Feb 17, 2009 -
A Look at the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
While it may seem unusual for a full-size V8-powered pickup truck to be a hybrid, Chevrolet is betting that the unusual combination is precisely what many truck buyers are looking for. For 2009, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid offers consumers the power of the Silverado, with slightly greater fuel efficiency.
The Chevy Silverado Hybrid is available only in the four-door crew cab configuration, and only with the short bed. GMC Washington DC, which offers the GMC Sierra variant, says the biggest choice available on the Silverado Hybrid is choosing between four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive. Like the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, the Silverado also comes with bold Hybrid stickers on the exterior, announcing to just about everyone that your truck is in fact a hybrid. The Silverado Hybrid also receives a marginally lower ride height, and also a tonneau cover for the bed, standard. Other than that, the exterior remains virtually unchanged from non-hybrid Silverado trucks.
Powering the Chevy Silverado Hybrid is essentially the same system found on the Tahoe Hybrid. This includes a 332 horsepower 6.0 liter V8 gas engine, along with a 300-volt battery pack for the two mode hybrid system. This two-mode system features two electric motors within the six-speed automatic transmission, providing electric power intermittently with power from the gasoline engine depending on speed. When the Silverado Hybrid is at a stop light, the gasoline engine turns off to conserve fuel. The system also captures energy when brakes are applied in order to power the electric motors. Westfield Chevrolet dealers also stress that the system is seamless, allowing the vehicles to switch between gas and electricity nearly undetected.
While a huge V8 seem like it would deplete fuel fast even with the hybrid system, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid also conserves fuel thanks to a four-cylinder mode. Basically, when the Silverado is cruising between 40 and 70 miles per hour, the engine will shut off four cylinders to boost fuel economy. With innovations such as this, Orlando Chevrolet dealers believe GM is taking great strides towards improving fuel efficiency across their lineup.
Inside the Chevy Silverado, the driver and passengers will find a comfortable interior that’s far better than the truck’s predecessor. The interior was redone in 2007 to the delight of Louisville Chevy customers, with cheap plastics being exchanged for more upscale materials. The dash is also ergonomically laid out, with flush mounted controls and tight seams. The cabin of the Silverado also has plenty room for passengers and cargo. The interior is also available with a slew of conveniences that most buyers at Chevrolet Chicago would expect, and also some that may not be expected such as satellite navigation, stability control, and a full gamut of airbags.
Many Pittsburgh GMC dealers test drivers have noticed that the this Hybrid truck is surprisingly smooth on road and off road. The Silverado Hybrid’s performance, as well as the GMC Sierra model, is also on par with the gasoline-powered models. While steering is on the slow side, overall handling is commendable, particularly considering the hefty weight of this large truck.
Now for the important information. The 2WD Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid gets 21 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD model gets 20 mpg for city and highway driving. While those numbers do show an improved fuel rating over the standard Silverado, there is a cost. First, needless to say, you’re going to have to pay a premium over the standard model. Secondly, the Silverado Hybrid also has a reduced towing capacity. So, for those who are price conscious and need to tow a boat, the Silverado Hybrid may not be for you. But for those that want the utility of a truck with a long range between fill ups, Illinois Chevrolet believes the Silverado Hybrid may be the unique blend of versatility and efficiency that you’ve been looking for.
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