GM unveils new fuel-saving engines

[Mike Jung]

GM unveils new fuel-saving engines
May 19, 2006. 01:00 AM
DEE-ANN DURBIN
ASSOCIATED PRESS


DETROIT—General Motors Corp. said yesterday it is introducing 19 new or significantly redesigned engines and transmissions in its 2007 model year vehicles, including a new hybrid system and a fuel-saving V-6.

It also said it will offer 14 models in the 2007 model year that can run on E85 ethanol, compared to nine models in 2006. And the 2007 Chevrolet Impala will have GM's first V-6 engine with a system that saves fuel by automatically operating on fewer cylinders when the vehicle isn't carrying a heavy load. Previously, the system was only available with V-8 engines.

GM's new Green Line hybrid adds around $2,000 (U.S.) to the cost of a Saturn Vue, below a premium of $3,500 or more for other gas-electric hybrids, which save gas by shutting the engine while idling. GM says its system doesn't run on electric power for as long as other hybrids.

What do people think of "Displacement on Demand" ?

[DrFabulous]

I think it's a temporary yet favorable solution to the energy situation.


*shrug*



EDIT: commercial just came on for a flex-fuel GMC pickup, AND...

Saw that Green Line Vue's are coming with wierd tires to "reduce rolling resistance".......

[Irate]

all I gotta say is that people won't take hybrids seriously until they stop making them look like crap.

I would seriously consider a hybrid for commuting if it was attractive and didn't look like a vagina with wheels.

[pyro]

Originally Posted by IrateWS6

I would seriously consider a hybrid for commuting if it was attractive and didn't look like a vagina with wheels.

[lone_wolf025]

Displacement on demand for a V6? Most of em get pretty decent mileage as it is. And new engines and trannys huh? Maybe GM will actually be producing more dohc engines and 5 or 6 spd trannys for more vehicles OTHER than the corvette...probably not though...

[Panacea]

Well, lets just say I wish I had the 6-spd Auto tranny as well as DOD in my car. With those two combined, you'd get at least 15-20% better fuel economy!

[Sleepwalkr]

I think its a fantastic idea.

[REV13]

Originally Posted by IrateWS6

all I gotta say is that people won't take hybrids seriously until they stop making them look like crap.

I would seriously consider a hybrid for commuting if it was attractive and didn't look like a vagina with wheels.

i third that

[notsoaveragej0e]

My mom's Tahoe has DOD, and she gets better mileage than on her old Trailblazer... somewhere near 14- 19MGP on average, and she does no highway driving.

[normal]

Originally Posted by DrFabulous

I think it's a temporary yet favorable solution to the energy situation.


*shrug*



EDIT: commercial just came on for a flex-fuel GMC pickup, AND...

Saw that Green Line Vue's are coming with wierd tires to "reduce rolling resistance".......

wait...isn't rolling resistance about the same thing as traction?? i could see a few problems with that....

[bigbenSC]

Originally Posted by IrateWS6

all I gotta say is that people won't take hybrids seriously until they stop making them look like crap.

I would seriously consider a hybrid for commuting if it was attractive and didn't look like a vagina with wheels.

Where the fock have you been the last 2 years? The only hybrids that look odd are the Honda Insight and Prius. Here's some hybrids that look exactly the same as their parent vehicle same for badges and wheels: Accord, Civic, RX400h, Highlander, new Camry, upcoming GS450h and LS460h, Silverado (arguably a hybrid system), Escape, Mariner, and the afformentioned upcoming VUE. Many more hybrids that look like regular cars than stand-alone models. It is interesting to see that the best selling Prius is so wierd. The fact may be that most hybrid buyers WANT to look different so people will notice them (Southpark did an interesting show on this).

As for DOD, I think it is a great idea, no matter the number of cylinders in the engine.

[lone_wolf025]

Originally Posted by normal

wait...isn't rolling resistance about the same thing as traction?? i could see a few problems with that....

Yes and no. The exact defintion escapes me at the moment but IIRC you can still have good traction on a low rolling resistance tire. But don't quote me on that its been a while...

[bigbenSC]

A low rolling resistance tire typically has a narrower width and a harder tread compound. Kind of an oxymoron for an SUV...

[crazypontiac03]

I hear a rumor that Gm is also working on a Desiel Hybird for the New Hoe/Trail.

[notsoaveragej0e]

^^ I think GM is making a Hybrid electric/gas Tahoe/Yukon, but no diesel. They are putting a diesel in the H2 though.

[Redog]

I really don't get the "great fuel savers" of today

The new Cobalt gets 30 MPG, I'm guessing that's highway, but my 3400 avg about 34 on the highway

Just a thought, but a 6 y.o V6 getting better MPG than a 4 banger that is brand new.

People need to realize that the problem is in the oil companies and the prez, not the cars.

[bigbenSC]

^ Right, President Bush told GM to make their 2.2L 4 banger get worse fuel economy than your car...

[Ajaxus]

Actually if you look at their yearly incomes, it would be the VP and not the Prez that is most at fault. Bush is more of a figurehead, the real evil in the whitehouse is Cheney, true story.

And I've been considering a hybrid as a future car for awhile, just been waiting for the Domestic market to step it up and crank some decent ones out. So thank you GM for getting your sh!t together.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

What do people think of "Displacement on Demand" ?

Eh... If you are not stepping on it in a car with an engine without displacment on demand, you are saving fuel. When you step on it in a car with an engine without "displacment on demand" you are burning more fuel. If they could PROVE the difference is significant between a "normal" engine and DOD, then I'd be impressed.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Redog

I really don't get the "great fuel savers" of today

The new Cobalt gets 30 MPG, I'm guessing that's highway, but my 3400 avg about 34 on the highway

Just a thought, but a 6 y.o V6 getting better MPG than a 4 banger that is brand new.

My Ecotec cavalier gets 29-32 CITY depending on how I decide to drive it, it gets over 40 on the highway, not bad with an automatic. it wasn't advertised that way.

Grand Am isn't advertised with 34 MPG highway, so take that into account when you compare stats. Actual mileage will be different than advertised fuel mileage. Cobalt gets better mileage on the highway than a Grnad Am or a G6 if driven the same way. Does not take rocket science to figure out why, lighter car, smaller engine.