2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid 4WD Crew Cab

The Silverado Hybrid is Chevrolet’s gasoline-electric hybrid half-ton pickup that returns to the lineup for 2009 featuring General Motor’s two-mode hybrid system combining a 6.0-liter V8 gas engine with Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing technology, with GM’s Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System. This system is said to achieve 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. The new hybrid system allows the Silverado Hybrid to drive at up to 30 mph on electricity alone and also allows the engine to operate in its more economical V4 mode for longer periods.

With 367 lb-ft of torque, this combination allows for a towing capacity of 6100lbs which is just a bit less than its gas only twin. The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid shares the same two-mode hybrid transmission, 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack and aluminum-block 6.0-liter pushrod V8 as the Tahoe. This transmission has four fixed gear ratios and two 60-kilowatt electric motors with planetary gear sets into the space of a conventional gearbox.

Inside, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid you’ll find a special tach with an “economy gauge” that has a green bar which represents a zone drivers can aim for to maximize fuel economy. The tachometer houses an auto stop reading to indicate when the gasoline engine is shut off although believe me, you’ll know when it does. An 8-inch touch screen features a screen to show if the power is coming from the electric motors, the gasoline engine, or both. It will also display real-time fuel economy and when regenerative braking is charging the batteries, as well as if the vehicle is in two- or 4-wheel drive mode. Oh by the way, applying the brakes in hybrids take just a bit of getting used to.

Under very light throttle, the electric motors can move the Silverado up to 30 miles an hour and moderate acceleration will start the gasoline engine. Like other systems, the gasoline engine turns off at stoplights and restarts when you tickle the throttle. Fuel economy estimates for the Silverado Hybrid are estimated at 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway, and while I didn’t spend much highway time in my tester, I got just under 19mpg which isn’t bad especially according to GM, the electric motors will allow the engine to operate in 4-cylinder mode more often. However, I have to admit that I don’t drive to maximize fuel economy..

As far as driving goes, I’m always amazed at how nice pickups are theses days and the Silverado was no exception. This is a very nice truck, comfortable and spacious inside with plenty of rear seat room for passengers. There is a large console with plenty of storage space and it comes with three cupholders for extra thirsty driver and passengers. The ride is smooth and the big trucks handles bumps well so whether you’re on the highway or off road, the Silverado makes the ride easy and comfortable. As far as performance goes, the 1500 hybrid has plenty of punch so no worries there for sure.

All this doesn’t come inexpensively though, as the tester based at $41,176 and with a few goodies and destination charges, the total came to $42,040. Basic warranty is 36 months and 36,000 miles with a 100,000 mile powertrain which is good news.

Bottom line, the Chevy Silverado Hybrid is a very nice truck so if you’re in the market for a full-size crew cab pick up, I’d suggest checking it out. I’m not saying that hybrids aren’t the be all and end all but they’re a good intermediate step so if you haven’t tried one lately, check Chevy’s Silverado Hybrid out, I think you’ll be pleased. For more on the Silverado Hybrid, click here……

Camelback Ford Lincoln Mercury hosts…2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid test drive and alternative fuel overview..

Two for the Road USA were guests at the Ford Fusion Hybrid event on April 20, 2009.

There was an Engineer, Doctor, Clean Air Specialist, Ford executive and dealer all speaking within their category of expertise with praises for Ford past, present and future.

Each professional had a few words about alternative fuels with the Ford Fusion in the spotlight. Over 100 people were in the audience and verbalized how good they felt about the direction of Ford Lincoln Mercury and then had the chance to test drive the new 2009 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

The Fusion and Milan deliver an amazing 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Fusion hybrid has a base price of $27,995 the well-equipped Milan Hybrid is priced at $31,300.

We understand that with the purchase of a new Fusion or Milan Hybrid by March 31, 2009 a buyer may qualify for a $3,400 federal tax credit on their 2009 Tax Return. This is a nice added incentive.

What’s new for 2010? Six speed transmission, 2.5 liter 1-4 engine, 3.0 liter , V-6 Durantec, Flex-Fuel engine, variety of 16 to l8 inch painted and aluminum wheels, easy fuel capless refueling, available reverse camera system, available 12-speaker Sony sound system, available voice-activated navigation system and SIRIUS, Travel Link, available SYNC with 911 assist and vehicle health report.

The interior has a more contemporary technical look with metallic finishes all the way through. The display and switches have fashionable Ice Blue Lighting which makes night driving, while checking gauges a breeze. The exterior of the Fusion is both sportier and more upscale. The new Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields surely helped further boost Fusion’s fuel economy.

In talking with the crowed that generally feel in the over 40 range, we found that they indicated that the Fusion might be their next car. The other comment was what a great first car for their teens and young adults. The word out there is that the 20+ generation likes the Fusion as well. The SYNC availability is a must for the technically savvy drivers.

Bill and I will have a Ford Fusion Hybrid to test drive for a week in April so that can then give you a more detailed report at that time.

We want to thank Darrin Delfelder of Camelback Ford Lincoln Mercury for hosting this event and inviting the Phoenix Press Association.

Driving MBA and Community Tire Team Up Again

For Teen - Parents- New Car Owners and Driver

Parent Class and Car Maintenance Program Schedule
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Parent ClassA 2 1/2 hour class that provides parents with resources and tips on how to practice driving with their teenager. When: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at DrivingMBA Scottsdale located at 9089 E. Bahia Dr., Ste. 102; Thursday, April 23 and Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at DrivingMBA Chandler located at 1760 W. Chandler Blvd, Ste. 3Time: 6:30pm to 9pm

Cost: $50/family Car Maintenance Class This 1 1/2 hour class covers the basic operation of a vehicle, the importance of checking fluids and other maintenance items, how to change a tire, and jump-starting a vehicle. The class features minimum class time and maximum hands-on training to help drivers, new and old, understand what to look for when replacing automotive parts; and to be better prepared for roadside emergencies. .

After attending this event, your family will receive a FREE lube, oil filter change, tire rotation and vehicle inspection for one vehicle courtesy of Community Tire. Details in the coupon below. When: Thursday, April 23 and Monday, May 4, 2009 at Community Tire located at 15812 N. 32nd St., Phx., 85032;

Wednesday, April 15 and Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Dana Tire located at 725 N. Arizona Avenue in Chandler. Time: 6:30pm to 8pmCost: $40/familyTo RSVP for the above events please email judys@drivingmba.com or call 480.948.1648.

Two for the Road Drives the 2008 Malibu

There's been an awful lot of hoopla from GM about "the car you can't ingnore" and I'm here to tell you, I'm a believer. I always find it interesting when a manufacturer sets the bar high when unveiling a new or re-modeled vehicle. It's a very high risk-reward gamble and after spending some time in Tennessee as the guest of General Motors, Cathy and I are pretty sure they got it right with the new Malibu. The redesign has been a 3-year plan for lead exterior designer Tim Kozub, who's sketch you see at the top of the blog, and as you can see by the video below, the finished product isn't far off the drawing. With models ranging from the 4-cylinder LS to the V6 powered LTZ and a hybrid version the Malibu will appeal to a very eclectic group. We enjoyed driving the V6 and the hybrid and we'll have a lot more to talk about in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy the video to get an idea of what this car is all about, and go to; www.twofortheroadusa.com for more information.

Chevy Volt, Hype or Hyperbole

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation report I read 0n GM's Chevrolet website, seventy-eight percent of commuters drive 40 miles or less back and forth to work.
What the General is trying to do is offer the Volt as an opportunity to save gasoline and money with the use of electricity, E85 and biodiesel along with gasoline fuels.

As you can see in pictures of the prototype, the Chevy Volt is one sexy little car, and Chevrolet is introducing it as a new kind of electric vehicle called, Concept Chevy Volt. What sets the Volt apart from previous electric vehicles, is its innovative rechargeable electric drive system, and range, and extended power source. It can be configured to run on electricity, gasoline, E85 or biodiesel. So, according to the information on the General Motors website, you have at least a couple of options for the most efficient drive possible all due to GM’s innovative E-Flex Propulsion System.

All that sounds wonderful but the question remains, will the Volt in actuality be built? In conversations that we had with GM Vice President Bob Lutz in Phoenix in may of this year, the answer is an emphatic yes. General Motors is very excited about the possibilities that the technology in the Volt offers albeit there is still the ubiquitous problem of battery technology that seems to be lagging.

Because Cathy and I test drive for the manufacturer we are often questioned about the development of alternative fuel technologies and what our thoughts are. I am a fan of hybrid technology today because I feel something is better than nothing. That said, I have to be quick to point out that the cost involved in aquisition of a hybrid vehicle most likely will not be recouped as quickly as the consumer may think, but it is a green car and does in a small way help.

The question of the day is, do you believe that the hype around the Volt is the real deal, or is it just more hyperbole from Detroit?