2011 Chevy Cruze Eco / XFE will have 1.4 turbo, 42 mpg (US) hwy rating

[Unforgiven]

Originally Posted by cfg83

Nevyn -



Yeah, I am sure it's a great tranny, but I am a stickshift snob. I rue the day when all other things being equal, an automatic beats a stickcshift. Thankfully, I don't think that day has arrived (yet).

CarloSW2

I could be wrong (it has been a while since I last looked at it) but I believe the posted ratings for Toyota Corolla showed auto doing better than stick... there seems to be perhaps about 4 models of cars where auto is beating stick in the "posted" EPA ratings... having said all that, unless the gearing is really different, I sitll feel the stick shift will rule.

[Unforgiven]

Bottom line - I like the bits I see, but will wait for more info and an actual hands on feel of the vehicle. I agree with an earlier posting that squarely places the blame for lack of manual transmissions on the Detroit powers and marketing idiots. True bottom line, every manual transmission out there (perhaps excepting dual clutch, air operated specials and other super trannies) will last longer than an automatic, and is easier to repair, and less expensive to repair. Stickshift FTW !!!!

[cfg83]

Unforgiven -

Originally Posted by Unforgiven

I could be wrong (it has been a while since I last looked at it) but I believe the posted ratings for Toyota Corolla showed auto doing better than stick... there seems to be perhaps about 4 models of cars where auto is beating stick in the "posted" EPA ratings... having said all that, unless the gearing is really different, I sitll feel the stick shift will rule.

Yup. Autos are looking better every day from an EPA MPG POV. However, in *our* hands, the manual is still the way to go (except for those gull durn hybrids!).

CarloSW2

[gone-ot]

here's some more info about the Eco model:

"Cruze Eco Details

The Eco achieves greater fuel economy using a number of features that enhance its aerodynamics, minimize weight and reduce rolling resistance. Details include:

* 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;

* A lower front air dam extension, extensive use of underbody panels and a rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics;

* A lowered ride height (11 mm) improves aerodynamics;

* Unique 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels;

* Ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.

* The axle ratio on the manual-transmission model is also optimized for fuel economy, while helping the car deliver confident performance.

Chevrolet estimates the Cruze Eco will deliver 0-60 mph performance of about 10 seconds with the manual transmission and 9 seconds with the six-speed automatic."

"Chevy Unveils 2011 Cruze Eco; Turbo Compact Gets an Estimated 40 MPG Highway" Green Car Advisor

[cfg83]

Old Tele man -

Seems like they're using all our Ecomodder tricks. That's a good thing. Someone's gotta get a picture of the belly pan. At least they left us the side-view mirror delete. Hmmmmm, now that I know the Cruze has been toodling around in other countries, maybe I can discover the dirt on it's little quirks. Maybe I have to learn/translate Korean?!?!?!?

CarloSW2

[cfg83]

Hello -

I contrasted some elements :



The front grill is maybe 40% faux. It's not clear to me if some of the holes above the Chevy logo are filled or not. There are small spats in front of the tires. There is a little hole in the driver-side foglamp area, but that might not mean anything. As far as I can tell, the LRR tires are Goodyear Assurance, 215/55R17.

CarloSW2

[gone-ot]

...wonder just what the heck a "...confident performance..." is?

...maybe something like a "...swaggering Don Juan or confident Casanova?"

[Deezler]

This car looks great. I can't wait to see how easy it is for the aftermarket to engineer some products and tuning to get the output up to a reliable ~180 HP or so.

[gone-ot]

...if the GM turbo-2.0L can produce 260 hp, it's fair to guess-ta-mate 182 hp in a one-to-one scaling from 2.0L down to 1.4L (all else remaining equal).

...anybody seen any "specs" for the turbo-1.4L engine yet? Has it been used in Europe already?

[cfg83]

Old Tele man -

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...if the GM turbo-2.0L can produce 260 hp, it's fair to guess-ta-mate 182 hp in a one-to-one scaling from 2.0L down to 1.4L (all else remaining equal).

...anybody seen any "specs" for the turbo-1.4L engine yet? Has it been used in Europe already?

I say yes :

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...olt-12805.html

Originally Posted by cfg83

...

And here's the Opel Astra :



5 engine displacements, 7 gas configurations and 5 diesel configurations for 12 total configurations.

...

CarloSW2