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MotorWeek #34 - New York Auto Show

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by bwilson4web, Apr 11, 2010.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I was listening to the MotorWeek #34 this evening going over the New York AutoShow and they made an interesting observation:
    'More 4 cylinder, turbos coming and fewer V8s. The new fuel economy standards means we're going to see a downsizing of engines and more hybrids due to the new fuel economy standards.'

    'Chevy Cruze plans try to achieve 40 mph, highway, on a 4 cylinder, 1.4L, turbo with manual transmission. GM's Corolla killer(?)'
    ​
    I looked at the GM web page on the Chevy Cruze and obviously, it is not yet in production. But I got the impression of a small car, more along the size of our old Echo. They indicated GM has high expectations . . . Perhaps the production version will be better than the web version.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Apr 11, 2010
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It is in production. It's sold in Europe but will be here next year. It's the size of a Corolla. Fairly spacious inside and out although watch your head going in and out of the back seat as the sloping roof line can catch some noggings. Trunk is decently sized and the doors close with a nice thud. Fabric-covered dashboard is a nice touch but it would be better if they chose better fabrics. It feels a little cheap.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Apr 11, 2010
  3. wwest40

    wwest40 Member

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    TurboCharging results in a detuned/derated engine during "cruise" mode, so 98% of the time the non-turbo driving alongside will have 20-30% better FE.

    On the other hand, like the rabbit vs the turtle, you will be able to do 0-60 FAST....

    West/Otto/Atkinson/Miller cycle multimode engines are the answer. Variable BOOST, using the CVT/PSD techique, to implement SuperCharging is the future.
     
    #3 wwest40, Apr 11, 2010
  4. robbyr2

    robbyr2 New Member

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    I hope they hear the feedback about feeling a little cheap. GM makes a good product, and then they screw it up by cutting corners. Remember the fake wood in Cadillacs?
     
    #4 robbyr2, Apr 11, 2010
  5. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Ooh what's it called here in Europe? Is it the Insignia or Astra or maybe even the Corsa?
     
    #5 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 11, 2010
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Don't bet on GM selling many cars with manual transmissions. Not many people know how to drive them.
     
    #6 JimN, Apr 11, 2010
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    same name. Cruze

    The new Chevrolet Cruze ? Dynamic and fuel-efficient 4 door saloon ? Chevrolet UK

    Well that's always been the case. The Cobalt was nice. Nice buttons and knobs but the dashboard and door armrest felt cheap (the armrest was broken on my rental)
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Apr 11, 2010
  8. kgall

    kgall Active Member

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    For those of us who don't know anything, how are multimode ICE's possible? For someone like me you will have to start at a fairly basic level.
     
    #8 kgall, Apr 17, 2010
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