I’m always intrigued to what the major global automakers are up to and this week its worth casting our eyes in the direction of Chevrolet. The US auto giant is introducing a vehicle that will get lots of attention for its fuel efficiency and they surely hope for others reasons in addition. First though lets look at the car’s efficiency – The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is supposed to better 40mpg or 6L/100km which puts it in a unique competition group in terms of fuel consumption, most remarkably this is being accomplished in a non hybrid vehicle. The Cruze which should be available towards the end of the year, is the only car breaking that mileage plateau that is neither a hybrid or a standard diesel. So how was this accomplished?

Motoring purists will be excited to learn that the Cruze Eco doesn’t sacrifice power in its quest for efficiency. The results have been achieved by using more affordable internal combustion technology—such as turbocharging—to deliver its ability to bypass far more gas stations per refill. Competition in the efficiency stakes is predicted to be fought primarily between hybrid vehicles (where increased demand is beginning to move prices downward) and the smaller vehicles designed to the highest levels of efficiency, cars that will incorporate improved aerodynamics, lighter materials, low-resistance tires and turbocharging. Can Chevrolet take a large stake in this market that is anticipated to grow rapidly in the years ahead? Much will depend on the official mileage and pricing, neither of which have been revealed to date. I’m thrilled to see fuel conservation become a hot topic for car buyers, as in Europe the day will soon arrive when miles per gallon is one of the first selling points (and buyers questions) that needs to be addressed.

As with most things strong competition will lead to a market which benefits the car buyer, new technologies combining with the newest design means concept cars are reaching production lines in less than half the time traditionally associated with an industry that has always been resistant to rapid change, particularly in the US. Until now excellent fuel consumption rates usually came attached with a price tag that far outweighed vehicles that were comparable in all other criteria. That however seems to be changing, according to Jim Campbell US VP of Chevrolet:

“The Cruze Eco delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag”

If performance is what you are looking for than these numbers aren’t too shabby for what is essentially a 4 door sedan designed to compete on the Corolla/Civic market based on the overall data of the vehicle. The engine is driven by an all new turbocharged 1.4 liter Ecotec four-cylinder.  Test results has shown a rating of 138 horsepower coupled with 148 pound-feet of torque. People look so anxious when you combine fuel efficient vehicle with acceleration in the same sentence, but again the numbers don’t do the Cruze any harm as 10.0 seconds from 0-60mph will attest. By way of comparison the Toyota Corolla’s 1.8 engine delivers 132 horsepower and reaches the same speed in 10.1 seconds.

Chevy had to do some clever design modification to get the extra mileage from this vehicle, at higher speeds drag is reduced by the shutters in the lower grille becoming closed. Aerodynamics played a huge part in the vehicles design as the front air dam and panels under the body both contribute to less air resistance equating to better mileage. It will be interesting to see if the car can be priced to compete, as success for vehicles of this type will be required in the years ahead  for an American auto industry that has weathered some terrible PR concerning the environment. The ability to manufacture vehicles that provide a cost effective and reliable alternative to the import market will be a critical component in both strengthening the green credentials of the industry but also returning sales to this continent.

We’d love to know how satisfied you are with your hybrid car or indeed how important a part fuel efficiency will play when you choose your next model. The goal of significant positive changes being set out by the current administration calls for a 5% improvement in overall fuel efficiency each year between 2012 and 2016 is both achievable and very necessary in my opinion. The market will dictate that happening and I hope than in 5 years time a vehicle such as the Cruze Eco will not be considered a novelty but a necessity by many. We’ll wait and see how it is received when it hits dealers this Autumn.

Tags: car aerodynamics, chevrolet, Chevrolet Cruze Eco, Cruze eco, epa auto mileage guidelines, fuel efficiency, fuel reduction, gas mileage, gasoline engines, hybrid vehicles, performance of cruze eco, planet forward, toyota corolla, vehicle design