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Four-Way Two-Mode Hybrid Project Ends, Lab Closes; Now What? Page 2

 
2,511 views Nov 23, 2009
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2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

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Hybrids from four partners

Each of the four partners has put on sale at least one product using the Two-Mode system. The most recent is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, which follows the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 by just a few weeks. Both use a Two-Mode version assembled in Stuttgart, Germany.

Each is a German-designed, U.S.-built large sport utility vehicle, though BMW calls its hatchback X6 a "sports activity coupe". With a twin-turbo V8, BMW opted for performance--the ActiveHybrid X6 is the world's most powerful hybrid--while Benz boosted fuel economy, pairing its Two-Mode with an efficient V6.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

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2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Los Angeles Auto Show

2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Los Angeles Auto Show

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2009 cadillac escalade hybrid platinum

2009 cadillac escalade hybrid platinum

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Electric motors for torque

As for GM, its Two-Mode system is set up for torque. In the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid large pickup trucks, it offers towing capacity up to 6,100 pounds.

GM also fits the system to full-size sport utility vehicles, in the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid as well as the high-luxe 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Curiously, it sells best in the priciest models--a lesson BMW and Benz may have taken to heart.

That version of the Two-Mode replaces GM's six-speed automatic transmission in rear-drive vehicles plus their all-wheel-drive versions. (GM's front-wheel-drive Two-Mode version has quite a checkered history; it's not currently clear where it'll end up.)

Ram Hybrid pickup on deck

As for the fourth partner, Chrysler, the economic collapse in late 2008 forced the company to kill its large sport utilities altogether. That meant the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid and 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid died just weeks after they began production.

Chrysler still maintains it will launch its 2011 Dodge Ram Hybrid this spring. But it was barely mentioned in a recent marathon press conference covering Chrysler's plans for the next five years. Among them: Spinning out "Ram" to become a separate truck brand, relegating Dodge to passenger vehicles.

[Detroit News, Automotive News (subscription required) ]






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Comment (1)

  1. By  Hybrid cars for sale Posted: 1/20/2010 4:11am PST

    I would like to see one of these cars that will have the power to move a sports car and a pickup truck with the same authority that they have now. I am all for vehicles that have low co2 emissions so i hope these ideas pay off so that maybe people will move on with time and forget about the prices and the damage that petrol bring on the roads.
     
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