Grand Prix International has named several Chevrolet vehicles among its “Car of The Year 2014” award-winners. The organization considers the Cruze sedan, Colorado truck, Trailblazer SUV and Volt extended range electric vehicle the best in their respective categories.
Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LTZ won for Best Sedan under 1,800 CC. Cruze’s 1.8-liter ECOTEC powertrain updated with flex-fuel (E85) capability, allowing it to run on any form of gasoline, from pure gasoline to fuel with up to 85 percent ethanol. The use of E85 produces less carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, and benzene and butadiene emissions.
Chevrolet Colorado swept up the awards from the pickup segment with two pickup truck awards: the 2.5 Duramax X-Cab LTZ Z71 won Best Pickup 4WD under 2,500 CC and the 2.8 Duramax X-Cab LTZ Z71 won Best High-Lifted Pickup 3,200 CC. In addition to impressive engine choices, different variants of the MyLink infotainment are available in the Colorado. These awards highlight Chevrolet’s true expertise in building pickups that match the requirements of customers.
In addition, the most powerful SUV in the PPV segment, the Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ1 won the Best PPV Diesel 4WD under 3,200 CC. Besides its capable Duramax engine, the Trailblazer also comes with the MyLink Infotainment system which enhances user experience, and makes the Trailblazer the most desirable vehicle in this segment.
Chevrolet’s diesel dominance may come as no surprise. The new Duramax engine is stronger to handle the increased outputs, and certain elements have been redesigned to enhance durability and improve overall quality.
The 2.8L variant now produces 200 hp (147 kW) of power at 3600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, making Colorado and Trailblazer among the most powerful in their classes. Equivalent to 178 Nm-per-litter, the new engine will not only improve acceleration and linear performance, it will also enhance the vehicle's towing and payload capacity. Meanwhile, the 2.5L variant produces 163 hp (120 kW) at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm.
Grand Prix International also honoured Chevrolet Volt for Best Technology and Most Environmentally Friendly – an award the extended range electric vehicle also won in 2013.
The intent of Grand Prix International’s Car of the Year awards is to provide information to customers shopping for a new vehicle.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality.
More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.