With the 2011 Cruze set to enter Chevrolet's American lineup and replace the quirky Cobalt, GM has gotten itself two big steps away from the bland-as-a-box Cavalier.
Now, they plan on taking things one step further by offering unique packages that will hopefully allow it to compete with segment top dogs like the Civic and Focus.
First comes the Cruze RS, which boils down to an appearance package (and a pretty snazzy one at that) available on LT and LTZ models. According to the PR people, said package "bolsters the car's styling with unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps."
Inside, drivers get classy chrome-rimmed gauges and "opaque cluster bezels" for a sporty, glowing appearance at night...right. Well, at least the chrome trim will be a nice touch.
Next is the Cruze Eco, which packs a 1.4 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder underhood. With variable valve timing and the 6-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet expects the Eco to return up to 40 mpg Highway (City mileage and that of Automatic-equipped cars will be announced shortly).
The ECO isn't just an efficient power/drive train either. A lot has gone into the whole package, from the lightweight wheels and "ultra-low" rolling resistance tires to the lowered ride height, this particular Cruze was prepped for good fuel economy.
It seems like the entire front end was engineered for aerodynamics; it has "a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow, [the] upper grille has more 'closeouts' to improve aerodynamics, [and a] lower front air dam extension."
As expected, the gearing is for fuel mileage, not roaring fun. Chevrolet says you expect to pass the 60 mph mark in 10 seconds with the the stick (or about 9 with the automatic). Hey, if you want fast, rumors ave been spreading around of a sportified SS variant. Be patient.
- By Phil Alex
2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS
_____________________________________________________________
2011 Chevrolet Cruze ECO
