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Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
The Chevy Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid will go on sale next year as a 2008 model, along with the GMC Yukon Two-mode Hybrid. Pricing and production volumes have not been announced.
According to Design Manager David Smith, he and his team gave Chevy Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid a slightly different look to go with its hybrid powertrain, while still ensuring that everyone would know it was a Chevy. The Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid is has a lower stance in the front and has additional aerodynamic features compared to the non-hybrid Tahoe.
The Vortec V8-powered hybrid combines GM's Active Fuel Management technology (aka displacement on demand) with a hybrid-electric drive system developed by a GM,BMW, and DaimlerChrysler partnership, and based on the technology in GM's hybrid transit buses. The result is said to be a 25 percent improvement in composite fuel efficiency.
Said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain, "The Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid delivers on GM's commitment to apply advanced technologies where we will realize the most fuel savings."
The two-mode is patented hybrid technology with two modes optimized for city and highway driving. In the first mode, at low speed and light loads, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power. The second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing, and late-intake valve closure, allowing even more efficient engine operation.
Because the architecture can be scaled to fit multiple vehicles and adapted to gasoline or diesel engines, the two-mode full hybrid can be applied globally.
Pricing
Gas Mileage
GM has set the bar hight with the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and hopes to achieve a 25 percent improvement in composite fuel efficiency over the non-hybrid Tahoe.
Unique Attributes
Special features, including prominent hybrid badges and a Glacier Gold exterior finish, complete the look. The hood and liftgate are made of aluminum to keep the weight down, and the leading edges of the hood have been altered for better areodynamics. The Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid keeps the Chevy dual-port grille with "bowtie", but has larger intake to accommodate the hybrid powertrain's higher airflow requirement for cooling. The front and rear fascias are angled in slightly and the running boards are flared in front for better areodynamic performance.
Other aerodynamic features include:
Sharpening of the D-pillar rearward (including the taillamps) A centre high mounted stop light detail spoiler over the rear liftgate A closeout panel under the back of the vehicle to facilitate airflow. Lightweight, aero-efficient wheels with low rolling-resistance tires
