Here is an article that details the expected 42 volt battery in the GMC lineup. It is from the National Post (online-Canadian).
Given that it is GMC, I suspect that the main supplier will be Delphi. Therefore it would be nice to learn if Valence will reap rewards.
Happy Investing...............Jacques
nationalpost.com
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GM goes hog wild with new trucks
13 new models
David Booth
National Post
Friday, May 09, 2003
The 2004 GMC Canyon Crew Cab hits the market with the aim of revitalizing GM's mid-sized pickup line. It has a variety of model configurations, suspension packages and cab styles.
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The world's largest automotive manufacturer says it will launch 13 new models and six completely new nameplates over the next year, filling in gaps in its lineup and creating new market niches.
The updates and new models stem from an across-the-board revision of GM's entire truck fleet. There are six new full-sized pickups, five mid-sized pickups and four unibody SUVs, as well as four medium-duty trucks.
In the full-sized segment, GM says the "Flex Power" can improve fuel economy by up to 15%. GM says the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Flex Powers are hybrids, but they are really plain, old gasoline engines with a high-tech, 42-volt electrical system.
These half-ton Extended Cab models start with a standard Vortec 5300 V8 and Hydra- Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission that is coupled with a 14-kilowatt starter/ generator. This high-voltage system lets the driver shut the engine off at stoplights and cut down the accessory load on the engine for a reduction in fuel consumption of 10% to 15%. Besides the expected improved fuel economy, the Flex Power models offer 120-volt electrical power with four on-board auxiliary power outlets providing the equivalent of a 20-amp household circuit for powering accessories. And they work whether the truck is driving or parked.
GM says the system provides the same feel, performance, load- carrying, towing and grade-climbing capability as GM's conventional half-tons. Flex Power pickups will available in two- and four-wheel-drive options to fleet operators in October and to retail customers in early 2004. No information on pricing for the new technology has been released.
Other full-sized introductions include new Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cabs, coming to market in mid-2004. They combine GM's roomiest cab with a new, 5-foot-8 pickup bed that permits easy handling and parking. Powered by a Vortec 5300 V8 with 285 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque, the 1500 Crew Cabs are available in two- and four-wheel drive and have GVWRs of 3,091 and 3,182 kilograms.
There are also new Silverado and Sierra K3500 (4WD) models available with single rear wheels instead of the dual-rear-wheel set-up. Available in regular, extended and crew cab body styles either as long-box pickups or box-delete chassis cabs, the new one-tons -- all rated at 4,500 kg GVWR -- feature a Vortec 6000 V8 and Hydra-Matic 4L80-E four-speed automatic. Vortec 8100 gas and Duramax 6600 turbo-diesel engines are optional .
The all-new, 2004 Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon is intended to revitalize GM's mid-sized pickups with new in-line five-cylinder and four-cylinder engines the automaker claims provide the power of current V6s with the fuel efficiency of a four. Numerous model configurations, suspension packages (both sporting and off-road), multiple cab styles (crew, extended and regular) and two- or four-wheel drive options are available.
The Chevy SSR will also soon make its debut. The unique pickup/roadster uses a frame and chassis similar in design to Chevy's sport-utes and is powered by a Vortec 5300 V8 mated to a four-speed automatic. Complementing its sporting profile are low-profile, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires.
The Buick Rainier, based on the Chevy TrailBlazer but with numerous upgrades for a quieter ride, and the GMC Envoy XUV sport-ute with its retracting roof round off the mid-sized truck/ SUV additions.
GM will also launch two all-new unibody-based SUVs in 2004 -- the Cadillac SRX and Chevy Equinox. As well, the company will add an Ultra version of the Buick Rendezvous and a high-performance version of the Saturn Vue, which also gets a Honda-sourced, 250-hp, 3.5L V6 -- basically the Honda Pilot engine -- for '04.
Cadillac's SRX luxury sport-ute, based on its CTS sedan, launches with its new 3.6L, DOHC V6, as well as the recently revised 4.6L Northstar V8. |
