Quote:
Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28
Whoaaaaaa...easy big fella.
GM has very good, world class diesel engines, and they put them in the Cruze already, but not for the US.
The Cruze Eco manual pulls down 42mpg. The ONLY car that matches it is the VW Jetta TDI in manual.
All that "fancy" stuff has NOTHING to do with the engine. While some of you guys have been under a rock, the auto industry is fighting tooth and nail trying to offer the most featuers for the least amount of money in this segment.
While VW sells a large number of diesel Jettas, but Jetta sells in fractions compared to cars like Corolla and Civic which do not offer diesels. And Diesels are a fraction of Jetta sales.
While GM would be 2nd into the market for this semgent, it would have the clear advantage of volume to really become the leader in the diesel compact car segment. Remember that its gunna cost a lot for this engine. Figure an easy 2 grand over any trim, more with an automatic probably.
The Cruze's 1.4T is a very good motor, and they have plenty of room left int he engine to improve it. 42mpg is just the start.
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I'm calm, don't worry. I don't live under a rock either, but I don't get to test drive every new car that comes out either. I know people want all the gadgets and warmers and latte machines in the dash, etc. etc.. My fear is that GM will load the car full of that stuff, then miss whole point by putting a diesel engine in the car that doesn't get mid 40's mpg. That would be a complete waste of time, money and effort.
GM may have these wonderful diesel engines in other world markets, so why not bring them here? Certification, yeah I'm sure there's some of that. Real reason? I bet they are hesitant because the american motoring public has such a horrible taste in their mouth from the last GM rodeo with diesels. If GM was willing to lay it on the line for the Volt, they should have the same confidence with diesel power. Maybe to a diesel hybrid? Now that would a first, wouldn't it?
VW is a niche automaker. There is no arguing that. And they give away the 5 cylinder base model (not a very refined engine by most accounts), the 2.0T is much a much better gas option, but that comes with a higher cost. The TDI is an expensive option, compared to the 5 cyl., yet it is still a very affordable car that returns excellent fuel efficiency and a reasonable level of comfort and creature options. The 2010 model I looked at, test drove and came very very close to buying, really only had four major options available: transmission type (manual, auto or shiftable auto, sunroof (yes or no), navigation (yes or no) and I think a wheel upgrade. Interior was a color only option, exterior was color only. The TDI group got you most of the exterior styling upgrades by default.
As for pricing, if VW can price the TDI Jetta (fully equipped, non TDI Cup Versions) at $25K +/- (sticker) and sell them out the door for $23K +/-, GM needs to do the same thing. There's an opportunity to really come over the top and make a statement that could bolster GM's image on lots of fronts. They could wipe out the bad memories people had of their last diesel effort (passenger cars), they could raise their own fleet CAFE standard, they would then have a power train option in all varieties: gas only, electric/hybrid (Volt), diesel. Would they be the only automaker to offer such? That's got to be worth some bragging rights?
They have their commercial for the Corvette and building rockets, how about putting that same design group of smart guys/gals on the task and build a car to not just compete with the TDI, but trump it and don't price yourself out of the market in doing so.
Again, I'm not pro VW. I'm pro diesel. I love my dodge truck and would love to have a diesel powered car to run around in sometimes. VW is the ONLY option right now, unless you are looking at flagship german luxury cars. I gotta believe there is market share there to be had, if the right car is put together at the right price point. But to me it starts with overwhelming fuel mileage capability.
Imagine an electric car that has a range of 5 miles? I see a diesel powered compact/small sedan that gets 32 mpg in the same light. Not a worthwhile venture.
Peace