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GMC
Graphyte Concept Hybrid SUV
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The GMC Graphyte concept
vehicle is a two-mode hybrid SUV that boasts 25-percent
fuel savings over its nearest competitor.
The GMC Graphyte is a
full hybrid unlike most of General Motors' other offerings
and the same system will be available in 2007 in the GMC
Yukon and Chevy Tahoe hybrids.
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The Graphyte's two-mode hybrid system uses it's first mode
at low-speeds for stop-and-go driving, which runs mainly off
the electric motors with some gasoline motor assistance as needed.
The second mode operates at higher speeds such as for highway
driving and towing and uses primarily the gasoline engine for
power and torque with the electric motors running other systems
such as the air conditioning.
GMC Graphyte Hybrid SUV Concept |
The GMC Graphyte uses a system called Active Fuel
Management (AFM), which turns off some of the gasoline engine's
unneeded cylinders when vehicle is cruising or when stopped.
When more power is needed such as when climbing a hill or towing,
more cylinders are turned on automatically. The GMC Graphyte
is powered by a Vortec 5300 V8 gasoline engine assisted to two
high-torque electric motors and mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E
automatic transmission.
The Graphyte uses drive-by wire technology and independent
air suspension that allows the vehicle height to be adjusted
by 4.7 inches for either road-hugging stability or increased
ground clearance. Up front is a strut-type suspension and
a in the rear a five-link suspension configuration. The
Graphyte also uses 22-inch wheels wearing Goodyear all-terrain
tires and is made for off-road 4-wheel drive applications
as much as it is for on-road use.
One additional feature that make the GMC Graphyte concept
vehicle one of the more interesting hybrid SUVs is that
it uses Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN), which
communicates critical crash information to OnStar advisors
after an accident. Because of this technology, emergency
first responders know what to expect before arriving on
the scene.
If the GMC Graphyte concept vehicle does ever make it from
the trade shows to the showrooms it will be a welcomed addition
for many off-road SUV enthusiasts concerned about cutting
down on greenhouse gases and lessening our dependence upon
foreign oil.
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