GM's Tahoe, Yukon Dual-mode Hybrids Get New EPA Rating

GM's full-size dual-mode hybrids crack the 20MPG barrier!

DailyTech reported back in mid-March that GM had begun early production on its Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size hybrid SUVs. The dual-mode hybrid system, which GM says is superior to Toyota’s single-mode Hybrid Synergy Drive, uses mode one for city driving and mode two for highway driving.

GM's dual-mode hybrid system can accomplish all the feats of the Toyota system -- internal combustion engine (ICE) turned off while idle, electric-only propulsion at low speeds, electric/ICE propulsion during heavy acceleration and regenerative braking -- but also adds the ability to improve highway fuel economy by using two electric motors, two continuously variable transmission (CVT) modes along with a four-speed automatic transmission and cylinder deactivation.

In addition, all of the electric motor mechanicals are housed within the transmission, so no additional space needs to be occupied for those components.

Variants of the dual-mode hybrid system will be used in vehicles from Chrysler and BMW.

Truly Amazing...
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Porschinator - 10/9/2007 8:29:06 PM

+1 Boost

Just wish GM would install 6 speed autos to get even more MPG with lower gearing on top end.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/9/2007 10:00:40 PM

-1 Boost

Wow, that's incredible...not.

They don't need V8s for these hybrid systems! This is just as impressive as the LS600hL fuel economy! A.K.A., it isn't!

M53R - 10/10/2007 6:03:28 AM

+3 Boost

Actually, from 14MPG/19MPG to 20MPG/20MPG is quite impressive as long as GM can prove these numbers in real life, unlike Lexus. Also it will be stupid to have an SUV this big with a 4 banger hybrid, so the huge V8 is needed.

DavidRoss - 10/9/2007 11:21:53 PM

-1 Boost

howya like me now.

Monk - 10/9/2007 11:32:06 PM

0 Boost

I bet it'll be available in MBs too...

EvoAudi - 10/10/2007 1:41:00 AM

+2 Boost

except MB will probably mate it to a 6.5L Bi-Turbo V12 AMG engine and call it effiicient.

dumpsty - 10/10/2007 9:29:11 AM

+1 Boost

EvoAudi is probably right. But I don't think the full potential of the 2-mode hybrid system has been totally realized yet. I think GM is, purposely, giving lower fuel consumption figures to later have these vehicles beat those numbers with actual consumer results...which will make the system look even better. There's a "strategic" reason why BMW and Daimler hasn't really been vocal about the system lately.

Porschinator - 10/10/2007 6:34:58 PM

+1 Boost

M53R - These figures are from the NEW EPA standards which are much closer to the actual MPG you will get so it is impressive. Under the new EPA standards the Prius goes from 60MPG to approx 46MPG. So for a large SUV to get over 20MPG under the new EPA IS impressive.