Green & Alternative Fuels News
Lutz: No Beat for US, Small CUVs Coming
Posted Jul 15, 2008 @ 12:32 pm
After Rick Wagoner's media address, "Maximum" Bob Lutz dished out some info regarding GM's future product plans.
One big piece of news is that the Chevy Beat won't be coming to North America anytime soon. Lutz sites safety standards as the reason we won't be seeing this mini-car on our shores. Development of the Beat started long before we had $4 gas in the US, so it wasn't intended to be brought to the US. As such, it wasn't designed to pass US safety standards. According to Lutz, it would take 2 years and cost too much money to re-engineer the car to meet US standards. Because of this, the Beat won't be making it the US until the next generation.
More after the jump...
Continue reading Lutz: No Beat for US, Small CUVs Coming
Category: Chevy, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments (2)
After Rick Wagoner's media address, "Maximum" Bob Lutz dished out some info regarding GM's future product plans.
One big piece of news is that the Chevy Beat won't be coming to North America anytime soon. Lutz sites safety standards as the reason we won't be seeing this mini-car on our shores. Development of the Beat started long before we had $4 gas in the US, so it wasn't intended to be brought to the US. As such, it wasn't designed to pass US safety standards. According to Lutz, it would take 2 years and cost too much money to re-engineer the car to meet US standards. Because of this, the Beat won't be making it the US until the next generation.
More after the jump...
Continue reading Lutz: No Beat for US, Small CUVs Coming
Category: Chevy, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments (2)
Video: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Posted Jul 15, 2008 @ 12:00 am
GM has offered up this video preview of the company's 3rd two-mode hybrid model, the Cadillac Escalade. Based on the hybrid Tahoe/Yukon, the Escalade is expecting to start at around $70,000, making it the perfect "look how green I am" accessory for celebrities.
The Escalade hybrid is expected to get about 21, giving you far more BPM (bling per mile) than the standard Escalade.
Hit the jump to watch the video...
Continue reading Video: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Category: Cadillac, Green/Alternative Fuels
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GM has offered up this video preview of the company's 3rd two-mode hybrid model, the Cadillac Escalade. Based on the hybrid Tahoe/Yukon, the Escalade is expecting to start at around $70,000, making it the perfect "look how green I am" accessory for celebrities.
The Escalade hybrid is expected to get about 21, giving you far more BPM (bling per mile) than the standard Escalade.
Hit the jump to watch the video...
Continue reading Video: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Category: Cadillac, Green/Alternative Fuels
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Chicago 2008: Flex Fuel, Hybrid GMC Denali XT Concept Debuts
Posted Feb 13, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
The El Camino returns! Well, not quite... In Chicago, GM unveiled the GMC Denali XT Concept, a car based pickup featuring a flex fuel, 2-mode hybrid powertrain. This concept is GM's first hybrid vehicle (concept or production) to be flex fuel capable; pretty suprising considering GM's zeal for E85. The combination of a 2-mode hybrid system, a V8 direct injection engine, active fuel management (cylinder deactivation), a lightweight car-based platform and a lower, more aerodynamic stance give the Denali XT 50% greater fuel economy than a standard pickup truck.
The GMC Denali XT comes to the US courtesy of the boys down under at Holden. The car-based truck concept sits on the Zeta platform, which also underpins the upcoming Camaro, G8 as well as the Holden Utes in Australia. The Aussies also handled the design work for the Denali XT. The intent was clearly to make a more masculine, truck-looking vehicle than the Holden Utes. The interior makes extensive use of leather and has some very cool retro touches.
Will this concept ever hit dealer lots? As oil prices rise, the chances get better and better. These car-based trucks provide much of the utility of a truck with considerably better fuel economy. While body on frame trucks will surely remain the standard for those who rely on trucks for towing, a unibody ute like the Denali XT is a compelling choice to those who use their trucks more recreationaly.
Category: GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels, Concept Cars
Comments
The El Camino returns! Well, not quite... In Chicago, GM unveiled the GMC Denali XT Concept, a car based pickup featuring a flex fuel, 2-mode hybrid powertrain. This concept is GM's first hybrid vehicle (concept or production) to be flex fuel capable; pretty suprising considering GM's zeal for E85. The combination of a 2-mode hybrid system, a V8 direct injection engine, active fuel management (cylinder deactivation), a lightweight car-based platform and a lower, more aerodynamic stance give the Denali XT 50% greater fuel economy than a standard pickup truck.
The GMC Denali XT comes to the US courtesy of the boys down under at Holden. The car-based truck concept sits on the Zeta platform, which also underpins the upcoming Camaro, G8 as well as the Holden Utes in Australia. The Aussies also handled the design work for the Denali XT. The intent was clearly to make a more masculine, truck-looking vehicle than the Holden Utes. The interior makes extensive use of leather and has some very cool retro touches.
Will this concept ever hit dealer lots? As oil prices rise, the chances get better and better. These car-based trucks provide much of the utility of a truck with considerably better fuel economy. While body on frame trucks will surely remain the standard for those who rely on trucks for towing, a unibody ute like the Denali XT is a compelling choice to those who use their trucks more recreationaly.
Category: GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels, Concept Cars
Comments
Chicago 2008: HHR Gets Greener
Posted Feb 10, 2008 @ 9:04 pm
For 2009, the Chevy HHR is getting a few powertrain tweaks. First, the 2.2L engine will get variable valve timing, a feature that previously was only available on the larger 2.4L engine. Additionally, both engines will be able to run on E85 ethanol. GM reports that the HHR has seen a sales spike as a result of the market moving towards smaller vehicles. Last month, HHR sales were up 73% compared to January 2007.
Category: Chevy, Green/Alternative Fuels
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For 2009, the Chevy HHR is getting a few powertrain tweaks. First, the 2.2L engine will get variable valve timing, a feature that previously was only available on the larger 2.4L engine. Additionally, both engines will be able to run on E85 ethanol. GM reports that the HHR has seen a sales spike as a result of the market moving towards smaller vehicles. Last month, HHR sales were up 73% compared to January 2007.
Category: Chevy, Green/Alternative Fuels
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GM To Update Ohio Plant For New Diesel Engines
Posted Feb 07, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
The General has announced it will spend $69 million to update the Moraine, Ohio plant to build the next generation Duramax diesel engines. The current Duramax powerplants will have to be continued by 2010 when more stringent emission standards go into effect. The next gen Duramax engine will feature a catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system and a particulate filter. These new additions will help the engine meet Tier 2 BIN and LEV 2 emissions standards.
Will these new cleaner diesels make it into passanger cars such as the Impala? One can only hope...
Category: Green/Alternative Fuels, Miscellaneous
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The General has announced it will spend $69 million to update the Moraine, Ohio plant to build the next generation Duramax diesel engines. The current Duramax powerplants will have to be continued by 2010 when more stringent emission standards go into effect. The next gen Duramax engine will feature a catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system and a particulate filter. These new additions will help the engine meet Tier 2 BIN and LEV 2 emissions standards.
Will these new cleaner diesels make it into passanger cars such as the Impala? One can only hope...
Category: Green/Alternative Fuels, Miscellaneous
Comments
GMC Yukon Hybrid Super Bowl Ad
Posted Feb 07, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
During the Super Bowl, GMC ran a 1 minute commercial for the new Yukon Hybrid. The ad featured clips from the 1976 animated short Sisyphus by Marcell Jankovics. While an animated figure pushes a boulder up a hill, the narrorator asks:
Why push? Why change? Why grow? Why dream? Questions you don't have to ask yourself when you never say "it's good enough." When you never say "it can't be done." When you never say "never."
Hit the jump to see the ad for yourself.
Continue reading GMC Yukon Hybrid Super Bowl Ad
Category: GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments
During the Super Bowl, GMC ran a 1 minute commercial for the new Yukon Hybrid. The ad featured clips from the 1976 animated short Sisyphus by Marcell Jankovics. While an animated figure pushes a boulder up a hill, the narrorator asks:
Why push? Why change? Why grow? Why dream? Questions you don't have to ask yourself when you never say "it's good enough." When you never say "it can't be done." When you never say "never."
Hit the jump to see the ad for yourself.
Continue reading GMC Yukon Hybrid Super Bowl Ad
Category: GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels
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VIDEO: Lutz Tells Reuters How It Is
Posted Jan 01, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Bob Lutz talks to Reuters about a number of issues including America's trade defecit, hybrids and CAFE standards. Maximum Bob says he thinks it is unsustainable to operate an economy like the US's that imports nearly all goods and exports next to nothing. Bob goes on to say that he is hopefully for the future, mentioning that the weak US dollar should make US manufacturing more competitive. On the topic of hybrids, Lutz admits that not getting a hybrid to market quick enough was a big mistake, but he hopes the Volt will make up for it. The interview wraps up with a very short explanation on the short fallings of the new CAFE standards.
Hit the jump to watch the video...
Continue reading VIDEO: Lutz Tells Reuters How It Is
Category: Green/Alternative Fuels, Miscellaneous
Comments (1)
Bob Lutz talks to Reuters about a number of issues including America's trade defecit, hybrids and CAFE standards. Maximum Bob says he thinks it is unsustainable to operate an economy like the US's that imports nearly all goods and exports next to nothing. Bob goes on to say that he is hopefully for the future, mentioning that the weak US dollar should make US manufacturing more competitive. On the topic of hybrids, Lutz admits that not getting a hybrid to market quick enough was a big mistake, but he hopes the Volt will make up for it. The interview wraps up with a very short explanation on the short fallings of the new CAFE standards.
Hit the jump to watch the video...
Continue reading VIDEO: Lutz Tells Reuters How It Is
Category: Green/Alternative Fuels, Miscellaneous
Comments (1)
China To Get LaCrosse Hybrid In Time For Olympics
Posted Dec 20, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
Sorry North American Buick fans, you now have one more reason to envy the Chinese LaCrosse. As if it wasn't bad enough that the Chinese LaCrosse is WAY cooler looking than the NA model, the Chinese version is also the first to get a hybrid powertrain.
That's right, China is about to be bestowed with its first hybrid from the General. Shortly before the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, a hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse will come to market in China. The hybrid system used in the LaCrosse will be the belt alternator system (aka "mild hybrid") currently used on the Saturn Aura Hybrid.
The LaCrosse Hybrid will cost about $2,500 and will achieve roughly 25% better fuel economy than it's non-hybrid counterpart. While this is the first GM hybrid in China, it is by no means the first hybrid to hit the country, as Toyota and Honda already have them for sale in China.
Category: Buick, GM International, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments (2)
Sorry North American Buick fans, you now have one more reason to envy the Chinese LaCrosse. As if it wasn't bad enough that the Chinese LaCrosse is WAY cooler looking than the NA model, the Chinese version is also the first to get a hybrid powertrain.
That's right, China is about to be bestowed with its first hybrid from the General. Shortly before the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, a hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse will come to market in China. The hybrid system used in the LaCrosse will be the belt alternator system (aka "mild hybrid") currently used on the Saturn Aura Hybrid.
The LaCrosse Hybrid will cost about $2,500 and will achieve roughly 25% better fuel economy than it's non-hybrid counterpart. While this is the first GM hybrid in China, it is by no means the first hybrid to hit the country, as Toyota and Honda already have them for sale in China.
Category: Buick, GM International, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments (2)
2 GM Engines Named In 10 Best Of 2007
Posted Dec 14, 2007 @ 6:45 am
Ward's, an automotive journal, has announced their 10 Best Engines List for 2007 and General Motors is the only manufacturer on the list with more than engine on the list. Those two engines are the muscle behind the 2008 CTS and the new Yukon and Tahoe hybrids. When evaluating engines, Ward's looks at performance as well as efficiency.
Without further ado, here is Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2007:
Audi AG: FSI 2.0L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (335i Coupe)
Daimler AG: 3.0L DOHC V-6 Turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI)
Ford Motor Co.: 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang Shelby GT)
General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
General Motors Corp.: 6.0L OHV V-8 Hybrid (GMC Yukon / Chevy Tahoe Hybrid)
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
Mazda Motor Corp.: 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3)
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.7L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G37)
Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
Category: Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments
Ward's, an automotive journal, has announced their 10 Best Engines List for 2007 and General Motors is the only manufacturer on the list with more than engine on the list. Those two engines are the muscle behind the 2008 CTS and the new Yukon and Tahoe hybrids. When evaluating engines, Ward's looks at performance as well as efficiency.
Without further ado, here is Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2007:
Audi AG: FSI 2.0L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (335i Coupe)
Daimler AG: 3.0L DOHC V-6 Turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI)
Ford Motor Co.: 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang Shelby GT)
General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
General Motors Corp.: 6.0L OHV V-8 Hybrid (GMC Yukon / Chevy Tahoe Hybrid)
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
Mazda Motor Corp.: 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3)
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.7L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G37)
Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
Category: Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels
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Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid EPA Fuel Economy Numbers Announced
Posted Dec 13, 2007 @ 5:49 am
The EPA just announced fuel economy ratings for the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, and they match perfectly the numbers GM published a few months back. The 2wd hybrids get 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, which comes out to 21 mpg combined. The 4wd version gets 20 mpg for both city and highway.
These numbers are quite an improvement from the non-hybrid Tahoe and Yukon. The non-hybrid 2wd versions get between 11-14 mpg city and 15-20 mpg highway, depending on powertrain options.
Category: Chevy, GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels
Comments
The EPA just announced fuel economy ratings for the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, and they match perfectly the numbers GM published a few months back. The 2wd hybrids get 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, which comes out to 21 mpg combined. The 4wd version gets 20 mpg for both city and highway.
These numbers are quite an improvement from the non-hybrid Tahoe and Yukon. The non-hybrid 2wd versions get between 11-14 mpg city and 15-20 mpg highway, depending on powertrain options.
Category: Chevy, GMC, Green/Alternative Fuels
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