Walkinshaw enhancements for Holden Cruze

Walkinshaw Performance has announced a range of products for Holden's Cruze hatch with the 1.4-litre iTi turbo engine.

The aftermarket firm is offering a number of options to lift the looks of the Cruze, deliver more power, provide better dynamics — or all of the above. According to a press release issued by Walkinshaw Performance the modified vehicle pictured here doesn't come cheap. Figure on adding just under $20,000 to the price of the base car...

But the results would be worth it to the right sort of buyer — the kind of buyer who sees the basic Cruze as a starting point for more grunt or better cornering. Perhaps too, buyers will warm to a Cruze that looks less staid than the standard car.

Performance parts include an upgraded turbo, new exhaust manifold and dual-outlet stainless steel cat back exhaust, all of which have been developed and tuned locally by HPF for the Cruze application. The turbo engine's power is increased 80 per cent; rising from 103kW to 180kW. Torque is similarly boosted, up 50 per cent from 200Nm to 310Nm. While the numbers alone are impressive, it's the car's real-world flexibility that counts — and that has not been sacrificed for the sake of bragging rights, according to HPF owner, Rob Vickery.

“Upgrading to a bigger turbo sounds like a simple way to get big horsepower. But in a front-wheel drive, without the right engineering behind it, you could easily make it unmanageable and unfriendly.

“We’re really proud of the end product and we know it is going to be popular with customers looking at something extra for their Holden Cruze that doesn’t compromise on drivability.”

Other options available for the Cruze include 18-inch Irmscher alloys, four-piston front brake calipers/343mm-diameter rotors, Bilstein/Irmscher suspension package, Blackmans interior, exclusive sill plates, modified gear shift lever and matt white exterior finish.

“It’s a very exciting day for WP announcing this ground breaking package which is the result of hundreds of hours of testing, refinement and discussions between the WP team and our suppliers to bring to market a truly unique product,” Tony Harris, Walkinshaw Perfomance General Manager, was quoted as saying in the press release.

“This is one of many projects WP has planned, as we seek to diversify our range of products and services by bringing our expertise to other models… and even other makes for that matter!”

Prices for the Cruze options begin at $1195 (for an ECU recalibration) and the car as pictured here will set you back $19,995 on top of the purchase price of the Cruze itself.

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