Drew Dowdell

Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS For the trip to Detroit, Chevrolet sent us a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS. One of the first things I started looking for was the oft discussed transmission weirdness. I confirmed with the fleet manager that this Cruze has already been reflashed with the new transmission software. So far, the transmission just seems.... normal. Shifts are smooth and nearly imperceptible. It downshifts when I ask it to and generally goes about it's business as an automatic transmission should. The engine jumps out as being very refined and quiet. Some of the objections about the need to run the engine up over 3,000 rpm frequently during acceleration are muted by the fact that the engine is so quiet for a 4-cylinder. At highway speeds, the engine is inaudible. The interior is attractive, but I've found two ergonomic gripes already that I'll go into detail with later. The Pioneer sound system rocks. When the front seat is adjusted for my 5'10" frame, I can fit in the back seat comfortably. It's not a LeSabre back there, but my knees aren't hitting the back of the front seat either. We'll be monitoring fuel economy extra closely on this one, especially since it will be making a round trip trek to Detroit and possibly again to Lordstown. This is my first hands on with the Cruze since last year's auto shows. It has gotten a lot of attention, both good and bad, from Cheers and Gears members so far, but I'm becoming more and more convinced, that with one exception, most of the rants against ring hollow. Window sticker is in the media gallery. So fire away guys, send your questions and picture requests in for this Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS Media Gallery 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS

I have a Lenovo Ideapad U350 that I bought last November to replace the Ferrari. I'm very happy with it.

I had this. I really like the laptop, but it fell apart over time from hard use.

don't consider, just do. I'd like to nominate HCCI engines and valveless heads.

just a point and shoot Canon, does ok for everything but close up detail shots that the autofocus can't wrap it's arms around. I have an 8 gig card for it tho

How did it take pictures of itself in the mirror with the lens cap on?

well, we do have a wiki to fill.....

This isn't a new GM car. It's a new to the US market car.

and.... back on the topic of the Buick Verano....

I don't know what you're talking about.... but I'll bring a small measuring tape with me on Monday. The Jetta feels about the same.

I'm actually surprised there aren't more requests for specific glamor shots.... but traffic has been slow on the site today.

Everything is going to be there.

The CR-V sells due to inertia. When people's leases run out, they just go back to Honda and sign the line for a new one without looking. That's why the CR-V can gain 0 horsepower, 400lbs, just one cog in the gearbox and still sell.

I just took a spin in the Cruze, it's already very quiet. If Buick really made the Verano that much more quiet, that will be a huge selling point for this car and make it feel a lot more "luxury" than others in it's class.

I can't take a picture of every interior. Make and model please.

So in the Verano 8.0 second is a "slug" but in the Elantra, 9.1 seconds to 60 is ok? Or how about 8 seconds in the Sonata... or the IS250? As for the rear seats. I just sat in my evaluation Cruze 10 minutes ago. It's not a Lesabre back there, but I could be comfortable in the rear seat. Stop adjusting the front seat to look like a ghetto cruiser and maybe you'll be able to fit an adult back there.

As far as the acceleration, I don't think 8 seconds is much of an issue, but I would have liked to have seen better fuel economy. Hopefully that is just a preliminary number. FWIW, the '96 Roadmaster LT-1 0-60 is 8 seconds also, and that feels plenty fast for 98% of the population.

Cadillac has no press conference scheduled for NAIAS. Any Cadillac releases will be Chicago, NYC, or LA next fall.

I won't. I like it. There's no rear leg room in an A3 either.

While we're at the North American Auto Show next week, we'll be able to crawl in, around, and under vehicle from every manufacturer that sells in the U.S. or hopes to some day. Here's your chance to be there in spirit. Post your request for pictures of any vehicle and angle you want pictures taken of. Be sure to include any special items you want specific focus on. We will upload them to a special gallery for all to see and download. Media Gallery: 2011 Detroit (NAIAS) Auto Show Picture Requests

I take that back, not the exact same powertrain. The Verano has direct injection, the Malibu does not. Still, direct injection should improve the mileage.