GM to suppliers: Keep working on Two-Mode Hybrid PHEV
2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery
Now that General Motors has offloaded its Saturn brand and the once-planned Buick plug-in hybrid SUV failed to get off the ground after being roundly criticized by the press and public, GM needs to pick yet another platform to introduce the Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain in its first plug-in capable front-drive application. Good news, though, plug-in fans: GM is reportedly telling suppliers like lithium ion battery producer Compact Power not to slow down on the project as its still very much in the works.
According to The Detroit Bureau, GM is still aiming to release its PHEV technology for the 2011 model year, likely in a vehicle from either the Chevrolet or GMC brands. We imagine it will be an SUV like the Vue, so the recently-redesigned Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain seem to be the most likely candidates.
Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
[Source: The Detroit Bureau]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gotsmart 9:20AM (9/12/2009)
I hope they do the sensible thing and pair it up with a direct-injected 4-cylinder, instead of the six they had planned for the Vue two-mode hybrid. Or at least give people the choice between improved fuel economy or increased towing capacity.
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jaguar879 11:30AM (9/12/2009)
I'd imagine the 4-cylinder DI engine would help them on price as well. In my book: fuel economy + price > towing capability
That being said, I think the new Equinox is a pretty nice package.
unni 11:48AM (9/12/2009)
I rather suggest to have 2.5 ltr 5 cylinder engine than a 4 cylinder one. They can shut off 2 cylinders on ideal conditions and still will have enough power.
But i see all new benz comes with 4 cylinder and bmws with 3 cylinders, mean they can itself generate enough power.
In that case 5 cylinder will be good for a big SUV
The suggested modes Like
Electric motor only (city / low speeds till 60 mph)
3 cylinder ( cruise ) (1500 cc )
3 + electric motors (cruise up hill, or small merges /passing )
5 cylinder ( no battery / towing cruising ) (2500 cc )
5 + electric motors ( towing up hill , towing merge )
3 cylinder and battery recharge ( cruise , down hills )
5 cylinder and battery recharge ( towing ideal conditions )
and regeneration in all modes.
May be they have to down size the Vortec 3500, or L52 to a Vortec 2500. Even i think they can have a 7 seater with 1.5 ltr 5 cylinder where when its one or 2 person drive use 3 cylinder (900 cc + electric motors ) , a weight above 2 person use as 5 cylinder (1500cc +electric motors ) .
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Dave 12:32PM (9/12/2009)
I think a two-mode Buick makes most sense.
Arthritic hands will benefit from a car with a long range between fillups.
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unni 1:10PM (9/12/2009)
+1
What made no sense was just putting a buick grill over the saturn vue and saying its a buick one.
If the looks on two mode buick says "me and enclave are from same family and i am not an exception" then its very good. Even a 2 mode enclave make a lot sense ( they can share cost by using the same power train for traverse, enclave and Acadia.)
Stan Peterson 4:12PM (9/12/2009)
GM wants to have hybrids in all its stores. Chevy has the Volt and its BoF truck and SUV.
Caddy has the hybrid Escalade already, and wil have the second generation dual mode and AWD for the XTS, as well as the Converj. EREV
Buick/GM needed a hybrid and the Buick Vue was born dead. It will return. Probably as a Enclave and then in a Buick sedan, LaCrosse or Regal. Meanwhile GMC has Sierra and Denali dual modes.
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Chris M 11:33PM (9/12/2009)
I'd say that the Dualmode PHEV makes the most sense in a sedan like the Buick Regal. Mind-boggling fuel economy is what will drive sales, and that will be easier to achieve in a streamlined sedan rather than in a blocky SUV.
Yes, I know the argument for improving SUV fuel economy, but I'm thinking of how the marketing works. The GM dual mode hybrid SUVs aren't selling all that well, vehicles with much better fuel economy are what the customers want now.
AutoCritical 2:34AM (9/13/2009)
In terms of how the Equinox looks, I think its all over the place, the side has a cool stance, and the proportions are pretty sturdy, when you goto the front, it looks a bit bug-eye cutesy, then over the rear, its all anonymous with no character... i wrote a bit more http://bit.ly/dgn97 - I think they could have chosen a more interesting looking car to make a hybrid...
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