June 06, 2012 – Detroit , USA (Techreleased) –How many gallons of water could your car withstand? How about 6,600 gallons? At Chevrolet, engineers channel Mother Nature to help ensure the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze can withstand the elements – from heat to hurricanes – through high-tech weather testing simulators.
The Cruze is tested for a range of summer weather and road conditions, including the exclusive Universal Water Test Booth at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground. Designed to keep the car water tight, the test subjects the Cruze to a lifetime of water exposure – 6,600 gallons – in just eight minutes. Using 330 nozzles, 825 gallons of water are sprayed onto the car each minute. The intensity of the test exposes weaknesses in the car’s seals, which experts can resolve to help ensure drivers and passengers stay dry in a rainstorm.
The Cruze is also tested in GM’s Climatic Wind Tunnel, which replicates hurricane-force winds. Cars also are driven through up to one foot of water in the Flooded Road Lab to help eliminate water leaks into the engine compartment or doors. The Thermal Chamber tests the car for conditions ranging from arctic cold to desert heat and the Dust Booth exposes the car to an extreme number of dust particles to help keep it air tight.
“We go above and beyond Mother Nature to ensure our vehicles can withstand the elements,” said Kevin Dunn, GM global vehicle development owner – splash contaminants. “This type of creative testing helps ensure our vehicles can better withstand rain, snow, wind, dust and other day-to-day contaminants.”
Through these tests, GM experts bring further quality, durability and safety to consumers.
Beyond this analysis, the Cruze is equipped with numerous safety features, including the StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control. On slippery surfaces, StabiliTrak helps drivers stay the course by detecting the difference between the path being steered and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. It then uses the brakes and, if necessary, adjusts engine torque to help keep the Cruze on track.
The Cruze was the first car in its class with 10 standard airbags, and even today, no car in its class offers more. These include frontal, side-impact and knee air bags for the driver and front passenger, Cruze also has a high-strength safety cage and roof crush resistance that exceeds current federal requirements.
In the event of a storm, OnStar can help provide Crisis Assist services for all subscribers, regardless of their subscription plan. A simple push of OnStar’s red emergency button will put drivers in contact with an Advisor, who can help:
- Contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber’s exact vehicle location
- Provide alternate routes, evacuation routes, directions to hospitals, shelters or hotel accommodations
- Provide up-to-date crisis information
- Assist in connecting subscribers to their loved ones by offering complimentary OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes
