GM takes two-way road on hybrids

Once the hybrid hype has worn off, General Motors is betting that buyers will still want one that gets the job done at a sensible cost.

Tahoe Hybrid: Attacking the beast
Tahoe Hybrid: Attacking the beast
Cost: $50,490
Mileage: 21 city, 22 highway
Instead of a separate electric motor assisting the gasoline engine, the Tahoe has two electric motors integrated into the SUV's transmission in a way that allows the Tahoe to be used for heavy hauling or efficient cruising.

Most hybrids have continuously variable transmissions, or CVTs. CVTs change gear ratios in a continuous, fluid fashion rather than stepping up and down through, say, four or five gears. That's ideal for maximizing fuel economy, but CVTs lack strength. They can't handle big V8-engines, and they aren't good for towing.

The Chevy Tahoe has a four-speed transmission, but with the interaction of those electric motors, it can act like a CVT. When fixed gears are better for towing a heavy load, the electric motors change their behavior and allow the transmission to act like a regular four-speed.

The engine has its own suite of fuel-saving touches. At 6.0 liters, it's bigger than the 5.3-liter engine that's standard on the Tahoe. That may sound backwards, since the goal is fuel economy, but this engine can shut off four cylinders when full power isn't needed. With a bigger engine, half-power is enough more of the time.

Last updated February 18 2008: 9:29 AM ET

Two ways

Big vehicle

Big trim

Big savings

Light vehicle

Light touch

Light savings

Mid-sized pay-off
Video: Malibu Hybrid GM's new hybrid system trades lower fuel economy gains for lower up front costs. (more) video
All aboard! Top 10 family rides Vehicle valuation expert Kelley Blue Book gives CNNMoney.com a first look at its picks for the best new family vehicles. (more)
Saturn Astra: Lost in translation GM's new imported Saturn compact fails to make up in performance what it lacks in practicality. (more)

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.