Chevrolet Cruze Oil Pump Saves Fuel Economy

How does the Chevrolet Cruze hit 40 miles to the gallon without the help of a hybrid powertrain?

According to the Official Chevrolet Press Release:
The oil pump in the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze takes a laid-back approach to its work, delivering the precise amount of oil needed during all driving conditions.
That requires the engine to work less versus a conventional pump and ultimately saves fuel. A standard feature in the Cruze's Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine, the variable displacement oil pump reduces the displacement during engine warm up and high speed conditions.

The volume of oil from the pump varies with rpm by changing the pump's displacement through a pivoting control chamber mechanism and sliding vanes. A fixed displacement pump would typically bypass the extra oil internally. The Ecotec 1.4L turbo is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models and helps the Cruze Eco, with a standard six-speed transmission, achieve an expected segment-leading estimated 40 mpg on the highway.

The benefits of the variable displacement oil pump increase when used with other technologies such as variable valve timing which operate using oil pressure. Variable valve timing adjusts the engine valves' opening and closing timing for optimal performance, fuel efficiency and emissions across the rpm band - including greater low-rpm torque.

The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this September, starting at $16,995, including destination.

Source: www.prnewswire.com

The Chevy Cruze is Coming!

DESIGN:
An all-star team of international designers pushed the interior boundaries of Cruze. It starts with space and Cruze has plenty of it — more than Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. And it's easy on the ears too. A triple-sealed, acoustic-laminated glass windshield and liquid-applied sound deadeners are just some of the techniques used to help make the road seen, not heard. Cruze also has available finishing touches: leather seat appointments or unique fabric accents for a sophisticated two-tone look.

FUEL:

The available small displacement 1.4L turbocharged engine, ideal for Cruze, is designed to deliver efficiency without compromising performance. Coming late 2010, the Cruze Eco is expected to offer an estimated 40 MPG highway.4 Cruze Eco adds ultra-low-rolling resistance tires and other technologies to boost efficiency. And Cruze Eco is decked out with a rear spoiler and 17" wheels, so saving gas will finally look as good as it feels.

SAFETY:

Cruze sets itself apart from other compacts on safety with 10 standard airbags,5 including frontal, front seat side-impact, roof-rail head-curtain, rear-seat side impact, second row side, and front knee air bags. Technologies like StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and four-wheel antilock brakes help you stay on the road and in control. And should the unthinkable ever happen, Cruze is equipped with OnStar® Automatic Crash Response6 standard for the first six months. Built-in sensors can automatically alert an Advisor, who is immediately connected to your vehicle and can request emergency help be sent to your exact GPS location, even if you're unable to respond.

TECHNOLOGY:
The Cruze blueprint calls for more than you'd expect. That's why every Cruze has the OnStar Directions & Connections plan® — including Turn-by-Turn Navigation7 — standard for the first six months. Hands-free calling is available with Bluetooth® wireless technology8 for select phones. An available USB9 port for your iPod®10 and XM Radio11 for three trial months give you plenty of entertainment options. Best of all, treat your senses to the available nine-speaker Pioneer®12 sound system. There's just some things that no driver should live without, even in a car this size.

Pictures :Courtesy of Chevy

Preview of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze!

Chevrolet has confirmed details and unveiled images of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan, which is set to be revealed in the sheet metal at the 2009 LA Auto Show on December 2. Set to compete directly with the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet expects the Cruze to stand out because of its expected highway fuel economy of 40 mpg.

The Cruze achieves this 40 mpg rating (and a cruising range of more than 500 miles) when equipped with its new, small-displacement Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. Standard on LT and LTZ models, the Ecotec 1.4L engine develops an estimated 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque

Stepping over to the LS model nets you, among other things, a larger displacement 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine and access to a larger wheel and tire package. With either engine, the Cruze is available with automatic and manual transmissions, both of which are six-speed units.
Keeping the Cruze connected to the road is a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a Watts Z-link independent suspension in the rear, which, according to Chevy, helps to keep the Cruze's handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control, antilock brakes and electric power steering also do their part to keep the Cruze's 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels on the tarmac.

"Corvette Inspired" (Credit: Chevrolet)

Meanwhile, inside the "Corvette-inspired" cabin, the Cruze benefits from an array of noise canceling technologies, from hydraulic ride bushings to nylon baffles filled with sound-absorbent foam in the body to improved weather seals and tighter panel gap tolerances. Expect a reasonable list of infotainment technologies, including a six-speaker stereo system with MP3 playback capability, an auxiliary jack for personal playback devices as standard with available XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar. Premium audio comes in the form of a Pioneer sound system with a USB port for iPod operation, Blue tooth, and navigation.

The full list of cabin technologies hasn't been carved in stone yet and much can change between now and the Cruze's launch in third-quarter 2010. Stay tuned to our coverage of the 2009 LA Auto Show for more details as they emerge.

Credit: Antuan Goodwin