All-New Chevrolet Cruze: Exciting Design Arrives in the Value Segment

• Compact sedan with ‘four-door coupé’ styling
• Upscale design and quality within a high value package
• Launch of new design language for Chevrolet in Europe
• On sale March 2009, with new 2.0-liter diesel and 1.6/1.8-liter gasoline choice

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze, making its world premiere at the Paris Show, raises the bar for exciting design and build quality among value products in Europe’s compact car segment.

Its dynamic, four-door coupé-like looks bring a new dimension to traditional, three-box sedan design. With its signature grille, concave shoulder line and ‘dual cockpit’ interior design theme, the Cruze features Chevrolet’s new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie.

The Cruze is the result of a development process, harnessing GM’s global resources, which focused on setting new design and quality benchmarks for value products in the compact segment. “Our goal was to be revolutionary, not evolutionary,” says Chief Designer Taewan Kim. “We wanted to take a big step forward, making a completely new design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”

Dynamic Appeal

The arching roofline, extending from the steeply raked windshield into the sloping rear pillars, is a stand-out exterior design feature. It visually stretches the Cruze’s glasshouse, bringing a four-door coupé-like look to this segment for the first time.

A distinctive concave shoulder line that flows uninterrupted from the headlamps into the rear lights is set to become a signature Chevy design cue, together with the dual-port grille split by a body-colored crossbar bearing the gold bowtie.

Wider and longer than its predecessor, the Cruze has a purposeful, well-planted stance with its wheels, up to 17 inches in size, located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight panel fits and shut-lines, together with a restrained use exterior trim, add to the ‘hewn from solid’ look, bringing premium class design quality to the value segment of the market.

The bold headlamp housings wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders, enhancing the Cruze’s dynamic appeal. The clear polycarbonate outer lenses accommodate ‘jewel effect’ light detailing. The twin halogen bulbs are deep set within their bright finished pods, accentuated by a piano black bezel above and beneath. This dual-bezel design also adds an upscale appearance uncommon in the segment.

The hood is heavily sculpted along its sides to integrate with the swept headlamps and the rising concave shoulder line. This strong feature continues along the length of the car before melding into the flush-mounted, wraparound rear light units and deck line. The trunk lid features an integrated spoiler sculpted into its rear edge.

The clean, streamlined appearance of the Cruze not only appeals to the eye. A highly competitive 0.31 cd also benefits aerodynamic performance and fuel consumption.

High Quality Interior

The revolutionary design theme continues inside the Cruze. The interior transplants a distinctive Chevy styling cue – the signature ‘twin cockpit’ layout of the Corvette. The lower fascia panels, color-matched with the front seat inserts, branch out symmetrically either side from the center stack, bringing driver and passenger closer to a ’shared’ experience.

Just as revolutionary is the interior quality. This is reflected in the application of grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels. It all contributes to a cabin quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior. For example, the integrated center stack, housing infotainment and air conditioning displays and controls, eliminates traditional ‘picture framing’, combining them in a clean and modern presentation.

Three-dimensional math modeling was used in the design of the main instrument cluster. The three analogue speedometer, tachometer, fuel/temperature gauges have LED backlighting for clear, crisp illumination in white and ice blue.

The roomy cabin can comfortably accommodate five adults. It offers rear passengers exceptional space, with more leg, head and shoulder room than usually found in this class.

The extensive infotainment choice includes a DVD-based satellite navigation system offering voice recognition and a 7-inch map display, a segment ‘first’ for Chevrolet. The four and six speaker audio systems also offer inputs to play music stored on an MP3, iPod or memory stick. Uplevel systems feature a hard disk drive for permanent onboard storage of music, one of its first applications in this market segment.

Strength in Depth

The Cruze’s breakthrough design appeal is, of course, more than skin deep. Its architectural components were co-operatively engineered at GM facilities in Germany, the United States, Australia and Korea. “In key areas, such the body structure, suspension, safety and electrical systems, we have drawn on GM ‘best practices’ around the world,” says Peter Mertens, Global Vehicle Line Executive for compact cars. “It’s an all-new vehicle that has been globally developed for a global market.”

The Cruze’s body structure is the stiffest in its class – with a torsional rigidity 140 percent greater than that of its predecessor. This provides the solid foundation for outstanding running refinement and comfort, with standard-setting levels of suppression for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The structure also plays a key role in securing an expected maximum five-star NCAP crash safety rating in Europe, the United States, as well as in Korea and China.

Under its hood, the Cruze offers an equally impressive powertrain line-up, which includes an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet’s first six-speed application in the value segment, in addition to five-speed manual gearboxes. Both 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines feature variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as lower fuel consumption and emissions. Respectively, these engines deliver zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 12.4 and 9.8 seconds, with combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.7 and 6.8 l/100 km.

The new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/110 kW and 320 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm, adds power with even greater frugality. It features common-rail, direct and multiple fuel injection with variable geometry turbocharging. The result is strong performance (zero to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds) with fuel consumption over the combined cycle of just 5.8 l/100 km. After launch, a 125 hp/92 kW version with 300 Nm of torque will also be offered.

On the road, the Cruze delivers a driving experience that fulfills the dynamic promise of its looks. Customers will appreciate suspension, braking and steering systems that have been tuned for European priorities, striking a fine balance between agility and good ride refinement. Front suspension is by McPherson strut, with side-load compensation to reduce sliding friction. At the rear, a compound crank development of the torsion beam offers space and weight savings, while allowing precise tuning for individual model applications.

New Era

With sales in Europe up by 23 percent for the first six months of 2008, Chevrolet is GME’s fastest-growing mainstream brand. The Cruze enters showrooms in March next year and will spearhead a new product roll-out program that is expected to propel the brand to even greater success. Each new offering will pick up the design baton of the Cruze, inspired by its signature design language and its focus on quality within a high value package.

“We are proud that Europe is the lead region for this global product,” said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It redefines value with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for the value segment.”

Chevrolet Orlando Show Car Signals Entry into New Segment for the Brand

• Distinctive SUV-like styling
• Adaptable seven-seat accommodation with flat load floor configurability
• Latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel power

The Orlando show car is a clear indication that Chevrolet is considering an expansion to its portfolio with a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with distinctive sport-utility-like design, adaptable seating and impressive interior space.

Based on the recently announced all-new Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car carries Chevrolet’s signature design language into a new vehicle segment. It explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon in a single execution.

Chevrolet Orlando cuts a distinctive silhouette, replacing conventional monocab proportions with a more defined contrast between the hood and windshield lines. With flared fenders instead of a flat side-body, Orlando has a muscular stance that gives it the appearance of a sport utility vehicle, yet it offers dynamic ride and handling, excellent fuel efficiency and easy entry thanks to its car-based architecture.

Inside, the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants. Whenever load carrying becomes a priority, the spacious cabin can be quickly transformed into a large cargo area. A generous 2,760 mm wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks provide Orlando with outstanding interior roominess.

Chevrolet’s latest-generation, 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/110 kW and 320 Nm of torque, provides a powerful and efficient powertrain.

Strong Design Statement

Orlando takes Chevrolet’s design into the multi-purpose vehicle segment. The front features the brand’s signature twin-port grille and the large, sweeping headlamp housings seen on the Cruze. It also incorporates a concave shoulder line that extends along the body into the wraparound tail lights, another design feature from the Cruze that will distinguish future-generation Chevrolet products.

This distinctive look is complemented by the flared fender lines, defining a ‘wheels-out/body-in’ stance that visually lowers the higher roof line. The ice-blue theme for instrument illumination is also used on the exterior of Orlando in the laser-etched surfacing of the headlamps, tail lights and full-length glass roof.

Inside, Orlando features Chevrolet’s ‘dual cockpit’ design theme, with grained, dark grey accents extending outwards either side of the center stack.

The cabin is designed to meet the demands of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with infotainment options and navigation. Overhead, a storage compartment extends along the center of the roof, providing useful stowage space for rear passengers. Design details include a center stack recess to hold a personal device/MP3 player when it is connected to the USB or Aux ports. Further storage space is provided inside the floor console, the second row center arm-rest and under the floor in the rear.

The raised roof enables a theater-style seating layout. It provides all occupants, particularly children, with an improved view inside and outside the vehicle, while enabling conversation between all those on board.

Adaptable Interior

A generous 2,760 mm wheelbase, 75 mm longer than that of the new Cruze sedan, and front and rear tracks 40 mm and 30 mm wider, provide Orlando with seating and cargo-carrying space that is among best-in-class for compact MPVs.

It is a true seven-seater, with second and third row legroom of 950 mm and 753 mm, respectively. The reverse faces of these seat backs are covered in a tough, metal finish and can be folded completely flat for easy loading. A range of occupant and load-carrying configurations is provided by 60/40 second-row and 50/50 third-row split folding seating.

“We focused on giving Orlando a strong, robust appearance,” says Designer Seungwoo Kim. “It draws on Chevrolet’s tradition for honest, simple design, while at the same time extending our new design language into the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment.”

Paris Motor Show Preview: First Images of the Chevrolet Cruze

Detroit - The first photographs of Chevrolet’s all-new Cruze sedan - making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October - reveal a dynamic four-door coupe that proves exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive.

On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet’s new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie.

Cruze’s arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.

Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, ‘hewn from solid’ appearance.

Cruze’s dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Other distinct design themes include a concave shoulder line, the two-tier grille and a “wheels-out/body-in” stance. Inside, Cruze features a ‘twin cockpit’ design motif, first introduced in the iconic Corvette sports car.

“Our goal in designing Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary,” says chief designer Taewan Kim. “We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”

Visitors to the Paris show will see how Chevrolet’s progressive design is also reflected in the quality of Cruze’s interior. The use of grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels ensures a quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior.

At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet’s first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.

With sales in Europe up by 23 percent for the first six months of 2008, Chevrolet is GM Europe’s fastest-growing mainstream brand. The arrival of Cruze spearheads an exciting new product roll-out program that is expected to propel the brand to even greater success.

“We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product,” said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world.”

Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM’s global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.

The Chevrolet Cruze will be available in Europe from March 2009, followed by other global markets with regional-specific engine choices.

Specter Werkes/Sports unveiled the first C6 Corvette GTR at Cauley Ferrari, in West Bloomfield, Mich. Wearing signature wide bodywork, suspension upgrades and equipped with a Matrix II LS3 V-8 rated at 535 emissions-legal horsepower, it was built for Rollie Purifoy, of Purifoy Chevrolet, in Fort Lupton, Colo.

The all-new, C6-based Corvette GTR retains the intrinsic character of the Corvette, augmenting it with appearance, performance and luxury enhancements. It is a distinctive and exclusive sports car with exceptional capability, whether on the street or track.

The GTR package is available on all C6 Corvette models, including the base coupe and convertible, the Z06 and ZR1. Orders are being accepted immediately, with product and ordering information available at www.spectergtr.com or 248-583-9559.

“We are very proud to launch the C6 Corvette GTR with Rollie Purifoy, from Purifoy Chevrolet, and Jeff Cauley, from Cauley Chevrolet and Cauley Ferrari,” said Jeff Nowicki, Specter Werkes/Sports founder. “The new GTR offers enthusiasts everything they’re looking for in a sports car – performance, great looks and guaranteed exclusivity.”

The GTR’s expressive, widened bodywork is complemented with the use of exposed carbon fiber details. Standard and optional GTR features include:
• Unique GTR bodywork, including: front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia, carbon fiber rear diffuser, carbon fiber mirror caps, Cleartastic paint protection, paint and assembly
• Custom GTR headlamp bezels with exposed carbon fiber appearance
• Unique tail lamps and center high-mounted stop lamp
• Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires; 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
• Forgeline or HRE wheels; 19-inch in the front and 20-inch in the rear
• StopTech ST60 front brakes and ST40 rear brakes
• Carbon fiber fuel rail covers and carbon fiber, low-restriction air box
• Hotchkis stablilizer bar kit
• GTR-embroidered seats and serial-numbered dash plaque
• CORSA/Specter stainless steel performance exhaust system
• GTR badges

The Corvette GTR package carries a base price of $34,995, with a variety of high-performance powertrain options available for additional cost. Custom paint treatment is also available. Each vehicle is hand-built, numbered and fully documented for the customer.

Distinctive design

Styling that accents the Corvette’s design is a hallmark of Specter Werkes/Sports and the C6 GTR takes that philosophy to the next level, with a completely redesigned body. Like the original C5 GTR, the C6 version is based on widened bodywork that supports the larger wheel/tire combination. It also gives the car a more aggressive stance – as do the racing-inspired front and rear fascias.

“The GTR’s design sharpens and embellishes many of the Corvette’s design cues, but doesn’t eliminate them,” said Nowicki. “It is a design that respects and celebrates the Corvette’s design heritage, but builds on it to suit the interest of our customers – enthusiasts who are looking for a unique and exclusive product.”

At 77 inches, the GTR’s bodywork is 4.5 inches wider at the rear fenders (2.25 inches per side) than a regular-production C6 Corvette and 1 inch wider than the Corvette Z06. The physical difference may seem small, but the overall effect, along with a slightly longer overall body length, creates a unique proportion to the GTR that is aggressive and suggests speed even when stationary.

Specter Werkes/Sports replaces the front and rear fenders; front and rear fascias; doors, rocker panels and hood – everything except the roof panel and rear hatch – with special, hand-formed GTR panels. Each car is completely repainted and re-assembled with the new bodywork at Specter Werke’s Troy, Mich. facility.

GTR standard equipment also includes a number of exposed carbon fiber details, including:
• Front splitter
• Rear diffuser
• Outside mirror caps
• Headlamp surrounds

A bold, LED-lit rear center-mounted stop lamp is integrated in the rear fascia. It was originally designed for the Cadillac CTS, and gives the GTR an unmistakable rear appearance.

GTR #1 details

C6 Corvette GTR #1 is powered by Specter’s emissions-legal Matrix II engine package for the LS3 engine. It is a “stroker” engine package that boosts displacement from 376 cubic inches (6.2L) to 416 cubic inches (6.8L). That is achieved with a Callies 4340-forged crankshaft that delivers a 4.00-inch stroke. Forged rods from Manley and forged pistons from Mahle round out the rotating assembly.

The camshaft is a special grind from Comp Cams and the LS3 heads’ combustion chambers were enlarged from 71cc to 72cc in order to maintain an 11:1 compression ratio. With stainless steel long tube headers and a low-restriction air intake, the engine is rated at 535 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The engine also features carbon fiber fuel rail covers and a yellow-painted intake manifold.

The Matrix II LS3 channels power to the pavement via HRE wheels, measuring 19 x 11 inches in the front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear. They wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires (285/30ZR19, front, and 335/25ZR20, rear). Behind the wheels are StopTech brakes, featuring ST60 six-piston calipers and 15-inch slotted rotors in the front and ST40 four-piston calipers and 14-inch slotted rotors in the rear. The calipers’ yellow color contrasts with the HRE wheels’ black center sections. The GTR also features Hotchkis adjustable stabilizer bars.

On the outside, C6 GTR #1 is painted a gorgeous BASF liquid silver color, the richness of which appears wet to the touch. It is a premium color choice and represents the nearly unlimited paint options available to customers. Inside, GTR-standard embroidered seats and Spinneybeck leather trim details contrast elegantly with the Corvette’s black interior. A Specter Werkes/Sports production plaque is mounted on the center console.

GTR legacy

The Specter Werkes/Sports GTR was first launched a decade ago and saw the creation of nearly 30 specialized cars that were delivered across the country – including the two most notable GTRs, which were created for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., in 2001.

Specter Werkes/Sports is an automotive prototype and fabrication facility based in Troy, Mich. It specializes in race-proven engine performance enhancements and creating specialty accessories for C5 and C6 Corvettes, the Cadillac CTS and more. The company’s flagship project is the Corvette GTR.

Since its founding in 1990, Specter Werkes/Sports has been recognized internationally for unparalleled achievements of excellence, helping automotive industry leaders design, model, and prototype innovative, top-of-the-line products at competitive pricing.

Oshawa, Ontario (July 21, 2008) – Chevrolet today introduced the production 2010 Camaro being built at GM’s Oshawa Car Assembly Plant. It is a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st century, combining great looks and performance; advanced technology and surprising efficiency – including 9.0 L/100km estimated highway fuel consumption on the high volume V6 models. Sales begin in the first quarter of 2009.

“The new Chevrolet Camaro delivers the best of both worlds – great heritage and a thoroughly modern, advanced package of sporty driving, comfort and technology,” said Marc Comeau, vice president sales, service and marketing for GM of Canada. “And it does so with styling, fuel economy and value our competitors simply can’t match.”

Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations include fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.

Product highlights include:

* Sleek, heritage-inspired interior and exterior styling with contemporary cues
* Robust body structure, exceptional build quality and suite of safety features including 6 standard airbags
* Advanced powertrain technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enabling a balance of performance and fuel economy
* Four-wheel independent suspension system tuned to match the performance capabilities of the respective powertrains
* Variable-rate power steering with the rack mounted forward of the front axle for better weight balance and greater driver feel
* Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models
* StabiliTrak stability control system and traction control standard on all models
* Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels

The new Camaro also has technologies that enhance comfort and convenience, including:

* Bluetooth phone connectivity
* Premium Boston Acoustics audio system
* USB connectivity
* Ultrasonic rear parking assist (late introduction)
* Remote vehicle starting system
* OnStar
* XM Satellite Radio

Powertrains

An advanced, efficient 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing is standard on LS and LT models, which are expected to comprise at least 70% of Camaro sales in Canada. Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.

The Camaro’s 3.6L engine also employs variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy across the rpm range. It is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, estimated at 422 horsepower (315 kW) and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm) and is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 engine, based on the LS3, is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models and also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature to improve fuel economy. The L99 is estimated at 400 horsepower (299 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (535 Nm); and it is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission. This combination delivers an estimated 10.2 L/100km of fuel consumption on the highway.

The 2010 Camaro exemplifies GM’s global development process. The design concept originated in the United States; engineering was directed by GM’s global rear-wheel-drive team in Australia; validation was conducted on roads around the world and assembly will take place at GM’s award-winning Oshawa Car Assembly Plant in Canada.