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GMC
Sierra Hybrid Truck
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The GMC Sierra Hybrid
Truck is one of two full-size hybrid pickups currently
offered by General Motors. The other is the Chevy
Silverado Hybrid Truck. In fact, the hybrid
system offered by the GMC Sierra Hybrid Truck is the same
as the Silverado Hybrid.
The GMC Sierra Hybrid
Truck features a 295 hp Vortec 5300 V8 Engine with 335
lb.-ft. of torque
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It also has a standard Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic
transmission along with a compact induction electric motor (starter-generator)
squeezed between the engine and transmission. GM is calling
its extended cab GMC Sierra Hybrid Truck a mild hybrid. Critics
are balking at this labeling since the electric motor does not
help power the wheels and propel the vehicle, but is more of
a glorified starter for the gasoline engine and generator for
its regenerative braking system.
The fuel savings benefits of the hybrid system are docile coming
it a roughly 2 mpg in city driving and 1 mpg highway over the
standard gasoline-only Sierra Truck. While fuel savings aren't
wow-worthy, the Sierra Hybrid Truck does manage to reduce emissions
by 37-percent mainly by shutting off the engine a low speeds
(when decelerating below 13-mph) and at idle stops. The starter-generator
will quickly turn over the gasoline engine when acceleration
from a stop is needed.
Like its mate, the Silverado Hybrid, the GMC Sierra Hybrid
Truck touts as its most useful feature the fact that it
can also be used for clean-burning gasoline-powered electric
generator. This is a useful feature for contractors, builders,
farmers, for those on recreational outings and for those
in need of emergency electricity. The Sierra Hybrid Truck
with its four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical auxiliary power
outlets under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup
bed can produce electricity for power tools, appliances,
laptops and emergency lights for up to 32 hours before the
vehicle needs to be refueled.
Even though the GMC Sierra Hybrid Truck won't wow the Sierra
Club, it offers a step in the right direction. It shows
that GM is planning and developing new vehicles with both
fuel efficiency and emission reduction in mind. The GMC
Sierra Hybrid Truck may be regarded as a baby step along
the road to greener vehicles and bluer skies.
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