Chevrolet Trucks Blog

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid still offers the same SUV quality with a better fuel efficiency. Chevrolet’s two-mode hybrid system was developed together with BMW and DaimlerChrysler.

Installing the hybrid powertrain meant giving the Tahoe a distinctive look. Since the system adds on around 400 pounds of curb weight, GM engineers had to remove some mass from other places. Aluminum replaces steel at the rear lift-gate, hood and bumper. An all-new stamping of the hood ties into modified front-end features to increase aerodynamic slip. Even the running boards have been redesigned to help the Tahoe slide thorough the air with less effort. Further mass was extracted from the seats, wheels and tires.

The usual engine-driven accessories have been replaced by all-electric versions, so power steering and AC work while the Tahoe is running in both electric-only and autostop mode. Reports say that the core hybrid technology behind the two-mode transmission had been tested in the running gear of GM-Allison public transit buses before being incorporated into the larger GM hybrid plan.

Cramming hybrid technology into the existing Tahoe body without having to tear up the base platform or the Arlington, Texas plant where the Tahoe will be built has helped streamline production. GM expects to have the two-mode system installed in showroom Tahoes and Yukons available this Fall as 2008 models. GM says the system improves city mileage by 40 percent. GM’s has yet to reveal highway improvement figures, though had said the composite highway target was 25 percent. Engineers say they’re hoping to best that highway figure when the official numbers are released.

Channeling the power according to driver demand is the HOS, or Hybrid Operating System. By joining the HOS and two-mode transmission with existing engines, GM plans to make hybrid technology across the entire model lineup. Theoretically there are no limitations as to which engines can bolt up to the two-mode transmission, from full size trucks to smaller Saturns. A turbodiesel or even flex-fuel engine could be incorporated to the transmission, with the HOS sorting it all out.

Reports have come out that the new 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS was engineered by GM Performance Division and is the first SS model developed since GMPD was charged with overseeing all of the “go, stop and turn” requirements demanded of any new Chevrolet wearing the SS badge.
“Beginning with HHR SS, all future SS models will have superior power, braking and handling capabilities for maximum credibility with our customers and enthusiasts alike,” said John Heinricy, GM Performance Division executive. “The SS badge represents high performance, and the HHR SS delivers with a fully-integrated, balanced driving experience.”
Reports also say that the HHR SS was engineered to offer more than simply increased power. An all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed and tuned at Germany’s famed Nürburgring racing circuit. It includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning - all designed to complement the turbocharged powertrain.
The exterior of the new Chevrolet is also enhanced. Some of its features are the new air dam-style front fascia with fog lamps, new mesh-style upper and lower grilles and a new rear fascia with outlet for single bright exhaust tip.
The 2008 HHR SS comes with standard features such as large, five-spoke 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and performance, which gives the HHR SS a lower, performance-oriented stance.
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

Chevrolet introduces another new member of the prestigious SS family, the 2008 HHR SS. The HHR SS combines all of the style and capability of the popular HHR family with uncompromising performance, including a turbocharged and intercooled engine that produces 260 horsepower (194 kW), unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The vehicle was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting nothing but high-performance vehicles.
“With its muscular stance, turbocharged power and track-capable handling, the HHR SS is a worthy addition to SS lineup,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It also reaffirms in a big way Chevy’s commitment to the sport compact market.”
Standard features include unique exterior appointments, with all-new front and rear fascias, new front grilles, a rear spoiler and 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin performance all-season tires. Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats - with ultra suede inserts - a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel and shifter support the serious driving capabilities.
Along with its high-performance attributes, the HHR SS comes standard with a host of safety and convenience features, including the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Optional equipment includes side-impact air bags and a power-operated sunroof.
“This vehicle delivers all of the style, comfort and convenience found in the HHR portfolio, but also offers outstanding performance and versatility without sacrificing fuel economy,” added Peper. “There’s simply nothing else like it when it comes to four-door driving fun for the value.”
The HHR SS will be available in the fourth quarter of 2007.
More information on the new Chevrolet will be revealed on the next post.

Women Chevrolet drivers seem to be fond of OnStar, the world’s most advanced in-vehicle security, communications and diagnostics system. OnStar’s presence has now made a huge difference in the auto world and in people’s lives. This advanced feature has redefined safety and has become everyone’s favorite choice. According to the latest survey, women always prefer to have this advanced safety system in their cars, and interestingly, 45.9% of the customers of a Chevrolet dealer in North Carolina are women.

OnStar is the only safety, security and communications system available across a wide range of vehicles that combines the personal assistance of caring Advisors available 24/7 and the State-of-the-art technology that can be called for help when you need it.

Whether you’re facing a minor inconvenience or a major collision, OnStar helps to assure that a trained Advisor is there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the system also has the ability to trace stolen vehicles.

These advance systems help improve the lives of the drivers not to mention assuring them of their security and safety. They are just what motorists need with the fast paced life of today.

The said Chevrolet dealer sells and services all Chevrolet models such as Aveo, Cobalt, Corvette, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Malibu Maxx, Monte Carlo, SSR, Avalanche, Equinox, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Colorado, Silverado, Express and Uplander. The dealer offers unbeatable service on all Chevrolet vehicles and stocks genuine spare parts and accessories.

Customization of Chevrolet trucks or any truck for that matter do not only end with manual tinkering here and there. With the advent of technology, present day upgrades for vehicles can already be assisted with a personal computer.

A 2001 Chevrolet S10 owner decided to add a supercharger in the vehicle’s heart with hopes of matching up the truck’s 4.3-liter stock. From the name itself, superchargers will help this mini Chevrolet truck to produce as much power needed. There was a downside, however, in equipping the Chevrolet or Chevy S10 with this supercharger because a technology like this needs the services of a computer. Engine gurus noted that tuning the supercharger has to be the first step before even achieving a beefed-up horsepower.

With the mystery solved, the Chevrolet truck was immediately brought to one of America’s distributor for perfect power called the Ida Automotive. The Chevy S10 owner and the Ida owner immediately sat down to discuss the procedures to be done. With much thinking, the two agreed on utilizing the Perfect Power SMT-6 piggy-back computer. This powerful computer has the ability to tune almost any engine. Moreover, this high-technology gadget can also work on three separate maps-fuel, timing, and ignition-with the capability to fire extra injectors, nitrous, or other performance accessories.

The Chevrolet truck soon hit the operating room as 271-lb-hr Pico-style injectors, a two-bar 28-psi MAP sensor, and finally an E3 spark plugs were installed and tuned with the computer. The new spark plugs of the Chevrolet S10 will produce larger and warmer spark for the supercharged 4.3-liter application.