Auto Trends

2011 Chevrolet Cruze, originally uploaded by Cars dot com

There are a lot of rumors sorting around behind the Chevrolet Cruze. We do know that it looks a lot like the Chevrolet Cobalt, and was engineered with the idea of eventually phasing it out it. With that said, the Chevrolet Cobalt will probably continue to see the light of the showroom floor, at least for a few more years.

Like the Cobalt, the Cruze is approximately the same size (five passengers), front-wheel-drive, and will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. Unlike the turbo Cobalt SS, featuring a 2.0-liter powerhouse with 260 horsepower and 260 ft-lbs of torque, the Cruze will use its turbo towards a different cause. Not speed or power, but rather moderate go-power and maximum fuel savings.

The slated 1.4-liter turbocharged powerplant of the Cruze has been confirmed at somewhere around 140 horsepower and 130 ft-lbs of torque. This is pretty equivalent power numbers of the standard Cobalt’s 2.2-liter 4-cylinder. The biggest difference, beyond the noticeable space around the hood thanks to its 1-liter deduction in size, will be an increase of 5 mpg. The Cruze is speculated to achieve 40 mpg+, putting it in line with many hybrids currently in production today.

The actually specs of the Cruze have so far been kept pretty hush-hush, but we do know that production should begin sometime around the late summer/early Fall of 2010. Chevy originally had it slated for this coming summer, but decided to delay in favor of an impeccable launch. If its mileage capabilities prove as impressive in real life, the Cruze could set a new standard for compact gas vehicles, which has formerly been held by such vehicles as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit.

While the Yaris and Fit, both can grace the 40 mpg mark, neither of them offers this kind of mileage, with the performance capability of 130 horsepower. Part of the plan of the Cruze will also be to utilize some of the lighter materials available today, to give it a slight weight to power advantage over many other compact vehicles. The Cruze will offer the kind of pep, handling, and fuel economy most consumers crave, at a price they can afford.

Who says you can’t get excited over 130 horsepower?

photo originally uploaded by technoholic19

The question of whether or not we will ever see a Z28 has been answered. Ed Welburn, Design Chief of GM has confirmed that the Z28 program is back up and running. The design itself had been signed-off clear back in April of this year, but as GM was unfortunately nearing the throes of bankruptcy, the cost and labor of such a vehicle was obviously not a priority.

With UAW contracts and labor costs leaned out, GM figures now is as good of time to get the ball rolling as any. They also have the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 to tend with, which has been up to its own improvements.

As things stand today, the Camaro SS with its 6.2-liter powerplant worth 426 horsepower, makes a pretty mean customer for the 4.6-liter, 315 horsepower Mustang. But Ford knows there’s only one replacement for displacement, and an intercooled and supercharged 5.4-liter was a good start for the Shelby Stang.

The 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 has been upgraded to the horsepower status of the GT500KR, which saw upwards of 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque last year. That is a solid 40 horses and 30 lb-ft of torque over the previous GT500. Shelby has also upped the ante to a 3.55:1 rear end ratio (compared to 3.31:1). Despite a rather hefty curb weight of 3900 pounds, the Mustang can still hurl itself from 0-60 in the low 4-second range, which is more than enough to take on the 5-second Camaro SS.

But the story does not end here…

photo originally uploaded on Facebook

The Ford Mustang GT500 has a new foe, and the Camaro Z28 will not be limiting its aspirations… to non-aspiration. The Z28 is noted to receive the very same 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 that powers the Cadillac CTS-V. This combination will be good for about 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. Figuring the Z28 will likely weigh-in at around 4000 pounds, its 0-60 could likely dip into the upper 3-second range, with a top speed nearing 200 mph (manual transmission).

So we know it will be fast, but what other changes will signify the Z28 from the SS.

The front end fascia will look a bit more fierce, with deep set fog lights and a slightly different grille. The hood could also receive a forward facing scoop (like the one on top of the page) or heat vents (such as the version featured at 2009 SEMA- directly above). Completing the package will be a new aggressive rear fascia, longer rear spoiler, exhaust cutouts, and “tuning-fork” 20-inch dubs.

The unofficial word at the GM headquarters, is this could be the baddest Camaro to come off the line since the ZL-1 COPO. As all good things must come with a very long wait, EPA certification will likely drag this beasts unveiling at your local GM dealer until the late 2011s. Considering the long line of VIP buyers that will be waiting at the door, don’t expect to get your hands on one until 2012.

Source: Motor Trend

Chrysler Building, originally uploaded by Mr Yankee

Chrysler in in the midst of spreading the news of their new 5-year plan. Let’s take a look at a few of its highlights and rumors:

Well, we have a few deaths and births of the Chrysler line to announce. As far as mid-sized pickups go, the Dodge Dakota will definitely be buried for the 2011 model year. It will be replaced by a unibody-based midsize truck that has yet to be announced.

The Dodge Caravan will stay on the boards through 2014, along with the Dodge RAM pickup truck Line. The RAM will be getting a major overhauling in 2012, featuring improvements to its fuel economy and emissions output. We’ve also will see a new commercial-grade van coming out for 2012, using a Fiat platform.

2011 will not see any Dodge Vipers in production, but there will be 500 introduced for 2012. Unfortunately, after this the model will be indefinitely laid to rest. Rumors tell us Fiat/Chrysler will have an all new (possibly Alpha inspired?) sports car ready to unleash later that summer.

Chrysler promises to be doing a total revamp on processes, focusing on overall quality, structure and strategy. They plan on designing vehicles with an all-American look, with only the inside portion being undoubtedly Fiat.

Chrysler reported today, that unlike what some experts have pointed to, Chrysler is sitting in a respectable position. They are “not burning through cash” and actually had $5.7 billion dollars on hand just two short months ago.

Chrysler has eluded to taking their focus away from older buyers, but not necessarily because they are going to focus on younger buyers, but because older buyers aren’t buying “mature” vehicles anymore. The new product line will be fresh, youthful, economical, clean burning, and will focus on fewer models. They will strive to deliver a much more powerful message.

The fuel efficient Pentastar V6 will be taking over a lot of the vehicles in the upcoming lineup. Expect power levels to be around 280 horsepower. 2010 should also see a diesel introduced for the Jeep Wrangler. Not only that, but it will feature stop/start technology, shutting the engine down at stoplights to help conserve fuel.

Look for Jeeps new slogan coming to advertisements near you:

i live. i ride. i am. Jeep

The Wrangler will most likely be the only true off-road Jeep made by Chrysler. The remaining will adopt Fiat car platforms, and focus on highway worthiness. In addition, the Chrysler badge will be making a change to retro-modern styling, spreading its “wings” once again.

Chrysler appears to have an intelligent plan on the table. Let’s see how they put it to use!