GM has officially released three photos of the upcoming 2011 Chevy Cruze small sedan that is going to be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October .
GM is calling the Chevy Cruze a four-door coupe that expresses Chevy's new global design language. The Cruze basically takes some of the design themes from its larger brother the Malibu, and adds a few creases here and there. Inside the Cruze will feature a dual-cockpit design theme. We'll have to wait until October to see those pics.
In Europe the Cruze will be available with either a 112 horsepower 1.6L, 140 horsepower 1.8L or 150 horsepower 2.0L diesel engine. A five-speed manual is standard, with GM's first small car application of a six-speed auto transmission being optional.
The Cruze will be available in Europe in March 2009. Unfortunately even though the Cruze is going to be built in the US, we will not get the sedan for a couple years. Lame, this looks so much better than the boring Cobalt and Pontiac G5.
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Spy Photos: First Look at the 2010 Chevy Cruze Interior
PRESS RELEASE:
All-New Chevrolet Cruze Features Dramatic Design
Detroit - The first photographs of Chevrolet's all-new Cruze sedan - making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October - reveal a dynamic four-door coupe that proves exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive.
On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie.
Cruze's arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.
Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance.
Cruze's dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Other distinct design themes include a concave shoulder line, the two-tier grille and a "wheels-out/body-in" stance. Inside, Cruze features a 'twin cockpit' design motif, first introduced in the iconic Corvette sports car.
"Our goal in designing Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary," says chief designer Taewan Kim. "We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world."
Visitors to the Paris show will see how Chevrolet's progressive design is also reflected in the quality of Cruze's interior. The use of grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels ensures a quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior.
At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet's first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.
With sales in Europe up by 23 percent for the first six months of 2008, Chevrolet is GM Europe's fastest-growing mainstream brand. The arrival of Cruze spearheads an exciting new product roll-out program that is expected to propel the brand to even greater success.
"We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product," said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. "Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world."
Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM's global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.
The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices.
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Comments (31)
My god....GM made a car that isn't completely hideous! Looks good. No balls, but it looks good.
Posted by fugnasty | August 21, 2008 2:51 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 14:51
medium ugly...not bad...
Posted by jettto | August 21, 2008 3:12 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 15:12
Medium ugly? That's funny, we said the same thing about your Mom.
Posted by SickOfComplainers | August 21, 2008 3:25 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 15:25
anyone wanna buy a cobalt ss super cheap? it's mostly still working.
Posted by cobaltssman | August 21, 2008 3:31 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 15:31
Seriously what is up with these grill designs lately. Between this and Acura I'm starting to think there's some contest about who can make the most exaggerated ridiculous looking grill features.
And who the hell at Chevy is pushing the "HUGE CHEVY BADGES ARE GOOD" viewpoint. F that guy. I mean I like Chevy but jeez, we're talking about badges bigger than side mirrors. WTF.
Posted by Todd | August 21, 2008 3:40 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 15:40
Rednecks are proud of their POS Chevys, don't ya know?
Posted by Jung | August 21, 2008 4:46 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 16:46
Me and my gay buddies like to circle jerk on my dads Honda... or his face... whatever.
Posted by Jung | August 21, 2008 5:05 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 17:05
LOL I think some jackass redneck got his feeling hurt when I insulted his piece of fucking shit Chevy that he had to make a fake post. Maybe Bush will send you another stimulus check and you can move up to a turd Pontiac.
Posted by Jung | August 21, 2008 5:38 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 17:38
Crying like a baby and screaming obscenities, boo. Get some skills.
Posted by :( | August 21, 2008 5:56 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 17:56
Do you know what LOL means? LOL
Posted by Jung | August 21, 2008 6:05 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 18:05
So this is replacing the Cobalt...meh.. I am not fond of the double lines in the hood (the arc specifically at the edge). And I'm not sure how I feel about the truck lid. It reminds me alot of the early 2000 Chrysler/Dodge cars. They all had this high rear end with a smaller truck lid, which just look disproportional to the rest of the car to me.
Power seems acceptable for a small car, but if this is replacing the Cobalt, what about a higher end version (1.8L turbo, or the 2.0L ecotec turbo)?
Posted by Brian | August 21, 2008 6:24 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 18:24
The front of this car is ugly as hell. I can see the Aztec hasn't gone completely away.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | August 21, 2008 8:42 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 20:42
Oh dear, this is ridiculous. You can't make a "chevy" design identity by taking elements of design from all your competitors (who spent a huge amount of time creating the simple "look" for their own brands).
Its just a mess. It makes me appreciate the AUDI A3, the BMW 5 series, the Civic, Camry etc etc. they copied.
I can buy one of those now.
Buy GM? Bye GM!
Posted by Paul | August 21, 2008 10:00 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 22:00
The "big butt" look is good for aero. I don't care for it much but understand why it's like that.
I have a feeling the goofy front ends we're seeing lately are also driven by aero and/or crash requirements. But there's really no excuse for that giant gaping bottom mouth and huge attention drawing chevy badge. I hope they have time to fix that.
The hot gas motor version will follow eventually, as is typical. And that diesel at 320N*m (~235lb*ft) should be quite satisfying.
I also don't agree with a new name. The Cobalt, while not great, made pretty good strides recovering from the Cavalier stigma.
Posted by Todd | August 21, 2008 10:20 PM
Posted on August 21, 2008 22:20
well, in a strange way it shows that Hyundai has arrived. This is an ugly sister of the Elantra.
Does 'desparate' sounds familiar.
The sad thing is that Opel has some really usefull design directions.....only Buick seems to pay attention.
Totally screwed-up this company. And we think that the Volt will turn things? Get your money out while you can.
Posted by lowest iq | August 22, 2008 3:26 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 03:26
hmmm... I don't understand why there is such a harsh backlash for GM's attempt to making a very appealing car....
I think a lot of the comments made here on this site are shot off by the side (cowboy reference).
I actually like the way the car looks. It is conservative in design and has a decent power plant (engine).
Toyota's Carolla on the other hand looks terrible. The previous Carolla looked much better.
As for the comment that the grill on this GM is as bad as th Acura's design... WTF?? I don't see a solid piece of lead on the front of the car... I mean, Acura has a freaking satelite reciever on the front of their car....
I think if most of the negative commenters on this site would ignore this manufacture you would see how nice this car looks.
Posted by Andrew | August 22, 2008 8:11 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:11
@andrew
you are right, in this blog, facts have no place.
And by default, only shooting from the hip is allowed.
Therefore, this blog reflect personal, preferably, irrational, statements and opinions.
In you entry, i count at least three. So welcome. Bring a gun.
Posted by lowest iq | August 22, 2008 8:22 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:22
everyone here is just mad that this looks much better than a honda civic and toyota corolla.
Posted by muscleoverrice | August 22, 2008 8:33 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:33
Wow, it actually looks pretty good. I'm not crazy about the oversized grill, but I could live with it. However, the really important question is, "How is the quality?" Will it favorably compete against the Japanese cars (esp. Honda & Toyota)? If not, count me out...
Quote: "we will not get the sedan for a couple years."
And why is the U.S. getting shafted again? ESPECIALLY BY OUR OWN COMPANY!! (yes, a shout was necessary). And I would bet money that when (if?) it ever is released in the U.S., we won't get the diesel option. Screw you, Chevrolet!
Posted by Icester | August 22, 2008 8:44 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:44
@lowest iq
Thanks for the warm welcome to Andrew, now pull out your six-banger Andrew and welcome to the blogworld. The facts are in the articles, the fun is in what comes after them. shoot away
Posted by BigO | August 22, 2008 8:45 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:45
yes, everyone is mad, except you.
Check-out the new Kia.
Ugly as sin, isnt it. Makes me love my Vega and my wifes Pinto.
Posted by brainovermuscle | August 22, 2008 8:50 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:50
@BigO
:)
Posted by lowest iq | August 22, 2008 8:53 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:53
@muscleoverrice:
Wrong! Its hideous and its a POS Chevy. 'nuff said.
Posted by riceovermuscle | August 22, 2008 9:14 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:14
This is definitely a step in the right direction, my only concern is how it will stack up against the new models from competitors coming out at that time. We already saw the supposed concept shot of the 2011 civic, and kia's forte is looking pretty descent as well and will be here a long time before this.
The design is pretty descent, much better than the current cobalt or G5, the only question will be interior and mechanical quality, as well reliability and fuel economy, which by 2012 (which is when we will probably see this) will be even more of a concern, especially with the CAFE standards.
Posted by Garret | August 22, 2008 11:36 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:36
Why is it being built in the USA for the European market? The import tariffs will kill this thing.
And I love this statement:
"The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices."
Translation: The USA won't get the diesel.
Posted by Beavis | August 22, 2008 1:43 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 13:43
Accurate translation, unfortunately...
Posted by BigO | August 22, 2008 2:20 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 14:20
Oh screw that. I still think my 96 Cavalier coupe looked good, I don't give a crap what anyone else thinks. (Oh I agree it sucked in the longevity department, considering all 95-97 2.2L's are now dead).
I also agree the new Corolla looks worse than my 04. Not that either look great, but the previous didn't look as busy.
Honda? REALLY? The civic just looks all wrong. Like they killed the RSX and thought, "We have to do something with the wedge design now?" I mean we have no CRX, and now no Integra/RSX?! I almost wish they'd bring back that POS of a doorstop, CRX so people could get it out of their system.
If I had owned a Z24 instead of the base coupe (hey I was only 16 and insurance would have liked me), then it might still be around.....I bet I could pick one up real cheap.
Posted by Brian | August 22, 2008 6:09 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 18:09
not bad, will there be a coupe and more importantly, will there be an SS version with the current engine... and will it weight more than 3k lbs?
Posted by SVT | August 22, 2008 6:25 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 18:25
Is there will be a pontiac version of the cruze?
Posted by paul | August 24, 2008 6:07 AM
Posted on August 24, 2008 06:07
@paul
I'm sure there will be a pontiac, as GM always rebrands chevys as Pontiacs.
Posted by BigO | August 24, 2008 9:53 AM
Posted on August 24, 2008 09:53
all you jackass' can go play with ur sex toys known as toyotas and hondas or anything else foreign... this isnt chevy's best but its not their worst either.... chevy has had a rich history of quality cars... and it will continue.... this is in now way as ugly as anything chrysler motors or ford motors has come up with ... chrysler copies ford and ford copies chrysler and they both copy GM!.... i will admit GM made a big mistake getting ris of pontiac and keeping buick... everyone has their own opinions and we should either not talk smack and get into arguments or just keep it to ourselves
Posted by fletch | July 26, 2009 7:09 AM
Posted on July 26, 2009 07:09