Some leaks are being given out by GM employees who are up to date with GMs (until recently secret) PHEV programme. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...&refer=home Here's a taster of what they say: "GM's plans include a hybrid-electric vehicle with a battery that recharges at any outlet, improved gasoline engines, hybrid versions of its Silverado pickup trucks and hydrogen-powered fuel-cell models that emit only water vapor, according to the people, who didn't want to be identified because the plan isn't public. Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner will outline the strategy in a speech before the end of the year, one of the people said." "The Detroit-based automaker has assigned a team of engineers to help develop plug-in hybrids, according to one of the people. The project -- known internally as I-car, for Icon car -- is meant to be the centerpiece of the new strategy, the people said." "Wagoner and Vice Chairman Bob Lutz this month toured GM's hybrid development center in Troy, Michigan, for the first time to let researchers know the company is making such technologies a priority" Elsewhere, similar leaks have reported that GM will present the fruits of their research at a motor show in January '07. It is rumoured to be a 60-mile electric range PHEV, which they are serious about putting into production.
We've seen some good stuff from GM before (like the EV-1), but they always seem to come up with some reason not to go through with it... I really hope they're finally jumping on the bandwagon, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Oct 30 2006, 10:31 AM) [snapback]340584[/snapback]</div> I've not been following GM's efforts that closely, mainly because my last experience with them pretty much soured me on the company, but from what I've reading about their system with the trucks and Saturn, it is a step in the right direction, if I understand it right -- they stop the engine and use the belt driven alternator/motor to restart it after idling etc. I'd be more impressed, though, if they made this standard on all their cars, it seems cheap enough.
I give them several years and many millions of dollars in R&D before someone goes online and stumbles upon http://www.calcars.org/ Anything is a step in the right direction. [sarcasm] It's just such a shame that like the EV1 there's no demand for hybrids, hybrid technology, or any form of alternative fuel. With gas prices holding so steady, all the peace and diplomacy around the world, and no scientific proof that burning carbon is affecting the environment, I think it's in GM's best interest to continue manufacturing very large and heavy Urban Assault Vehicles. [/sarcasm]
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clett @ Oct 30 2006, 02:35 AM) [snapback]340554[/snapback]</div> I guess Greed, ahem, Competition is good!
