In 2013, the United States will get something that hasn’t been sampled for decades: a diesel-powered Chevrolet car. The compact Cruze will receive a glow-plug powered powerplant and its arrival will happen in part due to the expert guidance of GM Europe. across the pond, the General’s engineers have been pumping out small, diesel engines to fit into small cars for years, so Chevrolet didn’t have to look to far to get help. The next alternative fueled Cruze may be unfamiliar territory for the U.S division, but enough European engineering will be packed into the car that everything should go according to plan.
“U.S. customers are going to be pleasantly surprised when they get a chance to drive the Chevrolet Cruze diesel,” said Mike Siegrist, 2.0L diesel assistant chief engineer. Even though the new block’s final assembly point will be in Pontiac, Michigan, European engineers are currently working on parts and components for the mill. GM’s diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy will lend a helping hand as well as Russelsheim, Germany which will supply the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components. The diesel Cruze already is in working order in various markets across Europe and has done well so far; last year, GM sold 33,000 compacts.“Our global team is providing diesel engineering expertise that will give U.S. Cruze customers great quality, torque and fuel economy in a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”
Source: Chevrolet
