Aug 9

Why your next pickup should be a GM
Oddly enough, out of all of the research done into hybrid technology GM has been forward thinking enough to make theirs are not only affordable, but ingenious as well. They now offer both the Sierra and the Silverado pickups as hybrids country wide. Using a technology not formerly seen in hybrids, GM attempted to not only lower emissions in their pickups, but to make them handier as well. Affordable technologyGM wanted to make a hybrid truck that was too well priced to turn down, the major complaint of the hybrid models is high price tag which counteracts the gas mileage benefits. In response to this GM produced their pick up hybrids to cost only $1500.00-$2500.00 more than its gas guzzling brothers, saved with tax cuts at the pump within the first few years of ownership. Especially if you consider that the hybrids produce a 10% improvement in fuel economy, all without sacrificing any power. Both the Sierra and Silverado offer the same 245 horsepower V8 engine, and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. If you consider that pickup truck drivers are not sacrificing any power and when sitting stopped in traffic it emits very limited pollution for their size. Hybrid systemGM employs what they call a “flywheel alternator starter hybrid system” which uses a compact electric motor incorporated between the engine and the transmission. This electric engine runs the truck when it is slowing or idling at a standstill. They calibrate the flywheel alternator system to turn off the engine more frequently than even those systems used in most smaller hybrid models. Eliminating much of the pollution caused by slow moving traffic in high volume. Now your work truck can double as a generatorBoth the Sierra and the Silverado boost four 120-volt, 20 amp three-prong outlets which can be used to provide power for electrical tools and electronics. This eliminates any need for a gassy generator spewing fumes into the air at a work site. The truck must be running, but utilizing it’s electric engine allows it to run virtually emission free. GM reports that their hybrid trucks can continue to pump out power for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to refuel. Aimed specifically at contractors, whose need to access abundant sources of energy and drive long miles to job sites fuel this intelligent new take on a work truck. Testers reportThe power source for tools was not quite as juicy as GM would have you think, however the idea is a brilliant one. No doubt in a few generations they will have nailed down this imperfection in an already forward thinking vehicle. Although the gas mileage is a tad better overall, it borders on insignificant. Which again is certain to be addressed and updated in generations to come. Reviewers say that the feel of the engine cutting out as you hit ten miles an hour is a bit disconcerting, and takes some getting used to, but its pollution saving benefits far outweigh that small detail. Every accessory on the truck is electrical, so the gas engine only runs when it is needed to for its sole purpose, to accelerate the vehicle. Overall appealThe brilliance behind the ideas developed for these pickup truck models is really what drives them at this point. Fine tuning is necessary of any piece of equipment and GM has been making pick up trucks for a long time. They will continue to address the issues and refine the existing good points, driving the hybrid market to continue to bring us new and innovative ideas. <b>About the Author:</b> My name is Paige Filler and I'm a creative writer with a love of all things that go vroom. I do my homework to bring thought and innovation into everything I write about the auto industry. You can find more of my stuff at <a href="http://www.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank">Cash 4 Used Cars</a>, and <a href="http://blog.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank"> this blog.</a>
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

Pontiac Models Old and New Leave Great Memories
Pontiac is arguably the best all around car that General Motors ever produced Although, it is fair to say that the Cadillac and to some extent the Buick were more readily identified as luxury automobiles, the Pontiac has always been far more than a performance machine . .To the younger generation, the Firebird and its performance cousin the Trans Am are probably the models most readily identified with the brand, but Pontiac dealers (of those that remain!) can certainly testify to the early, glory days of the GTO . .These models were so representative of their era that they became mainstays in the popular culture, with starring roles in box office topping movies like “Smokey and the Bandit” starring Burt Reynolds and popular television series like “The Rockford Files” starring James Garner . .And back in the earlier days of larger cars with enormous tail fins, Pontiac certainly had credible entrants such as the Bonneville and the Catalina . .This classic line-up of models from Firebird, Trans AM, GTO, Bonneville to Catalina were all best-sellers in their day, and the earlier models like the Chieftain with it’s classic Indian (native American) head logo American classics in an earlier era were equally popular before the later Pontiacs that we still see on the street today . .There is no doubt, though, that an underlying theme of these cars from then to now has been performance In recent years, there was a tremendous amount of favorable press for the original launch of the Pontiac G6 and the subsequent arrival of the updated G8, both updates of the classic Pontiac performance car of bygone days . .And it is certainly lamentable that General Motors pulled the plug on the entire Pontiac brand before the general public could become more aware and knowledgeable about these significant new entrants into the Pontiac family, and before their true sales potential could be reached . .Hopefully, there will be an ongoing and vital market for Pontiac used cars and certainly at least some Pontiac dealers may be able to successfully transform their businesses into repair centers and continue to supply enthusiasts with genuine parts for them . .The loving restoration of classic Pontiacs from the past and present will no doubt grow in popularity and cult status once new models are no longer rolling off the assembly lines . .While General Motors may have pulled the plug on the brand, Pontiac can live on forever through our memories, which are now all the more poignant knowing the clock is ticking on this classic car brand .
Source: www.rsstnx.com