Cruze

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Fidgit

Maybe Im reading the Wikipedia article wrong, but at first I thought it was a car that was designed "globally" (READ: outside USA) but is replacing two unrelated vehicles; one South Korean Daewoo model and the Australian Holden model.

The last paragraph describes a factory in Elizabeth, South Australia that is being utilized to produce two models of the Cruze, a sedan and a Hatchback version.

I do realize that they have also mentioned a plant in Ohio but Im not sure whose making what or where at this point. Anybody wanna share some clarity?

The Daewoo and the Holden are the same car as the Cruze. Two unrelated cars (Cobalt and Lancetti) are being replaced by the Cruze, which is getting branded at least as a Holden and a Chevrolet, and probably as a Daewoo, Opel, Vauxhaul, something Chinese, and maybe one or two others for other foreign markets.

As for global development, it doesn't mean it was exclusively outside the US. And I don't think there is a single vehicle that GM sells that is designed and engineered exclusively in the US. GM is a global company and different regions have their strengths. Korea (Daewoo) is good with small cars, the Aussies (Holden) are good at rwd, the Germans (Opel) do well with midsize cars, Canada specializes in manufacturing, America has performance cars, trucks/SUV's, and crossovers (and has a hand in pretty much everything done by the specialists too). It would be pretty dumb for GM to not utilize their resources around the world when trying to build the best vehicles they can. And it would be even dumber for all the various regions to develop a full lineup of cars on their own, with 3 or 4 independent designed vehicles filling the exact same role, just in different markets.

[CamaroScotty]

#7 just arrived... I think they are decoys for our Camaro's......

[stratosphere]

I had the opportunity to drive a new 2LT Cruze w/ the 1.4L turbo a couple of weeks ago and i can say this car definitely lives up to the hype.

The first thing that struck me is how nice this car really is. Especially compared to the Cobalt it replaces....wow (i currently have a Cobalt DD that im wanting to replace and the Cruze is atop my list). Not only is the fit and finish excellent inside and out, but the car has the look and feel of a Cadillac or Lexus and not what ive grown accustomed to with the "entry level" or compact Chevy's. Driving the car i was amazed at how smooth the turbo motor is, and for the low hp/tq ratings this car actually moves out quite well, much better than my Cobalt. The road noise is almost non-existent, the Pioneer audio system has a good sound, the car also has plenty of room inside for passengers, cargo, etc. And it looks damn good!

Now i just have to decide on which model, LTZ, 2LT w/ RS, etc. I do know i want Taupe Gray as it will compliment the Cyber Gray C6 well.

GM/Chevy did a great job with the Cruze, should be car of the year!

[SSmoked]

i also love this car. its miles ahead of the cobalt on everyaspect but performance. i would buy one but it lacks the performance i want. overall great looking car.

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by SSmoked

i also love this car. its miles ahead of the cobalt on everyaspect but performance. i would buy one but it lacks the performance i want. overall great looking car.

I wonder how much the factory turbo could be tweaked and how much more power could be coaxed out of it?

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

I wonder how much the factory turbo could be tweaked and how much more power could be coaxed out of it?

As a factory SS model or as a DIY job? I can't see them getting a whole lot out of the 1.4L from the factory (maybe 200 hp, give or take). If I was GM and were to make a Cruze SS, I'd start with the 2.4L and aim for 300 hp or so. Go big or go home!

[stratosphere]

Originally Posted by SSmoked

i also love this car. its miles ahead of the cobalt on everyaspect but performance. i would buy one but it lacks the performance i want. overall great looking car.

It's not a "performance" car though. If you really want a performance car why even look at a Cruze? Don't get me wrong, it would be great if they did eventually make an SS version. I would probably still get the cheaper LT or LTZ because that is what suits my needs as a DD.

[CamaroScotty]

Originally Posted by stratosphere

It's not a "performance" car though. If you really want a performance car why even look at a Cruze? Don't get me wrong, it would be great if they did eventually make an SS version. I would probably still get the cheaper LT or LTZ because that is what suits my needs as a DD.

No. but it would be a FUN low cost daily driver!

[a_Username]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

As a factory SS model or as a DIY job? I can't see them getting a whole lot out of the 1.4L from the factory (maybe 200 hp, give or take). If I was GM and were to make a Cruze SS, I'd start with the 2.4L and aim for 300 hp or so. Go big or go home!

Just drop the 2.0L TC from the Cobalt SS at least. Plus, GM obviously has the resources to bump up the 2.0L to 300.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by a_Username

Just drop the 2.0L TC from the Cobalt SS at least. Plus, GM obviously has the resources to bump up the 2.0L to 300.

I think that engine might be dead now. It was used in the Cobalt, HHR, Sky, and Solstice. All of them are either dead or dying.

Anyway, 150 hp/L is a lot to ask for. Sure, they could but as always ... just because you can doesn't mean you should. Adding displacement makes things cheaper and easier. Plus, it gives enthusiast more room to play. No replacement for displacement! 2.4L@20 psi > 2.0L@20psi

[Stew]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I think that engine might be dead now. It was used in the Cobalt, HHR, Sky, and Solstice. All of them are either dead or dying.

Anyway, 150 hp/L is a lot to ask for. Sure, they could but as always ... just because you can doesn't mean you should. Adding displacement makes things cheaper and easier. Plus, it gives enthusiast more room to play. No replacement for displacement! 2.4L@20 psi > 2.0L@20psi

Isn't this the motor in the Regal GS tuned to 255 HP? Also I believe the regular turbo regal is a version tuned for 220. I think even the 220 HP version would make the cruze a decently fun driver's car. While it is a bit overwhelmed by the Regals weight the Cruze is what 600 or so pounds lighter?

[FenwickHockey65]

I'm not sure that the 2.0T from the Regal is the same LNF from the Cobalt SS.

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

As a factory SS model or as a DIY job? I can't see them getting a whole lot out of the 1.4L from the factory (maybe 200 hp, give or take). If I was GM and were to make a Cruze SS, I'd start with the 2.4L and aim for 300 hp or so. Go big or go home!

Yeah I was referring to the current 1.4L turbo. But yes, an SS version would be awesome 300 HP on a little car like this would be amazing.

[a_Username]

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

Yeah I was referring to the current 1.4L turbo. But yes, an SS version would be awesome 300 HP on a little car like this would be amazing.

a 300 horse, 3100lb car would be incredibly quick. That would make it a low 13 second car with a great driver and great conditions!