GM Reduces Carbon Footprint by .0000001mm
By Scott Reeves Aug 12, 2008 9:30 am
New models get 1 more mile per gallon.
Call it the 1 mile-per-gallon solution - and try not to laugh.
General Motors (GM) plans to release new versions of its full-sized pickup trucks and SUVs later this fall. Both space-age editions get an extra mile per gallon in both city and highway driving.
The new models are designated XFE (for “extra fuel economy”).
That’ll scare the bejabbers out of Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC), eh?
On the new XFE models of Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra trucks and GMC Yukon SUV models, GM extended the front lower air dam, lowered the suspension and revised the chassis to cut aerodynamic drag. GM also cut vehicle weight by using more aluminum parts, including an aluminum spare. The engine is a 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum cylinder block and heads that can run on ethanol, surely one of the great boondoggles of our time.
All this creates a net savings of 1 mpg - a great selling point to the math challenged. The whole thing reads like a parody: Imagine a fast food chain pitching a cheeseburger, fries and chocolate shake package that makes you fat, but more gracefully than the competition. Call it health food!
GM reported a net loss of $15.5 billion, or $27.33 per share, for the second quarter. Sales of GM trucks and SUVs dropped 23% in the first seven months of this year. Consumers turned to fuel-efficient cars as gasoline prices rose.
The XFE pickups and SUVs are scheduled to be in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008. The automaker now offers hybrid versions of the Tahoe and
Even with an additional 1 mpg from the XFE models (the new models get 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway), it looks like it’s still a long way back to profitability. As a point of comparison, the Ford (F) Ranger pickup gets 21 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway; the Jeep Compass SUV gets 23 miles in the city, 28 mpg on the highway.
GM's clearly behind: What’s the level needed to catch buyers’ attention? Maybe 20 mpg in city driving and 25 on the highway, or even 25 and 30? We’ll see.
But look on the bright side: GM is upfront about its microscopic gains, unlike the guys who hawk “miracle magnets” as a way to improve gas mileage. Here’s the skinny on the science of that scam: Gas flows past the magnet attached to the fuel line, see, and the magnetic field busts up clusters of fuel molecules, allowing the gas to burn more efficiently.
Only one problem: Gasoline molecules aren’t magnetic.
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2008-08-12 09:53:41
hey 1 mile a gallon is 15 extra miles a tank. Atleast they are going in the right direction.
fuel magnets sound a little like wind power. Oh wait the government isn't subsidizing Fuel magnets.
Do you realize if the government subsidized fuel magnets they could add 40,000 new jobs in Magnet manufacture and installation. In addition with the amount of energy saved while the cars are in the shop instead of on the road America could play xbox360 for an additional 12 minutes a day.
fuel magnets sound a little like wind power. Oh wait the government isn't subsidizing Fuel magnets.
Do you realize if the government subsidized fuel magnets they could add 40,000 new jobs in Magnet manufacture and installation. In addition with the amount of energy saved while the cars are in the shop instead of on the road America could play xbox360 for an additional 12 minutes a day.
2008-08-12 10:01:12
Silverado MPG
By GM increasing thier fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon equates to a 5% effeciency increase. Not too bad. The Silverado will get 28% better fuel economy than the Nissan Titan (12 city/17 Hwy) and 20% better fuel economy than the Toyota Tundra (14/17). Not to bad for an American company that the press has written off! Next time, try doing a little better research in your articles!
2008-08-12 10:49:28
Attitude adjustment...
Skeptic that I am (and perhaps all of us minyans, else we mightn't be here) a change in driving habits is the most effective way to save fuel.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-06-23-hypermilers-saving-gas_N.htm
Keep your current vehicle(s) but alter your behavior (I would add that I have had several manly-man 140mpg+ autos and the transition to fuel-efficient motoring was not that difficult.) But you DO have to try it to believe it.
Minyan David (and 2 million-mile trucker.)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-06-23-hypermilers-saving-gas_N.htm
Keep your current vehicle(s) but alter your behavior (I would add that I have had several manly-man 140mpg+ autos and the transition to fuel-efficient motoring was not that difficult.) But you DO have to try it to believe it.
Minyan David (and 2 million-mile trucker.)
2008-08-12 11:02:23
5% improvement
If you drive 20,000 miles a year, you'll burn 1000 gallons of gas at 20 MPG, and 952 at 21 MPG. That 48 gallons of gas or perhaps $180/year savings.
Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick ....
Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick ....
2008-08-12 11:24:13
Stupid article
This article just goes to show how little some of the supposed auto industry analysts really know about fuel economy, powertrain technology, real facts, and math.
One mpg is significant for a vehicle of this type, and as Greg and Dean point out, if you have to drive a full-sized pick-up/SUV, the GM ones are the most efficient. At the volumes this segment sells at, (still), the impact on our gasoline usage is large. I am glad less people are buying from such guzzling segments as many people don't need these vehicles. But some businesses definitely do.
By the way, GM's midsized cars Malibu, and AURA get 33 mpg on the highway with the 6 spd automatic and 2.4 L 4 cylinder engine.
UH2L
http://www.thingsivenoticed.com
One mpg is significant for a vehicle of this type, and as Greg and Dean point out, if you have to drive a full-sized pick-up/SUV, the GM ones are the most efficient. At the volumes this segment sells at, (still), the impact on our gasoline usage is large. I am glad less people are buying from such guzzling segments as many people don't need these vehicles. But some businesses definitely do.
By the way, GM's midsized cars Malibu, and AURA get 33 mpg on the highway with the 6 spd automatic and 2.4 L 4 cylinder engine.
UH2L
http://www.thingsivenoticed.com
2008-08-12 11:30:36
4.8% to 6.7% is significant
As others have said... this is a significant uptick in mileage...1 MPG is 4.8% highway and 6.7% city... much more significant than the title of the article implies. What is wrong that that? Why bash that? I little 3rd grade math might be a eye opening before jumping to conclusions.
2008-08-12 12:00:01
Scott, Educate yourself before writing an article that illustrates you're incompetence.
Number one, Honda manufactures no trucks; the ridgeline is a crossover with a bed, no frame. Toyota makes a poor excuse for a legitimate heavy duty work truck. Ford Ranger? Sorry dude, not a work truck. For GM to get these gains is hard work, and your quips diminishing their gains for the working community that legitimately needs a truck to do work illustrates incompetence, stick to writing about dog races, Idiot!
2008-08-12 12:31:17
Wrong segment
You're comparing the Silverado, Tahoe, Sierra and Yukon to the Ranger and Compass -- much smaller vehicles. Do you know what any of the vehicles are that you're comparing?
2008-08-12 12:40:38
Dump on GM
There you go, taking the really RISKY view.
I notice you compare the full size GM trucks with smaller trucks, let's compare them to the same shall we...
Toyota Tundra (you know, the GREEN company)
Their best: 2008 Toyota Tundra 2WD Trucks
6 cyl, 4 L, Automatic (S5): 15 city / 19 highway
2008 Ford F150 Pickup FFV 2WD 15 City 18 HWY
2008 Dodge Ram 2WD 15 City 18 HWY
So what exactly is wrong with comming out with a model to squeeze the most fuel economy out of these trucks?
Oh yeah, crapping on American manufacturers is an easy article for a lazy writer to write.
It would take guts to write, "The Fuel Economy LEADER in full size trucks just got better."
I notice you compare the full size GM trucks with smaller trucks, let's compare them to the same shall we...
Toyota Tundra (you know, the GREEN company)
Their best: 2008 Toyota Tundra 2WD Trucks
6 cyl, 4 L, Automatic (S5): 15 city / 19 highway
2008 Ford F150 Pickup FFV 2WD 15 City 18 HWY
2008 Dodge Ram 2WD 15 City 18 HWY
So what exactly is wrong with comming out with a model to squeeze the most fuel economy out of these trucks?
Oh yeah, crapping on American manufacturers is an easy article for a lazy writer to write.
It would take guts to write, "The Fuel Economy LEADER in full size trucks just got better."
2008-08-12 16:38:22
Unless you're a laborer...
You shouldn't be driving a truck. Period.
And even if you are, these aren't stellar numbers -- and the GMC models are bigger than their Japanese counterparts mostly in terms of passenger space, not cargo space, so far as I can tell.
And as for the SUVs: Ford hybrid SUVs get 30 city, 34 highway - but why the hell are you still driving an SUV, given the energy crisis?
And if really can't resist - for the love of God, get a hybrid.
And even if you are, these aren't stellar numbers -- and the GMC models are bigger than their Japanese counterparts mostly in terms of passenger space, not cargo space, so far as I can tell.
And as for the SUVs: Ford hybrid SUVs get 30 city, 34 highway - but why the hell are you still driving an SUV, given the energy crisis?
And if really can't resist - for the love of God, get a hybrid.
2008-08-12 16:47:23
Some links
Because I have no idea what you people are smoking, as you leap to GM's defense (seriously? GM is ecologically responsible to you?):
Link to top 10 most fuel efficient trucks (and note that the Colorado and Canyon are tiny, for those of you horrified to see "small" Japanese trucks compared to American behemoths)
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/125764/article.html
And link to top 10 most fuel efficient SUVs (notice there are NO GM VEHICLES ON THE LIST):
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-fuelefficient-suvs-306/overview/index.htm
Link to top 10 most fuel efficient trucks (and note that the Colorado and Canyon are tiny, for those of you horrified to see "small" Japanese trucks compared to American behemoths)
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/125764/article.html
And link to top 10 most fuel efficient SUVs (notice there are NO GM VEHICLES ON THE LIST):
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-fuelefficient-suvs-306/overview/index.htm
2008-08-12 22:36:27
Can't do it too fast
There are some small modifications to most vehicles that would greatly improve mileage, but GM can't implement them too soon, or everyone would ask, "Why didn't they do that 20 years ago?" If they actually gave you a 50% increase now, who would buy a truck NEXT year?
5% at a time. Talk to the Marketing Hand. R & D has a lot of things on the shelves just waiting for money to come out of the health care budgets.
If you want Change, keep it in your pocket.
Two words: Synthetic oils.
5% at a time. Talk to the Marketing Hand. R & D has a lot of things on the shelves just waiting for money to come out of the health care budgets.
If you want Change, keep it in your pocket.
Two words: Synthetic oils.
2008-08-13 00:06:21
Some links
OMG Goran, you are a bigger Moron than the author of this article. I linked to your top ten article showing the 10 most fuel efficient SUV's and the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon (and the Isuzu I-series which is manufactured by GM) are all in the top ten. Do you not know what vehicles GM makes!
"Link to top 10 most fuel efficient trucks (and note that the Colorado and Canyon are tiny, for those of you horrified to see "small" Japanese trucks compared to American behemoths)
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/to p10/125764/article.html
And link to top 10 most fuel efficient SUVs (notice there are NO GM VEHICLES ON THE LIST): "
"Link to top 10 most fuel efficient trucks (and note that the Colorado and Canyon are tiny, for those of you horrified to see "small" Japanese trucks compared to American behemoths)
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/to p10/125764/article.html
And link to top 10 most fuel efficient SUVs (notice there are NO GM VEHICLES ON THE LIST): "
2008-08-13 00:13:19
Unless you're a laborer...
Goran, do you not know anyone that has a large family that needs a vehicle that carries up to eight people?!
There are plenty of families that require a large vehicle , and when you caluate the MPG per person in a vehicle, an SUV carrying 8 people ,getting 20 MPG, is far more efficient than 1 person driving a hybrid that gets 45 MPG!
There are plenty of families that require a large vehicle , and when you caluate the MPG per person in a vehicle, an SUV carrying 8 people ,getting 20 MPG, is far more efficient than 1 person driving a hybrid that gets 45 MPG!
2008-08-13 08:15:54
Some links
Can you read?
Apparently not: The list of *SUVs* does not have any GM vehicles on it; the list of trucks does, as I mentioned, though the trucks are small.
I do know people with large families. They tend to take public transportation, or own hybrid minivans. Not. Non-hybrid. SUVs.
I hope you at least own some GM stock. Otherwise you have no excuse.
Maybe you should try getting hooked on phonics - and come back when you're able to read.
Apparently not: The list of *SUVs* does not have any GM vehicles on it; the list of trucks does, as I mentioned, though the trucks are small.
I do know people with large families. They tend to take public transportation, or own hybrid minivans. Not. Non-hybrid. SUVs.
I hope you at least own some GM stock. Otherwise you have no excuse.
Maybe you should try getting hooked on phonics - and come back when you're able to read.
2008-08-13 11:01:20
Some links
Goran,
Your knowledge of the automotive industry never fails to amaze! Can you let us all know exactly what company is selling hybrid minivans in the US which will hold 7-8 people?
And are you suggesting that large families should move to the half dozen or so major metro areas in the US which have a good public transportaion system, so that these families don't have to buy an evil SUV?
Your knowledge of the automotive industry never fails to amaze! Can you let us all know exactly what company is selling hybrid minivans in the US which will hold 7-8 people?
And are you suggesting that large families should move to the half dozen or so major metro areas in the US which have a good public transportaion system, so that these families don't have to buy an evil SUV?
2008-08-13 11:02:30
Some links
There are SUVs that hold 8 people? Are you kidding?
Or do you just strap the kids to the fender?
Or do you just strap the kids to the fender?
2008-08-13 11:24:12
Now now...
Let's try and keep the name calling out of the discussion. Feel free to politely disagree, but we try and keep acrimony out of the 'Ville.
2008-08-13 12:26:28
Some links
Toyote Sequioa, Honda Pilot, GMC Yukon, GMC Acadia, GMC Denali, Buick Enclave, Lexus XL470, Nissan Armanda, Ford Exepedition, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, and the Saturn Outlook all come equipped to seat 8 people comgortably.
The Economy leader in this segment is evil General Motors with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and the Saturn outlook with 24 MPG highway. The foreign car companies don't come close.
By the way, I'm still waiting to find out about this Hybrid van that all your friends with large families own!
The Economy leader in this segment is evil General Motors with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and the Saturn outlook with 24 MPG highway. The foreign car companies don't come close.
By the way, I'm still waiting to find out about this Hybrid van that all your friends with large families own!
2008-08-18 16:26:05
Right, let's compare full size SUVs and Trucks to a small pick up and the pathetically tiny and useless jeep compass.
Have you tried towing a boat with a jeep compass, or a ford ranger?
Have you tried towing a boat with a jeep compass, or a ford ranger?
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