Hybrid Transmission for PT?

[strangelove]

GM and DC have announced the production of hybrids for their 2007 trucks. The "two mode" Hybrid Transmission will improve fuel economy by 25%. No plans yet to make this available for the PT Cruiser, but I think if the interest is out there, than DC will build it. Who would be interested in a PT Cruiser Hybrid? See related article below.



http://www.autoblog.com/2004/12/14/gm-chrysler-hybrid-plans-include-two-mode-system/

[Basset Hound]

If I had the money and the California DMV would let me, I'd put a hybrid --gasoline/electric -- in my 2001 PT Cruiser.

[quicksilverdon]

"The improvement is 25%. The intended vehicles for this system are the Tahoe and Yukons. Website claims 16/20 for mpg, but in reality, it's probably average of 15 mpg. 25% improvement gets it to about 18-19 range."
Well, I will say GM has good auto trannies - maybe that will improve the PTs auto down the road.
I was disappointed it didn't explain what the "two mode" was.

[strangelove]

I think the way a "Two Mode" Hybrid will work is that the electric engine assists when starting from a complete stop, as the vehicle accelerates to 20 mph the combustion engine kicks accelerating to 40mph; if the vehicle continues at this rate to highway speeds the electric engine kicks in again at a different gear ratio and assists the vehicle as it cruises at highway speeds. This is an improvement to current hybrid systems, like the Ford Escape and Toyota Prius that get all of their electric motor acceleration from 0-20mph and nothing at highway speeds. In theory the "Two Mode" Hybrid will allow fuel effeciency during acceleration and highway speeds, which to me makes more sense.



The only bummer is that DC and GM are sticking with the automatic transmissions instead of a Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVT's). CVT's have a much smoother acceleration when coupled with an electric motor and combustion engine allowing both to add power at any rate of speed, a much more simple and effecient design.

Every car manufacturer is racing to regain the full size truck and SUV market which has seen a 30%+ decline for 2006. Hence, why DC is coming out with a Hybrid full size truck first. This to me is stupid since the vehicles that will gain the most fuel effeciencies from hybrid technology are mid to compact size vehicles like the PT. Here in is the problem, how can consumers like us convince GM, DC, and Ford to make the most sensible hybrid vehicles for people like you and me, the PT enthusiasts?

[thegoldpt]

I will take my Manual over a CVT POS anyday...

Just my 2 cents