GMC Sierra Hybrid Crew Cab [Reviews]

GMC announced the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid, a powerful full-size truck that is 40 percent greater fuel economy in town and a 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy while providing the capability expected of a full-size truck - including a 6100 pounds (2767 kg) towing capacity.

The partnership of General Motors 'patented two mode' hybrid system and a gas efficient 6.0L V-8, the Sierra Hybrid has a highly efficient performance, including the all-electric driving up to 30 mph (48 km / h). This allows fuel savings could be achieved, even if the car is fully loaded or towing.

"The Sierra Hybrid represents GMC's commitment to technical excellence, delivering a fully functional truck that offers a significant improvement in fuel economy," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "Sierra Hybrid offers fuel economy that should be the best in the segment of the full-size pickup, exceeding the current mileage leader. - The non-hybrid Sierra"

The GMC Sierra Hybrid goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008 and is based on strong and capable Sierra platform was introduced for the 2007 model year. It will be available in the body style of the taxi in 2WD and 4WD models. Each model comes with several features, popular, including the system of electronic stability control, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. Sierra Hybrid also offers front-impact airbags and curtain airbags for head and is the only full-size truck with five stars in side impacts in federal crash tests.

Details Hybrid

Sierra Hybrid fuel economy performance is derived from GM's advanced electric variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride storage system Energy (SSE), working in consultation with the standard 6.0L V-8 engine Fuel with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late closing intake valve (LIVC) technology. GM's hybrid technology not only allows the Sierra to launch and drive up to 30 km / h on electric power alone, it also allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in the V-4-mode cheaper for longer periods.

As part of the control system of vehicle emissions in the ESS is warranted in eight years/100, 000 miles.

With GM two-mode hybrid system, the electrical power used to propel the vehicle generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes or the car is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the battery of 300 volts. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

The two-mode hybrid system provides smooth and reliable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid buses in the northern cities of more than 70 U.S. and Europe. On a small scale for use in passenger vehicles, dual mode enables fuel savings where it matters most - in large vehicles with high levels of capacity. The two-mode system was introduced in the 2008 Yukon Hybrid. It is an essential part of the efforts of GM's energy diversity, which focus on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reduce emissions and minimize the automobile's impact on the environment.

With a fuel economy of the hybrid system and Sierra 26-gallon (98 liter) fuel tank, the Sierra Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

Quiet and smooth

The integration of the Sierra hybrid is perfect - the battery is located under the rear seat - and perceptible only in what it lacks: noise.

"The Sierra Hybrid is exceptionally quiet," said Mark Cieslak, vehicle chief engineer. "From the perspective of passengers, the refinement of the hybrid system quite evident throughout the driving experience, and this when the vehicle is moving on. "

Driving performance trailer

In addition to fuel economy also increases the transmission power variable GMC Sierra Hybrid provides a huge towing capacity, improving the smooth ride and quality when towing. The electric drive is set to about 30 mph (48 km / h), even when towing, then the fuel savings when the truck is towing a trailer.

"Along with a very smooth, EVT always provides plenty of torque at all rpm levels, easy to tow," said Cieslak. "It 'very useful for degrees, the higher the ratio of EVT allows the engine to optimal rpm for smooth, steady performance, rather than hunting between higher and lower gears."

EVT Class includes braking and tap up / down changes. It also benefits from the curves of towing or low-speed back roads, exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate as "Shift shock" torque disruption that can occur with sudden changes, such as when the speed or braking.