2009 Chevrolet Silverado now comes in a Hybrid version

Chevrolet offered a 2005-2007 Silverado full-size pickup hybrid version, which made little impact on buyers for the segment. For the 2009 model year, Chevrolet offers a real hybrid Silverado with GM's new two-mode hybrid powertrain that aids propulsion, turns off the engine, and powers the truck solely with electric motors.

The 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid will be offered in only crew cab body style with a short bed of 5 feet, 9 inches. Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions will be offered. The new Silverado Hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in late 2008 as a 2009 model. It is expected that the hybrid system will boost city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by 25 percent.

The Silverado Hybrid is based on the GM two-mode hybrid system; which is a combination of electric motors, electronics, energy management and hybrid-system control units. Powering the Silverado’s two-mode hybrid system is GM's Vortec 6.0-liter V8 with Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT); which comes with two electric motors and four fixed gears. The motors and V8 engine deliver an output of 332 hp and 367 pound-feet of torque.

One mode of the hybrid powertrain powers the vehicle at low speeds, while the other mode takes over for highway driving. GM's Active Fuel Management system shuts down four cylinders to conserve fuel, when load conditions are light. The electric motors allow the engine to operate in four-cylinder mode more often. The truck uses GM's Energy Storage System (ESS) to launch on electrical power, and can reach a speed of 30 mph before the engine kicks in, GM says. While fuel economy estimates have not been released, the Silverado Hybrid is expected to deliver fuel economy of approximately 20 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid has a towing capacity of up to 6100 pounds. The Silverado Hybrid receives a deeper front air dam and a three-segment hard tonneau cover. The power steering system and air conditioning compressor is electrically driven; while regenerative braking charges the truck’s batteries.
On the inside, the Silverado Hybrid is a work truck and features large controls, double glovebox, lockable storage bin, power outlet and an eight-inch touch screen. The cabin can comfortably seat five or six passengers. An economy gauge shows the driver, when to aim for maximum fuel economy while driving; the tachometer indicates an "Auto Stop" reading when the gasoline engine shut down.

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