Next-Generation GM Hybrid Powertrain Will Be Four-Mode

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If each new generation of computer processor is able to double the speed of the previous one, is it any surprise that GM's next-generation gas-electric hybrid powertrain for its big pickups and SUVs will be four-mode instead of the current two-mode?

We first heard a four-mode hybrid powertrain was in the works in 2007, during a conversation with then-vice-chairman and product czar Bob Lutz. Now, we've got a bit more information after our latest visit to GM earlier this week for a product and technology preview.

"It's all about any hybrid system," said John Turzewski, GM's lead development engineer for full-size truck hybrids. "As you evolve and go through your next generation, it's cost reduction, smaller, lighter and better packaging. There's lots of improvement all along those lines."

The two-mode hybrid powertrain uses an electrically variable transmission that houses two 60kW electric motors that can power a truck on their own up to about 25 mph, depending on driving conditions. It provides an almost infinite range of gears, but it also has four fixed gears, like a conventional automatic transmission, that can be manually selected with the column shifter. The electric motors seamlessly support a 6.0-liter V-8, individually or in tandem, at low and high speeds, helping the engine enter fuel-saving four-cylinder mode sooner and stay in it longer to achieve maximum miles per gallon.

Will the four-mode hybrid have twice as many electric motors as the two-mode? Turzewski isn't saying, but we're willing to bet there will be more than four fixed gears to help run the truck more efficiently in a wider array of driving conditions.

GM has already promised that its next-gen hybrids will be able to tow 50% more than today's 6,100-pound maximum. Today's trucks also rate the best fuel economy in the segment at 21/22 mpg city/highway with two-wheel drive.

The four-mode hybrid system is expected to arrive by 2013.

so i gotta wait till 2013 to put that crap in my 00 jimmy... or my 85 c10... that sux... electric drift cars are fun.. my buddy made his own... i gotta snaps some pics of it and upload them... it uses 13 batteries in an 2nd gen s10 and he gets about 400 miles a charge... thats when he is light on the throttle... when he is on the track drifting he gets about 100 miles and then it is basically done for the day... its still fun to drive...

You could use the current gen hybrid system and adapt it to your Jimmy.

A self made hybrid? Thats great!

it would be something interesting wouldnt it...

It would. But a 4BT Cummins would be more interesting.... hahaha

yeah but thats unknown territory for me... lol

It would be WAY easier then a stage II hybrid system.