Fleet & Commercial Operations
For release: Aug. 1, 2007
GM OFFERS A WEALTH OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE WORLD’S FIRST 2-MODE HYBRID SYSTEM IN A PASSENGER VEHICLE
GM Fleet and Commercial Operations (FCO) customers have many fuel-saving and alternative fuel vehicles from which to choose. For 2008, FCO offers five hybrid vehicles – Chevrolet Tahoe and Malibu ; GMC Yukon; and Saturn Vue Green Line and Aura Green Line. E85-capable FlexFuel vehicles include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Express 1500 Cargo/Passenger Vans, Impala, Police Impala, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Police Tahoe; and the GMC Savana 1500 Cargo/Passenger Vans, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.
Hybrids
Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrids
GM is introducing the world’s first 2-Mode hybrid system for passenger vehicles in the 2008 full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. The 2-Mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by 25 percent and uses two electrically continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes of operation to optimize power and torque for various conditions. The addition of the second mode to the drive system improves efficiency and reduces the need for large electric motors, which are used in single-mode systems. The smaller motors are lighter and more easily packaged in the space of a typical automatic transmission.
The ECVT modes are combined with four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. The combination of the two ECVT modes and four fixed gear ratios allows for efficient operation throughout a vehicle’s operating range, at low and high speeds. Also, a sophisticated electronic control module constantly optimizes the entire hybrid powertrain system to select the most efficient operation point for the power level demanded by the driver.
Tahoe and Yukon 2-Mode hybrid models offer the utility and capability customers seek in a full-size SUV. The 6.0L displacement V-8 delivers 320 horsepower (239 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm)*, enabling towing up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). To maximize its efficiency, the engine is equipped with GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which switches between four- and eight-cylinder power in certain driving situations.
Saturn Vue Green Line
For fleet customers who prefer a smaller crossover hybrid SUV, the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will be available in early 2008. The hybrid system on the Vue Green Line combines sophisticated controls with an electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by providing an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing energy through regenerative braking.
To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, the 2.4L-equipped Vue Green Line will receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. To ensure accurate horsepower and torque ratings GM will certify the power ratings to SAE standards and update this information as soon as it becomes available.
The Saturn Vue is all-new for 2008, with an interior offering a host of comfort, convenience and safety features, many of which are uncommon in the segment.
Saturn Aura Green Line
Fleet customers who want a vehicle that blends European-inspired design language, high levels of refinement and hybrid technology need look no further than the Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid sport sedan. A $1,300 federal tax credit further enhances the Aura Green Line’s great value.
The hybrid system on the Aura Green Line combines sophisticated controls with an electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by providing an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing energy through regenerative braking.
To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, the 2.4L-equipped Aura Green Line will receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. To ensure accurate horsepower and torque ratings GM will certify the power ratings to SAE standards and update this information as soon as it becomes available.
Chevrolet Malibu
Another hybrid sedan option is the all-new 2008 Malibu . Delivering great performance, fuel economy and refinement, the new Malibu has a strong road presence and bold proportions and is wrapped in a clean, tailored design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. The interior's attention to detail matches the Malibu 's exterior, with an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and precision. The Malibu is three inches longer with a six-inch-longer wheelbase, giving it a "wheels-at-the-corners" stance that, together with outstanding chassis, steering, braking and suspension enhancements, enables a much smoother, more direct driving experience.
The hybrid system on the Malibu hybrid combines sophisticated controls with an electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by providing an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing energy through regenerative braking.
To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, the 2.4L-equipped Malibu hybrid will receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. To ensure accurate horsepower and torque ratings GM will certify the power ratings to SAE standards and update this information as soon as it becomes available.
Tahoe , Yukon , Malibu , Aura Green Line and Vue Green Line are among 12 hybrids GM will launch, providing customers with several levels of fuel economy savings at different price points on vehicles ranging from cars to full-size SUVs. GM launched hybrid diesel buses in 2003 and the world’s first hybrid pickup trucks in 2004.
E85 FlexFuel vehicles
Chevrolet Impala
For fleet customers whose E85 options are best met by a roomy, stylish and powerful sedan, FCO offers the Chevrolet Impala. This five- or six-passenger sedan offers enhanced premium-quality features and attention to detail, including an innovative flip-and-fold rear seat , which greatly expands cargo-carrying capacity. Impala’s reputation as a laudable passenger hauler continues with a myriad of standard and available safety features, including ABS, traction control and standard side-curtain roof rail air bags. StabiliTrak is available in the 2LT, LTZ and SS trim levels.
Impala offers two E85 engine choices: A 3.5L V-6 is standard in the Impala LS and LT, delivering 211 horsepower (157 kW)* and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm)* of torque – more standard power as a base engine than some key competitors’ top (or only) offering.
Standard in LTZ and Impala Police and available in 2LT models is the 3.9L V-6 with Active Fuel Management, a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology. The 3.9L uses variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold to help produce 233 horsepower (178 kW)* and 240 lb.-ft. (328 Nm) of torque.* This engine offers more power and usable torque within its operating range, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 1800 to 5800 rpm.
Chevrolet Uplander
Fleet customers who need to transport cargo, passengers or both in a nimble vehicle may choose the Chevrolet Uplander crossover sport van. The Uplander with optional E85 capability can transport passengers, cargo or both and deliver plenty of function, versatility and environmental benefits. Uplander safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System, StabiliTrak and traction control.
Uplander is powered by a 3.9L V-6 engine that delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW) and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque. The 3.9L V-6 is a sophisticated power plant that uses variable valve timing and active intake technology to ensure optimal performance and economy. This larger-displacement engine also provides more usable power across the rpm range, with 90 percent of torque available from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm.
Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
For those fleet customers whose needs require even more cargo- and passenger-carrying capability, FCO offers the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans – available as passenger vans, cargo vans and as the foundation for conversion vans.
Express and Savana offer uncompromising versatility in the full-size van segment. They’re available with two wheelbase lengths: regular length (135 inches / 3429 mm) and extended length (155 inches / 3937 mm). Stable handling, precise steering, superior ride motion control and balance, as well as a quiet, isolated driving experience are hallmarks of these vehicles.
Express and Savana can be powered by five different engines, including the E85-capableVortec 5.3L V-8, delivering 295 horsepower (220 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (454 Nm), resulting in segment-leading acceleration.
Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Avalanche and GMC Sierra
GM’s popular 1500 Series full-size pickup trucks are available in Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Extended Cab, Standard, Short and Long Box, in two- and four-wheel-drive E85 models. Like their gasoline counterparts, E85-fueled Sierra and Silverado can seat up to five in Extended Cab versions and can carry payloads of nearly 2,000 pounds (907 kg) in two-wheel-drive configurations.
When using E85 fuel, Long Box models average 327-392 miles before having to refuel the 34-gallon fuel tank. The Standard and Short Box models’ 26-gallon fuel tank, meanwhile, averages between 255 miles and 306 miles between fill-ups.
Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
For fleet customers whose needs are best met by full-size utilities, GM offers the E85-capable Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe and Police Tahoe, as well as the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
GM’s full-size SUVs are designed with safety in mind and deliver a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology with features such as standard StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.
E85-capable versions of these vehicles offer two versions of the Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine – one with cast-iron block materials that is standard on two-wheel-drive models, and an aluminum-block version that is standard in four-wheel-drive models. Both deliver 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)* and offer Active Fuel Management fuel-saving technology.
For the most recent information on GM’s alternative fuel vehicles, please visit www.gmaltfuel.com
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Contact:
Robert Minton
FCO Communications
Phone: 313-667-2634
Fax: 313-667-9390
E-mail: robert.minton@gm.com
Nina Price
FCO Communications
Phone: 313-667-4084
Fax: 313-667-1181
E-mail: nina.price@gm.com
Lynda Messina
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-492-2866
E-mail: lynda.messina@gm.com
Tony LaRocca
GM of Canada Communications
Phone: 905-644-1804
E-mail: tony.larocca@gm.com
Antonio Sanchez Jimenez
Gerente de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicación
General Motors de Mexico
Office: 011-5255-5901-3042
E-mail: angelantonio.sanchezjimenez@gm.com