GM Confirms Chevrolet Cruze Diesel for the USA

We’d heard rumors that a diesel-powered version of the Chevrolet Cruze was being readied for the U.S., but now it’s official as General Motors announced today that the diesel variant will be added to the compact model’s North American lineup in calendar year 2013.
However, that’s about all we get from GM as the Detroit company stated that it will release further details on the car at a later date.
Currently, the most fuel efficient model in the Cruze range is the Eco model featuring a standard six-speed manual gearbox with an EPA-rated 42 mpg (equal to 5.6lt/100km) on the highway.
Chevrolet already offers the Cruze with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine in other regions including Europe and Australia.
The latest version of the 2.0-liter oil burner delivers 161HP (120kW / 163PS) at 3,800rpm and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,750 rpm.
It’s fuel economy on the combined European cycle (which can’t be directly compared to U.S. combined figures) is rated at 5.6 lt/100km [42mpg US] when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and at 6.7lt/100km [35.1mpg US] with the optional six-speed automatic.

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2011 Australian International Motor Show Photo

Even though it’s not as famous as its Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo or Detroit counterparts, this year’s edition of the Australian Motor Show, which takes place in Melbourne from July 1 to 10, has some interesting debuts including the Mad Max Concepts pictured above as well as a number of new production and prototype models from the local divisions of General Motors (aka Holden) and Ford.

You can take a look at all the vehicles in our comprehensive photo gallery right after the break. For those of you interested in learning more about the Ford-badged Mad Max Interceptor prototypes

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New HSV Black Edition Versions of Commodore Based Sedan, Station and Ute Models

General Motor’s Holden Special Vehicles unit in Australia is following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division as well as more recently, Porsche, with the presentation of a black-themed and named special edition series based on the E Series 3 range launched last September.
Making its world debut at the 2011 Australian motorshow in Melbourne, the SV Black Edition package is offered in the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, which are the sports versions of the Commodore sedan, ute, and station wagon models respectively.
Despite the name, the SV Black Editions are available in four more colors other than Phanotm black, namely Alto Grey, Nitrate, Sting and Heron.
The “darkness” of the limited edition comes in the details starting with the exterior and the matte black trims on the front and sides as well as the “Vector” hood scoops and side vents. It continues with the new, 20-inch forged SV Performance alloy wheel finished in gloss black.
Inside, all models feature a unique finish on the console, instrument panel and steering wheel while special edition sill plates, Onyx leather trim, matte black badging and a subtle lip spoiler on the ClubSport R8 complete the package.
There are no upgrades under the hood with power coming from HSV’s 317 kilowatt (425HP), 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine.
“I believe this is one of the best looking limited edition vehicle’s we have ever produced at HSV,” said HSV’s General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler. “The matte black paint outs combined with an all new, forged alloy wheel and subtle badging gives these vehicles a truly unique HSV look. I am confident these limited edition models will become true collectors items,” he added.
HSV plans to limit production of the SV Black Edition package to 100 ClubSport R8s, 100 Maloo R8s and 25 ClubSport R8 Tourer’s. Prices for the SV Black Edition start at AU$67,990 for the Maloo R8, AU$71,990 for the Clubsport R8 and AU$72,990 for the ClubSport R8 Tourer. Sales officially start in September.

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GM’s Holden Readies Rebadged Chevys For The Melbourne Auto Show 2011

It’s a global economy we live in and as such, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise when we see the same vehicles launched under different brands and names in various parts of the world.
Of course, it would be somewhat unfair to Holden if we didn’t mention that it has played a key role in the development and design of several GM products including the 5-door Cruze that will be show in pre-production trim at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS), which takes place in Melbourne from July to 10.
The hatchback body style of the Cruze will be joined by the new Barina (a.k.a the Chevrolet Sonic) and the Colorado 4x4 concept pickup truck, which we’ve already seen with Chevrolet's bowtie.
“The Colorado show car is the biggest and brightest star on the Holden stage this year,” said Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux. “The next generation Colorado will be an important player in light commercial/pickup 4x4 segment which is up 11 per cent this year,” he added.
The new Colorado pickup will be introduced into the Australian market in production form next year.
Holden is also updating its bread-and-butter Commodore series with the presentation of an E85 capable V6 engine option.
“We’ll be adding to the Ecoline model range, extending E85 flex-fuel capability to the popular 3.6 litre SIDI V6 engine and launching a new dedicated LPG Commodore range to take advantage of the CO2 benefits of the locally-abundant fuel,” said Devereux.

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