Production ramping up for GM's fullsize SUV hybrid
There's considerable anticipation in the air for the arrival of GM's two-mode hybrid system in the company's fullsize SUV lineup. Starting this week, workers at GM's Arlington, Texas, assembly line will practice building the unique powertrain that includes a V8 engine and electric motor located inside the transmission. GM is the first automaker to try a fullsize SUV hybrid. It'll be offered in the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. GM officials say the two-mode will improve mileage up to 25 percent, giving the big trucks a rating of around 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Speculation is rampant on the impact the hybrid will have on SUV sales, considering the political climate and price of gasoline. Hybrids still make up only one percent of all vehicle sales while fullsize SUVs command around five or six percent. That trend equates to about 1,200 two-mode hybrids out of the Arlington plant. Next year, the two-mode will be offered in GM's fullsize pickups.
Right now GM hasn't released any pricing details. This unique system is likely to cost upwards of $5,000 over a standard SUV.
[Source: Terry Box / Dallas Morning News (subscription required)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rob 2:50PM (3/13/2007)
I just can't wait for an aftermarket company to hook one of these things up with a plug-in system. I think I could handle and extra 5 grand to have the thing plug in capable.
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Karkus 3:21PM (3/13/2007)
It's nice to see GM finally getting their system in production. However, 20/25 mpg still isn't that great. It would have been nice to see them redesign those vehicles a little for reduced weight, smaller engine (since the electric motor makes up for it), and better aerodynamics. That could have gotten them more than just 25%.
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Jimmy 5:31PM (3/13/2007)
Any mention if this is a flex-fuel hybrid ?
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Tim 6:16PM (3/13/2007)
20/25 mpg isn't bad for something that will sooth the huge American ego. Driving giant, expensive and relatively gas guzzling cars when you don’t NEED them simply demonstrates that you have a big wallet (or lots of debt), bigger ego, small mind, and even smaller conscience.
Those of us who don't need to feel better about ourselves by trying to impress others just consider a car as... well, point A to B transportation. Don’t get me wrong, comfort is important, but you don’t NEED a 5K pound SUV to pick-up groceries, do you?
Now we can all eat our fat free Twinkies with a smile. What’s in those things anyway?
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a54 8:55PM (3/13/2007)
Goodness Tim, that post is smug. Could you please just ratchet it back a little?
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JamesWB 7:58AM (3/14/2007)
How much of an improvement do you think this would have if it combined the hybrid system with the Duramax engine?
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Mike 1:00PM (3/14/2007)
Will someone please explain why something like this has exists? Why do people feel they need to drive such a large obnoxious vehicle. 20mpg - big deal. A modern diesel could achieve this, such as is available in most of Europe.
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BGJ 11:20AM (3/14/2007)
#2 - read up on the hybrid tahoe and you'll see that significant changes were made to increase the fuel economy beyond the powertrain.
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/100_news/hybridtahoe_10906.html
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Stevie 2:15PM (3/14/2007)
Tim's got it. This thing'll still go through those big brakes, tires and parts like a 6,500 pound SUV. 6,500 pounds! Had the public shopped by weight rather than horsepower for the past 15 years, we wouldn't be in such a mess. 6,500 pounds! Jeez, we're in trouble.
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MikeW 12:39PM (3/14/2007)
How about a $0.00 premium for GM to install their 6 speed automatic.(6L50, 80,90)
'07 Tahoe, no 6 speed auto. GM could drop all those old 4 speed autos, 4L60,65,70 and 3+1 auto 4L80
So '08 models could be
5.3 4x2 6L80 3.23 axle ratio,
5.3 4x4 6L80 3.42 axle ratio
suburban 1500
5.3 4x2 6L80 3.42
5.3 4x4 6L80 3.73
'burban 2500
5.3 4x2 6L90 3.73
5.3 4x4 6L90 4.10
What is the holdup?
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Benson Leung 2:15PM (3/14/2007)
Any word on the emissions rating of this Tahoe Hybrid? Since this vehicle is a full hybrid, potentially we can see a substantial improvement of emissions.
All of the other full hybrids on the road today are SULEV / AT-PZEV rated, meaning 90% fewer emissions than the average vehicle. Can the Tahoe live up to this?
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Mike D 1:52PM (3/14/2007)
20 mpg is an absolute joke. The amount of materials required to make something this huge is a joke. The clear consciences of those who will buy this is a joke. American automotive industry...
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M B 3:26AM (3/15/2007)
The whole point of the full size truck hybrid was to allow consumers to still have all the power they need to tow large loads with a big V8 yet gain some fuel efficiency for when they unhitch. Making the truck lighter or using a smaller engine defeats the purpose. If you want a smaller SUV hybrid look at the Saturn VUE or the others of that size that are available. And 20mpg sounds great when your normal milage is closer to 14, 9 towing.
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Felipe 1:12PM (3/15/2007)
I want one of these...and I'm going to wait for either the Yukon XL or the Suburban.
And let me explain to you all why.
I have four kids, between the ages of 8 and 13, and I'm working on other..or my wife is to be exact. We take road trips a lot and we need to extra room for all of the soccer/baseball/etc. gear that goes along with having a big family.
So I could buy a ford expedition or I could pay extra to get a Yukon XL hybrid. I think the choice is clear. Way to go GM.
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lawtrainee 12:57AM (3/16/2007)
Unless these are plug-in hybrids why bother paying sooooo much over over a regular non-hybrid. Considering I drive 40 miles round trip everyday I could use an extra $40 a week by not having to fill up. But if I have to pay 5K MORE for a hybrid I would not even bother considering it. I could use 5k to do something else like buy little interior extras to make it more luxurious.
Give me a diesel with great acceleration and even better towing capacity, well at least if that did not cost an extra 5k also. At least chrysler is going to have diesels for only an extra $1,000 in a jeep and maybe more cars. I do not think I could stop myself if that were true, hope it lands in the durango.
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MikeW 11:41AM (3/20/2007)
So that 6 speed auto solution looks pretty good.
20mpg@60
15mpg@80
10mpg@100mph
So if the hybrid mileage is only 20/25 vs. 15/20 with a 6 speed auto, and you have to pay an extra $5,000 and it is not fun to drive, what is the point?
all vehicles have to meet the same statutory emissions standards (which are 100x times better than 25 year old carbureted vehicles)
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