2010 Chevrolet Cruze Spy Shots by Inside Line

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE 2010 CHEVROLET CRUZE SPY VIDEO:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=130017?tid=edmun...

Now that smaller cars are back in style, General Motors is working hard to make sure that its next economy sedan can compete with Japan's finest. How else would you explain the presence of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze on the Nürburgring?

An all-new chassis is probably the main reason why the Chevrolet Cruze is undergoing such heavy development testing. Dubbed Delta 2, the new platform is expected to filter down to several other GM products like the Chevrolet HHR and Opel Zafira.

It remains front-wheel drive and from what we're told, it will feature a torsion-beam axle in back to keep down costs. That's a shame, really, as both Ford and Honda have figured out how to put independent suspensions in their compact sedans without breaking the bank. Of course, Chevrolet's engineers claim that the Cruze will ride and handle every bit as well as a Civic, Focus or Mazda 3. We'll see about that.

In Europe, the Chevy Cruze will be offered with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. For the U.S. market, GM intends to fit a turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4-liter that will deliver up to 40 mpg in highway driving. We presume that number is for models equipped with a manual transmission. Hopefully Chevrolet will find a way to specify a six-speed automatic for those who don't want to do their own shifting, but given the cost reductions found elsewhere, don't count on it.

A replacement for the current Cobalt compact, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is scheduled to be unveiled this October at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The Cruze will go on sale in Europe in spring 2009, but U.S. sales won't begin until mid-2010.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2010
• Chevrolet
• Cruze
• Spy
• Nurburgring
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line

[colderbeer]

I'm not trying to bash GM (I drive a Pontiac Sunfire) but there's NOTHING I'm seeing or hearing in this video that makes me want to own a Cruze. The Ford Focus seems like a better option. I'm VERY skeptical that this Cruze will be fun to drive.....I fear that it'll just another small GM car that has NUMB handling, spongy brakes, and too much road noise. A terrible car? No, ...just another car with no SOUL. I really hope I'm wrong about this car ; GM is still a great co. with great potential.

[LoneGunman2000]

Like Ford and Mazda. Ford was making horrendously bad cars in the 80's and 90's. They needed to compete against the Japanese. So they acquired Mazda to do lots of engineering for them. Mazda's acquisition paid off witht he advent of the Mazda 6 global architecture which would be the foundation for the Ford Fusion, Milan, MKZ, Edge, and probably more models. Without Mazda, Ford would be biting the dust right now. As well, Daewoo is similar situation as with GM.

[daewooparts]

@StuinthaHouse from kits from korea and germany

[disbsam333]

@yellowmusicfreak haha and since when are TDI's fun to drive? Maybe like never? TDI's are slow, and the new DSG has gotten horrendous reviews. This is the first MIDSIZED car to get 40mpg, look up the dimensions and you will see its not technically a compact, just marketed as one.

[yellowmusicfreak]

@JcmMagNoo I actually liked the Cobalt. It was just more thirsty than it needed to be.

[yellowmusicfreak]

40mpg.....wow that's soooo impressive, oh wait VW's been doin it for 4 years with the Jetta TDi. And Ford built a small car 10 years ago that could get 40mpg AND pretty quick n sporty too, Even Dodge had a shot at it 15 years ago with the Neon. 40mpg is not hard with the right compromise of size and efficiency and speed.

[xioxio38]

The whacky paint jobs are camoflauge... they dont want people to see the full car...

[nfsroks]

this car came out in 2009 in south america

[309Littlelion]

Why do all of these cars in production have wacky black and white paint jobs?!

What purpose could it possibly serve?!

Someone please educate me.

[minlattabc]

It's actually very quiet car, with superb handling.

Engine performance is not very responsive on 1.6L. I'm currently driving Accord 09' JDM, I would say Cruze can matched up to it.