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By Patrick Rall Aug 18 2011 - 6:05pm

GM shooting for 50mpg from Chevy Cruze Diesel

General Motors confirmed in late July that they will offer a diesel powered Chevrolet Cruze for the 2013 model year and thanks to some insider information, we have learned that GM is shooting for the diesel Cruze to hit 50 miles per gallon on the highway – offering comparable fuel economy to some of the popular (and pricey) hybrids on the market.
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Ward’s Auto has reported that in addition to aiming the for 50mpg mark and unlike the Chevrolet Cruze Eco, the diesel model will offer the same amazing fuel economy whether it is mated to the manual or automatic transmission; where the Cruze Eco only reaches its advertised 42mpg with the manual gearbox. At 50 miles per gallon, the 2012 Chevy Cruze diesel will be one of the most efficient models in the C segment without the costly hybrid tech in vehicles that yield comparable fuel economy.

There has been no official information about the engine of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze diesel but rumors suggest that it will be very similar to the 2.0L diesel used in the Holden Cruze CDX. This compact diesel engine packs 161 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque, meaning that not only will it get better fuel economy than the Cruze Eco but it should also be quicker thanks to all of that torque. It will be interesting to see if the diesel engine option in the Cruze carries the special fuel saving technology like the active grille shutters and if the initial Cruze diesel does not – that means that we could see a Cruze Eco Diesel that could yield even greater fuel economy.

Diesel passenger cars have long been popular in Europe but the American consumer market has stuck to the stigma that these oil-burning engines are noisy, clacking engines spewing thick black smoke into the environment. Volkswagen has seen gradual growth from the diesel lineup, spurring competition from BMW with their new clean diesel technology and now Chevrolet looks like they will be the first American company to offer a modern diesel passenger car.

Source: Ward’s Autos, Holden

Other GM News:
GM confirms Chevy Volt-based Cadillac ELR with videos and pictures
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala recalled for power steering risks
General Motors claims the strongest HD pickup title
GM confirms the Cadillac XTS and ATS for 2012
Chevy Cruze helps GM lead the industry in July 2011 sales
The Camaro outsells the Mustang, Challenger, 370Z in July 2011
Production of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic begins

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Comments

Frank Sherosky wrote on August 18, 2011 - 8:44pm
It's about time! Now imagine an eAssist option for the lower end of driving in the city. What a combination that would be!!!
jamesmoberly wrote on August 19, 2011 - 5:08am
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Lostinusa wrote on August 19, 2011 - 7:39pm
I beg to differ with the comment that says "American consumer market has stuck to the stigma that these oil-burning engines are noisy, clacking engines spewing thick black smoke into the environment." I know for a fact that MOST Americans are well aware of the 'clean/quiet diesels" and have been asking for them since Jeep offered the 2.8L diesel option in the Liberty for 05/06,and the MB 'blutec" V6 option in the grand Cherokee.Yet even Jeep will not respond to the crowds of people asking for that option.In short: ALL the manufactures know we want diesels,they just refuse to offer them,citing they are too expensive.What about the 'loser' expensive hybrids? Sales suck all around for those.Mostly because of the expense and range worries,and the expense of the batteries should they need replacing or disposal.A diesel option would be less expensive,and would certainly alleviate the 'lack of range' issue,JMHO.
Anonymous wrote on August 31, 2011 - 1:43pm
I am going to be looking for a car soon and was looking for Diesel and only VW makes cars that offer diesel. Its about time US manufacture's start building these as diesel is the best choice for MPG and power concerns. Hybrids is a waste and I really hope there are laws out there to prevent those huge batteries to end up in a landfill poluting the ground water.