Best Car Performance

Vehicles with bigger, less fuel-efficient engines will benefit more from hybrid technology, thus big pickup trucks, vans and SUVs are prime candidates for the gas-saving benefits of hybrid technology. The Chevy Silverado hybrid pickup feature GM's 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups.

It features a powerful 42-volt lead-acid battery pack underneath the rear seat, an auxiliary starter-generator between the engine and the transmission, an electronic control module, and a regenerative braking system, which charges the battery while braking, and coasting.

With an auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition. The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the engine down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits.

A compact electric motor that generates up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power makes these pickup trucks more fuel-efficient. The main function of the three deep-cycle lead acid batteries is to assist the starter generator to instantly restart the engine. When the Silverado Hybrid comes to a stop while in Drive or Park, the engine will automatically shut off. When the driver takes his/her foot off the brake and puts it on the accelerator, the engine re-starts automatically and almost seamlessly.

One feature of GM's Hybrid pickups that is likely to attract buyers is its two 120 volt power outlets inside the box near the tailgate, and another two 120 volt outlets inside the rear cab. These can be used for power tools, compressors, generators, heaters, appliances or any other electrical appliance. The outlets can be deactivated with a button on the dashboard to avoid any unauthorized use of the external 120 volts outlets.

The Silverado Hybrid extended cab is a comfortable, smooth-riding pickup with a quiet, V8 engine, a roomy cab with good ventilation and excellent outward visibility, and a rugged durable chassis.