General Motors plans to introduce a new 2.0-liter turbo-diesel version of its Chevrolet Cruze, its four-door sedan. The automaker describes the new power source as “the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.”
The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be built at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant beginning this summer. GM introduced the new version at the Chicago Auto Show. The Cruze has been manufactured there since 2010, and has sold well for Chevrolet, occasionally achieving ‘top-selling compact’ status during 2011. It’s offered in 1.4-liter, 1.6-liter, and 1.8-liter gas engines; the 2.0-liter diesels were introduced outside of North America in 2011.
The iron block engines will be a new variant of the 2.0-liter diesel engine that GM installs in the Opel Astra, Insignia and Zafira models in Europe, South America, and Asia.
The new diesel version is meant to offer a greater variety of options for American and Canadian buyers.
"Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet's diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy," stated Chevrolet v.p.-marketing Chris Perry. "We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that's both fun to drive and practical at the pump."
GM noted that its clean diesel engines generate at least 90% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions, versus earlier-generation diesels. Its emissions will match U.S. EPA’s Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
According to its fuel-economy tests, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel achieves “best-in-segment“ range and 42 mpg on highway.
According to Chevrolet, the new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine achieves est. 148 horsepower (110 kW) and est. 258 lb-ft torque (350 Nm), with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds. GM noted these details are better than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and competitive with German diesel cars available in North America.
Volkswagen achieves almost 18% of its sales from diesel engine models, and has been gaining U.S. subcompact marketshare.
"Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it's driving across town gas-free in a Spark EV or cross-country in a clean turbo diesel," stated v.p.-marketing Chris Perry.
