2011 Chevrolet Cruze

With its 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and RS on display at the 2010 New York auto show, Chevy is continuing to flesh out the Cruze's model lineup in a further effort to finally deliver a truly competitive compact sedan and not just another rental lot darling.
First, the Cruze Eco. Like the Cruze LT and LTZ models, the Eco is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Though EPA fuel economy figures aren't yet available, Chevy says that the Eco achieves 40 mpg highway when combined with the manual, three mpg better than the outgoing five-speed-equipped Cobalt XFE. GM does not yet have a figure for auto-trans models.
Chevrolet managed to boost fuel economy without cutting power thanks to a number of small aerodynamic changes. First, the Cruze Eco is fitted with ultra-low rolling resistance tires on unique 17-inch aluminum wheels. Further, it receives a revised grille, lower front air-dam extension, numerous underbody panels, rear spoiler. The Eco also has a lower-grille shutter that closes at high speeds in an effort to improve engine cooling though optimized airflow.
Though efficient, the Cruze Eco is decidedly not quick. 0-60 times are estimated at 10 seconds for the manual and 9 seconds for the automatic. Still interested? You'll be able to pick one up at a Chevy dealer in the fourth quarter of 2010.
The RS, meanwhile, is an appearance package for LT and LTZ models. On the outside, it features unique front and rear fascias as well as fog lights. Inside, chrome trim replaces the standard silver finishes and the gauge cluster receives ice-blue backlighting. Hopefully Chevy will have more in store in the future to boost the Cruze's performance potential, as the RS package isn't what enthusiasts will have in mind. We have reported that a Cruze SS with as much as 260 horsepower is in the works.
In addition to the Eco, the 2011 Cruze will be available in LS, LT and LTZ trims. The base LS trim will come with the 1.8-liter engine on board, with the LT and LTZ trims featuring the 1.4-liter turbo as the standard powerplant. The LS and LT will feature 16-inch rims standard, with 17-inch alloys standard on LTZ. The 2LT and LTZ models are also available with 18-inch alloys.