AltWheels Video: GM describes Tahoe hybrid as a "big ass hybrid," Sir Mix-A-Lot would be proud
The video above is a tour of the GM booth at AltWheels Boston 2007. Sir Mix-A-Lot would be proud to know that GM described its new Tahoe hybrid, the company's first full hybrid, as a "big ass hybrid" in the video. That colorful wording proves GM definitely wants the public to think hybrids are big, powerful machines. The Tahoe is the heaviest car GM makes and in the video, you can hear how I was told the hybrid version even has a larger engine than normal. But hey, GM reduced weight in the Tahoe hybrid by making the doors and hood out of aluminum.
The video also includes a tour of GM's fuel cell Equinox. The Equinox has two connections for refueling, as you can see in the video: a data connection below the back license plate that tells the pump the status of the tank as well as a hydrogen connection. Finally, the video includes a quick look at the Malibu hybrid. The Malibu is a mild hybrid and will only get 34 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city. The Malibu mild hybrid starts production in October. The Tahoe full hybrid starts production in November. Oh, and don't forget about Sir Mix-A-Lot's Baby Got Back video below the fold.
Related:
- VIDEO: Driving the GMC Yukon Two-Mode Hybrid
- ABG First Impressions: Two-Mode hybrid Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon
- GM will provide the fuel cell Equinoxes to customers for free
- Technical Analysis: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell/HydroGen4
- Detroit Auto Show: Hybrid option for 2008 Chevy Malibu
- 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid to debut at Baseball All-Star Game
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Airmon 9:28PM (10/01/2007)
So, let me see if I've got this straight. It's got a bigger motor than the standard Tahoe, but it's got two motors to help it start and go highway speeds.
Wow, that's what I call efficient.
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Lascelles Linton 9:59PM (10/01/2007)
"The hybrid taken to its logical extreme"
http://www.chevrolet.com/hybrid/
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Matt 11:01PM (10/01/2007)
22mpg city for the new 2008 4c HYBRID Malibu?? Geez. I thought this might be my next new car but it looks like hell would have to freeze over first. Wow, I'm bummed out now.
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John 10:15AM (10/02/2007)
1. So, let me see if I've got this straight. It's got a bigger motor than the standard Tahoe, but it's got two motors to help it start and go highway speeds.
Wow, that's what I call efficient.
Posted at 9:28PM on Oct 1st 2007 by Airmon
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One more reason why only car buffs should visit Automotive sites. Go drive your Camry--you obviously don't know anything about cars.
For other people who may be influenced by your dumb, mindless and uninformed drivel:
1. The bigger engine provides enough power in 4-cylinder mode (cylinder deactivation). A smaller engine wouldn't.
2. A "large" engine doesn't necessarily get worse fuel mileage than a "smaller" one. In fact, a "smaller' engine can often times be twice as large (and heavy) as a "large" engine.
3. The motors do not "help it start", but rather allow greater efficiency in mixed modes of driving (all without a weight and space penalty, since they fit into the space where the transmission would have been.
People like that guy above litter automotive sites; and true enthusiasts and gear heads wish they would just go away.
Here's a site for you old boy:
http://www.perezhilton.com
That's more suited to your tastes and level of knowledge. Don't ever come back here again.
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Pete 8:16PM (10/09/2007)
Thank you John!
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Lascelles Linton 10:23AM (10/02/2007)
John, It's just a different opinion. You could probably lose the cylinder deactivation all together and save on weight. I was a little shocked the thing tows less. Only 6,000 not 8,000 like the regular Tahoe. Not that I will ever need to toe 6,000 pounds ever. I guess that's really the point. The Tahoe is HUGE and the engine one, if the heaviest thing. Lets make the engine heavier is not a greenest design approach.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2007-07-26-tahoe-hybrid_N.htm
BTW all readers, please stay :D
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Willll 2:40PM (10/02/2007)
So the Malibu 4-cylinder hybrid gets the same gas mileage as a regular 4-cylinder Accord and somehow this is a breakthrough?
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MikeW 10:49PM (10/02/2007)
The Malibu isn't really a hybrid or hybrid lite (like the old accord), it is a start/stop system at best. (and doesn't GM make you give up your mini-spare)
It doesn't use the 6t40 transmission yet, only the obsolete 4 speed auto. And the axle ratio is WAY too tall (3.05 vs. 3.91 of regular 2.4 & 4t45). It is a failure before it even launches. GM should wait for the transverse dual mode.
The V8 is converterd to atkinson cycle. High compression ratio with late valve closure. GM gave it half of a cycle deactivation system. It can not alternate which 4 cylinders are idled. There is probably isn't even a five pound weight penalty for the system currently installed.
What GM needs is variable valve timing (coaxial camshafts), not variable camshaft timing (which it has)
And please tell me GM somehow mounted the spare wheel in the ta-hybrid-oe inside. The lack of a spare wheel is just preposterous.
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Chris M 12:52AM (10/03/2007)
The pitch-man in the video got one thing wrong. It isn't "one motor for low speed, one for high speed". The two electric motor/generators in the "dual mode" hybrid transmission work together at low speeds, acting with the planetary gears as an electric CVT. At high speeds the transmission acts more like a conventional 4 speed transmission, but the motors can kick in an assist when needed. One of the motors also acts as a really honkin powerful starter motor for that Bigazz engine.
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