LA auto show: Silverado goes green

WHILE announcing that Chevrolet had become its “worldwide fuel solutions leader” at the Los Angeles auto show last week, General Motors unveiled the Silverado Hybrid – its first full-size pick-up truck to use the two-mode hybrid powertrain developed in conjunction with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler. The Silverado is built off the same platform as GM’s other two-mode hybrid models, the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade SUVs. On sale late next year, the Silverado Hybrid will only be available in crew-cab configuration, in both 4x2 and 4x4 guise. GM claims the 248kW/497Nm 6.0-litre V8 hybrid – which also features cylinder deactivation technology – will deliver 40 per cent improved city fuel economy and an overall 25 per cent improvement. Specific consumption figures are still to be provided. Offered in its previous generation with a mild hybrid powertrain, the two-mode Silverado has a cruising range of more than 800km and offers all-electric drive up to 48km/h.

GM also presented the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid sedan, and announced a partnership with the Walt Disney Company in which 10 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles will be deployed as shuttles on Disney properties in California. Finally, GM product czar Bob Lutz announced the company will build the Chevrolet Beat mini-car concept – unveiled at the New York auto show earlier this year – for global consumption.