For a company whose stance on hybrid-drive cars had been like a Dachshund's view on knees (i.e., who needs 'em) GM's about-face was particularly abrupt: From zero plans a few years ago to three new systems that will show up in 12 models starting in 2006. Green Car Congress offers an overview of the three systems, two of which are mild hybrids (they only support the gas engine, not directly drive the wheels) — including the Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) system, first seen on the S3X concept and soon on the Saturn Vue Green Line, and the Flywheel Alternator Starter system, which will show up on the Sliverado and Sierra pickups — as well as a two-mode full-hybrid configuration (created with DaimlerChrysler). We're kind of partial to the BAS system, which clips out the least-efficient cycles of a gas engine, boosting power during acceleration, enabling early fuel cutoff during deceleration and killing the engine at idle. Some are projecting the system will lead to a fuel-economy improvement of between 10% and 12%.
GM to Introduce Mild Hybrid Saturn in Mid-2006 [Green Car Congress]
Related:
DCX, GM Finally Sign Hybrid Pact [internal]