Carl Black Of Nashville News And Events Blog

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car, to be revealed Wednesday, November 16th at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, is the only car in its segment to offer a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smart phone-based navigation, media and contacts for hands-free calling.

A sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch updated for United States and Canadian consumers, Spark is designed to excite first-time buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling and colors, affordability, the safety of 10 standard air bags, fuel efficiency and maneuverability.

Though compact, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the 1.2L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, Spark will offer competitive fuel economy.

Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink infotainment system, which features the personalized connectivity of Pandoraand Stitcher internet radio, will be offered on 1LT and 2LT models when Spark goes on sale in the United States and Canada in mid-2012.

In addition to MyLink, Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.

“Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”

The original version of the Spark is already on sale in Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico and South America, where it has received several styling and safety awards.

Designed for those who live large and loud

Just as the Chevrolet Cruze helped strengthen Chevrolet’s position in the small car segment with its more-than-expected value, the Spark is designed to challenge preconceived notions of how an affordable mini car can look, feel and drive.

While the Spark looks like a three-door hatch, designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance without sacrificing four-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door enhances Spark’s dynamic appearance while also improving the car’s aerodynamics, for fuel efficiency.

Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior styling enhancements include a new grille and front fascia, a longer rear fascia, and modified headlamps and taillamps. Redesigned outside rearview mirrors also improve aerodynamics.

Uplevel features include matching rocker panel moulding, chrome brightwork at the beltline and liftgate handle trim, detail around the poke-through exhaust outlet and around the fog lamps.

Attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, as well traditional hues such as Grey Area, Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.

Inside, the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, included on 1LT and 2LT Spark models, provides a seven-inch color touch screen. With MyLink, Spark buyers can bring their customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access both Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation. When the vehicle is stopped, owners can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio also is available on uplevel Spark models

“This level of infotainment and connectivity was unheard of in this segment, until now,” said Perry. “We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”

Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the Spark lineup. Color-coordinated interiors feature a lower instrument panel – with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster – and lower center console for maximum visibility and storage. Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch, as does the ice blue ambient lighting and faceplates across the door pockets and dash. Heated leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT.

Efficient powertrain saves fuel, money

In the United States and Canada, the Spark will be powered by a 1.2L dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that delivers an estimated 85 horsepower (63 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission for competitive city and highway fuel economy. A four-speed automatic transmission will also be available.

The dual-overhead cam 1.2L was developed using best practices from GM Powertrain technical centers.

It combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as dual continuous variable cam phasing, electronically controlled thermostat and low-friction engine oil to give customers an engine that is low-maintenance, with reduced emissions and outstanding fuel economy.

Ride and handling

Spark’s body-frame integral structure is tight and stiff for improved driving dynamics. The electronic power steering, MacPherson strut-type front suspension and anti-lock braking systems are designed to deliver taut, tight handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding overall stability. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.

Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes with low-compressibility brake pads for optimal stopping performance and good pedal feel. Low-rolling resistance tires use a silica compound and revised tread design for a solid road feel and improved fuel efficiency.

Safety features include 10 air bags

Spark was designed with occupant safety in mind, and has won safety awards in both Europe and Korea.

Its safe design begins with a structure composed of 60 percent high-strength steel.

In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as StabiliTrak and ABS, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also standard.

Other safety technologies include rollover sensing system; three-point safety belts in all four seating positions; seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats; the LATCH child seat attachment system; releasable pedals; adjustable head restraints; and a collapsible steering column.

Spark also is equipped with the OnStar safety and security system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found atwww.chevrolet.com.

The all-new 2012 Sonic is a small car with a large array of amenities. It is offered in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door, each with distinctive design elements, including motorcycle-inspired round headlamps. Sonic also delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and connectivity features that enhance the driving experience.

The Sonic is equipped with power-dense four-cylinder engines, including an Ecotec 1.4L turbo, and it is designed to be one of the safest vehicles in the segment, with 10 standard air bags.

Production of the Sonic takes place at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, making it the only subcompact built in the United States. The plant received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

Sonic design

• Two distinct body styles: four-door sedan and five-door.
• A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, conveys performance.Progressive, raked body lines suggest movement even when the car is stationary.
• Motorcycle-inspired round headlamps and taillamps.
• Rear door handles on the five-door are located in a C-pillar area, suggesting the style of a three-door hatch.
• Chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models.
• A range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sonic interior

Sonic’s cabin complements the motorcycle-inspired exterior with a detailed instrument cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display.

• The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors (dark titanium and brick) and flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium low-glass finishes.
• The automatic shift knob has a “cobra head” design, while the manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob.
• Tubular outboard climate outlets protrude from the instrument panel surface.
• The interior includes storage compartments in the center stack and doors.
• The rear seats fold virtually flat for carrying larger items.
• Front bucket seats are standard and heated front seats are available.

Sonic powertrain

Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L – the same engines used in the Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.

• The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm.
• The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.
• Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability, including a low-mass hollow-frame cast iron block, dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, chain-driven cams and roller-finger camshaft followers, piston-cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler, a variable-flow oil pump and an electronically controlled thermostat.
• The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in small vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo.

• It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency.
• Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm.
• It is rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) along with 125 lb.-ft. of torque (170 Nm) at 3,800 rpm.

Sonic chassis and suspension

Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic’s ride and handling, giving it a more direct feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America.

• All models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar.
• The rear suspension consists of a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type design – featuring a tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks.
• The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and balance.
• Electronic power steering is standard, and eliminates the need for steering fluid and a pump needed with hydraulic systems. It features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system.
• Sonic’s body structure is designed to be one of the stiffest in the segment and its rigidity enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely.
• A unique “flat top frame” cradle assures optimal stiffness in the front chassis portion of the vehicle.
• The rear axle is essentially a straight axle without contour for packaging restraints and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.
• A range of wheel sizes is available, including 17-inch wheels and sport tires.

Sonic safety and crash-avoidance features

The Sonic is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting the occupants in the event a crash occurs.

• Ten standard air bags include side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash.
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
• Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard.
• Four-channel anti-lock braking is standard and incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.
• Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in all second-row seating positions.
• Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models.
• Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. More than 60 percent of the body structure is composed of advanced steels.

OnStar details

All Sonic models are equipped with OnStar. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.

• OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada.
• Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance on all Sonic models. The feature is easy to use because alldirections are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.
• MyChevrolet mobile app gives owners remote access to vehicle OnStar features including door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, emergency assistance and more.

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco adds a dose of flavor – and efficiency – to the midsize sedan segment. It has class-challenging ride and handling characteristics; a new, sporty design; new premium interior that’s roomy, comfortable and quiet; and it has better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan – a GM-estimated 37 mpg on the highway.

The Malibu Eco is the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup to reach dealer showrooms in North America, starting in the first quarter of 2012. It has an MSRP of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge. The new Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents.

“The Malibu Eco is a smart choice for customers who want a great looking car inside and out with excellent fuel economy, but without the higher price of some hybrid sedans,” said Russ Clark, director of Chevrolet marketing. “In short, it’s an incredible value.”

The exterior of the Eco – and all Malibu models – has a coupe-like silhouette and carries design DNA from Camaro to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment.

A wide stance, broad shoulders, a powerdome hood and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive, planted and sporty appearance. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

Malibu Eco exterior design cues also include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, large swept-back projector HID headlamps with three-dimensional execution, larger Chevrolet bowtie badges front and rear, taillamps inspired by the Camaro and a single hidden exhaust outlet. The look is complemented by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance Goodyear tires.

An aerodynamically optimized design and smart use of fuel-saving technologies helps the Malibu Eco be Chevy’s most fuel-efficient midsize ever, as engineers removed about 60 counts of wind drag from the 2013 Malibu’s design, compared to its predecessor.

Malibu Eco is among the first vehicles in the midsize segment with a standard fuel-saving, active shutter system. Located in the lower grille, the Malibu Eco’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required.

Other aerodynamic features on the Malibu Eco include:

• Dual-port grille upper is closed to redirect air flow up and over the hood
• Outside rearview mirrors designed to maximize efficiency
• Taillamps shaped for aero performance without design penalty
• Four underbody panels – more commonly found on premium-priced cars – cover approximately 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle and provide a cleaner airflow path beneath the vehicle.

The Malibu Eco features an all-new interior that is roomier, more comfortable and premium, and quieter than the previous generation Malibu. It features an all-new dual cockpit design that is three inches wider than the previous Malibu.

The increased width of the new Malibu means a more spacious cabin. Compared to the previous model, it has nearly four cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of shoulder room in front, 3.2 inches (81 mm) more rear shoulder room and nearly three inches (76 mm) more hip room, front and rear. The trunk has 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters) of capacity, or one more cubic feet than the previous-generation Malibu.

The Malibu Eco’s interior features metallic, chrome or wood accents located around the shifter, surrounding the center stack, around the instrument cluster and on doors and the steering wheel. Soft, ice blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel. Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and strategic applications of noise-deadening materials add to Malibu’s interior refinement. Seats are sport-sculpted and bolstered with firmer foam and frames made of high-strength steel for long-distance comfort and durability.

The Malibu Eco also has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that swivels up to reveal a six-inch-deep (152 mm) hidden storage area behind a seven-inch (178 mm) touch-screen radio display. Malibu also offers a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system.

Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package and OnStar are standard on the Malibu Eco. They build on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrate online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed.

(Please see the separate Interior and MyLink releases for more details.)

eAssist technology

Malibu Eco’s eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine is efficient and lightweight, featuring dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control, as well as a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. It is rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (134 kW) and is a variant of the same engine recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010.

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the air-cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

• Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
• Enabling a more-efficient final drive ratio by providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration
• Using electricity instead of gasoline when stopped, with automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality
• Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph for added fuel savings
• Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

The eAssist system captures up to 15kW of power that would be normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The system also shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the motor-generator unit brings the engine to a controlled stop to position it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released.

Thanks to eAssist technology, the Malibu Eco can travel 580 highway miles (965 km) between fill-ups with a 15.8-gallon (59.9 liters) fuel tank.

(Please see the separate eAssist release for more details.)

Driving dynamics

Complementing Malibu Eco’s sporty appearance are its European-inspired driving characteristics.

All 2013 Malibu models have been engineered to deliver ride and handling capabilities that are best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans. These include:

• A solid body structure that’s 20-percent stiffer than previous GM models and built on the global midsize architecture. This allows for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
• ZF Steering Systems premium electric steering gear that ensures smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel
• Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions with aluminum components and hollow stabilizer bar to reduce unsprung weight
• Large, 11.7-inch (297 mm) ventilated front disc and 11.5-inch (292 mm) solid rear disc brakes (with aluminum rear calipers), which are expected to deliver best-in-class stopping distance
• An isolated engine cradle for tuned, refined feedback, without noise or vibration
• Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and precise steering feel at higher speeds
• Chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, panic brake assist and drag torque control.

(Please see the Dynamics press release for more details.)

Safety

The 2013 Malibu Eco is designed to be one of the safest cars in the segment. It delivers safety before, during and after a crash, with features including:

• StabiliTrak stability control system with full-function traction control
• Four-disc brakes with ABS
• Forward collision alert (late availability)
• Lane departure warning (late availability)
• Eight standard air bags – including knee air bags and full-length side curtain air bags – and available rear thorax/pelvis air bags
• Pedal release system.

Malibu Eco also comes standard with OnStar (with six-month Directions & Connections plan), with Automatic Crash Response – a feature that automatically triggers a response from an OnStar advisor in the event of a crash.

(Please see the Safety press release for more details.)

Quietness

The new Malibu is the quietest Chevrolet ever and is expected to be one of the quietest cars in the midsize segment. To achieve that, interior engineers used road testing, sound evaluation tools and vehicle components to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the cabin. Some of the contributors to its quiet driving experience include:

• Malibu’s stiff body structure and isolated engine cradle help reduce noise and vibration from being transmitted to the interior.
• The wind tunnel-tuned exterior has a low coefficient of drag – a low drag count of .30 C d (Eco model) helps reduce wind noise to what is expected to be a segment-best 33 decibels.
• Air leakage into the passenger compartment, a primary noise source for all vehicles, is expected to be the best in the segment, at about 20-25 cubic feet per minute.
• A 5.4-mm acoustic-laminate windshield and 5-mm acoustic-laminated front door glass reduce wind noise by about 3 decibels when compared to conventional tempered glass.
• Sixteen expanding-foam acoustic baffles are placed strategically in cavities throughout the body structure. The foam expands when the body passes through the drying oven in the paint shop, filling the cavities to restrict or eliminate sound paths.
• Liquid-applied sound deadening and melt-on sound deadening materials are used on the floor pan.

(Please see the Interior release for more details.)

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

The Chevrolet Cruze – now Chevrolet’s best-selling car around the world – provides the amenities, quietness, safety features, infotainment and roominess expected of a larger, more expensive sedan, but with the efficiency of a compact car.

The only car in its class with 10 standard air bags, the Cruze received an overall five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest score possible. The Cruze is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, as well as a gas-sipping Eco model that achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway.

Cruze Eco achieves its hybrid-like highway fuel economy using a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission and features that improve its aerodynamics, minimize weight and reduce rolling resistance. Cruze Eco also is available with an automatic transmission, rated at 39 mpg highway.

A sporty RS appearance package is available on LT and LTZ models. It includes unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps. An uplevel instrument cluster is also part of the package and includes chrome accent rings in place of the standard silver finish, as well as opaque cluster bezels that allow the cluster’s ice blue backlighting to shine through for a sporty nighttime appearance.

• Cruze design
• Chevrolet’s global signature face – a two-tier grille with the gold bowtie logo.
• Arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars that provide asporty, coupe-like proportion.
• Prominent headlamp housings wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sport coupes.
• Wheels are planted at the corners with minimal front and rear overhangs.
• Repeatable gap tolerances of 3 mm or less between most exterior panels mean a better-looking car when new and one that feels solid for years to come.
• Twin-cockpit motif is matched with high-quality interior materials and exceptional assembly tolerances. Grained, soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels exude a quality that is uncommon in the segment.
• The instrument panel features richly detailed instruments backlit with light-emitting diode (LED) technology.
• Integrated center stack houses the infotainment display, climate controls and radio controls, and blends harmoniously with the instrument panel.
• The interior pillar and other moldings are color and grain-matched to the headliner, while seat inserts are color-matched to the color of the instrument panel accent trim, giving the cabin the detailed appearance of a larger, more upscale sedan.

Cruze interior – standard and available features

All Cruze interiors include premium materials and a lengthy roster of unexpected standard equipment, including air conditioning, vehicle anti-theft system, adjustable steering wheel, stereo system that includes MP3 playback capability with six speakers and auxiliary jack for personal playback devices, power outlet and a trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

• The 2LS Cruze model includes premium cloth bucket seats, air conditioning, driver information center, remote keyless entry, power windows with express down on all windows, power door locks, carpeted front and rear floor mats, and available Connectivity Package including Bluetooth for select phones, UBS port in the center console and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
• The 1LT Cruze adds cruise control, standard Connectivity Package, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 16-inch alloy wheels and outside power-adjustable, body-color mirrors. Available 1LT All-Star Package featuring a power sunroof and premium Pioneer audio system.
• The 2LT Cruze adds front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, six-way power driver seat and heated driver and front passenger seats, and available navigation with touch screen seven-inch color display system with AM/FM stereo system with CD player and MP3 playback capability, available premium Pioneer nine-speaker audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels with four-wheel disc brakes and rear park assist. Factory remote start is included when the automatic transmission is selected.
• The LTZ Cruze adds automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, uplevel instrument panel with chrome trim rings, driver and front-passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, outside heated, power-adjustable, body-color mirrors, front fog lamps, chrome door handles, 18-inch alloy wheels, available navigation and premium audio and available power sunroof.

Chassis and suspension

The Cruze features a strong body structure and chassis system that enabled engineers to more precisely tune the chassis for comfort and driving control. StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control is standard. Additional features include:

• A MacPherson strut front suspension.
• A technically advanced Z-link design is used with the rear suspension. It helps delivers a more balanced driving experience, as the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension (not available on Eco with the manual transmission).
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard.
• Rack-mounted electric power steering is also standard on all models, and helps save fuel because it removes the conventional power steering pump from the engine’s driven accessories.
• Hydraulic ride bushings and an isolated engine cradle reduce or eliminate vibration pathways that could otherwise be transmitted to the passenger compartment.
• Family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels and tires.
• Noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are employed throughout the body structure, including 30 distinctive acoustical treatments (not available on Eco with the manual transmission).

Efficient, proven powertrains

Cruze models sold in North America are equipped with one of two efficient four-cylinder engines and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. At 42 mpg highway, the Cruze Eco with the manual transmission is the most fuel-efficient, gas-powered/non-hybrid car in America.

• Standard on LS models is the 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.8L four-cylinder with valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy across the rpm band. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission and 22 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with the automatic.
• Standard on LT, LTZ and Eco models is an Ecotec 1.4L turbo. Its exhaust-driven turbocharger helps the engine perform like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions.
• Also rated at 138 horsepower (103kW) with 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm), the Ecotec 1.4L turbo enables a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km), meaning it can go longer between fill-ups. EPA fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on LT and LTZ and 28 mpg city and 42 mpg highway on Eco when equipped with the manual transmission. With the automatic transmission, Cruze Eco highway fuel economy increases to 39 mpg.
• Backing the Cruze’s four-cylinder engines are six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Each contributes to Cruze’s excellent fuel economy.
• Cruze is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – the best coverage in America.

Safety and crash-avoidance features

Cruze offers more standard safety features than any vehicle in its class, each contributing to Chevrolet’s goal of protecting passengers before, during and after a crash.

• Only car in its segment with 10 standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger air bags, roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that help protect the front and outboard rear seating positions; seat-mounted side-impact air bags (front and rear); and front knee air bags.
• Front passenger seat occupant sensing system and rollover sensing and protection system.
• Collapsible pedal assembly to help protect against lower-extremity injuries.
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
• Three-point safety belts in all five seating positions, safety belt retractor pretensioners and lap pretensioners in the driver and front-passenger positions, and safety belt load limiters (with pretensioners) in the front safety belt retractors.
• LATCH child seat latching system in the rear seat.
• Tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lamps and automatic headlamps.
• Four-wheel disc brakes and rear-parking assist on 2LT and LTZ models.
• Strong, unitized body structure that incorporates high-strength steel (HSS) in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection. It is used to help prevent intrusion into passenger compartment.
• Underbody main rails that extend from the front of the structure all the way to the rear, further enhancing the body’s strength and stiffness. A cross-structure beam behind the instrument panel supports the body during side-impact crashes.

OnStar details

All Cruze models are equipped with standard OnStar 9.0 that includes Automatic Crash Response, hands-free calling, vehicle diagnostics, emergency service support, Directions and Connections plan for hands-free route guidance, and Injury Severity Prediction for six months. This feature helps OnStar advisors alert first responders when a vehicle crash is likely to have caused serious injury to the occupants.

• The Advanced Crash Response System uses vehicle sensors, GPS and digital cellular phone technology to summon emergency responders in the event of a moderate to severe crash, even when the vehicle’s occupants are unable to do so.
• Directions and Connections technology provides voice-activated route guidance support and eNav service that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
• Stolen Vehicle Location capability helps law enforcement officials find a subscriber’s vehicle in the event it is stolen.
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown technology allows an OnStar advisor to remotely cut off power to a stolen vehicle in the event it is involved in a police chase.
• OnStar 9.0 technology offers improved voice recognition capabilities for regional phrases and dialects.
• OnStar Mylink mobile application