The Hybrids are coming to town.

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Dieselman

Banned
Joined
Jul 13, 2003
Messages
34,206
Car
Peugeot 403 Convertible
We've had Chrysler try to finish off MB, now it's GMs turn.

January 10, 2005

General Motors (GM) has unveiled the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid concept car. The vehicle, based on the production version of Opel Astra GTC, is a front-wheel drive diesel-electric hybrid propelled by a 1.7 liter turbo diesel engine of 92 kW (125 hp) of power and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) torque and by two electric motors rated at 30 kW and 40 kW, which are integrated within the transmission case.

GM expects an acceleration performance of less than 8 seconds from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) with the Astra Diesel Hybrid concept. With fuel consumption below 4 liters/100 km (MVEG mix), the Astra Diesel Hybrid is projected to be 25% more fuel efficient than comparable diesel models. This is achieved through the hybrid system’s operating parameters, which include full engine stop at idle and full electric propulsion at launch. The electric motors also are used for deceleration, where kinetic energy is recuperated and stored in the battery.

The vehicle utilizes the GM’s “two-mode” full hybrid system, which has been established as the starting point for the recently announced GM-DaimlerChrysler hybrid powertrain collaboration.

The Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid—which is intended for the European market—was one of the few diesel models unveiled during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, which is dominated by gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid models. GM decided to use a diesel-powered car as a starting point because there is no demand for gasoline hybrids in Europe, where state-of-the-art diesel engines already deliver impressive dynamics and low fuel consumption. The Astra concept demonstrates that fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics of diesels can be further improved by hybrid technology, said GM.

For the North American market, GM is showcasing a gasoline-electric Graphyte SUV at the NAIAS show. The Graphyte features the same GM’s two-mode hybrid powertrain concept.

Source: GM



And.......

December 14, 2004

DaimlerChrysler and General Motors Corporation (GM) intend to work together to develop a “two-mode” full hybrid propulsion architecture for applications in GM, Chrysler Group and Mercedes Car Group vehicles. Variants planned include rear- and front-wheel-drive versions for cars, trucks and other vehicles. GM and DaimlerChrysler have signed a memorandum of understanding, and intend to enter into a definitive agreement in early 2005.

While no technical details were given, the “two-mode” hybrid technology represents a more advanced design compared to today’s hybrids, according to the companies. The two-mode hybrid utilizes smaller motors than today’s single-mode designs, and can provide performance and fuel economy improvements at highway speeds. Packaging was said to be more efficient as the system’s compact electric motors can fit within the approximate space of a conventional automatic transmission.

“The two-mode design is the optimal merging of full hybrid and state-of-the-art automatic transmission technologies,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain. “Together we will jointly develop what is essentially an electrically variable transmission with two hybrid drive modes. This system will reduce fuel consumption at highway speeds much more effectively than available single mode systems and achieve at least a 25 percent improvement in composite fuel economy in full-size truck applications.”

Each company will integrate the two-mode full hybrid into its own vehicles. GM plans to have the system in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon by late 2007. DaimlerChrysler will put it in the Dodge Durango by 2008.

This cooperation is a response to the projected increase in the hybrid vehicle sales in North America. In 2004, Americans will buy an estimated 80,000 hybrids—out of the 16 million total vehicle market—but the number may grow to a few millions within the decade. The major players have been Toyota, with its Prius sedan, and Honda, with the Civic hybrid and the new Accord hybrid. More recently, the Japanese suppliers have been joined by Ford, who launched a hybrid version of its Escape SUV. DaimlerChrysler has been favoring diesels as a solution for better fuel economy, and has been building advanced diesel cars in Europe, while GM has been pushing for the development of hydrogen fuel cells.

Source: DaimlerChrysler
 
I think a diesel hybrid makes a lot more sense than Toyotas petrol efforts.

Why people pay more for a complex hybrid when a diesel is more economical in the real world is beyond me, but a diesel hybrid might be worth it.

But apparently the batteries on Toyota hybrids last 5 years, and cost £3000 to replace, so at 10 years, if not before the car will be an economic right-off. I don't even buy into Toyota's reliability that much. A mate works at their HQ and gets lease cars. They had a Previa that had so many problems that even their top mechanical bods couldn't fix, so it was sent back.
 
Just wait till you see what Rolls Royce are working on ;)
 
Hydrogen fuel cell engine.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom