It seems like the Texas State Fair is fast becoming a major stop on the auto show circuit, as more and more vehicle manufacturers (make that truck and SUV manufacturers) are using this venue to introduce new models to the public. Hey, it makes a lot of sense, as they have exactly the audience—and a huge one at that—corralled.
So along with Ford (The iconic Ford F-Series turns 60 ) and Dodge (2008 Ram Resistrol here ), GM is using this state fair as a stage to unveil their new GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.
From this link you can find other links to all the vehicles on display at this year's Texas State Fair...
Here's Inside Line's take: Better Than Chili: GM Previews Its Full-Size Hybrid SUVs in Texas
Image: Mike Stone for General Motors
Image: Mike Stone for General Motors
ateixeira says:
07:48 AM, 09/28/07
20/22 is truly amazing, seriously impressive. Kudos.
Mid 40s price seems high, but I bet this sells well even at that price. Probably close to 40k street pricing.
estreka says:
01:56 PM, 09/28/07
I beg to differ on the "better than chili" comment.
billt9 says:
05:04 PM, 09/28/07
20/22 is nice.
The 6200 lb towing capacity limit is unfortunate.
The 3.5L Toyota Highlander tows 5,000 lb,
while the 3.6L Saturn Outlook tows 4,500 lb.
6,200 lb is cutting it close to "gimmicky 6.0-liter".
A 6.0-liter can only tow 6,200 lb?
firstwagon says:
07:13 PM, 09/28/07
Try towing 5000lbs with a Highlander and let me know how it goes. Rated towing capacity is just a legal term.
Good luck getting up a hill.
billt9 says:
09:24 AM, 09/29/07
A Tahoe Hybrid + person + 5000 lb is 10,700 lb.
At 332 hp, 367 lb-ft, 3.43 diff, trans ratios 3.69-0.73,
It's 4202 hp, 4645 lb-ft in 1st gear.
2.54 lb/hp, 2.30 lb/lb-ft.
A Highlander + person + 5000 lb is 9,200 lb.
At 270 hp / 248 lb-ft, 3.478 diff, trans ratios 4.235-0.756,
It's 3977 hp, 3653 lb-ft in 1st gear.
2.31 lb/hp, 2.52 lb/lb-ft.
Pretty similar.
But the hybrid, with its torque at 0 rpm will probably make the Tahoe get off the line quicker.
Somebody buy both vehicles and test them please.
Thanks.
firstwagon says:
03:04 PM, 09/29/07
That's a good amount of number crunching. What I've found with years of towing is that peak HP and torque are less important then what's available in the 1000 to 3000 rpm range. You don't tow at 4000 to 6000 rpm so how much power an engine makes there doesn't really matter.
That's why big V8's (and diesels) make such good tow engines. The torque is available right at the engine speed you use when you are cruising down the highway.
rsholland says:
07:08 AM, 09/30/07
firstwagon
The Highlander, or any mid-size SUV, is not designed for really heavy towing. For years the mid-size Jeep Cherokee could tow 5K, and no one complained; and its 4.0 engine was far less powerful than the engine in the Highlander, throughout the rev range.
Given the Highlander's mission, it should tow okay as long as you stay within the 5K limit. Remember, these tow limits are for legal reasons mostly. Toyota doesn't want to get sued, so they set those tow limits only as high as they dare. 5K is a reasonable limit for mid-size SUVs.
firstwagon says:
09:45 AM, 09/30/07
I have a Grand Cherokee with a 4.0 that I tow a small travel trailer with. Although it is rated at 5000 lbs, I would not recommend towing that much unless you live somewhere completely flat.
A friend of mine with a Honda Odyessy tows a large pop up trailer (about 2000lbs). Any significant grade requires a couple downshifts and 5000rpm to maintain speed.
I haven't seen dyno curves for the 4.0 vs the Highlanders V6 but I think you'll find the 4.0 is stronger up to about 3000 rpm
ateixeira says:
07:42 AM, 10/ 1/07
Hybrids will be a small portion of sales. I think 6200 lbs is enough trailer for that small percentage.