#2011ChevyCruze

Possible engine fires in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze are being investigated by NHTSA after two have been completely destroyed.

It’s almost a perfect storm. The aftermath of the deadly earthquake in Japan, combined with a dramatic increase in oil prices fueled by the ongoing crisis in Libya and the reduction in domestic stockpiles is pushing up the price of new automobiles in a manner not seen in years.

A while back reports circulated that General Motors bight be pairing up with Oprah for another car giveaway. That never materialize, with Oprah instead opting to team up with Volkswagen, but now another TV host is doing their part to get you behind the wheel of a car for free.

With the launch of the new Chevy Cruze, rumors have already started popping up about a possible SS model. And why not; the Cobalt got an SS model and while the initial offering wasn’t overly special, the final turbocharged version was so impressive it could hand it to an EVO on a racetrack.

Chevy is about ready to launch the all new Cruze compact sedan here in North America and company executives have high hopes for this latest model. During a sit-down Q&A with engineering, marketing and product bosses behind the Cruze, Chuck Russell, Vehicle Line Director for Global Compact Cars said the introduction of the Cruze, “might be he most important launch we’ve ever done.”

After yesterday’s sneak preview of the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, there isn’t much new to tell other than that GM officially debuted the car today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is worth revisiting the car, however, as it is sure to be an important car for GM and the industry as a whole.

One day ahead of the U.S.-market debut of 2011 Cruze compact sedan, Chevy gave us a little personal time with the what might just be a genuine Corolla killer. From the Cavalier, to the Cobalt, and now the Cruze, Chevy’s latest compact car is anything but. Chevy hasn’t given us any statistics on interior room, but the Cruze might just be large enough inside to qualify as a midsize sedan, not a compact.

Just a few days ahead of the car’s scheduled debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Chevy has drawn back the covers on the North American-spec version of its Chevy Cruze world car. This new compact model replaces the Cobalt in Chevy’s lineup. Like the rest of Chevy’s modern lineup, the car’s design flows from the latest generation Malibu, while the interior gets a high-grade cockpit inspired by the Corvette. And under the hood there are two new Ecotec engines, including a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit capable of 40 mpg on the highway.

After lagging behind in the compact car segment for decades, Chevrolet may finally have the car that will not only silence critics, but please them too. The all new 2011 Cruze will replace the Cobalt and take on cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. And it’s sure to gain popularity amongst penny-pinchers with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 40 mpg on the highway.

As though that weren’t enough, Chevy is claiming the new Cruze will have more interior room and caro capacity than the Civic or Corolla and will offer optional items like a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Safety will also be a strong-point for the car with ten standard airbags!

AutoGuide will be on hand to bring you live coverage of the all-new 2011 Chevy Cruze from the LA Auto Show starting December 2nd.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

Official release after the jump: