GM looks for ways to cut platform per-vehicle costs, possible Cruze SS and 4-door coupe on the way?
We previously reported that General Motors could be moving the next generation Chevy Camaro to the same platform as the new Cadillac ATS and future CTS. This move would help them spread the development costs of the new platform over a broader range of products, meaning greater profits per car. Well now Motor Trend is reporting that Chevrolet could be developing two new vehicles off the Cruze platform. Those models would be a Cruze SS to take the place of the much loved Cobalt SS, and a 4-door coupe, much like Mercedes CLS line. While there isn’t much available yet, here’s to hoping that the Cruze could take both forms because, if well executed, GM could have two real winners on their hands.
GM to offer “Pause and Play” radio feature in Regal and Cruze!
General Motors currently has two vehicles on the market that offer a “Pause and Play” feature on the radio. Those two vehicles are the Cadillac CTS and the Buick LaCrosse and what “Pause and Play” allows you to do is basically treat your radio like your home TV DVR. You can pause and record up to 20 minutes of radio, from AM, FM, XM or Sirius and then play it back at a later time. The technology has until now only been fitted in more upscale cars, but word is out that it will now be offered on the 2011 Buick Regal and the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. It’s always nice to see technologies being offered in both the high and low end of the buying spectrum. For more information, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: GM)
The Chevy Cobalt SS was a fairly impressive vehicle. It had rather bland sheetmetal, but it more than made up for that with its 260 horsepower Ecotec direct-injected and turbo charged 2.0L four-cylinder. The car also had some impressive handling, enough to take down cars like the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STi in track comparisons at major magazines. Well since the Cobalt is being replaced by the Cruze, people have begun to push for a performance version, a Cruze SS if you will. Hopefully we will see something sporty come from GM soon, as the Corvette, Camaro and CTS-V could always use more company. For more details, head on over to the Motor Authority.
(Image source: GM)
Since we here at TAD are not on everyone’s radar, we were not allowed a press pass for the media days. No matter, we still have the folks over at Autoblog to turn to for product releases. The first being the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze is miles better than the Cobalt it replaces and is projected to get at least 40 mpg on the highway. For more details on GM’s newest small car, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: GM)
Details on the 2011 Chevy Cruze slip out ahead of the LA Auto Show
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, due out around the middle of next year, is the very well designed replacement for the current Cobalt. The Cruze features some impressive sheetmetal, as well as a well trimmed out interior. It is also expected to hit somewhere in the 40 mpg range on the EPA test circuit. For more details, head on over to Autoblog or Jalopnik.
(Image source: GM)
Check out this spy shot I found on the wonderful site Jalopnik. Between the CTS Sport Wagon, and now this, I think GM is finally starting to see the advantages of a wonderfully designed wagon. Here’s to hoping…
GM shooting for 44 mpg with an XFE model of the 2011 Chevy Cruze!
According to a report on Motor Trend the Cruze will have an XFE-like model, dedicated to high fuel economy, with a target set at around 44 mpg. That would make the Cruze a viable alternative to hybrids from Honda that achieve the around the same fuel economy. It would also make a big jump for people shopping for cars like the Chevrolet Malibu that currently nets 33 mpg on the highway. For more, head on over to Motor Trend.
(Image source: GM)
