GM's future: A convergence of synergies
Volt and Cruze will share enginesThere has been a lot of buzz about GM's commitment to the Chevy Cruze, a small vehicle that could achieve 40 mpg on the highway.
I know. I know.
Highway fuel economy is far over-rated. The real question is, can this car get 30 mpg in the city?
Still, I don't want to hammer or to focus on the Cruze. It's a step in the right direction, but it's more than a step. The direct-injected, turbo-boosted engine that will power the Cruze, will be the same engine that powers the Chevy Volt. Likewise, it might also power the Vue - the same Vue that will soon come in a dual mode hybrid version and a plug-in hybrid version.
Finish: GM's future - A convergence of synergies
Labels: Chevy Volt electric vehicle concept, GM
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:02 AM
3 Comments:
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There has been a lot of buzz about GM's commitment to the Chevy Cruze, a small vehicle that could achieve 40 mpg on the highway.
I know. I know.
Highway fuel economy is far over-rated. The real question is, can this car get 30 mpg in the city?
Still, I don't want to hammer or to focus on the Cruze. It's a step in the right direction, but it's more than a step. The direct-injected, turbo-boosted engine that will power the Cruze, will be the same engine that powers the Chevy Volt. Likewise, it might also power the Vue - the same Vue that will soon come in a dual mode hybrid version and a plug-in hybrid version.
While automakers, especially Ford, have gone on a media frenzy touting EcoBoost, another direct-injected, turbo-boosted technology, they are not preparing for the same convergences that is GM. Does EcoBoost help Ford's hybrid initiative, or is it more of a distraction to the fact that Ford appears as if it will only make 25,000 Escape hybrids per year forever?
Certainly, Ford's EcoBoost is a much more aggressive plan than anything Chrysler has put forth, but EcoBoost is just a step. There must be something more, something bigger.
That something more for GM is the Volt and, more importantly, the E Flex Drive, another synergistic powertrain. Along the way, there is also an updated mild hybrid powertrain that will use lithium and, almost certainly, direct-injected turbo-boosted engines. Then, dual mode hybrids and dual mode plug-in hybrids as the Volt moves towards mass production. Most important, there are synergies amongst all of these technologies. Minimally, these synergies should help bring down costs.
While GM has a bumpy road ahead, as do most automakers, this convergence of technologies should definitely be an advantage, especially compared to other US automakers.
They could mate my lawnmower engine to the dang thing as far as I care, I'm going to use the 40 miles of electric probably 95% of the time. A good engine for the generator is great, but it doesn't really get me pumped.
Then go buy a Zenn, or some other small electric car. If you don't care about the range extended functionality, then you're leaving a lot of money on the table as a consumer buying a Volt if you don't have a need for such functionality.
I live in LA and there is no way 40 miles works for me, and I definitely don't want to recharge during the day at peak electricity prices. Thus, I'll take an engine that can be utilized across platforms and, therefore, reduce costs.
And for more traditional hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid, a direct-injected, turbo charged hybrid could achieve incredible fuel economy for a hybrid SUV.
And lets get real for second. Few people are going to drive a Volt in the next decade. Small cars, dual mode hybrids - even mild hybrids - are still going to be an important part of GM's product mix. Sharing platforms and technologies across platforms is cost-effective and smart.
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