GM, Chrysler hybrid plans include two-mode system

GM/DCX HybridYesterday we reported on the agreement made between GM and Chrysler to work on hybrid technology together. Today I want to take some time to explain what is on the drawing board. What these two giants have planned is a two-mode full hybrid propulsion architecture.



GM/DCX Hybrid

The hybrids available today are single-mode, comprised of much larger motors than the two-mode system will need. The smaller motors are designed to fit within the space of an automatic transmission. The picture above is the entire system encompassed in what looks like a regular auto-tranny.

GM/DCX Hybrid

This system merges an automatic transmission with hybrid technologies, as the exploded view of the two-mode system shows (the picture with Rick Wagoner and Dieter Zetsche happier than pigs-in-dirt to get some hybrid press). The first mode would aid in around town use. This mode would be in operation until about 40mph, when the second mode would kick in and help the vehicle get the fuel savings at highway mileage also. Most current hybrids do an awesome job at saving fuel in stop and go traffic, but lose out in the highway usage (see pic below).

GM/DCX Hybrid

The first application of this system will be in GM and Dodge full-size trucks starting around the 2007 model year. The configuration of the two mode system would give approximately 25 percent better fuel economy in average city/highway use when installed in a full-size truck. This system also aids in towing pulling-power so its inclusion in a full-size truck application is a perfect fit.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)








Autoblog Podcast #157: Mike Levine trucks along with us.

Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com joins Chris, Sam, and Dan this week and gets a chance to talk about cars, too! 

 
 

Subscribe via: iTunes | RSS


Featured Galleries

  • Reader Spy: SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T
  • 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
  • Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta
  • 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X
  • First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX460
  • Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop
  • 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure
  • Danica Patrick NASCAR
  • Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade
  • Forza 3 Hot Holidays DLC
  • Spy Shots: Baby Buick caught in Germany
  • 2011 Aston Martin Rapide
AOL Autos

Find Your Next Car

Autoblog Video


Autoblog Green

BloggingStocks

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Autoblog Spanish

Switched.com

FanHouse

Asylum