2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid Crew Cab Review

GMC has announced that the 2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid, a powerful full-size pickup that achieves 40 percent greater city fuel economy and an improvement of 25 percent in power consumption and size while delivering the capability expected full-size truck - as-6100 lbs (2767 kg) towing capacity.

The General Motors partnership patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, the Sierra Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving at 30 mph (48 km / h). This allows fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer.

"The Sierra Hybrid represents GMC's commitment to innovation, delivering a fully functional truck that offers a significant improvement in fuel economy," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "Sierra Hybrid will offer fuel economy should be the best pickup segment, exceeding the current mileage leader -. Non-hybrid Sierra "

The GMC Sierra Hybrid goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008 and is based on strong and capable Sierra platform was introduced for the 2007 model year. It will be available in the body style of the taxi in 2WD and 4WD models. Each model comes with several features, popular, including the system of electronic stability control, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. Sierra Hybrid also offers front-impact airbags and curtain airbags for head and is the only full-size truck with five stars in side impacts in federal crash tests.

 

Details of hybrids

The performance of the Sierra Hybrid's fuel economy is derived from GM Advanced electric variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), in collaboration with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing technology (LIVC). GM's hybrid technology not only allows the Sierra to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, but also allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate more economically in the V-4 mode for longer periods .

As part of the control system of vehicle emissions in the ESS is warranted in eight years/100, 000 miles.

With GM two-mode hybrid system, the electrical power used to propel the vehicle generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes or the car is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the battery of 300 volts. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

The two-mode hybrid system provides smooth and reliable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid buses in the northern cities of more than 70 U.S. and Europe. On a small scale for use in passenger vehicles, dual mode enables fuel savings where it matters most - in large vehicles with high levels of capacity. The two-mode system was introduced in the 2008 Yukon Hybrid. It is an essential part of the efforts of GM's energy diversity, which focus on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reduce emissions and minimize the automobile's impact on the environment.

With a fuel economy of the hybrid system and Sierra 26-gallon (98 liter) fuel tank, the Sierra Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

 

Quiet and smooth

The integration of the Sierra hybrid is perfect - the battery is located under the rear seat - and perceptible only in what it lacks: noise.

"The Sierra Hybrid is exceptionally quiet," said Mark Cieslak, vehicle chief engineer. "From the perspective of passengers, the refinement of the hybrid system quite evident throughout the driving experience, and this when the vehicle is moving on. "

Contributors to the quiet driving experience include:

 

New exhaust system and resonator tuned for asset management operations of the 6.0L fuel

Other employment development of the induction motor to reduce interior noise and pleasing sound quality

Low rolling resistance, "quiet-tuned" P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise

A 300 volt electric motor air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the standard tri-zone HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine stops

Powered by electric motor power steering 42-volt variable-assist reduces vibration and provides up to 0.5 mpg improved fuel economy by reducing parasitic losses common in belt hydraulic

Energy storage system (ESS) cooling system fan is set internally to be quiet at low speeds when the fan could more easily be heard by passengers

 

Calmly, the Sierra Hybrid also offers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks for its Z85 suspension and a new hydraulic body support. Located on the passenger side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides a dramatic improvement in highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or uneven pavement.

"The hydraulic mount makes a dramatic improvement in ride quality," said Cieslak.

For more information, in particular, the Sierra Hybrid is the aerodynamic aids. A deeper front air dam and bed tonneau cover to reduce air resistance, to promote as effectively as possible.

 

Performance Trailers

In addition to reducing fuel consumption, transmission power variable GMC Sierra Hybrid also offers big towing capability, enhancing driving smoothness and quality when towing. The consumption of electricity is to use up to about 30 mph (48 km / h), although the tug, when the fuel when the truck towing a trailer.

 

"Besides being very smooth, the EVT always provides abundant torque at all rpm levels for easy towing," said Cieslak. "It is particularly useful on slopes, as the spread of the higher proportion of EVT allows the engine to hold optimal rpm for smooth and stable performance, with no hunting between higher and lower speeds."

 

 

The EVT incorporates grade braking and tap up / tap down shift control. It also benefits towing on curves or highways at lower speeds up the exceptionally smooth transitions eliminate the "shift shock" torque disruption that can occur when sudden changes, such as when slowing or braking.