Absolutely! I drove a Cruze for the greater part of a year. It was a 2011 2LT -- a beautiful car -- not an econobox by any means. Here it is the week I bought it:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gallery/alexs-2011-chevrolet-cruze-2lt/

If I would have had the option, I would have payed for more power. The car is simply too good to waste on a measly engine.

I'm voting for the Z-Spec moniker!

Nice gallery. Hoping for a performanace Cruze!

I'd say the 2.0 turbo -- even in low-output form -- would be right at home in a Cruze Z-Spec!

Question should go like. If GM ok's a performance Cruze, what will the performance be?

@ Alex, You don't have your Cruze no more?

I was wondering the same, do you not have your Cruze anymore Alex.

PS: PontiacRulz. I'd buy a CRUZE with a 2.4L vvt ecotec. Rather have a 2.4L DI vvt, or the new 2.5L DI vvt. As the CRUZE is now I'll not buy one.

@Lex and @yabadabadoo Not right now. Alternating between a Volvo S40 as well as a 2012 Mustang. Hoping to drive a Camaro for a few months next :D

@RJlON If the Cruze ever gets a performance variant, it will have a bigger/more powerful version of a boosted four-banger. The 2.5 is only destined for midsized vehicles off the Epsilon II and several crossovers.

What do you have against, say a 2.0 turbo with around 200 horses?

200hp putting more weight on the scale then my Redline ION .... no thanks. The 2.4L or 2.5 litre with 190hp would be a nice addition no matter what gm has it "destined" for. If GM were to build a "performance" Cruze I think 260hp 2.0L turbo would be a good start.

Agreed. That 2.0 ECOTEC could make anywhere from 220 to 300. So 260 is a nice number to land at, but I don't think it's going to happen. My prediction? 200.

I don't see it happening, nor do I see a 190hp non turbo happening. Me buying a new CRUZE ,,,,,,,,,,, I don't see that happening either.

@ Alex, My sister has an S40 she loves it, how does it compare to the Cruze...

It's time 4 a performance, limited edition Cruze like an M3 type version with only so many produced... Something that would indeed blow our minds.

RjION; is your ION a redline, I have considered one but they seem hard to find with reasonable miles.

@yabadabadoo The S40 is a great car. Mine is a 2006 so it lacks the popular tech features of the day (like USB, Aux jack, Bluetooth). It also has a few quirks that are particular to Volvos (like poor door handle design inside & out) as well as some rattles and squeaks; and don't even get me started on that transversely-mounted 5 cylinder -- that thing is louder than an LS3 small block from a cold start.

But at 80+ MPH, it's rock-solid, and handles like a dream -- especially in the twisties.

The Cruze is a more modern car -- and is a better car in my opinion. It's much quieter, weighs less, handles better, has all of the amenities (and more) of the S40, and is less comlex. But there's something about the Volvo that makes me thoroughly enjoy it -- even though I can't quite put my finger on it.

@yabadabadoo A limited-production performance versions sounds interesting. But what happens when they run out of stock while the unlimited-production Focus ST and Civic Si continue to sell?

Chevy won't want to invest the resources into making a model that will eventually be outsold by the competition... and I don't think this is the right segment for a cult-following halo car.

Solstice 2.4L shifter
ION-3 Sedan 2.4L auto
Redline Cpe 2.0L shfter

Thats what we drive. Come to the mountains

@ Alex I was just thinking what if GM Authority had a car review section for the readers; where readers could post how they like there vehicles. They could rate there experience, it would expand your user base ect.and be a place 4 discusion regarding existing vehicles. Of course GM cars would be listed only 4 review and comment.

@yabadabadoo Something along those lines is in our plans. Hope to share something in the next several months.

Just like GM, we have "competitors" -- and we don't want to give anything away too early :D