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Fuel Economy/Engine

Both GM hybrids provide better than average fuel economy for buyers, considering the size and performance that each offers. The hybrid SUV and the Sierra truck both are averaging 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for the 2-wheel drive versions. Until the release date of the Sierra in 2009 we will just take a look at the fuel economy of the 2-wheel drive version, because it is not certain if GMC will be able to offer this clean fuel vehicle in a four-wheel drive.

With the Yukon, you have a four-wheel drive hybrid SUV that averages a fuel mileage rating slightly down from the two-wheel drive model. The 4-wheel drive version of the Yukon delivers 20 mpg in the city and highway. Customers who choose the four-wheel drive model are not giving up very much in the way of mpg. Most buyers will accept the cost (reduced fuel mileage) for the added benefit of having the extra power going to all four wheels.

The total fuel tank capacity of both models (two and four-wheel drive) including the Sierra is twenty-six gallons, so you are looking at one tank of gas lasting five hundred and forty six miles. The gasoline engine in the Yukon and Sierra is a Vortec six liter V8 . This has an active fuel management design that produces 332 horses and 367 pounds of torque. Accompanying the gasoline engine is the electric motor than can quite easily operate this vehicle unassisted in low speed conditions. The electric motor combines with the gasoline engine to provide extra horsepower for rapid acceleration, towing or passing.

Prices/Availability

The GMC Yukon hybrid is currently on sale in the market and this hybrid electric vehicle just became available earlier this year. The GMC hybrid Sierra should be available to the public around mid 2009. With the surge in popularity for hybrid vehicles such as these, companies are pushing to develop more of these models. The Sierra Hybrid can do it all, from hauling passengers to hauling boats. The availability is limited because demand exceeds the present supply. With the hybrid Sierra’s towing capacity of 6,100 pounds, it offers an appeal to boaters, campers, and contractors. The high towing capacity is a factor in the limited availability of this model while it is still in pre-production. The current price of the GMC hybrid SUV is around fifty to fifty three thousand dollars, and this is the base price. It can go higher, depending on the model and options selected. Even at this price, it is still a very attractive choice in the hybrid market. It is expected that the Sierra Hybrid will be priced a little less, but the price will still remain close to that of its cousin.

Safety

Both GMC hybrids have the latest and best safety features that are currently available. The Yukon Hybrid has On Star services offered free for one year, and the upcoming Sierra Hybrid will have the same offering as well. The Yukon Hybrid is also equipped with a dual stage driver and passenger side airbag as well as a side head curtain airbag that extends all the way back to the second and third row passengers. The Sierra Hybrid will also have these same airbag features.

Quality

Both of these GMC hybrids offer great quality for the price. The hybrid SUV cost is only a few hundred dollars more than the gasoline model. This occurs because of additional servicing required for the electric motor. There are still the factors of overall fuel savings to be considered as well as the benefit to the environment with the hybrid trucks. The quality of interior materials in the hybrid SUV is on par with comparable gas powered models of the same class.

Overall, both of these GMC Hybrids should have broad appeal to consumers. This should help drive sales up for GMC. Customers are pleased to be offered well made hybrid trucks that only saves them money on fuel, and helps them contribute to the good of the environment. Driving a clean fuel vehicle at low speeds greatly helps in the effort to decrease pollution.

Recommended Reading

• Build a Solar Car
• Top 10 Best Hybrid Cars
• What is Hypermiling?
• Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

More Information on Green Living

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• Renewable Energy Solutions — "Family living off the grid with renewable energy takes know how and applies it to solar panels and wind generators."
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I discuss the 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid in this article, including topics such as its engine, fuel economy , design, and availability.

Introduction

At long last, General Motors have officially and finally announced their long talked about 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid. This car is considered to be an innovation among hybrids since it has something more to offer compared to other hybrid vehicles in the market.

Popularity At Its Best

Most experts consider that this hybrid model would be the most popular among all hybrids. This kind of expectation may be due to several reasons, mostly related to what the car has to offer its consumers. Nevertheless, Saturn still keeps up with consumer expectations as they continue to improve their Vue model.

Their 2009 model has been the talk of the town lately since it was noted that this car makes use of General Motor’s newest motor system, which is the Two-Mode Green System .

It’s All About The Engine

Since hybrids are known well for their engines, then you should expect this car to have a pretty specialized one. It actually has a gas engine that has 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection, which has been working its way up the automaker’s lineup.

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For starters, you should know that the conventional Vue would have an engine that has the ability to make 248 lb-ft of torque and 257 horsepower. Its electric power consequently comes from two transmission integrated 55 kilowatt electric motors. It’s really noteworthy that merely the older model can already be considered to be a mean machine.

What is pretty interesting though is that General Motors actually claims that the fuel economy for their newest model, which is the Vue 2 Mode would be 50% way better in contrast to their gas-only V-6. Additionally they claim that their new model would also have a 500 mile range .

Believe it or not, this car is so powerful that its 0-60 time is actually expected to be about 7.3 seconds. It would also have a maximum towing load fixed at a maximum of 3500 pounds.

The Results Of Good Team Work

What most people don’t know is that this car’s 2-Mode system is actually co-developed with former DaimlerChrysler and BMW . This system actually has the ability for regenerative braking . Another perk would be its engine idle off feature. The system also has various modes like electric-only operation during low speeds, around 30 mph.

The 2-Mode system also has well-organized accessory systems such as the electric power steering . Additionally, this car wouldn’t have any traditional reverse gear. Hence, there’s no more need to worry about doing scary reverse maneuvers, since all your reversing operations would be powered by your car’s electric engine .

Viewing Down Under

This car doesn’t only impress from the outside nor the inside, but even its down under view can impress anyone. In fact, this model has gone chassis improvements and adjustments, so that it could compensate for its massive 189 pounds of additional heft, which includes stabilizer bar rates and revised springs. It also has recalibrated front struts, along with rear shock absorbers.

The Outer Make-Up

Generally, the physical appearance of the 2009 Saturn Vue is somewhat the same with the older version. In reality, not much has changed visually for this model. However, of course, you would find this car to have 2 Mode badges on its front doors. The bandages could also be found at its rear liftgate.

The car also sports rims that are made up of lightweight aluminum alloy . It also has special tires that are actually low-rolling resistance, which are designed to additional aid you with your fuel savings.

Additionally, subtle changes have been. One of these would be the car’s chrome door handles. In fact, it also has dual exhaust tips and rear and front skid plates that are all made up of chrome. The older version’s tachometer was also replaced with a fuel-efficient gauge , which also informs you whenever your vehicle is currently on engine-only mode, electric-only mode, or the combination of both. Hence, your gauge also serves to be a reminder that your car is actually turned on, even if you know that your engine is turned off.

The arrival of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode , which is scheduled to go into production in late 2008, questions the future of the existing "mild-hybrid" Vue Green Line . It appears GM is going to keep that model around as a lower-cost alternative, but the presence of two similarly named models may confuse some customers. Pricing and other details of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be released closer to launch.

For sure, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would definitely be a great buy if you’re really on the hunt for something that can save you money and at the same time has a deadly engine!

More Information on Green Living

• Convert Any Car to Electric — "All the steps are numbered with diagrams to be easy to follow. The conversion does not take too long, all you have to do is follow the simple plans I provide and in a month, you will cut your gas bill to zero."
• Renewable Energy Solutions — "Family living off the grid with renewable energy takes know how and applies it to solar panels and wind generators."
• Build A Wind Generator — "For the past 15 years our family has been living off the grid with only solar and wind power. We moved to our present location, built our own house ourselves and set to work to find alternative energy options for our home that we could afford."