Can you underestimate the importance of the Cruze Turbo Diesel? No, not really. It's the first of a new generation lineup of GM diesels, and as a result it has more to prove than a newly elected president. We need to forget all about the rattle and clatter of old oil-burners if this car is to succeed. The market could potentially be huge, as Clean Diesel represents up to a third of some Audi model sales.
Using technology developed by GM's European offices, the Cruze Turbo Diesel benefits from a 2.0-liter engine that's good for 148-hp and estimated 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm).
The clean part consists of low emissions and an EPA estimated 46 mpg highway. Sipping fuel at such a slow rate allows you to do a 700 mile journey, or sped 10 hours on the highway without having to stop.
So what about the fun part? Well, the Cruze Diesel will do 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds and has sufficient speed to get you in trouble with the law.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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