2009 Chevrolet Silverado Two-Mode Hybrid
Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com had an interesting conversation with Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive for GM Full-Size Trucks (man I thought my title was long.) In it, White stated that GM plans to increase the towing capacity for it’s full-size two-mode hybrid trucks by 50%. The second generation of these trucks should be arriving by 2013. The current trucks are rated to tow up to 6,100 pounds in RWD form, and 5,900 pounds in four-wheel-drive trim. With the expected increase, the trucks would be able to tow around 9,000 pounds, which is very close to a conventional GM truck at 10,600 pounds with the optional enhanced trailering package.
White also mentioned that E-Flex (the system used in the Volt, now known as Voltec) is an option that’s on the table for consideration. This would be a good fit really. GM has focused on increasing the mileage of it’s biggest vehicles, and a battery system would allow them to extend the range of the electric only mode, while electric motors would be able to provide large amounts of torque at very low speeds to enable higher towing capacity.
Tags: Chevrolet Silverago Two-Mode Hybrid, General Motors, GM, Silverado Hybrid
