GMC Sierra Goes Green For 2009

Anthony Fontanelle
February 6, 2008

Quite obviously, vehicles are gradually shifting to an environmentally friendly nature. Cars have started the trend and the gas-guzzling vehicles are expected to follow. Wiping the gas-sipping image, General Motors Corp. will be offering a green version of the Sierra truck for the 2009 model year. The hybrid version of the GMC Sierra will be launched at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

General Motors has been working on hybrid versions of its sport utilities. Now, the technology is infecting the truck segment. According to the automaker, the 2009 hybrid version of the Sierra will offer customers the power of a hefty six-litre engine, a 25 percent slash in fuel consumption and a 6,100-pound towing capacity.

"The Sierra Hybrid represents GMC's commitment to engineering excellence, delivering a fully functional truck that offers a significant improvement in fuel economy," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "Sierra Hybrid will deliver fuel economy that is expected to be the best in the full-size pickup segment, exceeding the current mileage leader - the non-hybrid Sierra."

The Detroit-based automaker said that the Sierra Hybrid will allow owners to realize a fuel savings even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. The hybrid truck, which features stability control system, trailering package and locking rear axle, will be sold on crew-cab bodied trucks in two and four wheel drives.

Like its famous sibling, the Chevy Silverado, the Sierra truck is now available with the automaker’s two-mode hybrid system. The 6.0-liter V8 is mated to the automaker’s Electrically Variable Transmission, which combines two electric motors into the transmission housing. The electric motors are powered by a 300-volt hybrid battery pack under the backseat.

Light modifications entertained by the Detroit automaker include a number of exterior changes. The word "hybrid" is spelled out on the rear window, windshield and on both sides of the 2009 Sierra. Also, the truck gets hybrid badges on the front fenders and tailgate.

The hybrid truck boasts of more substantial changes including the low-rolling-resistance tires that are wrapped around 18-inch aluminum GMC wheels. Additionally, the front air dam is deeper and the truck comes with a tonneau cover to enhance aerodynamics.

The 2009 Sierra Hybrid is set to go on sale during the fourth quarter of this year. It will join its siblings Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade to bolster General Motors’ full-size truck lineup. The truck is specially engineered to compete with Ford F-150, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra.

Source:  Amazines.com