Terra4 Concept

[Awesomebase]

I know that this "concept" vehicle has been around for a number of months now, but I'm really curious to find out whether anybody has an idea if GM is going to build it. Understanding of course that "concept" vehicles are usually stripped down quite a bit before becoming reality, there are some things that I really like about it. I like the access to the truck bed from all 4 sides. I like 4 wheel steering. I REALLY like the hybrid engine combination. And this has to be the best part... I like the new interior... its about time the interior (dash, etc.) got a face-lift.
Does anybody know whether GM will really build it? It seems like the whole Terra4/Terradyne/Terra-? (forgot the name of it) lineup is something GM wants to do. I'm all in favor of the Terra4 (that's just my taste) but it looks as if it won't be built until at least 2004. Trying to find info on GM's site about it is impossible... hopefully somebody has information about it that they can post here! Thanks!

 

[NJAV]

Small maybe insignificant insider tip says that they are moving forward on making the Terra a reality...they want to throw their hat in on the hybrids and make it a successful venture.....as far as specs and configurations..that still remains a mystery.....take it for what it's worth...

 

[Awesomebase]

Well, I certainly hope they go ahead with the development. I understand that GM will be offering hybrid combinations starting with their Sierra and Silverado trucks for the 2004 model year (the combination 5.3L and electrical engine) to achieve an approximate 15% better fuel economy with no sacrifice in towing capacity. We'll see what happens!

 

[NJAV]

You really think a combination like that can exist in a truck like the Silverado and especially the AV....I don't know If they would be able to maintain the same power levels currently being run....then again I'm not to informed on this hybrid stuff either...

 

[Awesomebase]

Yeah, actually, incorporating an elecric motor with the gas engine saves a lot of weight by removing the starter and alternator. It is really a system for managing power. The gas engine shuts off when you're stopped at a red-light for example and then turns on again when you hit the gas. The electric engine recoups energy normally lost when braking and keeps all of the electrical systems working when the gas engine shuts off. Also, it works "invisibly" and does not interfere with the drivability of the vehicle. It does not carry the "load" of the gas engine except in terms of responding quickly and efficiently to the driver as to when the power of the engine is needed.

 

[NJAV]

Yeah, actually, incorporating an elecric motor with the gas engine saves a lot of weight by removing the starter and alternator. ?It is really a system for managing power. ?The gas engine shuts off when you're stopped at a red-light for example and then turns on again when you hit the gas. ?The electric engine recoups energy normally lost when braking and keeps all of the electrical systems working when the gas engine shuts off. ?Also, it works "invisibly" and does not interfere with the drivability of the vehicle. ?It does not carry the "load" of the gas engine except in terms of responding quickly and efficiently to the driver as to when the power of the engine is needed.

Thanks for the explanation awesome...I have a better understanding of the advantages of this hybrid technology....

 

[Awesomebase]

Glad to help! I'm sure there are people who can give pages of details on exactly what a hybrid setup does, but, this is a simplified version of it.
The only point of confusion I have is with regards to the idea that it saves "weight". I understand that the actual hybrid setup is lighter than the combination of engine components it replaces. However, there is still the matter of the batteries for storing the energy that the motor runs on. In the case of the Terra4, they are supposed to be stored in the floor behind the rear-passengers' seats. I gotta believe that batteries are pretty heavy, and a whole row of them can't be too light.
I guess the reason I call this benefit into question is because of the gas savings. I can see how smaller cars save on gas because they rely more on the electric part of the engine to do the driving which more than offsets the weight hit the vehicle takes for storing the batteries. (i.e. Toyota Prius, etc.)
But here is the situation... the Avalanche (and you can correct me if I'm wrong here) weighs around 5700 lbs. for a 4x4 5.3L version. The Terra4 is supposed to weigh 7000 lbs. for the hybrid 5.3L gas and electric.
Weight obviously plays very heavily into fuel efficieny. So does it mean that, if the Avalance is getting 13/17 mpg for the 4x4 at 5700 lbs. that the Terra4 should get 1300/5700 *100 % less mileage? That equals 22.8% less if the weight is the "primary" factor in fuel efficiency (given the engines are the same). Even with the 15% benefit of the hybrid technology, we're still looking at probably 12/16 fuel efficiency. On an Avalanche weighing the same, the 15% would translate into 15/19+ fuel efficiency... pretty darn good for a vehicle that size!
Oh well, I need a GM Engineer to sound in on this part of the discussion. I'm trying to see where the other 1300 lbs. of the Terra4 comes in that the Avalanche doesn't have.