Automaker readies New York debuts

(General Motors)

General Motors is set to further shrink the environmental impact of its vehicles at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public April 2.

The American automaker is to launch the Chevrolet Cruze Eco model, reaffirming its commitment to bringing down the emissions of its flagship brand. The 2011 Cruze Eco will feature a 1.4L engine, the size normally found in small urban vehicles, to deliver an estimated 40 mpg (5.88 l/100km) on the highway.

"The Cruze Eco delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag," said Jim Campbell, US vice president Chevrolet marketing. "Along with the Volt electric vehicle, it demonstrates how Chevrolet is working to bring new products to market that range from gas-friendly to gas-free."

The Cruze Eco is set to deliver a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) performance of around 9 seconds using the six-speed autolmatic gearbox. It will be available in the US from the fourth quarter of 2010.

At the other end of the scale, Chevrolet sister brand Cadillac is also set to debut the CTS-V Sports Wagon, powered by a supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine, the most powerful engine in Cadillac's history.

Although the New York Auto Show holds less sway in the industry than the influential Detroit show and the green-thinking Los Angeles show, it is the manufacturers' final opportunity of the season to showcase their new products for the US market.

Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Infiniti and Hyundai are all thought to be preparing debuts for the show, which runs April 2-11 at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center in New York.

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