1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante | As Royal wedding fever was about to wear off, the Prince had one last surprise in store. For many years his Father has been the owner of an Aston Martin DB6 Mark II that was converted to run on biofuel. The car was decorated in traditional wedding fashion complete with ribbons, balloons, and a trick license plate reading Ju5t Wed. The dark blue Volante convertible was driven by the Prince through the crowds in front of Buckingham Palace on his way to a reception party. The car traveled down the procession route with top down and minimal security. A lone Range Rover followed the Aston and a RAF Rescue helicopter, much like the ones flown by the Prince, flew above with a flag waving below.

Other new features included split front and rear bumpers, a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance and a higher roof. Like before the Vantage spec option could be ordered which added a V to the chassis number. One of the desirable options was factory air conditioning which used two vents on the rear parcel shelf. Other options included power-assisted steering and a full-length Webasto sunroof.

The engine was almost identical to the DB5 unit having twin overhead camshafts and triple SU carburetors that produced 282 bhp.

In 1969 the Mark II version of the DB6 was launched with flared wheel arches and revised seats.

The DB6 Mark II was announced several years after initial production in 1969. It is defined by new flared wheel arches on both the front and the rear of the car. These help to accommodate wider wheels and tires that increased the handling of the car. In 1966 Aston introduced the convertible version and called it Volante. It was the first time Aston Martin would use this now classic Italian term to denote its convertible models. The rarest of all these cars was the Vantage Volante version, for which only 29 examples exist.

Specification
Category: Classic Cars
Make: Aston Martin
Model: DB6
Derivative: Volante
Year: 1969
Transmission: Manual
LHD/RHD: LHD
Body Type: Convertible
Exterior Colour: Blue
Interior Colour: Cream
Mileage (km): 60000 Miles (96600 KM)
Price: €POA
Country: Holland (The Netherlands)
Region:
Status: Trade
Listing Date: 02/02/2011
Views: 377

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Semper Vivus Lauching to Porshce Museum | As part of the new special exhibition "Ferdinand Porsche - Pioneer of the Hybrid Drive”, the sportscar maker’s museum in Stuttgart is presenting a reconstruction of the first workable full-hybrid car in the world, the “Semper Vivus”. The special exhibition, which begins on May 10, will provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse of the early engineering creations of the young Ferdinand Porsche.

Porsche says it was the first fully-functional full-hybrid car in the world, created and built by Ferdinand Porsche in 1900. Through a meticulous process, Porsche's present-day engineers have made as near an exact recreation of the car as possible. It will be housed in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart after the show.

The teaser video below gives you an idea of what to expect. The full details on the recreation process will be revealed next week. Also joining the Semper Vivus on the stand will be the recently unveiled Panamera S Hybrid.

Porsche press release :
* Porsche presents first functional, full hybrid car in the world, the Semper Vivus, 111 years after its World Premiere in 1900. http://origin.porsche.com/uk
* Recreation of ground-breaking car will make its debut on March 1 at Geneva Motor Show
* View the film at porsche.co.uk/origin
* European debut of 918 RSR concept underlines ‘Porsche Intelligent Performance’ philosophy

But Porsche is being as cryptic as possible in the press release here so it could be that an altogether new hybrid vehicle will be debuting next week alongside the European premieres of the 918 RSR hybrid race car concept, the 330 PS (243 kW / 325 bhp) Cayman R, the limited series 911 Black Edition based on the 345 PS (254 kW / 340 bhp) 911 Carrera, and the Boxster S Black Edition.

The 911 Black Edition will be limited to just 1,911 units while the Boxer S Black Edition will get only 987 units made.

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Bi-Fuel Propane System Enter U.S | We already knew that Icom North America, an alternative fuel solutions provider, plans to bring a liquid propane injection technology with potential environmental and fuel economy advantages to the U.S. automotive aftermarket for about a year, but we can now say for sure when that is going to happen, as the company has just confirmed the move will take place this year.

Icom's new JTG-Dynamic System enables vehicles to run on either diesel fuel or a 50/50 mixture of liquid-injected propane and diesel fuel.

The company can now convert applicable Ford 6.8 liter gasoline engines for E-250, E-350 and E-450 platforms covering model years 2010 and 2011 for propane and gasoline (or bi-fuel) use. Most end users of this technology will be commercial fleets of ambulances, shuttle buses, flatbeds, cutaways and cargo vehicles.

Since 2004, Icom North America has been supplying its patented JTG liquid-injection propane mono-fuel systems to leading bus, truck and commercial vehicle manufacturers in the US.We offer engine system solutions for fleets of all sizes, including: taxi and livery, law enforcement, state, county and municipal vehicles and other high mileage vehicles.

Bi-fuel engine system benefits include:
• Lower fuel costs
• Cleaner emissions
• Increased travel range
• Fewer Oil Changes
• Extended Engine Life

Jasper Alternate Fuels, a division of Jasper Engines & Transmissions of Jasper, Ind., will be the first to install the JTG-Dynamic System on diesel vehicles. Jasper has over 55 installation centers across the U.S. to perform both LPG and CNG conversions on vehicles.

"The industry has been looking for a unit like this that can provide an increase in power and torque plus a 50 percent reduction in diesel-fuel expenses," says Ed Zoglman, manager of the Jasper Alternate Fuels Division. "Our customers are looking for fuel savings and cleaner emissions. This system has both."

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2012 Chevrolet Malibu ECO Review |Next to the 2013 Malibu, Chevrolet also brought at the New York Auto Show the Eco version, a model that comes equipped with new fuel-saving eAssist technology. The new Eco version will be sold next to the Malibu LS, LT and LTZ version starting the summer of 2012.

The 2013 Malibu is Chevy’s latest efforts in creating more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars and is one that will be sold in 100 additional countries next to the US of A.

Power comes from a basic 2.4L Ecotech direct-injection four-pot paired with an electric motor-generator that prides itself as being only 65 pounds, which is an impressive feat. All of that power is transferred through a new six-speed automatic. The result is a total of 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque from the four-banger with an extra 15 hp available from electric power assistance during heavy acceleration.

The eAssist mild-hybrid Eco model doesn't look appreciably different from the standard 2.5-liter range, despite registering 26 mpg in the city and 38 out on the highway. Alterations include 17-inch wheels on low rolling-resistance tires, four underbody shields that cover about 50 percent of the vehicle's dirty bits, as well as model-specific side mirrors and the expected badging.

Inside, more Camaro influence can be seen thanks to items like the 'squircle' gauges. Materials are noticeably richer than before, and high-end detailing like contrasting ice blue stitching on the LTZ's leather seats and increased ambient lighting lend the cabin a more premium aura.

Malibu ECO is among the first in the midsize segment with a fuel-saving, active shutter system in the lower grille. The Malibu ECO’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when engine cooling is less required.

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2011 Volvo S60 R-Design comes with a range of specially developed design details both outside and in. On the outside the Volvo S60 R-Design have an imposing redesigned front with a grille painted in glossy piano black. The sporty stance is further enhanced with colour-matched body components, details in matt special finish and a hexagonal pattern that is repeated both front and rear. Distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes and unique five-spoke 18-inch Diamond cut wheels emphasise the sporty overall appeal.

Under its performance line, R-Design, the Swedish automaker gave their resident sedan a welcome change on both its looks and engine output. Together with the XC60 R-Design, the S60 R-Design made its debut at the New York Auto Show and is set to go on sale later this summer.

To improve handling, Volvo engineers installed a strut brace, shorter springs (which reduce ride height 15mm), and stiffer bushings (20% firmer than the standard model). On top of this, they also added monotube rear dampers and Corner Traction Control which uses torque vectoring to reduce understeer.The R-Design package will be available with a variety of engines including everything from the 115 bhp (86 kW / 117 PS) 1.6-liter D DRIVe to the 304 bhp (227 kW / 308 PS) 3.0-liter T6.

The S60 concept featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a dual-clutch automated manual transmission; the pair should be in production shortly, but it’s unknown if the small four would make it to this side of the Atlantic in the S60. The production car will, however, get the concept’s pedestrian-detection technology, which will fully apply the brakes if it detects you’re going to make a Swedish meatball out of someone in the crosswalk. Other features of the S60 concept that are candidates to make it to the real car are a second-gen radar cruise-control system, lightweight composite body panels, and a grille shutter than can close to reduce aero drag.

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New Cars 2010 Jaguar XK ranks 5 out of 9 Super Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 75 published reviews and test drives of the Jaguar XK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

For example, the new XK has received a set of all-new headlight units that are not only slimmer (by 15mm) than the ones they replace but now feature subtle LED daylight running lights alongside intricately styled reflector units.

These sit above a new, larger oval grille framed in chrome with mesh in the center that, in the case of the XKR, is finished in black. Mounted either side of the grille are a pair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes

Jaguar attempts to make the cabin tech interface as lovely as everything else, but ends up with a menu system that looks like 1990s Web design. This interface, built on Adobe Flash, slides menu buttons in from the left side of the screen, slick animation that ultimately proves more spectacle than practical.

We found ourselves having to drill down through multiple menus to choose music from a connected iPod, place a phone call, or enter a destination in the navigation system, too frequently pulling our attention from the road. There is also a voice command system, but it only offered the basics, not sophisticated enough to let us dial contacts by saying a person's name or choose music.

The XK can be ordered with 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels. A navigation system with a seven-inch LCD touch screen is standard. Other features include front and side airbags, stability control, Burl Walnut or satin-finish Poplar trim, and keyless entry and start.
Options include a 525-watt Alpine premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio, soft-grain leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.

SPESIFICATION
Body Style Convertible Size Midsize Market Segment Luxury Length 188.7 in. Width 74.5 in. Height 52.3 in. Wheelbase 108.3 in. Front Track 61.4 in. Rear Track 62.8 in. Seats 4 Cargo Volume 7.1 cu. ft. Leg Room (Front Row) 43.0 in. Head Room (Front Row) 37.8 in. Shoulder Room (Front Row) 56.6 in. Leg Room (Second Row) 27.6 in. Head Room (Second Row) 33.1 in. Shoulder Room 42.4 in. Fuel Type Gas Engine Type 5.0L V8

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2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Review will be produced in Canada. This sedan will be developed with Electronic Stability Program, ABS with emergency brake assist, and two-stage front airbags with passenger weight sensors, etc. The elective safety features are ultrasonic rear object detection, self-sealing tires, Xenon HID headlamps, and rear/front side air curtain bags. Coming to towing capacity, this vehicle can tow up to 3800 Lbs.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is going to make its debut today at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The new model features a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine capable of developing 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet (630 Nm) of torque. The power increase over the old model is 40 hp and 45 lb-ft (61 Nm) of torque. The transmission available for the model is a five-speed automatic and in the near future, the automatic gearbox will be fitted with paddle shifters to allow drivers to shift some gears.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 also features an Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) system that is tuned for a comfortable and direct ride. The ADS system uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs – such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral and vertical accelerations – to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions when necessary.

However, even with these elevated power numbers, an estimated 25 percent fuel economy increase on the highway is expected thanks to a new for 2012 active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation technology to engage over a wider rpm range. The new active exhaust system also allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost Long Wheelbase feature China is the market for extended-wheelbase variants and Rolls-Royce has introduced the new Ghost Extended Wheelbase edition at Auto Shanghai today.

The wheelbase of this stretched Ghost is 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer than on the standard model and good for twice as much knee room, says Rolls-Royce

An extended-wheelbase motor car was planned in the early days of the Rolls-Royce Phantom project. Indeed, an aluminium space frame chassis was chosen precisely because it lends itself to structural adaptation with relative ease. This ability to create coach-worked models, to meet the individual needs and desires of Rolls-Royce customers, is something that has been central to the marque throughout its 100-year history. The standard Phantom body is already the largest automotive aluminium space frame ever constructed while the new extended wheelbase model adds nearly 10 inches.

The extra length with this new motor car is achieved simply by using longer extrusions in the construction of the body. Conventional extended-wheelbase cars are often built by cutting them and welding in extra metal - not so with Rolls-Royce. As a result of this approach, none of the Phantom's torsional rigidity is lost, so the outstanding dynamic performance and driving refinement of the standard length motor car are maintained.

The powertrain should remain unchanged, which means a 6.6-liter turbocharged V-12 engine matched to a ZF 8-speed and delivering 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque will be lurking under the hood.

In addition to the new long wheelbase model, both coupe and convertible versions of the Ghost are due to hit the streets in the next couple of years but their development is not guaranteed. Rolls-Royce will be unveiling concept versions of the cars first to gauge customer demand. Another model potentially in the pipeline is a gasoline-electric hybrid version.

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Toyota Aygo Ice Launch The British division of Toyota announced today a hot offer that comes in form of a new version of Toyota’s entry model. Specifically, British customers can now purchase the new Aygo Ice city car starting from £9,750 on-the-road, with first deliveries to customers to begin from later this month.

The Aygo Ice also features three metallic paint finishes: Dark Forest, Vermillion Red and Crystal Silver and comes with side mouldings for extra protection. It is available in three and five-door versions and is powered by 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol powerplant, with a choice of manual or Multimode transmissions. This engine averages 61.4mpg (combined cycle), is Band B road tax (VED) classification and a 3E insurance group rating.

Five-door versions start from £10,105 for the manual, rising to £10,615 for the multimode option. On sale now, the first models will be delivered to customers in the UK from mid-April and come with Toyota’s new five-year extended warranty.
Aygo Ice is powered by the Year Award-winning 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine, which is mated to a manual or Multimode transmissions. The small engine offers quite good performance and returns 61.4 mpg on combined cycle. It is also classified in Band B road tax and a 3E insurance group rating.

Toyota Aygo Ice is priced at £9 750 a perfect value for money, so if you need a good city car, which offers nice comfort and style, do not hesitate

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New cars Volkswagen Amarok The British division of Volkswagen revealed today technical specifications for the new cars Amarok, a serious contender for the pick-up market. The vehicle comes available in two engine variants, a 2.0-litre TDI developing 122 PS and 340 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm, and a 2.0-litre Bi-turbo TDI developing 163 PS and 400 Nm from 1,750 rpm. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Taken separately, 122 PS engine can achieve 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 13.7 seconds, while the 163 PS unit reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 11.1 seconds.
Size-wise, the VW Amarok is 5 254 mm long, 1 944 mm wide and 1 834 mm high, giving it a slightly stockier appearance than its competitors. Importantly though, the Amarok features the largest load area in its class, at 1 555 mm long, 1 620 mm wide and 780 mm high – enough space to accommodate most items, up to a maximum weight of 1 150 kilograms. Further practicality comes from the bakkie’s maximum load width of 1 222 mm between wheel wells, which allows enough space for a Euro-spec pallet (1 200 mm x 800 mm) to be loaded for the first time on a mid-size bakkie. The load-bed also includes four tie-down points on either corner, a 12-volt power socket, as well as a rear-facing light – integrated with the high-level brake-light – that conveniently illuminates the load area.

The interior of the new VW Amarok bakkie is well laid out. All Amarok models are equipped with height adjustable front seats; variable folding rear bench seat; load bed lighting; electrically operated windows and side mirrors; radio/CD-player; air-conditioning; cruise-control and front fog lights. The ‘Highline’ models feature added luxury in the form of automatic climate control and an improved sound system, while exterior highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, partial chrome covered side mirrors and various other chrome accents inside and out. Head, leg and shoulder room are ample, while various storage trays – including under the front seats – provide the practicality associated with a bakkie. The interior materials are of good quality and solid build. The dashboard, for example, has been fashioned from hard and durable plastic, instead of the soft-touch type found in the new Polo and Golf – the Amarok is built tough. A small, but significant feature is the steering wheel, which is adjustable for both height and reach – convenient for fitting behind the wheel after a hearty Sunday roast at the neighbours farm.

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2011 Ford Mustang Review is one of those rare cars that runs on history and tradition – that’s what happens to cars when they’re instantly successful. And that’s certainly the case for this American icon, which saw almost a million units sold in the year following its launch at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

But more important, perhaps, is that the supercharged truck engine stuffed under the GT500’s hood added weight to the front end of a car that was already nose heavy. The last Shelby we tested was more than 300 pounds heavier than a GT, and almost all of those extra pounds were over the front axle. Much as we enjoyed the 2007 to 2010 Shelbys, we didn’t like the way they overworked their brakes or understeered. They liked entering corners about as much as a pig enjoys being measured for an open pit. Plus, their engines suffered from heat soak during track work and wouldn’t produce full power during lapping sessions.

At first glance, the news in the engine bay isn't all that promising. It's still a 5.4-liter supercharged and intercooled V8 backed by a six-speed manual transmission. Peak power climbs just 10 hp from 540 to 550 thanks mostly to a increase in exhaust-pipe diameter from 2.5 inches to 2.75 (The larger pipes reduce back pressure). Torque remains at 510 lb-ft, but it occurs 250 rpm lower, at 4250. A larger intercooler has also been added, for more consistent performance.

Likely the most significant option change for the GT500 is the SVT Performance Package, giving the GT500 a track-ready performance pack from the factory. This package includes specially developed Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires, a higher rear axle ratio, stiffer springs, lighter wheels and cosmetic changes for both the coupe and convertible. Ford attributes a 3.0-second lap time savings over the outgoing coupe on the 2.3-mile test track.

Ford has also lowered the GT500 by 11 millimeters up front, and 8 millimeters out back for improved handling. SVT says it added slotted brake dust shields to help improve brake cooling and handling, as well as a new pedal box with is aimed at improving clutch and pedal efforts.

READ MORE - 2011 Ford Mustang Review

Mazda's new SKYACTIV-G Review display at the 2011 Canadian International AutoShow. Making its debut is the 2012 Mazda3, which, in addition to receiving a facelift, will also offer the option of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission when it is launched in Canada later this year. This initial application of Mazda’s SKYACTIV engine and transmission technologies – the first time they will be employed in a production vehicle – will realize higher torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds resulting in better drivability with less fuel consumption in everyday driving.

The first application of Mazda's new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine combined with SKYACTIV transmissions will debut in the 2012 Mazda3 later this fall. Nearly one of every three Mazdas sold worldwide is a Mazda3, which, refreshed for 2012, receives the SKYACTIV powertrain as well as a refined interior and exterior design and new safety features.

In addition to the new powertrain updates, the 2012 Mazda3 receives reworked front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. Newly designed 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels round off the cosmetic changes for the 2012 model.

Environmentally conscious and/or frugal American Mazda lovers can only cross their fingers and hope that this new car will eventually make its way stateside with its extra-European fuel economy, with any luck their wishes may come true.

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New Cars 2012 BMW Concept M5 in Munich, Germany to a select number of journalists. Reportedly, the private showing included cars held at the BMW M facility garage in Garching. Of those cars, the new Cars BMW M5 was showcased along with a few other gems such as an E46 M3 Touring edition (M3 wagon), lightweight M3 sedan and a M8. Of course the big surprise during the private event was the BMW M5 which everyone had only seen partially wrapped in camo until now.

Despite being a technically labeled as a concept car, the New Cars 2012 Bmw M5 Concept is expected to become the precursor to the production version that will be introduced later in the year, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The capability to reach that speed comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. It's basically the same engine used by the New Cars X5 M and New Cars X6 M, in which it makes 555 hp. In the M5, that total is likely to increase.

This engine will make the New Cars M5, after the two M SUVs and the 1-series M coupe, the fourth car to deviate from the former and now-obsolete M gospel of high-revving naturally aspirated engines. As consolation, M GmbH development chief Albert Biermann hints that the turbo V-8 will rev beyond 7000 rpm, and BMW promises a 25-percent increase in fuel economy over the 8200-rpm V-10 in the previous M5.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electrically controlled active differential developed especially for the New Cars M5. The suspension and brakes also are exclusive to the New Cars M5. The American interest in an honest-to-clutch-pedals manual transmission forced BMW to build the last-gen M5 with a stick, and this time around, we will be the only market to get the option of a six-speed manual.

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Audi has officially put its new R18 Le Mans racer and all nine of its factory drivers through their paces. The pair of closed-cockpit Audi bruisers and one last-generation R15 TDI spent some time lapping Sebring as part of preparations for this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each of the cadre of pilots was able to get some seat time in all three vehicles. Interestingly enough, Audi has made it clear that the R15 "Plus Plus" will campaign alone at this year's 12 Hours of Sebring. Audi typically uses the venue as a dry run for new hardware before showing up in France.

Recognizing that aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past, the new R18 marks the first time since 1999 that Audi will contest the world’s oldest endurance race with a closed coupe. Unlike that of the closed Le Mans prototypes, which consisted of two halves, the carbon fiber monocoque chassis of the R18 features a single-component design that reduces weight and increases stiffness.

Fortunately, Audi was kind of enough to post a couple of videos of the Sebring testing, complete with action shots of their LMP1 racer run roughshod on the race track. On top of the two-minute R18 action-fest, there’s also another video featuring no less than Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, the brand’s motorsport head, giving us the low-down behind the car, including the decision to go for an all-new 3.7-liter V6 diesel engine with the R18.

Audi is planning to field three Audi R18 cars at Le Mans, which will be entered by Audi Sport Team Joest, the most successful Le Mans team of all time. In addition, Audi Sport Team Joest will contest the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), consisting of a total of seven endurance races on three continents (including the Le Mans 24 Hours) with two cars.

READ MORE - Audi R18 Review

The new-to-America Cruze is Chevrolet's latest small car and comes powered by either a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder, or a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder both with the choice of either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The turbocharged engine puts out 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque and should be capable of up to 40 mpg on the highway. The 1.8-liter puts out 136 horsepower and 123 lb-ft. of torque

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze replaces Cobalt as the compact car from General Motors' volume division. Cruze is a 4-door sedan that comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and fuel-economy-oriented Eco trim levels. LT models are subdivided into 1LT and 2LT. The LS has a 136-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and Eco use a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS and Eco. A 6-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on the LT and LTZ.

The Cruze Eco showed no signs of lag, and off-the-line performance was strong. The same goes for highway speeds, with the added note that the engine is very quiet. GM applied 18 distinctive acoustical treatments to ensure the Cruze rides free of most engine and road noise. Manual shifts were seamless with quick gear engagement in all shifting scenarios. The split between ride and handling was even. The Cruze is agile, but not particularly athletic—while the ride is comfortable, although not cushy.

Designed to go head-to-head with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, when it comes to cabin and cargo space the Cruze Eco is the clear leader. Passenger volume is 95 cubic feet, besting the Honda Civic’s 91 cu. ft., the Toyota Corolla’s 92 cu. ft. and the 93 cu. ft. in the Ford Focus. Trunk volume, at 15.4 cubic feet, dwarfs the Civic’s 12.0, the Corolla’s 12.3 and the Focus at 13.8.

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