General Motors is spreading its two-mode hybrid system across its truck lineup. At the 2008 Chicago auto show, the system finds its way into the GMC Sierra Crew Cab pickup, giving it 40-percent better fuel economy in the city cycle and 25-percent better on the highway than the gas-engine Sierra, while maintaining a 6100-pound towing rating.
The Sierra Hybrid sports a so-called two-mode hybrid engineered in a joint venture between General Motors, Chrysler, Daimler, and BMW. Outfitted with a 6.0-liter V-8 engine and GM's version of the hybrid system, the Sierra Hybrid will be able to run on either its electric power or its gasoline power or both.
The hybrid truck will also use its electric power as an assist to its V-8 engine under heavy engine loads - in passing, towing, and climbing, for example. At speeds of up to 30 mph, the Sierra Hybrid can work in electric-only mode. The hybrid powertrain is also outfitted with cylinder deactivation technology, which helps dampen fuel consumption. Cruising range will be about 500 miles, GM says.
The two-mode system is expected to make its way into most of GM's full-size truck lineup, but the basic idea is scalable to vehicles of most any size, GM says. Minor aerodynamic tweaks help further improve the Hybrid's fuel economy; its battery pack is located behind the rear seats.
Dual front and curtain airbags and stability control will be standard on the Sierra Hybrid.
Sales begin in the fourth quarter of this year, and the Hybrid will come in the Crew Cab body style with rear- and four-wheel drive.
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