GM says that the Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp) and 1.8-liter (140 hp) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides. This will give the car additional power as well as better fuel economy while producing lower emissions. The automaker's new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp will add more power with even greater fuel thriftiness. A five-speed manual transmission will be standard, but an optional six-speed automatic transmission will round out the Cruze's offerings. The latter transmission choice is unusual in that it'll be the first time that a six-speed transmission is used in the compact car class.
Interior styling is still a bit of a mystery, one that GM plans to talk more about when the car officially makes its debut at the Paris Auto Show in September 2008. Seating for as many as five occupants is likely, with optimum capacity for four adults.
Will customers be attracted to the Cruze? That remains to be seen but with its arching roof-line and coupe-like proportions, the Cruze certainly has a sporty flair, something lacking in most cars of its size.
Look for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to appear in North American Chevy showrooms by Summer 2010.
