2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid: "A no-compromises truck"

[drew630]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I don't think so. It's not a Tahoe or something. And the regular Silverado starts at around $20k. The regular Tahoe starts at $35k. So theoretically, the Silverado Hybrid should cost less.

Except, in true GM fashion, the two-mode system is only available on the crew's and LT style up. Those start around $30k. The $35k starting price is still pretty close though.

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by leelander

gm has already stated that the new 4.5 will(supposedly) get 20% better mileage than the gas engines that we have now. as for the the 2 mode tahoes-we had 2, and they both went before we could even clean them and put them on the lot. it's funny-they sound like big golf carts-until the gas engine kicks in.

They haven't sold many but you never see any stocked either.
It makes me wonder if they put it out there in low numbers to get feedback before they put it in a higher volume application...

[RSW]

"it's funny-they sound like big golf carts-until the gas engine kicks in."

Does anyone else think this really cuts into the fun factor?

Don't get me wrong, I am not only strongly pro E85 but also generally in favor of hybrids and other fuel saving technologies, but psychologically I fear something would bug me about the engine being off and me not hearing anything at exactly the time (accelerating) when I'd like to hear some revs.

But we all have to learn to change.

[bcjohnso99]

I'm not impressed.

...98-liter fuel tank, ...cruising range of more 800 km

The metric rating for the Silvy with 5.3/4spd auto puts the all-highway range at over 900km and the combined city/highway range at over 700km (based on a 98 liter tank).

What gives????

[roorback]

35K is probably fair and prices me right out the market. I really need a truck and like the mileage on these but I don't have 35G for a truck. I'll settle for the camaro (no loss there).

[KingElvis]

Originally Posted by WishIhadatruck

A Hybrid Suburban would appeal to me the most but this would be my 2nd choice for a hybrid towing vehicle. I'm curious how this will compare to the diesel 1/2 ton that will be available in a couple of years.

Mileage is pretty impressive, just as good as the Tahoe. Better hwy for the 2wd actually. I love the look of the crew cab 1/2 tons. I'll pass on the big hybrid stickers however.

Yes the upcoming 4.5L Diesel V8 is going to have better towing rating just because it will rate something like 300hp and 500lb/ft of torque.

People don't realize how radically different this engine will be. You would barely recognize it as a V8 engine (exhaust manifolds go inward instead of outside the cylinder banks).


I see hybrid as a way to make super big/powerful cars get acceptable mileage - in that sense it's better in the Tahoe/Suburban luxury realm.

I bet they could offer a 4x2 model with things like super light weels and tires, lowered suspension, aero mods and a tall axle - even with a 4.8L it could at least average 20mpg (18/23mpg). And the additional cost of production would be less than $1000.

[genjy]

Do real truck users actually want a truck with a fancy powertrain like that?

I thought part of the charm of trucks is the perceived simplicity of their powertrain designs (easy to maintain, easy to repair).

[logansowner]

Originally Posted by genjy

Do real truck users actually want a truck with a fancy powertrain like that?

I thought part of the charm of trucks is the perceived simplicity of their powertrain designs (easy to maintain, easy to repair).

This isn't any more for real truck people than an LTX Crew cab short box is for real truck people. It's just a fancy car that gets better economy than it did last year. Real truck people buy the base versions and maybe add A/C to them. Nothing better for a work truck than a reg cab with an 8 foot box and vinyl seats and floors. May not be pretty, but you can hose the thing out....wouldn't wanna try that with an LTZ model...

[BitchinCamaro86]

Originally Posted by ColinOpseth

That's almost the same mileage (better city, even) than I got in my 2006 G6 GTP. And that car had a 3.9L V6 and couldn't pull more than a 1000 pound trailer. Great job, GM.

Yea, but how heavy is your foot when you're driving that GTP? You should be getting high 20s-30mpg in that G6, unless your trying to put on some Paul Walker moves in that thing.

[Robert Ryan]

As for 1/2 tons towing 10,000+ lbs it is pretty unusual to find a trailer properly loaded (other than a boat perhaps) that the tounge weight won't put you over your rear axle weight rating or GVWR. Those numbers are for spec. sheet bragging mostly.

Exactly. Try towing a 5th wheel that is longer than 25-26ft safely with a 1/2 ton and you can have problems towing.

[detroitGT]

I have an 08 Sierra Z71 with the 5.3L. I average 18.5mpg -it is mostly highway 15mi each way (but not all) and I do not drive aggressively. I went 430 miles on a tank when I recently relocated from Detroit to Charlotte. So I am not seeing any great perks about these full size hybrids. The slight increase of Hybrids over regular gasoline engines is so ridiculous and is certainly not worth the increased vehicle cost. Yea, you get a tax break...but really, is it worth it?

[oldsfiesta1958]

Any guess on the effect of the low resistance tires on the traction in the snow?

[drew630]

Originally Posted by detroitGT

I have an 08 Sierra Z71 with the 5.3L. I average 18.5mpg -it is mostly highway 15mi each way (but not all) and I do not drive aggressively. I went 430 miles on a tank when I recently relocated from Detroit to Charlotte. So I am not seeing any great perks about these full size hybrids. The slight increase of Hybrids over regular gasoline engines is so ridiculous and is certainly not worth the increased vehicle cost. Yea, you get a tax break...but really, is it worth it?

Yes, but your average isn't what most people see. You would probably see higher numbers in a Hybrid version than what is listed for it.

[igotzzoom]

Diesel would be the way to go, IMHO. Figure the 4.5L Dmax is going to get about 18/25, PLUS have a 10,000+ lb. towing capacity. Now THAT'S a "no-compromises" truck.

[OutBurst]

Originally Posted by mcool

I want to see a hybrid Avalanche.

YES! PLEASE! SOON! I would buy one in an instant!