Lexus RX 400h Competition: The M-B M-class Hybrid SUV

[jlt0x]

http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/...tid=36029&pg=1

At this year's Detroit show, hybrids were the hot technology topic with many car manufacturers displaying their R&D teams' finest efforts. General Motors led the way, debuting two concept cars, the GMC Graphyte and Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid, demonstrating the flexibility and advancements of its all-new Two-Mode Hybrid system, developed in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler.

The other half of that equation, DaimlerChrysler, chose to debut its hybrid powertrain in the M-Class, although M-B did not make any outright claims that their hybrid system is the same or even similar Two-Mode system shown earlier by GM. Nevertheless, it seems to share many of the same characteristics.

Benz's system, adapted to the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, features two separate electric motors attached to the open end of the gearbox. The motors develop 34 horsepower each, but ponies aren't what matter when it comes to electric energy. More impressively, these little magnets can churn out 141 lb-ft and 221 lb-ft of torque respectively.

...more in the original article....

[mgescuro]

Well, whatever the case may be, at least the hybrid systems are out... at least in concept form.

Now... if GM can get this hybrid system attached to the Saab BioPower engine/technology and DOD.... what GM will have is 1) a FFV that can use EtOH and regular gas in any combination, 2) a super efficient engine, 3) super low emissions, 4) a serious car that environmentalists will applaud.

GM now has all the pieces. Maybe it's about time they put them together!

[FoMoCo Fan]

Maybe that's the niche for Saab. The world's first "green" carmaker. It'll take some time to erode the ground that Toyota & Honda, and also Ford to an extent have built up in that area, but it seems like a marketing strategy that no one has yet tried for a whole company. It could be a profitable niche too.

[GM_Guy81]

You are kidding yourself if you think anyone believes Ford is a "green" automaker because of the single escape hybrid.

the media routinely strokes off Toyohonda and gives them all the credit. Ford still has all the baggage that the Big Three carry around.

[jlt0x]

Originally Posted by jlt0x

Benz's system, adapted to the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, features two separate electric motors attached to the open end of the gearbox. The motors develop 34 horsepower each, but ponies aren't what matter when it comes to electric energy. More impressively, these little magnets can churn out 141 lb-ft and 221 lb-ft of torque respectively.

I believe this hybrid system combines the 1-2 electric motors (221 lb-ft w/both motors operating) with existing gas engines, either V6 or V8 torque. That's a lot of moving power!

[SVT2888]

Electric motor making Chrysler trans more complicated and more likely to brake. YIKES!

[spudglo08]

Can't wait till the hydrogens come out and the prius becomes obsolete.hopefully they can hit that 2010'ish goal