GM promises 50% More Towing Capacity for Next Gen Hybrid Pickups

[ddl]

With the first generation of the two-mode hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups arriving in showrooms, GM is already promising big improvements in pulling performance from its next-generation gas-electric haulers.

“We’re going to see substantial improvements in towing capability in our next hybrids,” said Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive for GM Full-Size Trucks. “We think we can raise towing by up to 50 percent more than today’s (hybrid) trucks. For us, it just makes sense that we want to improve the trailering capability. It’s one of the top reasons people buy a truck.”

We expect GM's next-generation hybrid full-size pickups to arrive by 2013.

GM’s 2009 two-wheel-drive hybrids are rated to tow up to 6,100 pounds, and four-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,900 pounds. That means a tow rating of up to 9,000 pounds is possible in GM’s next-generation hybrids. A conventional GM 6.0-liter gas V-8 crew cab half-ton is rated to tow up to 10,600 pounds with an optional enhanced trailering package.

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Finally it would make sense for me to have a hybrid large SUV or pickup truck.

Today's model has too much of a towing limitation for me; at this point in time I think diesel gives better mileage without the towing restriction.

DDL

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/02...d-pickups.html

[1931Chevy]

And why not work on doing the next gen as a diesel hybrid

[killerrd2]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

And why not work on doing the next gen as a diesel hybrid

Great point!!

By the way, whatever happened with the new diesel that was supposed to be manufactured in upstate NY?

[jkennedy293]

6100lbs out of a hybrid isn't too shabby either.

[WishIhadatruck]

The current 6k lb towing is pretty good considering the gas mileage. If they can bring the price down and bring the towing capacity up that would be a great thing. Hopefully the 2nd generation 2-mode is even more fuel efficient as well.

[paul38469]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

And why not work on doing the next gen as a diesel hybrid

Cost

[Rick_VT]

Originally Posted by killerrd2

Great point!!

By the way, whatever happened with the new diesel that was supposed to be manufactured in upstate NY?

I was wondering that myself, havent seen or heard anything about it for months now, maybe GM has decided to keep some things to itself for a change.

Maybe one of the Mods can enlighten us as to any info about whats happening with the diesel??

[V8GMT360 Guy]

I would agree, they've been working on a 4.5L duramax, which I think would be a great fit for a hybrid application.

I'd also be interested to see what they could do with the 2500/3500 HD trucks and fitting a hybrid system to them.

[LARSONEM]

I'm sure cost plus the cost difference in gasoline vs. diesel has had a huge impact on the engine. I bought diesel the other day for the first time since last November as the truck has been sitting and the cost difference was only 30 cents more per gallon. That is sure a whole lot better than the dollar difference we were paying last fall.

[eurohazard]

GM is wise to address these shortcomings. While I could currently get away with towing with a hybrid Tahoe or Silverado....it'd be close. Plus I have no room to grow (get a bigger boat or travel trailer).

Even having that higher rating is important if I never upgrade to a bigger boat/trailer....because that means there is a larger margin of safety built into the ride for a moderate load.

[urban_chevy]

in my last month issue of truckin there was an article that the 4.5 is on hold for as much as 18 months

[gpet6669]

That is also in one of the other forums on this site. I think it is in the Front Page News part of this site.

[msupete]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

And why not work on doing the next gen as a diesel hybrid

no way, that would make too much sense and be too awesome...

shesh, what's next? a diesel hybrid small car? come on

[osv_alero]

I'm still not sold on the whole hybrid / electric thing. The metal pulled from the ground is NOT a "renewable" resource.


This is a picture from a lithium mining facility.


This is what a forest would look like after using "waste" from the logging industry for making cellulosic ethanol.

It's possible to "replant" trees, but impossible to "replant" metals.

[kylepo]

Originally Posted by msupete

no way, that would make too much sense and be too awesome...

shesh, what's next? a diesel hybrid small car? come on

yeah adding probably around 5K to the already too expensive 2 mode trucks makes aot of sense.