Technology Helps Chevrolet Cruze Customers Save Fuel When Slowing Down

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Jun 24, 2011, 10:00 ET

WARREN, Mich., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevrolet Cruze customers can rest easy knowing the engineers who developed their car packed a wide variety of advanced fuel-saving technologies under the hood.

One of those technologies is deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO). While the vehicle is decelerating or slowing down, fuel is automatically shut off to the Cruze's advanced Ecotec engine. When the driver accelerates, the fuel automatically begins flowing again and the vehicle accelerates as the driver commands. It's a seamless process that the driver and passengers don't notice.

The benefits: This technology increases fuel economy in the Cruze by up to 2 percent, depending on specific driving conditions and behavior. That means on a single tank of fuel, this technology contributes more than 17 miles of the overall range on the Cruze Eco model and more than 11 miles of range on the non-Eco Cruze models. It is an effective technology that helps keep money in a customer's pocket when at the pump.

"The Cruze is packed with fuel-saving technologies," said Kai Loos, the development systems manager for the Cruze's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. "These types of cost-effective technologies allow Chevrolet to offer customers a vehicle that achieves hybrid-like efficiency without the cost of the hybrid technology."

How it works: DFCO is enabled when the driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle is coasting. Through integration of engine and transmission controls, the engine speed is carefully controlled under these deceleration conditions. Fuel automatically begins flowing back to the engine when the driver accelerates or when the engine speed approaches idle conditions.

This technology is on Cruze models with both automatic and manual transmissions.

Chevrolet recently announced that for 2012, Cruze models with the 1.4L turbo and six-speed automatic transmission will get 2 mpg better fuel economy. The Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission will deliver as much as 39 mpg on the highway compared with 37 mpg for the 2011 model. Cruze Eco with the standard six-speed manual transmission remains the most fuel-efficient gas-powered/non-hybrid vehicle in America, with an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

SOURCE General Motors