2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Preview

Hybrid Hauler

Chevrolet's Silverado Hybrid gets improved fuel economy while retaining much of its utility.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid will benefit from the same "two-mode" hybrid powertrain as used in the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon. General Motors says the Silverado Hybrid's fuel economy will improve by up to 40 percent in the city and 25 percent on the highway over that of the standard version.

The Silverado Hybrid will retain much of its rugged utility, with a towing package and heavy-duty locking rear axle, although it will only be able to tow 6,100 pounds, as opposed to the standard Silverado's 10,500-pound capacity. The Silverado Hybrid will be available in the crew cab body style, which means it will have four doors and a second row of seating for passengers. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions will go on sale in late 2008.

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