Anyone know if GM has any plans to make hybrid Zeta cars? would gm's 2 mode hybrid system be able to work. its the size of an automatic transmission. i dont see how it couldnt at least be adapted fairly easily to fit in the cars.

as much as i think hybrid cars are <B>EXTREMELY<B> overrated and are nothing more than a marketing ploy saying, "hey hey look at me i care about the environment so buy my cars" i still think that having all of zeta cars have the hybrid option would be a very good idea.

who knows... maybe even a hybrid camaro

 

a hybrid camaro would be a very smart move.

 

A hybrid Camaro is possible and I'll say that it is likely. While standing near Lutz speaking to the media after the vehicles debut, he did say that the vehicle can make use of GM's two mode hybrid system.

I'm more interested in the new hybrid system GM is working on set for release around 2009/10. A Camaro hybrid would not appeal to the diehards but would certainly appeal to the mainstream which is key.

 

I'm 99% sure there isn't a hybrid engine on the books for the Camaro the first two years of production.....but past that I dunno....It would be a good move for the Zeta II cars.

 

As other have pointed out, the "two-mode" hybrid transmission would seem well-suited to the Zeta. Wouldn't it be sweet if there was a Zeta-based "baby LS600hL"? I know I'd be drooling over such a vehicle.

 

I expect to see a Caddy Sigma with the 2 mode. GM is working with DCX to utilize it for Mercedes cars, and BMW has expressed intrest as well.

 

Just to play deveil's advocate, seeing this is another version of other threads that've been tossed around...


...Is everyone here ready and willing to give up the grumbling exhaust, one of the larger aspects of a musclecar/sportscar, for the hybrid?

 

If there is a hybrid Camaro in the future, the target consumer will not post on these boards. It’s not the enthusiast GM will go after with this type of car.

 

STS - H

I would buy it.

 

A few thoughts:

1) If this stuff keeps up with oil prices - and I fully expect that it will - we may be giving up our grumbling exhausts whether hybrids come along or not.

2) Since when is "hybrid" and "V8" (presumably what you mean by "grumbling exhaust") mutually-exclusive? After all, that's exactly what Lexus has mated together in the LS 600h L.

3) I'm of the belief that certain things, such as the V8 exhaust note, are cool because they're associated with performance. If future generations happen to associate the nearly-silent whine of electric motors with neck-snapping acceleration, that's fine by me.

 

#2 is off the mark because Lexus is not as "popular" as they are cracked up to be. Plus, the hybrids are good but they've had some significant quality issues that have not made AutoBl..I mean AO...I mean mainstream news. I wonder why.

Also #3 is another thing. The Accord Hybrid is being cut back because it is exactly as you want it. It provides more power and minimal fuel improvements. You cant replace the rumble of a V8 with an engine "twine" powered by the Energizer Bunny.

 

#2 Popularity is irrelevant. A V8 hybrid car can, and has been built. Yeah they've got bugs, they are new. If you are so upset about media bias then you should be glad an import brand is working bugs out before the Americans attempt to.

#3 In many peoples minds v8 roar has already been replaced it with the wide vibrato of a coffee can fart cannon on a 4, so lets not talk about what cant be done.

 

You wanna point to sources for those problems, and not just single instances of third- or fourth-hand reports that get blown up into multi-page threads of nothing but brand-hating? Please, by all means, roll out the proof. Trust me, if there's verifiable evidence of problems, any automotive news site - including the one of which you speak - would kill to run a story on it.

I'm no fan of Lexus - they lack a certain amount of excitement that I seek in my autos - but I think that the LS 600h L has knocked BMW and Mercedes off the top of the luxury-car heap.

This remains to be seen, as I don't accept the fact that we've drawn conclusive evidence from less than a year of sales. I can say this - the Accord Hybrid isn't as appealing to me as the concept of a hybrid Zeta (or a hybrid Chrysler LX, for that matter). Take that for whatever it's worth.

As an electrical engineer, and a gearhead, I'm pretty excited about the prospects of combining internal combustion engines with electric motors. I don't see why everyone is so scared of this.

It's also somewhat amusing to me that I'm drawing criticism from people who own cars that are slower, quieter, and possessing fewer cylinders than my Impala. Whatever

 

my idea was not all would have it standard but all as the option of having it. just like any other option (or at least how options used to be- ie not packages) - ud just check it off on the list of what u want. doesnt have to be (and shouldnt be) bundled in as a premium package, toyota has already proven that people arent typically as willing to spend as much on a hybrid as u may think if its bundled in as a premium package. think rx400h - they are sitting on lots longer than non hybrid models are.

gm planned for their hybrid to be available on any trim level and will be like that with the tahoe and yukon hybrids so i think it would be very easily done.

 

300HP 3.6L DOHC V6 + 50HP electric motor = 350HP Camaro that gets high 30's mpg.

Like what was already said, not every Camaro owner is hardcore and only buy the car for the V8 rumble. Plus think of the new customers that would be drawn into the new high tech powertrain.