During next week’s New York auto show Chevrolet will be revealing two specialized variants of the upcoming Cruze sedan; the Eco and RS models. For months General Motors has been touting that the Cruze would manage up to 40 MPG on the highway in a “high efficiency” model and the Cruze Eco will be just that, shedding the assumed “XFE”
badge the current Cobalt wears.
The Eco model will be powered by the same turbocharged ECOTEC 1.4L four-cylinder, however the Eco model brings about several changes to the car to squeeze out the 40 MPG rating. Perhaps the most interesting change to the Eco model is that it features a grille shutter on the lower grille that automatically closes at highway speeds and opens at lower speeds. This technology is also used on the Chevrolet Volt for improved aerodynamics.
Additionally, the Eco will have an overall lower ride height, lower front air dam extension, more grille closeouts and a rear spoiler. All Cruze Eco models will come with unique 17” lightweight aluminum wheels wrapped in Goodyear ultra-low rolling resistance rubber.
The coveted 40 MPG rating will be for Eco models equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Eco models will also be available with a six-speed automatic; however fuel economy numbers for it and city numbers on the manual have not been released. Chevrolet states that 0-60 times for the Eco will be about 10 seconds with the manual, 9 seconds with the automatic.
RS Model
GMInsidenews broke news about the Cruze RS package a few weeks ago. Keeping with a trend set forth by the new Camaro, RS is acting as a visual enhancement only. The package includes revised fascias, rocker panel extensions, rear lip spoiler and revised instrument panel gauges.
The RS package will be optional on Cruze LT and LTZ models. Both Cruze Eco and Cruze RS will launch later this fall.