1959 Ford Galaxie 500 Shift Indicator Block Off Plate on 2040-parts.com

Chevrolet Cruze gets better fuel economy for the 2012 model year

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is making a run at its Eco brother, with a highway fuel-economy rating of 38 mpg with an automatic transmission, 2 mpg more than last it got last year. A manual transmission is now more widely available on the Cruze, according to the General Motors ordering guide. The 1LT and 2LT models will now be available with the six-speed manual, which should increase the fun quotient with the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine.

Driven: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

The C-segment is one of the most important sectors of the automotive market, with every mainstream manufacturer having at least one car competing within. From Alfa Romeo's Giulietta through to the Lexus CT200h and Volvo's C30, there really is a car for everyone. So, in a potentially saturated marketplace, what can a Chevrolet hatchback offer above and beyond a nostalgic name and a tenuous link to an American heritage?

AutoWeek Design Forum: Previewing the world of Cars 2

If you liked Cars, the sequel is going to be a similarly enjoyable ride. Pixar's Brad Lewis and Jay Shuster previewed Cars 2 at the AutoWeek Design Forum in a dual keynote address on Thursday that offered insights into the impressive depth and creativity behind the film. "We love the details at Pixar," said Lewis, codirector of the movie, which premieres on June 24.