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The Chevrolet Tahoe has carved it's place in the full size SUV market and General Motors have taken it a stage further with the world's first two-mode hybrid engine delivering a 25% fuel cost reduction.
GM are rolling the hybrid unit out in both the Tahoe and the Yukon and with the technology designed to be easily replicated, expect further implementations across the GM range in future.
Two-mode hybrid engines combine the traditional gas powered engine with electric input and can operate in three modes, gas only, electric only and a combination. SUV's are to be found in every heavy traffic flow across the country, and operating on electric power as a full hybrid with the low speed, stop and go situations commuters experience every day, major fuel economies can be delivered as well as reducing pollution caused by these gas guzzling beasts.
When running the 300 volt electric powers the automobile until you reach 20 mph and then the gas engine kicks and you run on both systems, reduce the speed back below the 20mph and you hear the changeover as you revert to electric power only.
Transitions between gas and electric power are barely noticeable unless you are listening for them and certainly do nothing to affect the driving feel. Stepping away from the hybrid aspect of the vehicle, you will notice a considerable difference with the braking system and the hybrid Tahoe will stop in a considerably shorter distance than the non-hybrid version.
The Vortec V8 hybrid engine is a collaborative effort between General Motors, BMW and DaimlerChrysler and features an Active Fuel Management system that deactivates engine cylinders effectively turning the V8 into a V4 and thereby delivering greater gas economies.
GM have been particularly vocal about the hybrid with the European market and hooking up the engine with diesel fuel rather than regular gas. Though the European model is being designed with automotive transmission the model being made available in the US is manual and there are currently no plans to change this.
The exterior design has not been ignored either, with a lower front end mounting and some additional aerodynamic features marking the Hybrid from the regular Tahoe. GM claims that even a small amount of redesign has contributed significantly to fuel economy and performance while a prominent Hybrid badge and gold finish complement the overall appearance of the vehicle.
As the hybrid unit requires greater airflow, the front grille has been modified but still, there is no mistaking that this is a Chevy. You are not likely to notice any difference in performance and driving feel from a non-hybrid Tahoe though your wallet will.
Aside from the hybrid technology, the Tahoe still maintains it's off road credentials and can tow 6,000 pound loads so expect the full size truck performance to remain unchanged. The interior is pretty much what you would expect from the remodeled 2007 Tahoe, offering spacious seating for passengers and a clean driving area.