The GM/DCX/BMW Hybrid System Unveiled

[Variance]

The GM/DCX/BMW Hybrid System Unveiled

The American (GM), German (BMW) and bi (DCX) automakers have joined forces on a hybrid project that aims to compete with the likes of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. The two-mode hybrid system promises increased fuel economy and overall performance compared to conventional single-mode hybrids. Check out the full story on this latest evolution in hybrid technology.

Read "GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW Premiere Unprecedented Hybrid Technology" @ The Auto Channel

[04monteintimidator]

this is good... not only will a hybrid help GM against toyota... but also working with BMW and DCX should lend some precious credibility to the company that in todays world dominated by magazines that trash domestics at all costs... is sorely needed... maybe this will help GM get some faith from american consumers once again

[PurdueGuy]

Sounds good. Is this different from the 2-mode system talked about with the Tahoe hybrid? I read this article, but am not terribly familiar with the Tahoe hybrid setup...

[Variance]

Sounds good.   Is this different from the 2-mode system talked about with the Tahoe hybrid?  I read this article, but am not terribly familiar with the Tahoe hybrid setup...

Nope. This one is the one and the same going into the GMT900 hybrids.

[LTB51]

this is good... not only will a hybrid help GM against toyota... but also working with BMW and DCX should lend some precious credibility to the company that in todays world dominated by magazines that trash domestics at all costs... is sorely needed... maybe this will help GM get some faith from american consumers once again

Except that BMW and DCX are in the unreliable camp when it comes to quality.

Still, the more people in the hybrid game the better.

[Dsuupr]

It looks to be less complicated than toyotas. I wonder if GM will then be able to spread it around to all of their vehicles quickly and at a much lower cost.

[LTB51]

It looks to be less complicated than toyotas.  I wonder if GM will then be able to spread it around to all of their vehicles quickly and at a much lower cost.

I'm not sure. The actual unit still looks fairly complicated.

From the documentation and the initial applications it looks like it may be more appropriate for heavier vehicles than the Toyota system.

What is interesting is the ease with which it could be deployed into non-hybrid vehicles (assuming they get a FWD capable version out) including diesels.

I don't see it written explicitly anywhere, but the documentation seems to imply that it uses the gas engine to charge the batteries instead of regenerative braking.

It will be interesting to see how it compares....

Edited April 28, 2006 by LTB51

[pow]

IONO, I just can't imagine driving any BMW without engine noise.