2011 Chevrolet Cruze: GM finally scores with a small car
I averaged 40 miles per gallon on the highway in a small front-wheel-drive sedan equipped with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine.
I would’ve averaged 42 mpg, or better. But traffic on westbound Interstate 66 was bollixed by highway construction. I sat there in the unusual spring heat along with hundreds of other motorists — engines running and ventilation systems struggling to provide cool air and filter exhaust fumes spewing from adjacent vehicles.
It would have been an ordinary drive in an ordinary economy car, except there wasn’t much ordinary about the 2011 Chevrolet Eco sedan in my possession.
Let me put that statement in context.
Chevrolet is one of the core surviving divisions of General Motors, a company that went through bankruptcy reorganization in 2009, partly because it never took economy cars seriously.
GM’s offerings in the economy segment had been drafted from European and Asian subsidiaries — the hapless Chevette and lackluster Chevrolet Prizm/Geo are examples. Or the company’s price leaders were cobbled together under duress to meet federal fuel-economy mandates that did not count import brands in the government’s tortured, sales-weighted accounting of compliance with mileage standards.
Thus came from GM a less-than-notable class of motorized “C” students — the Chevrolet Cavalier and Cobalt. Both received passing grades but posed no threat to the top of the class — the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra.
That is why the new Chevrolet Cruze Eco sedan is astounding. It beats all three Japanese rivals in fuel economy. It trumps them in exterior and interior styling. It easily matches them in overall craftsmanship — fit, finish and the quality of interior materials. It also meets them in on-road performance — acceleration and handling. It arguably beats them in safety and utility.
In fairness to the GM administrators who were crushed and scattered under the weight of the recent recession and its attendant corporate bankruptcy, the Cruze Eco and its siblings began development during their executive reign. But they had waited too long to start doing things right. Time and money ran out.
But their replacements in the executive hierarchy of the reorganized GM should be credited for going forward with a good idea — a small, well-designed, highly functional and likable automobile that, at the moment, does not earn the kind of money traditionally brought in by gas-thirsty trucks and sport-utility vehicles — but that probably will do GM greater good in the long run.
Performance Import Tires - News
Or the company's price leaders were cobbled together under duress to meet federal fuel-economy mandates that did not count import brands in the government's tortured, sales-weighted accounting of compliance with mileage standards.
The class remained in doubt the entire day, with Matt McGrain's 2008 Premium Imports of Raleigh Honda Civic Si finishing just 0.187-second behind Jacobs. Lee Piccione, from Severn, Md., had to hold off the charge of two competitors in his F Stock 2008
The company is also expected to have strong performance potential going forward. Cooper continues to outperform the total industry shipments in the US Owing to an upward pricing pressure, total light vehicle tire shipments of Cooper's North American
This emphasis on maintaining and improving the performance of import models is a logical response to the increasingly global face of the North American vehicle population, Dennie said. “With the growth of foreign nameplates, we're leveraging our global
Target - Honda CR-Z EX: The Honda CR-Z EX is Honda's sport hybrid with an ultra-modern and sporty look, featuring 16” wheels and tires, low-to-the-ground stance and swooping bodywork. Additionally, its six-speed manual transmission makes it the only
Tire Sales and Installation for Import and Domestic Vehicles ...
Before you set off on your travels this summer, take time to inspect your tires. If they appear damaged or the tread looks worn, your tires may not be functioning properly. Worn and damaged tires can compromise your safety while driving. Whether you own a foreign import or domestic vehicle, properly installed tires are crucial to vehicle control and safe driving.
When purchasing new tires, you want to find ones that will provide both comfort and handling for ideal performance. Some things to consider include:
Tread Life: The US Department of Transportation requires that manufactures grade their tires under the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system. This rating can give you an idea of how long the tire should last. Climate: Where you live may influence the tires you purchase. Consider choosing a capable wet-weather model if you live in a rainy climate. Noise: Some tread designs tend to be noisier than others. A good salesperson should be able to tell you which tires are quieter for highway driving.There are numerous tire sizes and designs available at a variety of price ranges. Finding the perfect tire for your vehicle can seem like a difficult task. This is why you need a qualified tire professional to help guide you to the make and model that will perform best on your specific vehicle. Make sure that you are working with a technician who is trained in proper installation and uses state-of-the-art equipment.
Carmine’s Import Service of Kernersville, NC is now selling and installing high-performance tires for foreign import and domestic vehicles. Michelin, BF Goodrich, and Uniroyal are a few of the high quality tire brands that we offer. We are conveniently located to service customers in Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem.
Performance Import Tires - Bookshelf
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Check out this Ultra High Performance Tire Guide from Import Tuner Magazine.
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