Alternate Route

Nov 9, 2007 - News & Numbers

I'm sitting here listening to my local morning radio show, and one of the hosts is the type who always sees another side, even when there isn't one. Tell him that the sky is blue and he'll say that's your opinion and some people think otherwise. No it's not, it's a fact.

So with that irritant in the background getting me in the mood, I'm scanning the automotive news of the day and come across an article in the Detroit News about GM unveiling a hybrid version of the Escalade.

It's slated to hit dealerships next summer. Pricing has not been announced. Cadillac executives said he largest and most opulent SUV to go green will show a 50 percent increase in its fuel economy in the city.

"No other manufacturer offers a hybrid that can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac's general manager, in a news release.

OK, here comes the spin and you can blame the math geek that lives inside me. The story includes the following paragraph:

The 2008 Escalade, with a 6.2-liter V-8, gets 12 mpg in city driving. The hybrid model, which will use General Motors Corp.'s 2-Mode Hybrid system with a 6-liter V-8, should come close to 20 mpg in city driving if the vehicle meets GM's 50-percent boost.

Does it bother anyone but me that a 50% increase from 12 mpg is 18 mpg and not 20? But hey, it says so in the news so I'm certain the masses will be running around saying the new Escalade is going to get 20 mpg. Oh it's only off by 10%, what's the big deal?

P.T. Barnum was definitely on to something.

Keep your brain engaged
There's still plenty of snake oil
Even with broadband

Read more at the Detroit News

5:15 am | Categories: gm, hybrids Permalink | Alert Administrator

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