Considering downsizing the size of your vehicle to save on soaring fuel costs? Worried about how to squeeze in those five kids you need to lug to soccer practice every week? Does the sight of a wimpy small sedan fill you with consternation but does the sight of gas prices at $4.00 a gallon fill you with absolute terror? Then perhaps the all new 2008 Tahoe Hybrid will cure what ails you! Available in both 2WD and 4WD, it is comparable with the existing Tahoe in terms of seating, cargo capacity, and price range.
The Tahoe Hybrid’s fuel conserving technology includes its 6.0L Vortec V8 engine with Active Fuel Management. It has Late Intake Valve closing for additional fuel savings with Variable Valve Timing and 10.8:1 compression ratio. Even with this high compression rate, the Tahoe Hybrid can run on regular unleaded fuel. The Tahoe Hybrid’s patented technology, the world’s first 2-mode (two motors, both generating 60kW of electricity) hybrid propulsion system, optimizes fuel economy for various driving conditions. The first mode, used at low speeds with light loads, enables the vehicle to operate in three ways: 1) electric power only, 2) engine power only, and 3) combination of electric and engine power. The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds, full engine power is used when necessary such as passing, towing a trailer, and climbing steep grades. The Tahoe Hybrid also recharges itself through regenerative braking. About 30% of its battery power is regenerated through regenerating braking, but be sure to not brake too hard! Just let off the gas and ease down for regeneration to occur.
The exterior has also been redesigned for aerodynamic improvements. It has a sleeker aluminum hood, grille and front fascia with a lower air dam, 18” wheels, assist steps, rear spats, a new rear spoiler, D-pillar moldings, tail lamps, rear fascia and an aluminum liftgate with fixed lift glass.
The Tahoe Hybrid’s safety components also exceed what you would normally find in a conventional Tahoe. It has a unique crash sensor for high-voltage content, a 300V battery protected by a box which encases it as well as the vehicle structure, a high-voltage system that shuts down automatically when the air bags deploy, and access protection, which shuts down the high-voltage system if any safety cover with integral switches is removed.
So cram in all of your kids, pets, and toys! The 2WD supports a payload of 1830 lbs and the 4WD model 1773 lbs. With 332 horsepower, a torque of 367 at 4100 rpm, and towing capacities of 6200 lbs (2WD) and 6000 lbs (4WD), you’ll forget that you’re driving something that uses so little gasoline! Three hundred gallons less per year than the competition, in fact!
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