While the search for improved fuel efficiency seems to have tired out other automakers—none of which can match the highway EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Cruze ECO in the compact segment—GM engineers are experiencing the exact opposite effect: That’s because they helped develop an industry-benchmark tire that contributes three miles per gallon to the Cruze ECO’s total, which translates into an extra 38 miles per tankful and reduces fuel costs for the average driver by $112 a year.
The tires were developed under the leadership of GM engineer Chuck Lantz, who worked with his own team and representatives from the major tire manufacturers to come up with a fresh solution to an old problem: While low-rolling-resistance tires have been on the market for years, customers often had to make key sacrifices in the name of higher efficiency. But that’s no longer the case with the Cruze ECO.
“Thanks to the high-tech polymers we used, we were able to create a high-MPG set of tires without making tradeoffs in other important areas like tire-braking traction and all-weather handling,” said Lantz, who added that “As far as the ride goes, these tires are as smooth as any tire on the road today.”
Riding on those leading-edge tires, and leveraging other advances like auto-closing grille shutters and a high-efficiency rack-mounted electric power steering system, the Cruze ECO attains EPA marks of 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway/33 mpg combined.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze family, including the high-mileage Cruze ECO, is on sale now.
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