POLL: Should GM's upcoming Buick PHEV have a V6 engine?
2011 Buick PHEV 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
It seems likely that hybrid purchasers are basing their decision to pay extra for fuel saving technology on the assumption that they will be getting the maximum available fuel efficiency, right? If that's true, why did General Motors choose to use a large V6 engine in its upcoming Buick plug-in hybrid crossover? This exact question was recently posed by Lyle Dennis over at GM-Volt.com. In response, GM spokesperson Brian Corbett had this to say:
What do you think? Would it be a better idea for GM to couple its 2-Mode hybrid system on a four-cylinder engine? Hit the jump to take part in our poll.Our hybrid strategy has been pretty consistent over the last few years.
Our GM Hybrid system – the mild hybrid, belt-alternator starter technology – is our affordable hybrid technology paired with smaller displacement engines. Our 2-mode hybrid system is our more capable, premium hybrid technology. It's goal is to provide significantly higher fuel economy while maintaining the capability of the non-hybrid vehicle's cargo carrying, towing, etc.
That strategy applies to the plug-in as well; maintaining the capability of a 5-passenger crossover while providing significant improvements in fuel economy. It provides E85 capability, which means it likely will be the first flex-fuel hybrid.
[Source: GM-Volt.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Chris 11:58AM (8/10/2009)
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid also has a V6. I'm not sure why there is a question of whether GM should have a V6 if its direct competition has the same. There has to be variation in output levels to fit the needs of those in the market segment. There's no one-size-fits-all engine solution just like there's no one-size-fits-all chassis design.
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Kalle Andersson 12:00PM (8/10/2009)
Diversity is good.... Not all hybrids and phevs can follow the minimalistic approach.
But this is small SUV right or whatever they're called... I guess it's not really made for goods and towing, eh?
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Mike Z 12:01PM (8/10/2009)
Assuming that the V-6 has cylinder deactivation (of which I'm not sure) then the MPG hit should not be that bad and it might add ~100 lbs to the weight.
I think that GM has identified those who value higher performance (acceleration, towing, etc) as a larger consumer group than those that identify purely with raw mpg. Are they right? I don't know, but this blog surely is not a representative group to answer that question.
Net net, a PHEV is a great thing and I thinking fighting over 2 extra cylinders is making the perfect the enemy of the good. After all, we might well be fighting over 15 extra tanks of gas over the lifetime of the car, which seems rather meaningless compared to the leap that is a PHEV on the market.
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rob 12:01PM (8/10/2009)
Maybe it has to do with architecture. I was under the impression that the 2 mode works in rear drive platforms. Does GM offer 4 cylinder engines in rear drive?
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Chris M 4:08PM (8/10/2009)
The first "dual mode" hybrids were indeed rear wheel drive, but GM has also developed a front wheel drive version, and it is a good fit for mid-size sedans and small SUVs.
rob 12:04PM (8/10/2009)
Ooops. I forgot all about the colorado platform, so yes they do have 4 cyl rear drives.
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kcmurphy88 12:08PM (8/10/2009)
I don't see the point of a plug-in hybrid so long as the gas engine is the main part. None of these systems have a battery output sufficient to run the car more than a few brief moments, so the battery capacity is nearly immaterial.
A gimmick and nothing more. Old GM. Do not confuse this crap with Volt.
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Chris M 4:18PM (8/10/2009)
The dual mode hybrid system can use battery power to supplement the gas engine, boosting the fuel economy even when the gas engine is in use. Granted, it won't get as big a benefit as a plug-in series hybrid for short runs, but it will probably do a bit better than the equivalent series hybrid for long trips.
kcmurphy88 4:43PM (8/10/2009)
Long trips. Why not just use a diesel? For nearly every urban driver, a series hybrid is a much better idea, especially if it can accelerate decently and travel at the freeway speed limit on battery. A range of 50-60 miles is about all you need, and many would be happy with half that. The era of long commutes is dead.
kcmurphy88 4:45PM (8/10/2009)
oops. bad edit. Meant parallel hybrid.
VtTurboX 8:10AM (8/11/2009)
I agree, do not mix this type of vehicle with the Volt, they are not as stated in the GM response vehicles intended for the same use or user. This Buick is the type of vehicle you can tow a trailer with a pair of motorcycles behind it or a smaller camper for a family vacation. Then again maybe that trailer has a small lawn tractor on it that you are taking to a friends to help install some wood posts to repair there hoarse fence, try that with a Prius. !DMN! . People need to open there minds, there a big world out there explore it!
monica 12:23PM (8/10/2009)
GM doesn't really get it.
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Matt 12:30PM (8/10/2009)
The Vue runs just fine with the 4 cylinder engine, but maybe they're stepping it up because it's a Buick and they think people that drive Buicks want horsepower/luxury... not my observation, but it would help them cut into the Lexus crowd.
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ronEbear 12:34PM (8/10/2009)
It`s like buying a pink cancer awareness doodad. You get a physical proof that you donated to a cause. The contribution is useless in terms of how much money actually goes to the cause, but hey, all your neighbors will see your pink whatchamacallit. A v-6 hybrid? Look I HAVE A GREEN LEAF-ISH LOGO ON MY CAR PEOPLE WILL THINK I AM COMPASSIONATE AND A CHAMPION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE!
Mike!!ekiM 7:40PM (8/10/2009)
I agree, with the horsepower they get out of a 4 cyl. these days, no one needs a V6, esp. with an Electric [ Torquey ] engine assisting.
GM sells to conventional wisdom. Most people don't have a clue how powerful 4 cyl. engines are today. I've got a 200 HP SUV, you can get into plenty of trouble with 200 HP. I don't need any more.
I think the auto industry is doing Exxon's bidding. Every V6, sold is just that much more Dollar$ in Exxon's pocket, with no real benefit to the consumer.
The author didn't mention the Ridiculous amount of HP the V6 produces. But, just think about it, 4 cyl. engines are putting out 200 HP. HP stands for Horsepower. In other words a 4 cyl. can stand in for 200 actual horses.
One mechanical horsepower of 550 foot-pounds per second. We're getting into the Insanely Delusional range of horsepower in personal transportation.
ronEbear 12:31PM (8/10/2009)
The average consumer is an idiot who never knows what he/she wants, so i guess GM is somewhat going in the right direction if they have the average consumer in mind :)
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Rain 12:47PM (8/10/2009)
V-6 in a hybrid sounds like a good idea compared to Dodge's Hemi Hybrid co-developed with GM.
http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/durango/
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desert_sojourner 1:03PM (8/10/2009)
I don't see anything wrong with this. Personally, I wish for the PHEV pickup with a V8 or a bio-diesel engine. If it runs on electricity only for 40 miles that would cover most of my travelling. I don't want to buy a car and a pickup but if 5% of the time I need a pickup that will pull a heavy load, then why not if most of the time I am getting the efficiency of an electric.
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Mike!!ekiM 7:45PM (8/10/2009)
You're also getting the torque of the electric motor. You may not need anything more then a 4 cyl and possible a 6 speed with a wide range of gears to handle all your needs.
But, then GM's Exxon kickback would be smaller.
wincros 1:07PM (8/10/2009)
Seems to me that the money spent on the v6 engine would be better spent on a better or larger battery or lightening the car. How do you reach the conclusion of a larger ICE engine when the goal is to run longer on the battery. Perhaps it will be like the unsuccessful Accord V6 hybrid, using the electric motor like a supercharger for a performance boost instead of fuel economy. I suspect it has nothing to do with engineering though. A v6 will be a sales feature in GM land.
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