GM Reveals Chevrolet Cruze RS/40 MPG Eco Model

[FenwickHockey65]

NYIAS: Cruze Eco, RS Models Revealed
Link to article at GMInsideNews

By Nick Saporito
March 28, 2010

Originally Posted by nsap

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.

Photography
Eco





RS

[shank0668]

It was like 50, then 45, now 40?

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by shank0668

It was like 50, then 45, now 40?

It's been 40 for some time now.

[Black5thgen]

They are really pimping out the RS now.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

It's been 40 for some time now.

And I never heard 50 claimed

[CamaroScotty]

I hope it DOESN'T have the ECO button the Equinox has.

[TheCaptain]

Yea Cruze!

[2000v6]

I'm definitely going to check this one out at the ny auto show

[Angrybird 12]

Looks like they are using the same RS badges that come on the Camaro...

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

Looks like they are using the same RS badges that come on the Camaro...

This is the new font. It would be used across the board, just like in the past.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by BackinBlackSS/RS

This is the new font. It would be used across the board, just like in the past.

I know, I think they should come up with an RS package for all Models but the Corvette.. it would add some style back into the lineup... One of the signature elements could possibaly be Halo headlights...

[Mr. Wyndham]

The best part?!? The wheels fit in the wheel-wells!!

Interesting to read about the grille shutter.
Proof that the Volt development is providing advancements to be used on non-Voltec vehicles.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

The best part?!? The wheels fit in the wheel-wells!!

Tires could be an inch or two bigger for my tastes. Same size wheel, just make the wheel well and tire bigger.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Tires could be an inch or two bigger for my tastes. Same size wheel, just make the wheel well and tire bigger.

Maybe. But when compared to the Cobalt...they're already bigger AND they fit. Did I mention they fit?

The wheel-well gap on the Cobalt was one of the only things I could complain about. So bad...