First Full-Size Hybrid SUV Achieves 30 Percent Fuel Efficiency Increase
Over Standard Model
The 2008 Tahoe Hybrid, available in two- or four-wheel drive, provides
the power and capability you expect from a utility vehicle while offering
fuel efficiency you never imagined — an outstanding EPA estimated
MPG of 21 city, 22 highway for 2WD models, and 20 city, 20 highway
for 4x4. In fact, 2008 Tahoe Hybrid 2WD offers the same EPA estimated
city fuel efficiency as a four-cylinder Toyota Camry
Tahoe Hybrid optimizes efficiency and performance whether you're driving
in the city or on the highway and offers up to 50% better city fuel economy
over the non-hybrid Tahoe. And it's one of the many ways GM is working
to reduce our dependence on petroleum.
Tahoe Hybrid is lowered in both the front and rear and features other
aerodynamic enhancements, including integrated assist steps with flared
fronts, streamlined hood and specially tuned fascias and front air dam.
Another difference between Tahoe Hybrid and the normal production model
is the inclusion of Tahoe Hybrid-specific badging and graphics.
In addition, the hood and liftgate are made of lightweight aluminum
and the low-mass aluminum wheels are outfitted with low rolling-resistance
tires.
Limited availability.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Named 2008 Green Car of the Year®
By Green Car Journal Editors
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 15, 2007 – The 2008 Chevrolet
Tahoe Hybrid – the first General Motors vehicle to use the company’s
all-new two-mode hybrid system – has been named Green Car Journal’s
2008 Green Car of the Year®. The award was presented at a press
conference this morning at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
“This is a milestone in many respects,” says Green Car Journal editor
and publisher Ron Cogan. “People don’t think ‘green’ when
SUVs are concerned, and for generally good reason since SUVs often get poor fuel
economy compared to most other vehicles. Chevrolet’s Tahoe Hybrid changes
this dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 percent compared
to similar vehicles equipped with a standard V-8.”
According to the EPA’s 2008 estimated fuel economy ratings, Chevrolet’s
achievement is even more apparent during city driving where a large percentage
of SUVs spend their time every day. In this environment, the 6.0-liter two-mode
hybrid Tahoe achieves 50 percent better fuel economy than a Tahoe powered by
a standard 5.3-liter V-8. What’s equally eye-opening is that the Tahoe’s
21 mpg city fuel efficiency rating is the same as that of the city EPA rating
for the four-cylinder Toyota Camry sedan.
"We're thrilled to receive this recognition from Green Car Journal for
our Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid,” says Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We've
felt that the Tahoe Hybrid represents the best of both worlds – the great
utility you'd expect from a Tahoe with fuel economy on par with today's mid-size
cars. It's satisfying to receive this validation from such an authority on
environmentally-friendly vehicles."
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was selected in a majority vote by a jury of high-profile
environmental and industry leaders, along with four Green Car Journal editors.
Invited jurors this year included Carroll Shelby, Jay Leno, Carl Pope (Sierra
Club), Christopher Flavin (Worldwatch Institute), Jonathan Lash (World Resources
Institute), and Jean-Michel Cousteau (Ocean Futures Society).
"GM promised they would use hybrid technology, and use it where it would make
the most difference – on their biggest vehicles. They have delivered with
the Chevy Tahoe,” says Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club,
pointing out that this vehicle ends the argument that efficiency and vehicle
choice are incompatible. He adds that automakers should now make their entire
fleets fuel efficient as fast as they can retool.
The Tahoe Hybrid is the industry’s first application of hybrid technology
in a full-size SUV. While a few vehicles with V-6 and V-8 engines are offered
with hybrid options, most hybrid technology is incorporated into mid-size or
smaller vehicles with four-cylinder engines because this is where big fuel economy
gains are most readily achieved. It’s a different challenge to achieve
meaningful mpg increases on large vehicles of greater weight where substantial
cargo hauling and towing may be needed, and larger engines are required for
the job. For instance, the Tahoe Hybrid features seating for up to eight passengers,
a 60 cubic foot cargo volume with the second and third row seats folded, the
ability to carry up to 1400 pounds of cargo, and a tow rating of up to 6,200
pounds.
“The importance of GM’s accomplishment can’t be overstated,” says
Cogan. “For years, consumers have been buying SUVs in increasing numbers
because of their functionality, making them the number one class of vehicle on
the market. The problem has been obvious: With larger vehicles generally comes
poorer fuel economy because of greater size and curb weight. An ‘equalizer’ has
been needed…and the two-mode hybrid system in the Tahoe is clearly that
equalizer.”
Along with the Tahoe Hybrid, the jury considered 2008 Green Car of the Year nominees
including the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid,
and the Saturn Aura Hybrid. Dozens of 2008 model year vehicles using all technologies
and fuels were considered by the Green Car Journal staff in narrowing
down the field to five nominees.
Along with their considerable achievements in raising the bar in environmental
performance, each of those making the final cut had to meet the requirement
of being on sale and widely available to the public by Jan. 1, 2008. “Newness” was
also a factor in the nomination process, with nominees ideally in the earlier
phases of their production cycle rather than near the end. Other factors that
weigh in on the decision making include production volume and the likelihood
of a candidate vehicle’s environmentally-focused technologies leading
to further implementation in other vehicles.
To read more about why the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was selected by the Green Car of the Year jury, check out Ron Cogan’s Green Car of the Year forum on eHow. You can exchange with him directly and start a discussion with other users.
About Green Car of the Year®
The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal’s mission
to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green
Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment,
first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast
magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information
on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel
vehicles. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car
Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc. For more information
visit www.greencar.com.
About the LA Auto Show
For the second consecutive year, the LA Auto Show will be held in the fall. The
show opens for media only Nov. 14 and 15. Public days run from Nov. 16-25 including
Thanksgiving Day. For general information visit www.LAautoshow.com.
The content of this article is originally from GREENCAR.COM written by Green Car Journal Editors
