GMC Sierra Hybrid 2005 Accentuated with GMC Parts from Parts Train

A standard Vortec 5300 5.3-liter V8 engine powers the Sierra Hybrid and a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission coupled with the full-size truck segment’s first hybrid propulsion technology for improved fuel economy.

The Sierra hybrid uses electric power even less frequently. Its gasoline engine can shut down when the car is stopped (actually, when it's braking to a stop, below 13 mph or so) and-that's it. The batteries (three 14-volt units plus the standard 12-volt) cannot power the truck at low speeds. Nor do they help out the gasoline engine, which therefore can't be any smaller. It's the same 5.3-liter V-8 GM pickup buyers know and love. Because of the limited nature of this hybrid system, the benefits are mild: roughly 2 mpg in city driving and 1 mpg during the EPA's highway cycle.

The system replaces the traditional starter motor and alternator with a compact 14-kw electric induction motor or starter generator integrated between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows the gasoline engine to automatically start and stop under certain conditions to conserve fuel.

The Sierra Hybrid also offers four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets located under the rear seat and in the pickup bed. Because the 5.3-liter V-8 is the same as that in non-hybrid pickups, its power and torque outputs are the same (295 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque). Acceleration, towing, and payload are undiminished. The extra hybrid gear takes up very little space-the biggest component, the three extra batteries, is under the rear seat. One interesting feature of the hybrid trucks are its four, 120-volt 20-amp AC power outlets in the cargo bed and the rear seat; but the engine must be running in order to use them.

As in hybrid cars, the gas engine shuts off at stoplights to save fuel, and an electric motor restarts the engine when the gas pedal is pushed. Unlike most hybrids, the electric motor does not help propel the vehicle. The system does include a unique feature aimed at commercial users and picnic tailgaters: a generator that provides 120-volt power for running electrical accessories.

Available in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada and Florida, the Sierra Hybrid delivers up to 10 percent better fuel economy with the same power and performance as the 5.3-liter V8. In fact, that same engine powers the Hybrid, developing the same 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque.

GM is not to be outpaced in this hurried race for the development of producing fuel cells. With all these amazing technological breakthroughs in the automotive industry, Partstrain stands by its commitment of delivering excellently engineered GM performance parts, replacement auto parts to go with GM's efforts of sustained production of environment friendly vehicles.

By Jenny McLane.

Visit the Blog about gmc flint

GMC to Launch All New Pick Ups Early

Published reports are indicating that General Motors will move up the production of their updated line of GMC and Chevrolet pick up trucks by three months with the new models making their debut in October 2006. Some are calling this move an act of desperation on the part of GM which has been socked by extensive criticism over its product line, while others are hailing it as a bold, strategic initiative. Regardless, this is an unusual move for the world’s number one automaker, one that could help the company get back on its feet. Let’s take a look at the new trucks and what they will offer to you, the consumer.

High gas prices, quality problems, and a perception that the company offers products that no one wants has been plaguing General Motors for much of the past year. With plant closures coming, layoffs pending, and market share decreasing, little good news has been focused on “the general” by the automobile press. Fortunately, GM is battling back with fresh models set to be released including SUVs and trucks, which are the “bread and butter” vehicles of the company. Here is what you can expect to see when the new trucks enter the market in Autumn 2006:

1. Fresh sheetmetal. All new exteriors with a modified and sportier front end.

2. Modified engines. Traditional work horse engines which have powered GMC trucks for much of the past decade are expected to return. However, displacement on demand technology, which shuts down unneeded cylinders at certain times [city traffic being one example] is expected to be incorporated on some motors. This technology effectively increases gas mileage without sacrificing performance.

3. New steering. Just as the SUVs will receive new rack and pinion steering when they make their debut in Spring 2006, the large pick up trucks should receive similar enhancements.

4. Interior upgrades. Changes to the trucks’ interior as well as to packages offered will be some of the “inside” changes noticed by consumers.

General Motors has its work cut out for itself as an eroding market share is threatening the very viability of the company. Part of the reason for the move up of production is to thwart the new models expected from Nissan and Toyota that compete directly against the GMC pick ups. Both Japanese automakers have stated that they, too, are moving up the production of their popular full sized pick ups, therefore General Motors is reacting in part to their anticipated moves.

Beyond GMC trucks, the automaker will be releasing the Saturn Sky convertible, revamping its entire line of full sized SUVs, and overhauling several other lines of vehicles in a bid to win over customers. All of these changes are steps in the right direction, but the unanswered question remains this: how will consumers respond? The answer isn’t likely to be known for at least one more year.

By Matthew Keegan.