General Motors Lines Up Alternative Fuel Future Technology

GM has been developing a number of alternative propulsion technology such as hybrid powertrains, diesel engines, fuel cells, new transmissions, and other high-tech stuff.

The automotive giant, for example, expects by the summer of 2008, to have released eight hybrids using three different systems. Examples include the Saturn Vue and Aura and the Chevrolet Malibu. These vehicles are expected to increase fuel economy 15 to 20 percent but to cost an additional $2,000.

GM will be offering the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon with the more advanced version of its two mode hybrid system as well. The system will allow a 25 percent increase in fuel economy while the vehicle will still be able to tow heavy loads. The Cadillac Escalade version will be released in the 2009 model year. 

GM also plans to release plug-in hybrid versions of the Saturn Vue and Aura and possibly the Chevrolet Volt (pictured) if the proper lithium ion batteries are ready for production in three years. This system is expected to work the vehicle 40 miles on a single charge. Depending on how far the driver needs to travel, it is possible that the car can make the trip without the use of any gasoline. If the vehicle is required to travel beyond 40 miles, a regular engine cycles on and off to keep the battery pack charged. The Volt, itself, will be expected to achieve fuel economy numbers of about 150 miles per gallon for a 60 mile commute.

GM also plans to use diesel engines on upcoming cars and trucks for the U.S. market. Models to carry the diesel engines include vehicles from Cadillac and Saturn.

GM is also emphasizing fuel cell technology, with plans to have its fuel cell technology in mass production by 2010.

Finally, this year marks the introduction of GM?s six-speed, front and rear transmissions that it developed with Ford. Both transmissions help boost fuel economy by 5 percent over the four-speed transmissions they replaced.

Whew! More details can be found at AutoWeek. Our take? When GM says green, it ain't kidding.