Tahoe's Hybrid System "better" than Toyota's

[MrMax]

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 4x4 - Previews

BY DAVE VANDERWERP

"What sets this system apart from the popular Toyota hybrid arrangement is that the Tahoe can run as a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an automatic through one of four fixed gear ratios. With their theoretically infinite ratios, CVTs are much better than conventional automatics at keeping engines spinning at the most efficient speeds, but at constant highway speed, that advantage can be nullified by the internal friction inherent to CVT operation. In hybrids, the energy loss can be even worse because the drivetrain must also spin an electric motor. The Tahoe, however, can switch over to a more-energy-efficient mechanical path (one of the fixed ratios in the automatic) to minimize wasted energy whenever possible. Whereas the Prius is always processing its power through the CVT, even at inefficient highway speeds, the Tahoe’s system is better and can simply bypass the electric motors and lock onto a gear."

More at link: http://www.caranddriver.com/previews...ybrid-4x4.html

[jtrav91]

...the Tahoe’s system is better and can simply bypass the electric motors and lock onto a gear.

Yes, we are familiar with the engineering. But how does that translate in real-world mileage? Price? Emissions?

[Smoke]

Originally Posted by jtrav91

Yes, we are familiar with the engineering. But how does that translate in real-world mileage? Price? Emissions?

I believe it is 22 city/20 highway.

[paul8488]

As much as I love when people rag on Toyota... they certainly deserve credit for their hybrid system. It's been out almost 10 years now, hasn't it? Others wouldn't be trying to copy / improve on the technology if it wasn't a useful one. Still, glad GM apparently has something to leapfrog them... they just need to get it to as many customers as possible now!

[chakis24]

Originally Posted by jtrav91

Yes, we are familiar with the engineering. But how does that translate in real-world mileage? Price? Emissions?

ummmm....did you read the article?


the ending about diesels. the mercedes isnt available in all 50 states for one and diesel is more expensive than premium. its good to have options. having both means that they can lure people who want diesel along with people who dont want a l"oud, smelly, expensive diesel".

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by chakis24

ummmm....did you read the article?

The questions are valid. There was absolutely nothing in the article about an emission rating. The efficiency and price noted aren't actual numbers either, just what's anticipated.

The ending of the article was great: "In light of all this, it seems as though hybrids are definitely still fighting an uphill battle to prove themselves as the near-term fuel-efficiency technology of choice."

Pretending there isn't enough data available yet to draw a conclusion with is a popular antagonist technique. But it simply won't work anymore. There are too many Prius on the road now. In fact, it has already begun year 5 for the HSD model. That means the coveted 100,000-mile mark will be hit by owners on a routine basis.

JOHN

[throwback]

Originally Posted by john1701a

The questions are valid. There was absolutely nothing in the article about an emission rating. The efficiency and price noted aren't actual numbers either, just what's anticipated.

The ending of the article was great: "In light of all this, it seems as though hybrids are definitely still fighting an uphill battle to prove themselves as the near-term fuel-efficiency technology of choice."

Pretending there isn't enough data available yet to draw a conclusion with is a popular antagonist technique. But it simply won't work anymore. There are too many Prius on the road now. In fact, it has already begun year 5 for the HSD model. That means the coveted 100,000-mile mark will be hit by owners on a routine basis.

JOHN

Perhaps hybrids are the panacea, but even Toyota does not offer a hybrid option in every car. Why? Because some people will not pay the extra money and "saving the planet" is not on everyone's agenda. Most people just want to make it to the end of the week.
As for me when someone makes a fun to drive hybrid call me. Yes I have driven the Prius, Accord, Civic and Insight. After reading about the artificial steering feel of the GS450H I dont need to drive that one.

[racy]

Originally Posted by john1701a

The questions are valid. There was absolutely nothing in the article about an emission rating. The efficiency and price noted aren't actual numbers either, just what's anticipated.

The ending of the article was great: "In light of all this, it seems as though hybrids are definitely still fighting an uphill battle to prove themselves as the near-term fuel-efficiency technology of choice."

Pretending there isn't enough data available yet to draw a conclusion with is a popular antagonist technique. But it simply won't work anymore. There are too many Prius on the road now. In fact, it has already begun year 5 for the HSD model. That means the coveted 100,000-mile mark will be hit by owners on a routine basis.

JOHN

I am not arguing with your point per se, but the number of purchased vehicles on the road is not the best vindicator of a technology. Just look at how many Ford Pintos were sold and driven for 20 years or more.

At this point in time:

- In terms of popularity and fashion, hybrids are the clear winner in the near term fuel efficiency race.

- In terms of actual best MPG numbers, they are not the winners. Yes, they are very good, but they are not the best.

- In terms of product "greenness", they are not the winners either.

- In terms of which product burns the least amount of fossil fuels, they are not the winners either as B100 and even E85 machines obviously burn less.

However, tomorrow is a different story. Others on here disagree with my view that hybrid technology has a long way to go before exhausting the technology. I believe the hybrids will continue to become more and more efficient. As this happens, the definition of "near term" changes from a few years to 20+ years.

[goblue]

Originally Posted by john1701a

The questions are valid. There was absolutely nothing in the article about an emission rating. The efficiency and price noted aren't actual numbers either, just what's anticipated.

The ending of the article was great: "In light of all this, it seems as though hybrids are definitely still fighting an uphill battle to prove themselves as the near-term fuel-efficiency technology of choice."

Pretending there isn't enough data available yet to draw a conclusion with is a popular antagonist technique. But it simply won't work anymore. There are too many Prius on the road now. In fact, it has already begun year 5 for the HSD model. That means the coveted 100,000-mile mark will be hit by owners on a routine basis.

JOHN

More literary tripe from someone whose sole existance on this site is to antagonize GM hybrid fans.

[plane]

Originally Posted by goblue

More literary tripe from someone whose sole existence on this site is to antagonize GM hybrid fans.

The world's foremost pedantic, self-obfuscating inciter.

Did he have a point or didn't he?

[roteague]

Originally Posted by plane

The world's foremost pedantic, self-obfuscating inciter.

Did he have a point or didn't he?

I've got him on ignore - not because of his posts, they are like a broken record, very little imagination. I just don't like that stupid avartar of his.

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by roteague

they are like a broken record

sticking to the point

.

Originally Posted by roteague

very little imagination

no spin

[Jonnycat26]

Originally Posted by john1701a

sticking to the point

Which is promoting Toyota and taking shots at every other hybrid system out there.

John is anti-hybrid, sort of. He's Anti-Anyone-Other-Than-Toyota-Hybrid.