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BMW, GM, DCX to spend $1 billion on hybrid transmissions. (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060811/FREE/60811001/1024/LATESTNEWS)

Richard Truett - Automotive News - Aug. 11, 2006

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Chevrolet_Tahoe_Hybrid.jpg
GM is scheduled to launch the Two Mode transmission first, late next summer in the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV.

Going green isn’t cheap.

Andreas Truckenbrodt, executive director of hybrid powertrains for DaimlerChrysler, revealed General Motors, BMW and DaimlerChrysler will spend at least $1 billion to develop a pair of "Two Mode" hybrid transmissions to be used in full-sized SUVs, luxury vehicles and front-wheel-drive cars.

The $1 billion is not equally divided among the automakers, said Larry Nitz, executive director of hybrid powertrain engineering for GM. That's because the costs for each automaker go up based on the number of vehicles in which the Two Mode transmission is used. Each model with the Two Mode must have its own software calibrations, Nitz explained.

BMW, which, except for the Mini Cooper makes rear-wheel-drive cars, is not taking part in the development of the front-wheel-drive version of the transmission but might at a later date.

None of the automakers have ever commented on the cost of the project, nor have they given volume projections. Truckenbrodt said core development of the transmission's internal workings cost $300 million.

About 500 engineers from the three automakers are working on the Two Mode under a single roof in an office complex in Troy, Michigan.

GM is scheduled to launch the transmission first, late next summer in the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Two Mode is also slated for the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, both due in 2008. Dodge will use the transmission in the Durango for the 2009 model year.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will get the Two Mode. But neither automaker will say what cars or SUVs will get the transmission and when those cars will be marketed.

The Two Mode transmission, when used with cylinder-cutoff technology, is expected to increase the fuel economy of a full-sized V8-powered SUV by at least 25 percent. That means a 5000-pound Tahoe could get highway fuel economy of about 26 mpg.

GM will build the rear-wheel Two Mode in a plant near Baltimore and sell it to BMW and DaimlerChrysler. The front-wheel-drive version, which uses many of the same parts as the rear-drive Two Mode, will likely be built by DaimlerChrysler.

So... If 2Mode delivers a 25% FE improvement, then you could get a whole 14 MPG out of a Caddilac Escalade, instead of a mere 11 MPH. ::yawn:: The 2Mode system seems like it's a bit underwhelming compared to the 40% improvement that IMA delivers and the 50%+ that HSD can do. Also, GM seems intent on only deploying this system in luxury land yachts that maybe one person in 100 can afford.

I'd be more impressed with a hybrid Cobalt (so the mainstream buyer could afford a GM hybrid).

Keep in mind that hybrid technology isn't the fix; it's how you use it. The reason IMA delivers a 40% improvement in FE is that it is mated to a smaller, very advanced engine. Whereas it sounds like the 2-mode boxes are going to be mated to the same big engines that are used in the standard automobile. This technology may prove to be the best yet developed, but they will need to go the extra step to get the real gains that we want to see. They may do it, they may fall on their faces. Either way it will be interesting to watch.

Hi Ashen Grey:

___Maybe you missed this …

The Two Mode transmission, when used with cylinder-cutoff technology, is expected to increase the fuel economy of a full-sized V8-powered SUV by at least 25 percent. That means a 5000-pound Tahoe could get highway fuel economy of about 26 mpg.___We know what a strong hybrid can do around town and I have the feeling this could be something special for the larger vehicles. Nothing earth shattering but 26/26 city/highway for a 5,000 # vehicle capable of towing? Those numbers are huge compared to anything in its class or even underneath it!

___This was the first article where I saw the development coasts. It looks like a 350 million investment a piece to trump HSD. That was a very nice investment if GM can pull it off and actually get these vehicles on the road with little to no headaches … Downsizing the DualMode to fit the G6 or any of the Buick lines let alone a Cadillac CTS (I have a secret passion for the CTS myself ;)) would do wonders for GM. HEV or PHEV … “if” they do it right. Again, “if” they do it right. If not, they are just as good as dead.

___I still would love to see an atkinsonized - low torque demand - cam lobe with DoD and DualMode to really pull this things real world highway up. I see no reason why this thing couldn’t do 30 + out on the highway at speeds of 60 or less … 30 + is not that big a deal in the HCH/Prius world but for a full sized SUV, those kind of numbers are absolutely huge compared to anything from Toyota, Honda, or Nissan!

___Good Luck

___Wayne