you are get -s but you are pretty much correct. I have a Jeep Wrangler with a standard transmission and cruise control and since it can not down shift I loose speed going up hills. Some times enough speed to turn off the cruise control.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:48 am)It shows that Tim Allen can see the light. He is well recognized by many and brings an element of credibility to GM current marketing approach that new models are very competitive. GM is back in the game by giving buyers better mileage in their models but also in quality, appearance, and features.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:49 am)
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:51 am)Here’s the link one more time to show how the Cruze is part of a long history of building small cars in Lordstown, Ohio.
http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/journal/?p=11529
Later.
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:54 am)It looks like the stick shift is in the lowest trim car. It’s probably an economy thing (another $50 off the cost) to keep the price down. We used to delete the radio (radio-delete-option) to keep the price down back in the day.
I don’t know why anyone would need/want a standard shift any more. My car has autostick. I can shift into any gear just by slapping the shifter left or right. Using a clutch in commuter traffic would be a royal pain.
Since the Volt doesn’t have shifting, automatic or otherwise, it’s kind of a moot point for my next car.
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:58 am)I want one. That will be the trim model I will buy. Good ol fashioned stick shift.
-8
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:01 pm)Again with the implications.
Remember, the system in Prius uses sub-packs. So upping the capacity from 14 to 21 would be a matter of adding other (most likely under the back seat). But they didn’t, for essentially the same reason I’m motivated: PRICE
-2
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:17 pm)Hey Capt,
Here’s another plug in option —
http://www.enginer.us/products/conversion_kit.php
Probably not the most reliable thing, but if you’re into science projects ……
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:22 pm)It’s a preference thing I guess. My current stick has 225,000 miles and has cruise control which I use every day. I won’t buy another car without it.
What I don’t understand about the Cruze (and what you are saying about cost cutting), is why the cruise control isn’t offered as an option. I’m willing to pay for it, but I want it to be part of the car and not an after market item.
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:39 pm)Looks like ya gotta go up a trim level
It might be a configurator problem also. I’d call the dealer and see what’s up.
Stick shift is not too popular anymore. So far we got you and CJS wanting stick. That’s like 2% of everyone online.
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:41 pm)A123 showed promise five years ago but I’ve pretty much lost faith. I’m not sure why they can’t get design wins, perhaps it’s just cost. Your link to last year’s Magna Steyr deal is a good example – Ford is using Magna Steyr’s drive train in the Focus EV but shunned A123 in favor of Compact Power (same as Volt).
I think A123′s 8000 cycle claims are at 1C discharge rate. An EREV-10 would average about 4C and regularly hit 20-25C. That’s a severe duty cycle. A123 specs are good but I still think they’re 5 years from the level needed for EREV-10s. And I’m not sure A123 will even be around in 5 years.
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:41 pm)Hey thanks for the link. I’m building up a free electric scooter someone was throwing out. Gonna use 8 Sky Energy 40AH cells for the pack. I think i’ll buy the “CellLog8S” from the link you posted. Doesn’t show a fuel gauge but seeing the volts per cell will give me a better idea of SOC.
Thanks bro!
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:47 pm)I think you’re right. Cost is a big issue with them. One other thing is they didn’t have a fully tested high capacity prismatic cell till now….
http://www.a123systems.com/a123/products
All the other packs they built were mostly based on a boatload of cylindrical cells. Yes, you’re correct on the high C rate. Now with their new higher capacity pouch cells 20AH, they might have a better chance. This should eliminate the high C rate drain, but cost will still be an issue.
Good luck to them.
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:48 pm)With 6 gears and a comparatively hefty curb weight for the hp/torque I’m thinking the cruise control may not work out so well on the LS.
/might want to take the manual transmission LS on a long high speed test drive before you make any purchase decisions (i.e. the necessity of dropping down out of 6th on a 70 mph interstate cruise could come up more often than you’d like)
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:54 pm)The 6 speed automatic and turbo are definat ++, but I thought the Cruise was suppose to have direct injection also. My wife test drove a 2.4DI Terrain and I was impressed bwith that engine. IMO I think a hatchback and give the back seat more leg room would sell well here as well.
Sep 8th, 2010 (12:59 pm)Cool. Sounds like fun.
/that cell log thingy caught my eye as well. Pretty decent price.
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:10 pm)Hey, that brings up a Kahlua induced idea……
What if GM came out with a “Tweakers” / “Modders” version of a small EREV? Make it a EREV-10 with some room to (easily) add more batts and tune the ICE for more power? Just build a base model, stripped, no nuttin having car but AC in it. You know the modders will plop in their own Kenwood/Alpine/Blaupunkt/Sony stereo in it anyway with bigazz woofers.
I bet we’d see some good creative sh|t out there.
Make the DC rail available but keep the OEM pack closed off. Basically the OEM stuff is standalone. That way all they’d need to do is connect their third party ghetto batt pack to it and the OEM power electronics will only monitor the OEM batt pack.
Make it available as a manual/stick shift too.
Also offer switches for regen. High, Low and OFF (Freewheel).
Anyway, there’s my contribution…lol
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:14 pm)Most here don’t seem to care about weight , but ….
Cruze looks to be 300 lbs heavier than Corolla, 400 lbs heavier than Civic, will probably be 400 lbs heavier than the new focus.
/heavier curb weight used to be a bragging point, but when you’re shooting for mpg … not so much.
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:16 pm)Maybe they should make some “Skinny Jeans” for cars?
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:22 pm)Might make you late for work.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://albes.blogs.com/albes_bmx_mail_order/images/pants.jpg&imgrefurl=http://albes.blogs.com/albes_bmx_mail_order/2006/02/index.html&usg=__6qp6zv6WUhRCMFNzVki5LFM5Co4=&h=467&w=350&sz=36&hl=en&start=35&zoom=1&tbnid=-8rTjk03UdE1oM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dskinny%2Bjeans%2Bfat%2Bgirl%2Bphoto%26tbnh%3D128%26tbnw%3D100%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D784%26tbs%3Disch:1,simg:CAISEgm4a-ma7z2p7SH-AgetZxnJVw,sit:o&um=1&itbs=1
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:25 pm)lol…
MY EYE’s!!!!!!
MY EYE’s!!!!!!!!!!!!
/flushing firefox cache to get rid of the pic…..
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:27 pm)Too late!
The image is now burned into your retinas. …. every time you close your eyes, or even blink ….!
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:32 pm)I’m going to have to join Blind Guy now, Carcus3.
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:42 pm)Sure, but I was just wondering if YOU had a recollection of what it was like back in Spring 2009. Was there limited availability of Camaro trim packages at first? Is this kind of staggered availability typical for new model launches? I wouldn’t know, up to now I’ve never even bought the first year of a model generation, much less first year of a model.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (1:49 pm)FYI, over on the Chevrolet Voltage site, Angie just posted this (and also sent it via email to a few people):
“Chevrolet is working hard to have all interior color options available at start of production. At times there may be a delay with various vehicle options. When the dealer submits an order for production, they will be made aware of any options that are not available at the time. The dealer will be able to consult with their customer accordingly before the order is placed. The Jet Black Seats/Dark Accents Interior (AFI) was added to the vehicle build plan earlier this year, and we are working to have it available at start of production or shortly thereafter.”
So, that’s the new statement. Gives me hope!
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (2:05 pm)The only Interior that I saw rolling out slowly was the Inferno Orange/Black 2-tone Leather. Other than that, everything was available. Like I said, I’ll bet they ordered a bunch of white center consoles because it received favorable reviews, right up until the photos of black were released.
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (2:25 pm)No it doesn’t. They did put the number(s) up:
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/vehicles/chevrolet/cruze/2011.brand_gm.html
Look at “Vehicle highlights” at the top of the page.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again>
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (2:39 pm)Yah, crew. I’m wondering who gave me a -1!?! Thanks for the Good sport!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (3:04 pm)A Google search on “Cruze weight” resulted in this which confirms your conclusion:
“Apr 19, 2010 … I don’t think the proving grounds are the issue; it’s the Cruze’s weight. The Cruze weighs at least 300 pounds more than the Corolla so its …
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/2011-chevrolet-cruze-quick-spin/ – Cached”
I didn’t find it in the article but there is a lot of helpful information.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Sep 8th, 2010 (3:12 pm)“The 1.4-liter turbo uses port fuel injection rather than direct injection. GM was able to meet its performance and efficiency targets for the engine without the extra cost of DI. GM engineers don’t rule out using DI on future iterations of the engine.)”
http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=Cruze+weight&btnG=Google+Search
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Sep 8th, 2010 (3:20 pm)Aw man that cold…
I scrolled up to give you a +1. Hope it works. Every time I vote it doesn’t register…..lol
Sep 8th, 2010 (3:45 pm)couldn’t agree more. I will say this is not true across the board at GM– I have an 09 Saturn Sky with standard shift and cruise
Sep 8th, 2010 (3:45 pm)Thanks!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Sep 8th, 2010 (3:53 pm)OT but interesting to note-
The new Lincoln Hybrid Luxury car went on sale today for $34,330 with 41 MPG claim.
Note the cost comparison with the VOLT at 41K . The Lincoln will NOT get a Gov. rebate. Ford noted they will make a profit because the hybrid part is the same as their Fusion. Gives credibility to comments if a lot are built the cost will be lower. So if a lot more Volts are built will the cost decline too?
-2
Sep 8th, 2010 (4:01 pm)repost without the link (moderation):
On the plus side of weight (and an iron block).
After reading your referenced article one can see why GM wants the Corolla and Civic on the lot for comparison.
I’m imagining that the Cruze will be a bit sluggish and real world mpg might show up a little less than either of these in a compo (neither of these will be that obvious in a short test drive). But the interior will be more modern and overall NVH should be noticeably less in the Cruze (and would be best demonstrated in a one behind the other test drive).
/iron block absorbs sound/vibration better than aluminum, dual mass flywheel will help as well (but note the DMFW has been a source of maintenance issues for VW)
google “2011 Chevrolet Cruze: 1.4T Isn’t Quite An EcoBoost Rival” for more engine details
Sep 8th, 2010 (4:28 pm)May the cruise control with a stick will appear as an option with the future ECO (LXF?) trim version… Wait & see.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (4:28 pm)126 LRGVPROVOLT BLIND GUY
: but I thought the Cruise was suppose to have direct injection also.
block quote end
“The 1.4-liter turbo uses port fuel injection rather than direct injection. GM was able to meet its performance and efficiency targets for the engine without
the extra cost of DI. GM engineers don’t rule out using DI on future iterations of the engine.)
I read an article from the Detroit Examiner which questioned why GM didn’t go with DI. Sorry I don’t know how to C& P their site here. Other manufacturers have and are coming out with some great DITurbo gas engines which could entice buyers for that reason. With such a critical car for the U.S. market, I don’t understand why GM wouldn’t want to lead with DI included. GM has DI included on their 2.4 L gas engine and would have hit a home run includeing it with the Cruise IMHO
Sep 8th, 2010 (4:30 pm)My wife is looking for something to replace her Acura Integra (i.e., something sporty, yet efficient, practical, and comfortable). The Cruze is so close, but the lack of a hatchback (requirement for “practical”) and the lack of a cruise control with the manual transmission (requirement for “sporty”) are show-stoppers.
I hope I can convince her not to buy a foreign car until next spring when the new 2012 Ford Focus arrives.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (4:35 pm)I just finished reading every comment and I tried to “even out” the stray negs.
HTH.
Be well,
Tagamet
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (4:37 pm)The Cruze is one hell of a car and I really do believe it will sell as well as the Honda Civic given a couple years. GM did it right with the Cruze and they’re doing it right with the Volt.
I want a Volt just as bad as the next guy but I think the Cruze Eco will serve my needs just as well until I pull in more cash to afford a Volt.
Sep 8th, 2010 (5:07 pm)From that page:
“The Cruze also affirms Chevrolet’s commitment to building refined, fuel-efficient vehicles using new, small-displacement, four-cylinder engines. It is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to an expected 40 mpg on the highway with the Cruze Eco model. ”
Note use of the word, “expected.” I would guess the Eco version of the car hadn’t actually been certified by the EPA when they published that page.
Are the Eco models going to be available right away with the LS, LT and LTZ models or will there be a delay?
Sep 8th, 2010 (5:18 pm)A hatch would be a plus but what I really want is a wagon. Back in the day, you could get a Cavalier wagon and it was an excellent, practical little car. The Cavalier wagon must have disappeared a decade ago. I think Ford gave up on the Focus wagon about 4 years ago. No more Pontiac Vibe, either.
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:12 pm)I agree Rashid, plus I get significantly better gas mileage using cruise control. I have an automatic so I use cruise 90% of the time at any and all speeds. It’s amazing how much the RPM’s go down when I engage cruise no matter how hard I try to hold constant speed with my foot.
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:21 pm)Woo-Hoo! I just got signed up for the “Volt Immersion Center” training. (fancy name for a ride and drive) Monday, October 11th at the Orange County Fairgrounds… If it’s the same location that we did the Chevy Traverse, then there is a large parking lot area where the test drives will be done. I think it will be close enough to the street to see it from the sidelines and shoot video. If not, I will be shoot as much as possible, unless they take away our cellphone and cameras.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:29 pm)Oh… That’s not fair! The Training modules for the Service Department guys are up, but my employee number (for sales) won’t work! Rats! I was hoping to get answers to the many posted questions about the battery pack. Hmmmm. Time to see if I can get answers from one of the service guys.
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:41 pm)I have never owned a car with an automatic transmission, and the last stick shift without cruise control I owned was 27 years ago. I wonder if the problem is lawyers controlling the sales floor.
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:47 pm)I do think that A123 has lost out on a cost basis. Or stated differently I think LG Chem offer less performance for less.
You’re right about the discharge rates. Wasn’t thinking about those, just the cycles.
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:54 pm)Because for EV range it’s not the numero uno issue like it is for gasser MPG?
For acceleration it always matters.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (6:58 pm)I don’t believe you read the whole article.
“We were allowed to lap the ride-and-handling loop at Milford in all of the cars as well as check out acceleration and braking in the vehicle dynamics area.”
and
“Typically with these fuel economy specials, the gearing is set up just for maximum efficiency and acceleration is leisurely. However, the Cruze engineers actually opted for a shorter first gear ratio (4.273:1 vs 3.818:1 on the base model) in order to provide better off-the-line performance. Third through sixth gears are all taller than base models, as is the final drive ratio to provide lower engine speeds when cruising. ”
There conclusion after the test drive:
“The Cruze Eco feels surprisingly responsive accelerating away from a start and driving around at urban speeds. Most drivers won’t find this car at all unpleasant to drive on a day-to-day basis. The manual transmission was also a pleasure to use with slick transitions from gear to gear and no notchiness at all. The clutch take-up was also smooth and progressive. The broad flat torque curve of the turbo engine is something that American drivers will appreciate, making the 1.4-liter engine feel like a significantly larger engine. ”
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/2011-chevrolet-cruze-quick-spin/
Doesn’t sound like they found the 1.4L EcoTurbo engine mated to the six speed transmission sluggish at all.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+4
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:26 pm)Thought for the Evening:
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:34 pm)Put me down as as desiring a manual transmission. I have bought a half dozen or more manual transmission cars and they all had cruise, either from the factory or I added it. There is no issue there. GM just hates manual transmission. Maybe more accurately most Americans hate manual transmission so GM doesn’t like to build them anymore.
The ridiculous thing about cruise control is that since all cars are basically drive by wire the cruise control is just software. It costs them almost nothing to add it.
-2
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:39 pm)I am no expert on this issue, but I can see possible problems with cruise control on a manual shift car. For one, it cannot downshift when climbing hills. I imagine there are more minor issues that make this a difficult design.
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:42 pm)Then you would have guessed right. Go back and read my post #62. I’m not sure when the new media article was posted. Apparently, on the day it was posted, their wasn’t an EPA rating issued.
The vehicle has been sold, driven, and test around the world; only the Eco 1.4L turbo charged engine hasn’t had that extent of testing. GM still believes it will get the expected 40 mpg when paired with the six speed manual transmission.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:44 pm)Post 148
Some reason I was “denied edit” on this post. Anyway, I just started reading other postings, and looks like cruise on other models with manual tranny already exist. So ignore my prior post.
“I know not, what I say.”
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:45 pm)If you’re saying weight has a bigger impact on petrol efficiency than electric then you’ve got it backwards according to these folks:
“Impact of battery weight and charging patterns
on the economic and environmental benefits of
plug-in hybrid vehicles”
http://www.zerauto.nl/blog/media/blogs/zerauto/2009/09/2009-EP-Shiau-Samaras-Hauffe-Michalek-PHEV-Weight-Charging.pdf
“Our study results indicate that the impacts of battery weight on CD-mode electrical
efficiency and CS-mode fuel economy are measurable, about a 10% increase in Wh/kg
and an 8% increase in gallons per mile when moving from a PHEV7 to a PHEV60.”
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:47 pm)This sure sounds like faint praise.
Be well,
Tagamet
+1
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:53 pm)OT: As an aside, you may have run out the timer in your post *before* that one. I’ve noticed that if I make a comment within minutes of another of my posts, the second one uses the *first* one’s timer. Stated another way, I think that the site software only keeps a clock going on one post per person. When the clock on the first one runs out, it shuts down editing of the second post.
Be well,
Tagamet
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:54 pm)Why not make it flex fuel? At one point the Volt was going to be. If I had to get a less expensive car while waiting for the Volt price to come down, I would still want to use less gasoline.
P.S. I like manual cars. In an automatic I feel less in control.
Sep 8th, 2010 (7:55 pm)lol
Jim I, I had the same first reaction. I have never seen a manual transmission car outfitted with cruise control.
I guess I live a sheltered life…BTW: I owned a Honda CRX-HF with a stick for 12 years. What a great car and fun to drive. 50 mpg was typical.
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:02 pm)I’ve heard this argument so many times, to the point where it’s beginning to rub me the wrong way.
Rebuttal to “If GM didn’t sell Suburbans and Silverados they wouldn’t be able to afford to build the Volt”…. ….
Stop the insanity. True the ICE system of propulsion is not going away anytime soon. True even optimists slate EVs, EREVs and hybrids at about 10% of all cars sold by 2020. We all know price points must be met, and many folks need an entry level car or an inexpensive ride for their offspring to go to college, and people will need trucks which are probably a decade away from full electric or EREV functionality…etc. etc. etc. Still, GM went bankrupt. We can’t pass off that they got themselves into vast holes with UAW pension plans, skyrocketing salaries and basically “Cheap-assed” solutions to pawn inferior iron to the American public by selling the sizzle instead of making good steak.
GM went under selling Suburbans, Silverados and pretty sad cars. What GM didn’t do for various reasons was innovate, create and fill needs. GM used old tired strategies of model introduction, and passed off sheer garbage for decades. GM has trodden the nostalgia trail, made dinosaur trucks and didn’t look ahead even five years to oil price increases and global attitudes toward the environment. Introduction of the latest iteration of Malibu ( a good but not great shot at Camry ) was too late. Instead they plodded along miring themselves deeper and deeper in debt. I give them credit for the Saturn “experiment” but why didn’t they renovate the entire corporation instead of using the Saturn model as some form of import-style competitor sideshow? When they started Saturn, they had a splendid model, but they forgot they were a CAR COMPANY – No matter how fresh your employee, marketing and sales plan – YOU HAVE TO HAVE COMPETITIVE PRODUCT to complete the package.. Can I hear anyone out there sigh a collective “duh”?! Saturn cars just plain stunk, and they stunk pretty bad when faced with the foreign competiton. Driving Hondas and Toyotas for years, each year I’d hop into the latest Saturn and just shake my head in disgust. Some here always say “buy American just ’cause it’s American!”….I say, how silly a premise – award mediocrity with your wallet? No thanks. America can do better.
GM doesn’t have to sell junk to fund new – innovative product. GM needed to trim the fat ( which they have done some of now ), streamline and redefine. GM needed to concentrate on the needs and trends of it’s customers, and stress quality. Today we see signs of this – and they’re labeling it “The New GM”.
We don’t need to fund the new GM with the old GM’s heavy, old tech dinosaurs. Somebody has to buy that stuff. Are you seriously considering a behemoth station wagon on steroids – Tahoe, Tahoe hybrid, Escalade, Chevy C/K truck or cobbled together 20 mpg SUV that spews filth, and saying somebody has to?!!
My fellow Americans, as co – owners of a huge car corporation, we should expect, as stockholders that they produce ICE, hybrid and EV vehicles that are cutting edge and that people will buy because they are among the leaders in class in innovation and efficiency.
RECHARGE!
James
-6
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:07 pm)I’ve read the whole article….. there’s a lot of other reviews out there which I don’t believe YOU’VE read.
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:23 pm)Now THIS is the Cruze hatchback I’d rather see over here!!
http://wot.motortrend.com/6709812/auto-shows/paris-preview-opel-pulls-the-wraps-off-gtc-paris-concept-ahead-of-debut/photo_01.html
Keeping Opel is a good thing.
(or maybe this is the Buick version?)
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:29 pm)1.8L DOHC I-4 engine
138-hp and 26 MPG city/36 hwy. with standard manual transmission.(9)
-5
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:46 pm)Does anyone feel bad here about all this? Yes we made the Volt to make America better and get off foreign oil, but the catcher is we hope all the poor Americans do not see this aspect and we will sell them a gas burner instead so we can make some bank. Forget about all this dependency on foreign oil stuff we really don’t care about that as long as we can make money! Never mind it took us 3 decades to make a small car to compete with the foreign ones and knowing its really to late to try, but we did anyway hoping the dummies will buy one. Its too bad we didn’t care enough to put the Volt in the place of the Cruze and make a million of them to show hey we really do care. Lets just keep this our secret for now okay fellas!
JMHO
+7
Sep 8th, 2010 (8:47 pm)Leaving the past behind us for a moment.
Voltec vehicles from GM have a chance at really catching on. The longer the competition delays making extended range electric vehicles. The more dominant GM will become. We all know what the X factor is at GM. It’s quality. This is where the UAW assembly team and specifically the engineering department carry the future of GM on their shoulders.
Buyers of the first 10,000 Volts are betting on American ingenuity and on the working men and woman of the Detroit area to announce to the world they are very much alive. I believe this is the attitude at GM. And I am in line to buy a new car assembled by the UAW.
My wife and I never owned a car that cost as much. Citizens buying American is one of the things this country needs now. Controlling domestic energy flow is another. Keeping hard earned dollars in the United States is another. Taking the pressure off our military having to fight for oil fields is another. The Volt covers all bases in this regard.
As with any company or government. Fingers will point toward “bad management”. It’s the same theme over and over. Slow to be resolved issues and repeated shortfalls. Misdirected product lines. Hiring people that are not able to contribute to sound and profitable decision making.
I wish the working people at GM the best. And hope you all look at each work shift as 8 hourly segments of opportunity. The opportunity to succeed even if management sometimes seems to be disconnected. The opportunity to produce the best products on Earth. The opportunity to lead and be proud doing it. The opportunity to move forward as a team even if you need to carry a coworker along the way.
=D-Volt
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:02 pm)GM should post this on every bulletin board in every building at GM I hope that there are enough folks around to turn it very GREEN!
Be well,
Tagamet
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:09 pm)Then sight a link and I’ll review it. You guys always disagree but don’t give a link to support what you say.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:16 pm)“Trust, but verify”
.
Be well,
Tagamet
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:26 pm)Volt???
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:34 pm)BTW,
The Cruze was engineered in Germany and designed in Korea.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/08q3/2011_chevrolet_cruze-car_news
(think of it as apple pie, baseball, sour kraut, and rice)
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:43 pm)Kraut Pilaf? YUK.
Be well,
Tagamet
-6
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:49 pm)First off, I don’t know who “you guys” are.
Second. I’d be willing to bet I put up more links per post than just about anybody on this board.
Third. Do you know the difference between reading and reviewing?
+2
Sep 8th, 2010 (9:54 pm)I agree with you, i just don’t get it.
Too often, the manual transmission are seen by US mfg as entry level econobox only instead of fun driving experience. Come on GM, bring back some fun in town.
I hope for the stick shift fans, the cruise control to become an option in the ECO (LXF) trim level version at least if not in the LS. Then, next year, a hatchback or even better, a wagon!
But for now, I still drive my Saturn SW2 (station wagon DOHC manual 5 speed, 2462 Lbs, 33-36mpg).
-1
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:08 pm)Yes, with a big friggin 8
-5
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:12 pm)Similar hp and torque to the Cruze LS (136 hp and 123 ft.lb torque vs 124/122 SW2).
Try this — put 700 pounds of dead weight in your Saturn. Now put 4 full size passengers in there as well. Add a 6th gear and try to set your cruise control for 70 mph on a cold day driving into a head wind.
How do you think that’s going to work out?
The manual appears to be available only on the LS (1.8 normally aspirated) or the eco.
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:24 pm)I disagree. True, we’re not capable of restoring sight to the blind so their perspective (tone/intent) won’t change, but not engaging will certainly draw the blog sucking post count down.
-9
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:40 pm)too little, too slowly
-4
Sep 8th, 2010 (10:42 pm)+1
Keyword here = Dead weight ;-/
+3
Sep 8th, 2010 (11:56 pm)I guess you didn’t find it odd that the report doesn’t mention regen?
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:11 am)Seems like there are a few people that are afraid they might melt if someone throws water on them while in a Chevy showroom.
The Cruze is an American car with international design credentials. And despite the nitpicking I’m reading about, most people will be impressed that GM finally put a really good small car in the showroom.
It’s gonna take some work to prove that a Chevy will rival the Civic or Corolla for what people buy those cars for, reliability, but this car is a giant step in the right direction. (isn’t this what ALL of the reviews say in a nutshell?)
It’s about time!
-1
Sep 9th, 2010 (1:47 am)No. I didn’t
The report is pretty broad and doesn’t get into that kind of detail.
However, if one were actually interested in that kind of detail they could read the references on the report and see that they used ANL’s PSAT software for their research. And if that wasn’t enough detail one could then google to find out how ANL lab validated their software against equipment and that they speak to how different test cycles affect regenerative braking.
http://www.ipd.anl.gov/anlpubs/2001/09/40614.pdf
Sep 9th, 2010 (2:50 am)I’m curious about just what our priorities are here. Weight is the enemy in fuel economy and EV range, no doubt. Whether the weight comes from increasing body rigidity, the number of airbags, heavier materials to reduce NVH, or batteries are decisions made to what the car is being marketed for. What do we want to pay for? The Cruze engineers have invested quite a bit of sweat equity in deciding what are the most important qualities in this segment in the US. The block has a pretty decent torque/liter ratio and is not over matched by the chassis it sits in.
A cast iron short block seems primitive, but the other weight saving attributes of the rest of the block are not. There’s no DI yet and no Atkinson cycle. Doesn’t mean GM can’t do it, Chevy already has both systems in production elsewhere.
Right now it seems that the Cruze balancing act has produced a decent gasser for us. The Cruze can easily handle cruise control on a stick shift but if it’s not there I’d still buy the car. It’s not a major priority issue.
I would quicker reject an import that has the feature since my priorities lie elsewhere.
Sep 9th, 2010 (3:31 am)The study is interesting. It states quite clearly that a PHEV20 is more economical than HEV only if the vehicle is charged every 20 miles. DUH!
The penalty for driving a PHEV60 over a PHEV7 is a reduction of 50.5 mpg to only 47.7 mpg. Again, the study is quite clear in saying that the PHEV7 only works to an advantage if it is plugged in every 7 miles.
This study makes an extremely strong case for a plugin Prius with a 60 mile EV range since the battery cost estimates need to be updated.
Never mind the Volt.
Sep 9th, 2010 (6:06 am)Some late messages on this subject.. cruise control would be easy and free to implement, as has been said before, in this drive-by-wire car is just a matter of some software.
The reason for no cruise control with a stick in this car is for reliability.. the Cruze uses very tall gears to economize in the hwy, plus its a heavy car and possible hills.. that combination would put a lot of stress and wear (at relatively cruising low rpms) on the engine and possible damage if the cruise control decided to speed up during those conditions.. in other words the cruise control could possible lug the engine too much.. and it cant downshift. True the car could just shut off cruise control at those times but that could produce liability issues for GM.
Rearding the iron block of the engine, I read somewhere that it would save about 7lbs to go to an aluminum block.. not worth the trouble I think.
Sep 9th, 2010 (6:28 am)180
herm Said:
The reason for no cruise control with a stick in this car is for reliability..
This is fine, it’s just a fact of life that I find myself occasionally having to drive a car that has no cruise control, but I will never buy one. That is more non-negotiable than no hatchback.
Sep 9th, 2010 (6:35 am)Interesting. I’ll add this.
My Hyundai and Nissan are both manual 5 speeds. Going over the mountains of Maryland, I had the cruise control set. Once the speed dropped 10 miles below the cruise setting, the cruise control automatically shutoff in the Nissan. The same with the Hyundai while driving in the Rockies a few months ago. The first time it happened, I was taken by surprised. Then I thought it might be a safety issue, so I turned off the cruise control and just drove.
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:15 am)Not rice, Kimchi.. the Koreans love that delicate concoction of fermented cabbage with lots of garlic.
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:24 am)Kimchi is one of the few Korean foods I just love to eat!
-1
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:31 am)Where does it say that in the study?
REAL-WORLD data shows that’s not the case. You get a significant MPG boost until depleted, then it reverts to regular hybrid efficiency. Even with a 14-mile capacity, trips of 50 miles resulted in much, much higher overall MPG than normal.
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:52 am)Note that an aftermarket unit is rather cheap and simple to install, it just plugs into the OBD-II port under the dash.. in older cars it was a much more complicated deal. GM cars are prewired for cruise but the software must be dealer activated..
http://www.rostra.com/cruise-control.htm
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:54 am)I’d love to see the total trip mpg of a Prius driven coast to coast or there abouts at 70 mph. Is this info available?
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:57 am)Right. Buy American. But check first. Last time I check, the vehicle with the highest percentage of American Made content was the Toyota Sienna minivan with 85% American made content. Go figure.
-2
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:13 am)First, for some reason, my browser didn’t allow me to edit the post and qualify the statement. Even then, I couldn’t delete the post either. Sorry about that.
The study is really very simple and concludes that small capacity PHEV’s, like the one you have fun in, are best in urban areas where frequent recharging can be done and government policy should be geared towards that end. A PHEV60 or a PHEV40 lose on a cost basis but substantially win on fuel economy and every other category with a frequency of recharge at intervals beyond 10 miles up to 100 (the limit of the study).
A PHEV7 is a one trick pony and the data in this report support it.
Please don’t refer to your real world data. Your personal info is only valid for you, not the rest of the world.
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:22 am)Nope, it’s the Taurus at 90% based on NHTSA numbers. But the Sienna is up there with the Lincoln MKS, surprisingly.
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:55 am)Dismissal of real-world data like that is hardly constructive. Anyone could do the same thing. You unplug the car. Drive to a destination. Drive to another destination. Drive home…
A good mix of speeds and a large chunk of the miles after depleted will yield results well above the non-plug model. It’s not rocket-science. Overall efficiency benefits from the extra electricity.
-3
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:12 am)John, I like your results a lot. It’s a milestone for the Prius and fuel economy for vehicles on the road this month. But I have to dismiss your data as being notably unsupported beyond your results since it doesn’t match loosely reported real world results from other drivers in the same type of car. Perhaps a more controlled study is needed from Toyota that screens out the people that aren’t too concerned about fuel economy vs plugging in a lot. 50 mpg is quite remarkable, why plug in except for getting even better mpg’s?
When the Volt gets on the road or if Toyota builds a PHEV40, the Prius numbers will be dwarfed as is shown in the study that deadthing3 links to.
The only real advantage the Prius has right now is purchase price.
Enough said since this has been repeated soooo many times.
Later.
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:48 am)Are you comparing AFTERMARKET GEN-2 results to that of the factory 2012 PHV model?
There’s a profound difference in the way they are configured and operate.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:04 pm)3,450 miles
83 MPG
Between July 6 and August 25, California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) cycled 13 employees through 7 to 10 day driving stints. That was the result… which almost perfectly matches my 84 MPG average over 316.5 miles.
Sep 10th, 2010 (12:13 am)I should have seen it coming…or did I?
Further, here’s a quote from the program director at CCSE Mike Ferry:
Ferry said. “The California Center for Sustainable Energy is honored to partner with Toyota on this exciting demonstration program that is leading us toward a future of cleaner vehicles.”
The “demonstration program” is nicely documented too. It is a single report that supports the objective for the Prius that Toyota has. It agrees nicely with your results.
Now, can you find a study without the bias?
Sep 10th, 2010 (12:24 am)I’ve owned one Chevrolet, the S-10 Blazer. Okay car. Buick – exceptional – owned 4 over 30 years, and all are on the road today, except for one my sister never changed the oil, and eventually – pistons gone.
Now, the Volt will have me back at Chevrolet. My experience nearly 30 years later, they are the same. The salepeople don’t know their cars, don’t seem to have a passion for what they sell. Wish the Volt had a Buick sister in the line up.
Sep 10th, 2010 (12:35 am)For everything I’ve seen in the Volt, it may as well be a Buick. (except for the salesmen, and that is your point) The ride quality certainly is “Buick quiet” and smoooooth.
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Cadillac Converj show car translated into a Buick theme. Crafted as well as the Reatta and the Riviera were. It would certainly fit within the most contemporary buyers portfolio that Buick is courting right now.
If you look, though, I’m sure that you will find a Chevy sales rep that has a passion for the Volt beyond the salesman’s hype.
Don’t always listen to the first guy out there to shake your hand.
Sep 10th, 2010 (7:09 am)You mean goal.
The objective for Prius is clear and results easily achieve that.
Notice how focus for Volt is now on gen-2 and GM doesn’t have a demonstration program.
Sep 10th, 2010 (9:22 am)Not so easily, though, huh. Toyota is carefully picking test drivers to better predict results.
Got any unbiased stats anywhere?
Sep 10th, 2010 (10:38 am)So… you’re saying I can dismiss all reports from those here, due to the very same reason? Of course, who wouldn’t fit that criteria? If you express any interest at all in plugging in, you’re bias against guzzling.
No “project driveway”. No test-drives above 45 MPH. No observation of CS-mode. Interesting picture GM is painting for Volt. What is your goal?
+1
Sep 10th, 2010 (12:14 pm)Yesterday as I was watching “Mythbusters” on the Discovery Channel, I saw the “New Guy” ad for the 2011 Chevy Cruze. It was short but very informative. I hope the Chevy Volt ads wil be just as short and simple.
Raymond
Sep 10th, 2010 (10:37 pm)Nice try! Having a hard time sticking to the topic of finding your own “real world” stats?
I can wait.
Sep 10th, 2010 (11:47 pm)I agree they should have gone pure electric Dick. G though I do hope the Gen II Volt will be pure electric? Please GM I hope you will make the Gen II Volt pure electric don’t give up.
Sep 11th, 2010 (12:15 am)Motor Trend contributors think the Opel version of a Cruze hatchback would be a better choice than the Holden version.
http://wot.motortrend.com/6683603/miscellaneous/thread-of-the-day-chevrolet-cruze-hatch-or-opel-gtc-paris-concept/index.html
I agree.
Sep 11th, 2010 (9:49 am)So rather than try yourself, just dismiss.
Interesting precedent to establish for Volt.
Sep 11th, 2010 (10:06 pm)Another nice try! Defections don’t validate anything, now, do they.
Sep 12th, 2010 (11:19 am)The argument isn’t mine to prove. I have said that the Volt will be the highest mileage vehicle driven in the US. The focus of the CCSE Toyota demonstration drive has been to maximize the EV range as it relates to fuel economy.
Substituting the Volt for a Prius for each of these drivers as a whole will easily prove my belief.
The same results just may prove that the group will spend more money on electricity than gas!!
With the Volt stats in hand, the very same real world demonstration drives that prove the Prius’ worth will also prove the insignificance of the Prius when compare to the Volt.
Surely you can do the math with that. It’s a no brainer. I’ve insisted that you provide statistics only because of how easily it will be to use these very same perimeters in the favor of the Volt.
Perhaps the Prius should be test driven for high mileage commuters that would discount a BEV for a lack of range? Perhaps, if the Volt doesn’t prove to have decent highway mileage, then will the Prius prove it’s green credibility above the Volt. High mileage commuting in a Prius vs Volt will prove beneficial to a percentage that corresponds to Volt highway CS mpg.
So, come up with any study you want, I can wait.
Sep 14th, 2010 (11:18 am)Sharp looking car – I’ll be considering one next spring (I’ve been looking at Corollas and Sentras – I wouldn’t even consider the dated Cobalt).
By the way, does anyone know how much of the Cruze is (or is not) made in America? For example, where are the engine and transmission manufactured?