GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe go hybrid

2008 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUVs will soon join Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango on their march towards the greener future. General Motors has officially unveiled on Tuesday preproduction versions of both SUVs equipped with the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain consisting of a huge 6L V8 internal combustion engine with VVT and smart displacement management, a couple of 60kW electric motors integrated into a newly developed electronic variable transmission and a 300V nickel metal hydride battery pack made by Cobasys.



The vehicles, The Detroit News reports, will feature 25 percent better mileage than the ordinary GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, which means the heavy SUVs will go extra four miles on a gallon in city driving. Driving 15,000 miles a year you'll save about 187.5 gallons of gasoline or $550 to $600. I guess you won't have enough time to break even before your grandkids go to school, but at least your consciousness will be clear and every tree-hugger will treat you as a friend.



GM plans to bring the hybrid GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe to the market before the end of the year.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

Technorati tags: GMC, Chevrolet, Yukon, Tahoe, hybrid, cars, SUV

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BMW X5 E70 tuned by Hamann

After introducing tuned versions of Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, German tuner Hamann has eventually presented its tuning program for a much less expensive but anyway gorgeous BMW X5 E70 SUV.



Sacrificing off-road capabilities in the name of on-road stability, Hamann's engineers have equipped the new BMW X5 with a new front spoiler mounted on the standard front apron and a new rear apron matching its styling. New roof spoiler will also provide additional stabilizing effect to the large vehicle.



The BMW X5 E70's Motronic ECU has also been reprogrammed to squeeze some additional power out of the vehicle's 3.0-liter oil-burner. The engine's maximum power output is now increased from 235 PS to more impressive 265 PS and 600 Nm of torque. The 8-cylinder 4.8i engine also produces 18PS more power and features some increase in torque.



See also: BMW X5 E70 to get a Double wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson

Technorati tags: Hamann, BMW, X5, tuning, cars, SUV

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Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango to go hybrid

Chrysler says it's planning to start selling its new Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango V8 HEMI-powered SUVs equipped with the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain, developed by DaimlerChrysler, BMW and GM. The vehicles will be presented to the public sometime during the next year and will reportedly feature 25% better fuel economy and 40% better efficiency in the city cycle.



KickingTires calculates that, featuring 14/19 mpg city/highway with a HEMI engine, the Chrysler Aspen's mileage will increase to 19.6/23 mpg respectively. Although the gain in mileage will likely be offset during the next couple of years because of rising oil-prices, the hybrid powertrain will nevertheless help both gas-guzzlers stay afloat until more fuel-efficient engines will arrive.



See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

Technorati tags: Chrysler, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, hybrid, SUV

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