Greg Fadler: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco Air Shutter System

Squeezing out every last drop of fuel efficiency is one of the key tasks for Greg Fadler, aerodynamics engineering group manager at Chevrolet. Fadler and his team worked on making the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the market, achieving up to an estimated 40 MPG on the highway — hybrid-like efficiency without the hybrid cost.

The All New 5.3L Chevrolet Avalanche

The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche comes with quite a few new engine options. Anyone wanting rugged performance and great fuel economy can find what they are looking for in these Vortec engines from Chevrolet.

The first major change to the 2010 Avalanche is the transmission. Chevrolet has opted to put a Hydra Matic 6L80 transmission in this model, which does away with the old 4L60 transmission found in previous incarnations. This new addition helps with fuel economy, because instead of having a four speed transmission, you now have a six speed. This addition also helps to reduce the amount of road noise heard by the passengers.

The first engine is the 5.3 liter V8 engine. This engine comes standard on all 2WD models, and produces 320 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. Its block is cast entirely out of iron, which makes it able to handle high compression ratios. An aluminum block version of this engine also exists. However, this engine has a slightly lower power rating at 310 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. Due to its smaller numbers, this engine also has increased fuel economy. A user of this engine can expect 20 miles per gallon on the highway, and 16 miles per gallon in the city.

The next engine in this lineup is the 6.0 liter V8 with VVT. This engine produces a hard-hitting 366 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets slightly worse fuel economy than its smaller brothers do. Its number sits right around 20 miles per gallon for highway use, and 14 miles per gallon inside of the city.

All of these models feature Chevrolet’s Flex Fuel system. This allows the vehicles to use E85 ethanol, which is much cleaner for the air, as well as being much cheaper at most gas stations.

Hybrid Cars Face-off-Toyota Vs Chevrolet

The hybrid cars showdown has started with the introduction of the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Chevrolet Volt at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. With the likes of Toyota Camry or Chevrolet Malibu around hybrid cars are smarter choice now.Safe, comfortable and stylish new generation hybrid cars offer economical and emission free driving.If you are ready to invest a few extra dollars for hybrid technology you can save a good amount of money in the long run.

If you find it difficult to choose between Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and GM’s Dual Mode Hybrid technology here is an elaborate discussion that might help.

Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive

The all new 2010 Toyota Prius comes with Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system that Toyota Motors claims to be the best of modern hybrid car technologies.Toyota achieves the height of fuel efficiency with the 2010 Prius by reducing the vehicle’s weight and implementing the best of aerodynamics.Moreover,Toyota redesigned the Prius’ powertrain to increase the capacity of its electric motor.

Apart from Prius,Toyota uses the new HSD in its Camry,Highlander and some of the Lexus hybrid models.The main thing about Toyota HSD is that it uses an electromechanical system to deliver full hybrid capability to run on electric mode alone like the series hybrid cars.

With HSD the Prius gets the thrust from a combined electric and gas powertrain comprising a 1.8L WT-i petrol engine,a 60kw electric motor,high voltage nickel hydride batteries and a generator.The drivetrain also includes a power control unit along with a power split device that controls the distribution of power between the generator and the electric motor.Toyota has managed to combine all these components in a light and compact transmission case.

The 2010 Prius ensure smooth transition between three diving modes–EV,Eco and Power modes.At a speed less than 31mph the Prius automatically selects EV mode while manual selection is also allowed.The Eco mode ensures up to 15% reduction in fuel consumption by minimizing throttle response and adjusting the air conditioning.

Finally,the Power mode gives high power boost to achieve a combined 55mpg EPA rating which is every driver’s delight.The Hybrid Synergy Drive has won the Prius the Green Engine of the Year title for consecutive 5 years since 2004.   

Chevrolet Dual Mode Hybrid

The recent auto reviews on Chevrolet hybrid cars reveal that the new Chevrolet Volt is a kind of gas-electric plug in vehicle which GM calls an E-REV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle).The Volt gets electric power from a 120kw 160hp electric motor teamed with a rechargeable 16kw lithium-ion battery.

Its three-cylinder gas engine shuts off automatically allowing the car run on generator power for optimized fuel consumption. GM assures a 50mpg for gasoline engine while in electric mode Volt can perform closer to 32 mile per gallon as per EPA standard.However,GM’s two-mode hybrid received the Automobile Magazine’s Technology of the Year award for 2008.GM uses this technology in Malibu and Tahoe hybrids as well.

While Toyota and Lexus models are little more expensive Chevrolet offers hybrid cars in comparatively cheaper price.Finally, it is to see who wins the battle of hybrid technology in the near future.

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Review – Kelley Blue Book

FORMORE CAR VIDEOS & REVIEWS VISIT: www.kbb.com Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The term hybrid gets tossed about quite a bit these days, but what does it really mean? In the case of the new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, it means a system that still uses a gasoline engine to power the vehicle 100-percent of the time, but with a clever stop/start feature designed to minimize fuel consumption. Welcome to our comprehensive Kelley Blue Book review of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The advantage of the Malibus hybrid design is simple: it costs a lot less than the elaborate system found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, yet still bumps fuel economy up by a couple miles per gallon. And the Malibu Hybrid still qualifies for a $1300 tax credit from the Federal Government. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

It Ain’t Easy Being Green. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

www.edmunds.com A full-size hybrid SUV that offers a 3.1-mpg improvement in everyday fuel-efficiency might seem a little self-defeating, like too much iron in a very pale shade of green. But do some math using our observed fuel economy figures and the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid starts to make sense.

Program Pilots High-Tech Tools for Chevrolet Salespeople

Gov. Perry announces $8.4 million award to create renewable energy institute
Texas Tech University and the National Institute for Renewable Energy (NIRE), a non-profit, public/private collaboration, will receive $8.4 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) allowing them to help resolve key scientific and technology issues facing the wind power industry.

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CanNor Supports Forest and Community Protection in Yukon
WHITEHORSE, YUKON–(Marketwire – 08/12/10) – The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency is investing in two projects that will reduce fuel for wildfires and maximize economic benefits from the cut wood. The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), made the announcement today. The total investment of over $441,000 will be used to …

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Soldiers Try To Trade Tech Support For Intel [Tech Support]
# techsupport Captain Christian Balan shows holding a spool of Cat-5 cable, eager to play tech support . If he can get the computers running in this relatively-prosperous town of 4000 people, maybe the platoon will get some tips about local insurgent activity. More »

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Goess Finishes Third at Pocono Raceway After Post-Practice Engine Change
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001wqUa7FwuvM7MC6Lyn61DYPvGhziD71iFNEs3TTMsHggDTQFwVcvK8_8hcetZu26gOUk_d4ZoZSLQDQ0hBOPNVFR2tLKvBbLDkZ7Wcc_tGXqhE3UdeiOV2w%3D%3D ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Goess Finishes Third at Pocono Raceway After Post-Practice Engine …

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Program Pilots High-Tech Tools for Chevrolet Salespeople
RALEIGH, N.C., July 29 — Chevrolet is the first automaker to pilot a sales app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad which allows salespeople to help customers research trim levels, options and financing and search vehicles in dealer inventory.

Read more on The Auto Channel

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Sedan XFE

FOR MORE ABOUT THE COBALT: www.edmunds.com Fuel economy. It’s on everyone’s mind and the guys at Chevy want you to know it’s on theirs, too. So once you equip the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS sedan with a five-speed manual transmission, it becomes the XFE — eXtra Fuel Economy. The Cobalt XFE is part of GM’s quick response to changing buyer preferences caused by the recent rise in fuel prices, and this same badge is being applied to more models in GM’s lineup like the Pontiac G5 XFE and the yet-to-be-released, Chevy-Aveo-based Pontiac G3 XFE. After all, who can resist extra fuel economy?

Sandstone Township resident converts Chevrolet S-10 to an electric vehicle

Choosing alternative fuel a tricky decision
SOUTHAVEN – State and federal governments are pushing alternative fuels and many vehicle fleet managers are eager but don’t know which fuel to switch to.

Read more on DeSoto Times-Tribune

Data: Search Wisconsin teacher, administrator salaries
The Post-Crescent has compiled databases on a variety of topics. Click on the headline to view several featured databases.

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Wheel sports deep lip
Sporting a deep lip, Center Line’s Platinum Series Race Star wheel is available in three finishes; hi-polish mirror, triple-plated chrome or black paint.

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Silent threat
The age of the silent hybrid may be coming to an end.

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Sandstone Township resident converts Chevrolet S-10 to an electric vehicle
Jake May | Citizen PatriotJack Daane, 75, of Sandstone Township stands with his electric truck, a 1996 Chevrolet S-10 that runs on 20 26-volt batteries that sit in the truck bed. “It charges for eight hours to get back up…

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Chevrolet Suburban drives just as big as it is

Fourth of July holiday travel numbers up from last year
The number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July holiday weekend — from July 1 through July 5 — will increase nearly 20 percent since last year, with more than 34 million travelers hitting the road at least 50 miles away from home, according to AAA.

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A Handbuilt Twist to an Industrial Icon
NASHUA, N.H.

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AAA predicts increase in Fourth of July holiday travel
AAA is projecting a 17 percent increase in travel over last year for the upcoming holiday weekend.

Read more on Grand Island Independent

Hundreds scream for Phoenixville’s 11th annual BlobFest
PHOENIXVILLE — An estimated 350 people burst from the Colonial Theatre onto Bridge Street on Friday night for a re-enactment of the famous escape scene from the 1958 horror film “The Blob.”

Read more on Daily Local News

Chevrolet Suburban drives just as big as it is
Decades ago, I did serious time in the suburbs, learning the intricacies of St. Augustine grass and how to snag a shady parking spot on a Target lot.

Read more on Dallas Morning News

2009 Chevrolet Malibu and Tahoe Hybrid ? American Hybrid Cars Reborn

It’s not that some of the American hybrid electric vehicles are hot sellers because American buyers are suddenly motivated by some patriotic thoughts of ‘buying American’ only.It is solely because American auto makers offer you new hybrid cars with comparatively moderate price tags than their competitors such as Toyota and Honda hybrid.

If you are thinking of an affordable family sedan that will save fuel expenses in the long run–think about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.The all new Chevy Malibu competes head-to-head against the class of 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid.

Why Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?

In the 2008 model year Chevrolet released its brand new Malibu in the line of its midsize hybrid sedans.The 2009 Malibu Hybrid has undergone a minor facelift.The new17-inch wheels replace the old 16-inch wheels while electronic stability control and a four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission are now standard for all trims.The powertrain combination gives this Chevrolet hybrid sedan the much needed power boost improving acceleration and fuel economy simultaneously.

The other aspects you should consider while buying a Chevy Malibu Hybrid are–superb exterior and interior styling,spacious cabin with comfy seats,quiet and smooth ride and high scores in crash tests.The basic LS trim comes with power windows,locks and mirrors and anti-lock brakes while stepping up further to LT will get you the audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel along with heated front seats and Bluetooth at a price of $25,375.

Compared to Toyota’s 30-kilowatt electric motor kicking in 40 horsepower to help it cruising on electric power only the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid’s 4-kilowatt electric motor propels it up to a mere 3mph.Though,the Chevy Malibu lacks theperformance of Toyota hybrid with its single mode hybrid system,it still manages a combined 29mpg EPA rating.GM assures improvement by introducing a dual-mode hybrid powertrain in 2010 Chevy Malibu Hybrid.

Why Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid?

For buyers with higher towing needs and greater passenger capacity GM offers the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.It is the first full-size hybrid SUV to implement a two-mode hybrid system that slashed fuel consumption up to 50% compared to its regular counterpart.Chevrolet’s dual-mode hybrid system proves most efficient especially in stop-and-go driving conditions.

The Tahoe Hybrid depends on a beastly 6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management technology.Its cylinder deactivation system virtually turns the V8 in to a V4 whenever driving demand is low.There are two 60-kilowatt generators encapsulated inside a specialized transmission to provide additional power.

Aerodynamically designed front facade,a lowered chassis,low rolling-resistance tires and the use of aluminum in the car’s hood,tailgate and wheels make Tahoe Hybrid faster achieving a towing capacity of over 6000 pounds.You may consider the other crossover SUVs like GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave–both offering similar mileage and passenger capacity as of Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.But when maximum towing and easy handling are major concerns the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a wise choice.

Conclusion

The American hybrid cars still have miles to go to catch up with their Japanese competitors.But both the 2009 Chevy Malibu and Chevy Tahoe hybrids combine value,creature comfort,vehicle styling and quality to hit a sweet spot in between–which is a main consideration for average car buyers.

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