Watch This Space: High Performance Holden Cruze SS said to be in the Works

In Australia, the SS badge has a special meaning to Holden owners. Its most frequently associated with the Commodore large car and to a lesser extent, the ultra-rare Torana SS of the 1970s. It’s all about big Aussie V8’s and rear-wheel-drive. It’s as Australian as Fosters beer and Four’N Twenty pies.

So now, there’s talk of a performance version of the Cruze small car in the works - and insidious rumors this front-wheel-drive econobox may carry the prestigious double ‘S’ moniker previously reserved only for V8 models. “Sacrilege!” you scream, and I’m more than willing to agree. Nevertheless, let’s push on and see what the Australian rumor mill has in store for us.

It’s possible a high performance version of the Cruze would use the same 132 kW, / 180HP and 230 Nm 1.6-liter turbo four from the European Vauxhall / Opel Astra as there drivetrains are readily interchangeable thanks to both using the GM’s Delta II architecture.

In the words of an unnamed Holden insider:

“We are investigating all possibilities. We would love to explore a performance version. It is obviously on our wish list. Every engine option available in the Astra is under review.”

A firmer and lower suspension setup and weightier electronic power steering are also on the cars, and are likely to be gradually phased into the rest of the Cruze range as time goes on. Holden’s insider continues:

“We just did not have the resources to develop (revised) suspension and steering for the SRi models. But watch this space.”

A HSV badged model, potentially using the upcoming Opel Astra OPC’s 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo four is also a possibility, however unlikely.

Expect a late 2011 launch for the Cruze “SS” if it makes production. It’s all part of Holden’s plan to overtake the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 as leaders of the Aussie small car market.

At the moment it’s in third place between the Corolla and the Hyundai i30. Deliveries of the Cruze Series II sedan begin in April, with the hatchback expected to follow in October.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Go-auto

2011 HOLDEN CRUZE SERIES II

Holden Unveils its Own Version of the Cruze Hatchback

Even though it was Chevrolet that came out first with both a thinly disguised concept in 2010 and this year’s production version of the Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Show, the five-door model was actually penned by GM’s Holden division at the Port Melbourne studio in Australia. Now, it’s finally time for Holden to reap the benefits of its work with the release of the first official photos of the compact hatchback with the Australian brand’s lion logo.

“In designing the new five-door hatch we wanted to retain the sporty ‘Cruze’ proportions and bring the same Holden appearance to the hatch that we developed for the new locally-built Series II Cruze sedan,” said Holden Design Director, Tony Stolfo.

It’s worth noting that the Holden Design Studio is one of only GM three facilities in the world with the capability to design and build prototype concept vehicles for exhibitions and international auto shows. According to Mr. Stolfo, the Australian studio is currently working on several new secret projects.

“The Holden design team works on a range of global design projects from small hatchbacks like the new Cruze to large wheel drive performance vehicles and also a number of exciting vehicles yet to be revealed,” Mr Stolfo added.

Like the recently revealed Cruze Sedan Series II, the Australian-market version of the hatchback model will be manufactured locally at the Elizabeth plant with series production set to start in the second half of the year. Holden did not announce details on the hatchback model’s engine range but Australian buyers should expect the same gasoline and diesel options as the sedan.

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Holden Unveils Aussie-Built Cruze Series II with New 2.0L Diesel and 1.4L Turbo Petrol

Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

The new diesel engine produces 120 kW [161HP] at 3800rpm and 360 Nm at 1750 rpm, meaning output has been increased by 9 per cent and torque by 12.5 per cent over the previous engine. Holden says fuel economy improves to 5.6 lt/100km [42mpg US] with the new six-speed manual gearbox and remains at 6.7lt/100km [35.1mpg US] with the optional six-speed auto.

The newly introduced 1.4 iTi turbocharged petrol delivers 103 kW [138-HP] at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm between 1,850-4,900 rpm. It comes standard on SRi and SRi-V models and is optional on the Cruze CD. When equipped with the standard 6-speed manual, the 1.4 iTi returns a fuel economy figure of 6.4lt/100km [36.7mpg US], while the optional six-speed auto is good for 6.9lt/100km [34.1mpg US].

In addition, all 1.4 iTi models come with a range of chassis refinements, among them the fitment of Watts link performance suspension which is said offer improved handling qualities and a smoother, quieter ride. The new Cruze SRi and SRi-V models with the 1.4 iTi also get bespoke front and rear fascia treatments, a boot lip spoiler, side sills and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Finally, the 1.8-liter ECOTEC petrol engine with 104 kW [138-HP] at 6200 rpm and 176 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm has received some refinements, which Holden claims to have resulted in "a more lively launch feel and all-round improved driveability". With the 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1.8 petrol returns 7lt/100km and with the six-speed auto that includes an improved final drive ratio, 7.4lt/100km.

“We have worked hard to improve on the current model by tailoring the Cruze to better meet the needs of Australian motorists,” Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said.

“We think our locally-developed range ticks all the boxes for people who appreciate style, comfort and convenience, as well as high-tech performance options and great interior space. Cruze also remains one of the safest small cars on the market and more than ever it represents exceptional value for money in true Holden tradition.”

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