Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe First Drive and Follow-Up Test

62 messages, Last post on Jun 05, 2008 at 3:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, SUV

Article comments for First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid - Two-mode hybrids aren't exactly new. GM has had the two-mode hybrid system working in transit buses since 2003. Today, about 700 of those buses are operating in 60 cities in North America and have just been introduced in Europe. (more)

Follow-Up Test: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid - Bottom Line: It's better, but whether it's $9,100 better is up to you. (more)

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#38 of 62 Re: Is the point of a hybrid lost? [gagrice] by nedzel Aug 07, 2007 (8:15 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Aug 03, 2007 4:22 pm) "As a matter of fact the new LS600h gets less highway mileage than the LS460 in the tests." Not only does the LS600h get worse mileage than the LS460, but it is also no faster! In a New York Times article, they found that "Spurred from a stop to 60 miles an hour, the LS 600h L clocks a swift 5.5 seconds, according to Lexus’s own testing. Yet the gas-only LS 460 L, with a mere 380 horsepower from a smaller V-8, reaches 60 in 5.4 seconds, nosing out the more powerful hybrid." The LS600h costs much more than the LS460. It is no faster and no more economical. It is, however 700 lbs heavier. Toyota really messed up on this one.
#39 of 62 Re: Is the point of a hybrid lost? [gagrice] by sunson Oct 20, 2007 (9:49 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Aug 05, 2007 5:12 am) Unfortunately, not everyone can adapt to a Prius. So, the next best alternative is a Tahoe hybrid that is AT LEAST better than a conventional one. You can't get everything you want. And to answer the question, "Is the point of a hybrid lost?", I say no. The point of a hybrid is so you can get better gas milage and not pollute without driving an econobox. There is a REASON why we have alternative energy; it's so you can still be green and still keep your lifestyle, something we're trying to fight to save. Replies to this message: trueteller (Jan 19, 2008 2:19 pm)
#40 of 62 Alternate fuels vs. gasoline ICE & hybrids by mikon Nov 01, 2007 (10:52 am)
Some misc. comments: Ethanol costs about the same as gasoline, but produces 15-20% LOWER mpg; hence, the cost for any given trip is substantially increased. The extra cost for the Toyota hybrid system is $3K-$5K whereas estimated cost (per an auto analyst ~2 months ago) for the GM dual-mode system is $6K-$10K (note that GM has yet to publisize the real cost). Note also that GM has proposed (and is seriously considering) the option of RENTING the necessary large battery for their electric systems by the month in order to keep upfront costs to a minimum. The GM claimed mileage for their pickups is 15/22 for city/highway, yet Edmunds last report on their long-term tests has only achieved ~14.7 mpg overall for the Silverado. If that is any indication, the GM claims of 25% better mileage should be carefully scrutinized. In contrast, the Edmunds blog on the 2007 5.7 liter Tundra pickup is indicating excellent mileage (some as high as 20.25 mpg) for this highest HP, highest torque pickup engine. My own 2006 4.7 liter Tundra DC 4x4 Limited is rated at 14/18 mpg, but after 12 months, my overall average is 18.3 mpg, although I haven't done any towing yet. Go figure. Replies to this message: chadx (Nov 16, 2007 7:09 am)
#41 of 62 The big middle? by volkov Nov 01, 2007 (11:20 am)
I've posted elsewhere that there seems to be a large gap in the fuel miser product world. One can buy a small car or an SUV, now even a full size SUV with hybrid but nothing in between. Small diesels in SUV's are being announced by more and more brands too. Some of us need vehicles capable of seating 6-8 people but there is a complete lack of energy efficient options. Highlander hybrid (yet to be released to dealers and a poor excuse for a rear seat) or MB R320 diesel (expensive and doesn't use the clean diesel found in the C series) are the only ones I know of. Hybrid minivans would seem a no-brainer to me. I am aware that minivans are dying off as they are no longer hip, but the likely practical minded consumers still buying them would probably also appreciate a hybrid or small efficient diesel option. The Highlander and Sienna shared the same V6 why couldn't they put the hybrid in too? Replies to this message: JBaumgart (Nov 01, 2007 1:49 pm)
#42 of 62 Re: The big middle? [volkov] by JBaumgart Nov 01, 2007 (1:49 pm)
Replying to: volkov (Nov 01, 2007 11:20 am) volkov, The Lexus 400h would have to be considered a mid-sized hybrid SUV.
#43 of 62 Re: Alternate fuels vs. gasoline ICE & hybrids [mikon] by chadx Nov 16, 2007 (7:09 am)
Replying to: mikon (Nov 01, 2007 10:52 am) "My own 2006 4.7 liter Tundra DC 4x4 Limited is rated at 14/18 mpg, but after 12 months, my overall average is 18.3 mpg," At what elevation are you? That is something most people leave out when posting their mileage. I used to live close to sea level and have lived at 4500 feet for the last year+. My 03 Chev. Avalanche had a EPA estimate of 15/18. I got that where I used to live. If I babied it and ran 60mph in the hwy, I could actually get 19mpg on long trips. Now I get 17/20 at this elevation. Less hp is made, but I gladly trade it for the better mileage. If I run 60mph on hwy trips here, I'll get 21 or 22mpg. My point being, this needs to be kept in mind when one person says they get 20mpg and another says they get 16 or 23. Besides the usual difference in driving habits, terrain, temperature, length of trips, etc., elevation makes quite a difference.
#44 of 62 Re: Diesel Hybrid YES its Coming [galvang] by aspesisteve Jan 14, 2008 (4:10 pm)
Replying to: galvang (May 14, 2007 6:49 pm) you want the government to invest in new technologies? with gas prices on the rise and cars like the Prius available, the biggest change I see that needs to take place is in that of the consumer. way too many people are addicted to a giant car. I say tax the hell out of fuel to discourage gas waste. e.g. there should be a war tax on fuel. Replies to this message: nedzel (Jan 18, 2008 10:50 am)
#45 of 62 Re: Diesel Hybrid YES its Coming [aspesisteve] by nedzel Jan 18, 2008 (10:50 am)
Replying to: aspesisteve (Jan 14, 2008 4:10 pm) The need for a fuel tax has nothing to do with the war. A fuel tax would simply be the best way to reduce fuel consumption. It's been quite successful in Europe. CAFE should be dumped (along with the CARB). Rationalize the draconian diesel emissions regulations. Then we'd have a much more efficient fleet PDQ.
#46 of 62 Now you can have your cake and eat it too by trueteller Jan 19, 2008 (2:19 pm)
Replying to: sunson (Oct 20, 2007 9:49 am) If you just avoid the hybrid propaganda altogether you'll notice that there are several alternatives becoming available in the clean diesel segment. Audi Q7 3.0 TDI BMW X5d Mercedes GL320DCI Each of these out tows, out performs, and out-classes the Yukon/Tahoe hybrid. All with similar city and much better highway mileage. And with their permanent AWD systems, they each start at around the same price as the GM hybrids. Sorry, thats a no-brainer. Its not only for SUVs, but soon you'll see luxury cars and finally economy cars with small turbodiesels in this country. And just as they are already aware of in Europe, they are still more practical across a wide range of vehicles than hybrids.
#47 of 62 Follow-Up Test Available! by KarenS HOST Jan 25, 2008 (7:20 am)
Follow-Up Test: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Replies to this message: trueteller (Feb 14, 2008 8:05 am)