Chevrolet at the Los Angeles International Auto Show
November 17, 2009

o U.S. premiere of the all-new Cruze, delivering up to 40 mpg highway
o Volt electric vehicle to be available in select markets in 2010
o Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevrolet vehicles also on display

DETROIT – Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet's expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

"With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free," said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. "Chevrolet's focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range."

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale's at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

The Chevrolet show exhibit also will feature the all-new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. The popularity of these vehicles helped Chevrolet boost sales by 9 percent in October, including a significant 31-percent increase in retail sales.

The Camaro continues to distance itself from its closest competitor as a fuel-efficient interpretation of a 21st century sports car, achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the popular 304-horsepower direct injected V-6. Camaro has been a leader in the regular sports car segment for the last five months.

Demand for the Camaro continues to be strong, as Chevrolet now has more than 36,000 sold orders for the car.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover that combines distinctive design, extensive functionality and outstanding efficiency. At 32 mpg highway, the Equinox gets better fuel economy than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. It even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid while costing $7,000 less.

In just a few short months, Equinox has captured 10 percent of the critical compact crossover segment, its best share since August of 2007 and up 4.6 percent from a year ago. More than half of 2010 Equinox customers traded in a non-GM vehicle (based on internal PIN data). Demand is so strong for the Equinox that the plant where it is built recently added a third shift.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has nine models that offer an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers three hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and strives to provide the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit http://media.gm.com/volt/.

After building up your hopes and dreams about a Chevy Cruze wagon, we're now here to crush them into little bits. The picture circulated this morning was nothing more than a well executed fraud. Doesn't mean GM isn't working on a Cruze wagon, just that this isn't it.

[Original sources: IndianAutoblog via WCF]

The new diesel is a 2.0-liter four with 123 HP and 221 lb-ft of torque with a bit less grunt than the 147 HP diesel unit, but even more frugal, with UK pricing starting at only £13,745 on-the-road. Of course, we know if GM had the gumption to bring the diesel Cruze to the US, it would have to be fitted with crazy emissions equipment, but it would more than likely still be a fair bit less than the Prius, so you know, that's depressing.

(Mea culpa moment, I converted the imperial mileage to US mileage incorrectly, the post has been adjusted appropriately)

The Chevy Cruze-based development mules will slowly be replaced by these close-to-production Volt bodied prototypes, marking a huge leap forward in the step to electrified propulsion. GM's says that it will build up to 80 Volt prototypes for testing out on public road over by October which will help engineers sort out all the little issues with the vehicle before it goes on sale to the public.

Andrew Farah, GM's Chevy Volt Vehicle Chief Engineer wrote in a Volt blog post;

We're producing a few Volts per week now, but we'll quickly ramp up to 10 per week and will have approximately 80 pre-production vehicles built by October. By exceeding our own pre-production deadlines it allows us additional time to refine the vehicle. We've already discovered a few small tweaks we need to make, but nothing out of the ordinary for this stage of development.

With pre-production Volts now running around Metro Detroit, who's up for a game of Volt-spotting?

This car is almost certainly not the Chevy Cruze, which has already been promised to the Lordstown, Ohio plant. It's most likely another vehicle like the 2011 Chevy Viva, the company's could-be next entry into the subcompact segment.

GM mentions in their release that "leadership has begun discussions regarding selection criteria with Federal and State government officials from Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin." We take this to mean there's some hope of getting the best incentives from local officials to maintain and, possibly, expand job opportunities in their respective regions.

It'll be interesting to see what impact government ownership will have on this decision given both Michigan and Wisconsin are swing states and Tennessee could, theoretically, be brought over to President Obama's side in the next presidential election. Whether or not this has any impact on the decision remains to be seen, though someone will argue the decision was political no matter where the plant goes.

Update: an initial version of this story hinted that it could be for Cruze production, which is unlikely given that the production of that vehicle has been promised to another plant. The corrections have been made.

Statement On The Plant Selection To Produce The New Small Car For GM

On May 29, GM announced that we will build a future small, fuel-efficient car in the United States utilizing an existing UAW-GM assembly plant that is currently on standby capacity status. The assembly plants in consideration are Orion (Michigan), Spring Hill (Tennessee) and Janesville (Wisconsin). Given the importance of this small car program, and in an effort to move quickly to identify the plant, GM leadership has begun discussions regarding selection criteria with Federal and State government officials from Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin. We hope to identify and announce the future production site of the small car within the next several weeks.

[Source: GM]

Okay, so we kid. Obviously this isn't the 2014 Chevy Camaro, instead a Chinese fan made this Bumblebee-inspired Chevy Cruze. With the price of a Camaro in China hovering around the $200,000 mark for a gray market import, he did the next best thing and repainted and added Bumblebee stripes. Fairly convincing, if you've never seen a Camaro that is.

(Hat Tip To Jeff!) [camaro5]

The 2010 Chevy Cruze is still a year away from landing on U.S. shores, but that doesn't have anything to do with its World Touring Car Championship racer sibling showing up in China. The Rob Huff, Alain Menu and Nicola Larini-driven Cruze WTCC replaces the aging Chevy Lacetti racer and will be powered by a race-prepped 2.0-liter four cylinder. Come on GM... gimme, gimme, gimme!

We like the idea of the Chevy Cruze, with the planned 45 MPG turbocharged direct injection 1.4-liter it could be a solid gold winner for the US market, but the idea of the same platform priced up with Buick badges has us hitting our heads on the table. Little is known at this point about the full intentions of the program, it may not be destined for US consumption but foreign sales only, it may get gas and diesel power or, considering it's a Delta II platform it may be getting the Voltec system. Who knows? We just know two ventiports on the sides and a waterfall grille on a Cruze is going to look might silly next to a brand new Buick LaCrosse. [World Car Fans]

Someone apparently fell asleep at the podium when lecturing on the evils of product complexity as the Cruze is being offered with a whopping nine model variants and three different engine choices. Of course the US market won't get so many options, but those finicky Euros just have to get a stinky old 2.0-liter diesel which nobody in the US would ever want, ever. Grumble, grumble.

CHEVROLET ‘CRUZES' AHEAD ON PRICE…

* Price announced for Cruze, from £11,545 on-the-road
* Exceptional spec levels even on entry-level car
* On sale from July 2009

Keeping an eye on money has never been more topical, and the good news for Chevrolet customers is that the all-new Cruze will be true to the brand's traditional value-for-money ethics despite its premium styling and build quality.

The newcomer, which has the stance of a four-door coupe, will start from just £11,545 on-the-road, and will arrive at UK Chevrolet retailers in July.

It will be offered with a choice of four engines – 1.6 (113PS) and 1.8-litre (141PS) petrols featuring variable valve timing for maximum performance and efficiency, plus two diesels, both 2.0-litres and with a choice of 125PS or 150PS power outputs. Automatic transmission will be offered on the petrol models.

The range will kick off with the 1.6 S, which enjoys a comprehensive list of standard equipment despite its value price tag. As well as remote central locking, the model features follow-me-home lighting, a feature normally reserved for premium cars, a quality CD-radio system, electric front windows, a fully-adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel, six airbags, ESC, upmarket soft-touch cabin materials, and premium blue-backlit dashboard dials. The 1.6S A/C model, at £11,995, also adds air conditioning.

The LS model, expected to be the best-seller in the range, starts at only £12,595 for the 1.6 manual variant and includes air conditioning as standard, plus other upmarket features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome edged radiator grille, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.

Flagship of the range will be the LT, which comes in 1.8 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel guise, starting at £13,595. For that, you get a list of specification that's truly befitting of a luxury car, including cruise control, climate control, an automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, an upgraded high-output stereo, electric rear windows, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of an integrated satellite navigation system.

The Cruze will also spearhead Chevrolet's campaign in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship, which kicked off on March 8 in Curitiba, Brazil. The UK round of the WTCC takes place at Brands Hatch on July 19 – just in time to coincide with the car's UK introduction.

We know what you're thinking. You've already seen the 2012 Chevy Cruze and you're wondering what's the big deal. Well we're in the same boat as you. The main differences between the car that we'll receive next year and the 2009 Holden Cruze that will go on sale in the Fall is most obviously the Holden badges and the fact that it's right-hand drive. The differences end there.

It will be offered in two different trim levels, CD and CDX, the later being the more luxuriously appointed version that can be optioned with leather seats. Both trim levels receive the 1.8-liter 140 horsepower ECOTEC gasoline engine, but the CD model can be optioned with the 2.0-liter turbo diesel that develops 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm.

Both the 2012 Holden Volt and the 2009 Holden Cruze will give the Holden brand a much needed economy boost, but regardless, the badge engineered styling kills us.

Holden Press Release:

The all-new Holden Cruze made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show today signalling the company's latest entrant in the competitive small car segment.

Cruze is the first of General Motors' new wave of global products and enters Australia's small car segment equipped with striking road presence, advanced interior comfort and high levels of safety features.

Powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, Cruze will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said Cruze represented Holden's commitment to the small car market and marked the beginning of a new era for the company.

"The small car market is the largest growing segment in the Australian market and this is our response to that change," Reuss said.

"Cruze will play a significant role in Holden's future and presents us with a new generation car, a new design and a new way of thinking.

"It is a world class small car that has the perfect blend of both style and substance, all from the base model to the top of the range."

2009 HOLDEN CRUZE HIGHLIGHTS:

Drawing on GM best practices from around the world, Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team.

Product line-up

The Cruze line-up will include CD and CDX models, both powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine with the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

A 2.0 litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine will be available as an option on the CD model and will form part of the Holden EcoLine range.

The choice of powertrains ensures fuel efficiency and excellent performance all with the ride and handling ability of a true Holden to ensure it feels as good as it looks.

Exterior styling

With a wide track, long wheelbase and its wheels located at the outer edges of its body, the Holden Cruze sedan's 'four-door coupe' styling delivers the presence of an upscale mid-size sedan.

State of the art manufacturing processes ensures gaps are minimised and margins in the exterior design deliver high levels of quality, fit and finish.

Cruze has been designed to appeal to drivers who value sophisticated design combined with sporty good looks.

Interior comfort

Inside, Cruze boasts one of the most advanced interiors of any small car on the market offering exceptional quality and functionality, while delivering sportiness and luxurious comfort.

Stylish and spacious, the Cruze interior offers exceptional fit and finish and comfort with contoured sport seats and a dual cockpit design which houses an advanced integrated centre panel with graphic information display and CD with MP3 "plug and play" functionality.

An integrated centre stack houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls resulting in a fresh and contemporary look.

With generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room this small car comfortably sits five adults, and when combined with one of the largest range of standard features from the base model customers do not need to compromise on large car features.

Storage, functionality and convenience applications found on the new Cruze are plentiful with 60/40 split rear seats, seatback pockets, a centre console CD storage, a shopping bag hook and six cup holders.

Safety

Safety was an overriding objective in the development of Cruze. Significant advancements in structural strength and a full offering of active and passive safety systems should combine to make the all-new Holden Cruze among the safest in its class.

The Cruze's stiff structure helps to minimise noise and vibration as well as assuring a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

With an impressive level of standard safety features across the range including:

* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* Traction Control (TC)
* Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
* Brake Assist (BA)
* Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Six airbags including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags
* Seatbelt retractor and lap pretensioners with seatbelt load limiters
* Sixty-five percent of the structure is high-strength steel

Holden Cruze CD Feature Highlights:

* 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine
* 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* 16 inch steel wheels
* Body coloured door handles and mirrors
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating:
o Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
o Traction Control (TC)
o Brake Assist (BA)
o Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* 6 airbags including:
o Front airbags for driver and front passenger
o Front side impact airbags
o Side curtain airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* 6 speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 "plug & play" functionality with graphic information display
* Air conditioning
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Cruise control
* Trip computer
* Power windows, front and rear

Holden Cruze CDX - includes all CD specific feature highlights, plus:

* 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine
* 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* 17 inch alloy wheels (4)
* Front fog lamps
* Leather steering wheel
* Leather appointed seats
* Heated front seats
* Rear park assist

Full specifications, fuel economy figures and pricing will be released closer to launch.

[via Holden]

Despite reports to the contrary, and despite construction contracts being canceled by GM, spokesperson Sharon Basel told us via e-mail the General's committed to building their new 1.4-liter engine for the Chevy Volt and the turbo version for the Chevy Cruze (above) in Flint:

"Our plans to build the 1.4L Family 0 engine for the Volt and Cruze in Flint have not changed. In December we announced we would delay construction of a new plant. At that time we made decisions necessary to conserve capital. We continue to hold our timing, but yesterday it was necessary to make decisions on related construction contracts so we wouldn't incur any additional costs."

Additionally, Basel told the Flint News GM was examining all options — including using existing buildings on site.

Our take is GM's looking to cut every short-term cost possible as they try to buy time until a federal solution arises to the Carpocalypse. For the moment, the most pressing vehicle to bring to market is the Chevy Volt. Given the initial low volume, GM will import 1.4-liter engines...err..range extenders from their European plant. The Chevy Cruze has been pushed off a year, so the need for the Flint engine plant to be built right now doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Thus the delay announced late last year.

However, Flint should expect without further federal funds — or a pre-packaged bankruptcy of some sort — they won't be seeing that plant anytime soon.

Back in September GM announced it would construct an all-new plant in Flint, Michigan to produce the 1.4 liter direct injection inline four cylinder engine planned to act as a generator in the Chevy Volt and main power in the Chevy Cruze.

GM Spokeswoman Sharon Basel would not say when construction might resume if government loans are made available, but asserted there is time in both programs to accommodate the delay, and GM currently builds the engine in Austria, so they "...have lots of options. The construction of the new plant is not going to interrupt our plans for the Volt or Cruze."

Due to a tightening cash situation GM is immediately halting construction of the plant in an effort to stay afloat over the sea of bankruptcy. A delay in the production timing for both the Cruze and Volt so far have not been similarly delayed. Construction will resume as soon as GM is in a cash position which will allow them to buy important stuff like girders and concrete. [MSNBC]

10.) Chevy Orlando

GM's previous attempt at a minivan was a massive failure, which is why it is heartening to see the Chevy Orlando concept, which essentially an MPV. Similar in size to the Mazda MPV, the Orlando should offer 7-passenger seating in a much smaller package than a Chevy Uplander. Built on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze, the Orlando will almost certainly offer a dramatic increase in fuel efficiency. Though some version of this car should see production sometime between 2010 and 2012 as a replacement for the HHR, GM's current situation could delay or nix production.
height: n/a
width: n/a
length: 183.5 in (est)
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 70%

9.) Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevy Cruze could every well be the small car that we've been begging the Not-So-Big 3 to build for years, which isn't surprising given it was actually designed in Europe. This new small car will actually be large on the outside for a compact car but, in order to achieve an almost Prius-like 45 mpg, it will get a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Like the Orlando, the Cruze could be jeopardized by a failing GM despite the likelihood it could seriously improve the company's standing.

height: 57.7 in. (est)
width: 68.3 in. (est)
length: 180.5 in. (est)
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 69%

8.) Chevrolet Volt

The final of GM's Delta-triplets, the 2011 Chevy Volt is the most enterprising of the General's plans for an eco-friendly future. The plug-in hybrid will carry only four people compared to five in the Cruze or seven in the Orlando, but will cost a lot more because of its electric powertrain. Whatever is left of the company should produce the car for a for-sale date around November 2010.

height: 56.3 in.
width: 70.8 in.
length: 177 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 68%

7.) Nissan Versa 1.6S

The new Nissan Versa 1.6S is much like the old Nissan Versa but with a smaller engine, a few less trim pieces and different wheels. The difference drops the base price of a Versa to just $9,990. The tall sedan offers seating for five and, should you be in a position to go without A/C, you'll be able to have the second-cheapest (by $20) car in America. The Versa 1.6S should start hitting dealerships throughout the rest of the year.

height: 60.4 in.
width: 66.7 in.
length: 176.0 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 67%

6.) Ford Fiesta

Ford's latest global small car will come to the US as the 2011 Ford Fiesta, packaging a lot of European style and design into a small package. We're inclined towards the tiny and efficient Fiesta three-door, but this market will likely prefer the Ford Fiesta Sedan. The sharply-designed Fiesta should wipe the bad small-car taste left in the mouths of anyone who owned a Ford Aspire when it debuts in 2010.

height: 58.3 in.
width: 77.7 in.
length: 167.3 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 63%

5.) Kia Soul

The 2010 Kia Soul, like many of the cars on this list, ratchets up the quality and style of the company's previous small car offerings in a way similar to what Toyota did with Scion. The Soul offers a look similar to the Scion xB and, unlike the Kia Rio, will offer a host of desirable standard features. Combined with a 2.0-liter fourbanger good for 142 horsepower, the Soul should achieve good mileage with passable performance.

height: 72.8 in.
width: 70.3 in.
length: 161.6 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty PickupD: 62%

4.) Pontiac G3 Wave

Do you like the Chevy Aveo? Neither do we. But it gets reasonable mileage and GM has decided that it needed another small car on the market until the three vehicles mentioned above enter the market. Enter the 2009 Pontiac G3, a rebadged version of the Aveo. The 34 mpg highway mileage should make the price-conscious happy and, honestly, that's probably just it.

height: 59.3 in.
width: 66.1 in.
length: 154.3 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 59%

3.) Nissan Cube

Nissan's entry into the feature-rich-box small car market, the Nissan Cube, is a small car that has gathered many admirers in parts of the world other than here. Its funky looks may turn off the conservative but the high-level of design, iPod-ready sound system, standard ABS brakes and "sofa style" bench could equal a major success for the automaker. The possibility of an electric version is even more enticing.

height:
width:
length: 156.69 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 59%

2.) GEM Peapod

The GEM Peapod may look like a smiley monster, but it's not happy because it wants to eat you it's smiling because of its electric powertrain. A "Neighborhood Electric Vehicle" or NEV, its 25 MPH top-speed means you can't take it on the freeway. Still, the 30-mile range and four seats mean that this overgrown golf cart is perfect for an around-town vehicle for a small community.

height: 70.5 in.
width: 56.5 in.
length: 143.6 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty PickupD: 55%

1.) Toyota iQ

The Toyota iQ is the smallest production four-seater in the world, a revolution in tiny transportation for the masses. Unlike a SMART car, which only seats two, the iQ can fit three adults and a small child, or three adults and some tiny luggage. The iQ is already on sale in Japan and will be available to customers in the UK early next year. It is expected that the iQ will enter production in the US either as a Scion or the next generation Yaris in the next two years.

height: 59.1 in.
width: 66.1 in.
length: 117.5 in.
% Of Ford Super Duty Pickup: 45%

CRUZE-ING TO VICTORY?

* Chevrolet unveils new WTCC contender
* 2009 car based on new Cruze global car
* British driver Rob Huff continues Chevrolet involvement

With a new global car on the way for 2009, the World Touring Car Championship is the perfect platform for Chevrolet to put its latest model in the public eye.

This is the new Cruze WTCC car, which replaces the successful Lacetti as Chevrolet’s contender in the 2009 series.

Powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine, the WTCC Cruze has a hard act to follow, as the Lacetti won its final two outings for Chevrolet in Macau.

But Chevrolet’s drivers are confident that the new car will be a top performer in the series, which has gained global recognition as one of the most exciting tin-top series since its inception in 2005.

British driver Rob Huff (28) from Newmarket, Suffolk, who has been with Chevrolet since it debuted in World Touring Cars said: “The Cruze is a great car and feels fast straight out of the box. We are obviously still at the very early stages of development but already I can feel how much better it handles and what an advantage the car’s wider track will be in a race environment.’

Rob will be joined in 2009 by Swiss racer Alain Menu and Italian Nicola Larini. All three drivers also drove for Chevrolet in 2008.

The cars will be prepared for Chevrolet once again by RML Motorsport. The Wellingborough, Northants, based company has a history of motorsport involvement with Chevrolet’s parent company, General Motors, and has looked after Chevrolet’s WTCC involvement since 2005.

The Chevrolet Cruze, on which the 2009 WTCC car is based, will go on sale in the UK during the first half of next year, and will be sold in over 130 countries worldwide. It is one of Chevrolet’s most important new models ever, as it clearly illustrates a new level of styling and quality for the brand, both in Europe and in the USA. The car made its public debut to much acclaim at the Paris Motor Show in October.

[Source: GM]

CHEVROLET PRESENTS NEW CRUZE FOR 2009 WTCC
To Continue Chevrolet’s World Touring Car Success

ZÜRICH / WELLINGBOROUGH – Chevrolet Europe has shown the first glimpse of the marque’s 2009 World Touring Car Championship contender, today. The all-new Chevrolet Cruze, which recently premiered at the Paris Motor Show, will continue Chevrolet’s presence in the WTCC, in which the marque so far has won twelve world championship races.

Testing of the new race car – which is the first to start Chevrolet’s new design language in Europe – has already started and is on schedule, and will continue throughout the remainder of the current season and the coming winter. Developed, built, run and driven by the same team and drivers, the Cruze will be all but guaranteed the same speed, reliability and success. The Chevrolet Cruze’s first competitive outing will be in Brazil at the opening round of the 2009 WTCC in Curitiba. In 2009, the WTCC will again visit twelve tracks, in South and Central-America, Africa, Europe and the Far-East.
# QUOTES

Wayne Brannon: “Chevrolet has motorsport is deeply embedded in our DNA. With the new Cruze World Touring Car, Chevrolet continues to embrace its long tradition of winning on and off the track.. In the past four seasons, Chevrolet had distinguished itself in racing with an increasing number of victories, not so different from the record sales growth which has developed in Europe. Again this year, sales are up by 23 percent in the first six month, and we are very proud that customers are choosing us in record numbers. For our European dealers, the WTCC has been an extremely useful communications tool, and they look forward to the next season with Cruze. With Cruze, we again look to emphasize the synergy between product and motorsports, and the WTCC is the best possible platform to achieve this. The championship’s slogan is ‘Real Cars, Real Racing’, and that fits nicely with our philosophy to provide real cars for real lives, with expressive design, world class quality / reliability and an impressive list of standard features and content, all at an affordable price.”

Eric Nève: “The new Cruze will be the next milestone in Chevrolet Europe’s motorsports history. So far, we have achieved every goal we set in 2005, step by step: challenge the competition, score points, prove we can win and then become regular frontrunners against competition with an established motorsports resume. With the Cruze, we will put the bar even higher and firmly aim at winning the World Championship. Chevrolet’s unique ‘trump card’ is having worked with the same team, engineers and drivers for the past four seasons, with the success we all know. To be able to do this again with the Cruze will only help to increase our chances of achieving our goals.”

[GM Europe]

Paris – Today General Motors President and Chief Operating Officer Fritz Henderson and Ed Welburn, vice president of Global Design revealed the all-new Chevrolet Cruze at a special premiere event at the “Le Pavillon Dauphine”, located in the heart of Paris.

The event was attended by approximately 350 journalists from around the world, who also saw the reveal of the Chevrolet Orlando show car and the European premieres of the Chevrolet Volt and Camaro.

Media and guests got a first-hand look at the arching roof-line of the Cruze that extends from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, bringing coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.

“Tight panel-fits and shut lines, a restrained use of exterior trim, a dual bezel design on the headlamps, an integrated rear spoiler - everywhere your eye settles, there are fine details that add to that sense of substance and value,” Ed Welburn said at the presentation of the Cruze.

Chevrolet’s mantra that exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive is also reflected in the interior. It carries a new level of detailed execution, spaciousness, and appointments that stand out in the segment.

While putting emphasis on comfort, spaciousness and a sporty appeal, interior designers and engineers set a goal to create a cockpit environment that is harmonious, flowing and uniquely inviting to the senses.

“The interior must build a relationship with drivers. It’s where they spend their time,” says David Lyon, executive director of GM Interior Design. “Fabric is warm and inviting in ways plastics cannot be. It offers unique detail with fibers, colors and textures. Instead of limiting fabric to seats, we spread that warmth and luxury throughout the vehicle.”

Another contributing factor to the refined look is an integrated center stack (ICS) design which houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls. It eliminates traditional framing of these interfaces, resulting in a contemporary, flush and harmonious relationship between control heads and outlying surfaces.

Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze will start in Europe in March 2009, followed by other global regions. The arrival of the new compact vehicle spearheads a roll-out of new products for Chevrolet, expected to further propel the global growth of brand.

[GM]

GM's 'Boost' In Efficient Four-Cylinders Includes More Turbos
Strategy Highlighted by the 2011 Chevy Cruze's new 1.4L Turbo that is Expected to Be a Fuel Economy Leader

FLINT, Mich. – GM will double its global production of small four-cylinder engines (1.0L to 1.4L) by 2011, with more than half of the increase coming in North America. The strategy is highlighted by an all-new, 1.4L Turbo engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

The 1.4L Turbo enables great vehicle performance and fuel economy. In fact, the Cruze is expected to be a fuel economy leader in its segment when it launches in mid-2010, and its new engine reinforces GM’s commitment to replacing larger-displacement engines with more compact, advanced four-cylinder engines that optimize performance and fuel savings.

One-third of GM’s North American engine volume will be four-cylinders by 2011, and 21 percent of the four-cylinder volume will be turbocharged – a seven-fold increase over today’s volume of turbo engines.

“Power-dense four-cylinders such as the 1.4L Turbo are an integral part of GM’s portfolio of advanced propulsion technologies, including cam phasing, direct injection, Active Fuel Management, clean diesels, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, six-speed transmissions and electric propulsion,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality. “GM is focused on delivering vehicles that look great, are fuel efficient and fun to drive.”

The Chevy Cruze is such a vehicle. It is an all-new, global compact car that will be built for worldwide distribution at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio facility. It will be offered with the 1.4L Turbo in North America, along with additional small-displacement engines for models sold outside of North America.

A non-turbocharged 1.4L variant will serve as a secondary energy source for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt’s primary source of power comes from its lithium-ion battery. When the battery’s energy is depleted, the 1.4L engine activates, generating electricity to power the Volt for several hundred additional miles until its battery is recharged.

1.4L Turbo details

At 100 horsepower per liter, the new turbocharged 1.4L has the power of a larger engine but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions.

“Because of the turbocharger’s on-demand power and responsiveness, it’s like having two engines in the same vehicle – one for power and one for fuel economy,” said Stephens. “It’s truly the best of both worlds.”

The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in smaller vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods are unique, delivering additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized, high-rpm performance.

Estimated power ratings for the 1.4L Turbo will be 140 horsepower (104 kW) with a torque rating of 148 lb.-ft. (200 Nm).

In addition to the Chevrolet Cruze, GM will introduce the 1.4L turbo in the U.S. in two additional GM models in 2011.

Global engine family

GM’s small four-cylinder gasoline engines include displacements of 1.0L, 1.2L and 1.4L. The engines were designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes power and fuel efficiency across the rpm band.

More importantly, torque for these engines – the pulling power that is felt when accelerating from a stop – is generated at lower rpm, for strong, off-the-line launches and confident acceleration at all speeds. Supporting powertrain features, such as torque converter design and transmission gearing, accentuate engine power and contribute further to the feeling of performance.

All engines in the family have premium design elements that contribute to world-class smoothness and durability, including:

* Dual overhead camshafts
* Roller-finger follower valvetrain
* Chain-driven camshafts
* Flow-controlled oil pump
* Piston-cooling oil jets
* Thermal management

The engines also incorporate numerous mass-reducing features, including a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts, and on non-turbo engines, crankshafts with hollow-core main bearing journals and connecting rod journals.

[GM]