"Now that General Motors has launched production of their full-sized SUVs with the Two-Mode hybrid system, it's time to spread the wealth. Along with the Cadillac Escalade hybrid that we saw a few days ago, the full-sized Silverado pickup truck is also getting the hybrid treatment. Like it's enclosed, eight-seat cousin, the pickup will get a forty percent boost in city mileage with a twenty-five percent bump overall.
The beauty of the two-mode system in these applications is that gives a substantial boost in fuel efficiency without sacrificing the fundamental functionality of the vehicle. The two-wheel-drive Silverado hybrid can still tow 6,100 lbs thanks to the 6.0L V-8. The hybrid system allows increased use of the cylinder deactivation so that the engine runs on four cylinders under light load, with the electric drive providing power for acceleration when needed. Also like the SUV versions, the pickup has been tuned to operate with less noise under all conditions so that the difference between all-electric and engine drive modes is not as jarring. Depending on the battery state of charge, the truck can run over a mile on electricity alone at speeds up to 30 mph. The Silverado hybrid goes into production in second half of 2008...."
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