GM Hybrids

[Sludgy]

I was disappointed that GM coupled its hybrid system to its 5.3 liter V8. The logical choice was their lowly 4.3 liter V6, which gets better mileage than the non-hybrid V8.

Apparently, the hybrid system is just an outsourced package:

http://www.conti-online.com/generato...n_2006_en.html

So, there is no excuse for GM to not broaden its hybrid offerings. Why not a hybrid V6 full size truck? I'd be as happy as a clam at high tide with a 20 / 24 mpg full size truck. And I'd trade in my Ford diesel P.O.S. in a heartbeat.

[Peakster]

I find it dissapointing too Sludgy. When hybrids are used on large engines, the 25% FE increase is marginal at best. GM should consider making hybrids out of their smaller vehicles such as the Chevrolet Aveo and the Pontiac G5.

Those are the most popular vehicles sold around here, so the mass amount of fuel savings would go further. a 25% increase in FE in an aveo would move its EPA city from 27 to 34 mpg compared to say a Silverado 5.3 hybrid which only gets a mere 2 mpg more in the city compared to the conventional 5.3L non-hybrid engine.

I think car companies are more concerned with making a hybrid a "top of the line" expensive option than saving consumers money at the pumps. As long as GM sells lots of cars, they don't care what kind of fuel economy they get.

[cfg83]

Hello -

They are catering to their biggest profit margin. If a mild-hybrid system can move the heavy steel they have rusting on the lots, then they will do it ASAP. Here is another form of the gizmo that I thought was the basis for the mild-hybrid :

http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/elect...trocharger.php



I have been tracking this on and off for awhile, because it is a bolt-on retrofit.

Be careful, this website is very alluring. It has lots of goodies that claim better MPG.

I wish GM would put a mild-hybrid on a Saturn Ion. A 4-banger with one of these is a no-brainer. A 35/35 Ion would be grand. Half of what we do on GasSavers is aimed at getting the city MPG closer to the highway MPG, and this would be a big help.

***sigh***

CarloSW2