POLL: Should GM's upcoming Buick PHEV have a V6 engine?

It seems likely that hybrid purchasers are basing their decision to pay extra for fuel saving technology on the assumption that they will be getting the maximum available fuel efficiency, right? If that's true, why did General Motors choose to use a large V6 engine in its upcoming Buick plug-in hybrid crossover? This exact question was recently posed by Lyle Dennis over at GM-Volt.com. In response, GM spokesperson Brian Corbett had this to say:

Our hybrid strategy has been pretty consistent over the last few years.

Our GM Hybrid system – the mild hybrid, belt-alternator starter technology – is our affordable hybrid technology paired with smaller displacement engines. Our 2-mode hybrid system is our more capable, premium hybrid technology. It's goal is to provide significantly higher fuel economy while maintaining the capability of the non-hybrid vehicle's cargo carrying, towing, etc.

That strategy applies to the plug-in as well; maintaining the capability of a 5-passenger crossover while providing significant improvements in fuel economy. It provides E85 capability, which means it likely will be the first flex-fuel hybrid.

What do you think? Would it be a better idea for GM to couple its 2-Mode hybrid system on a four-cylinder engine? Hit the jump to take part in our poll.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]


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