GM Advanced Technology Debuts in Detroit

Though branded as a concept car, the Astra Diesel Hybrid is nearly identical in appearance to the stock Opel Astra GTC

The second concept vehicle that GM will be displaying is the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

hatchback. Its attractive, sophisticated European-styled exterior that includes large, jeweled headlamps, sharp, creased body lines and a one-piece windshield that melds into a panoramic roof, is breath of fresh air from GM's current compact car offerings.

Like the Saturn ION, or Chevrolet Cobalt, both of which use the same general Delta architecture, the Astra features a rigid monocoque body with a European-tuned strut and torsion beam suspension. As its name suggests, the vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, a frugal 1.7 liter, four-cylinder common rail turbodiesel, capable of producing 125 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. Opel claims that the Diesel can reach 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, while consuming less than 4L/100 km of fuel!

These two vehicles, while totally different in nearly every way possible, share one crucial component: a hybrid drive train system. Named Two-Mode, and developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, the system can be fitted to a broad range of vehicles, whether they be FWD, RWD or AWD, or powered by gasoline or diesel engines. The Two-Mode system, like many

Named Two-Mode, and developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, the hybrid system found in the GM concept cars can be fitted to a broad range of vehicles. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

hybrid powetrains can operate to assist the main powerplant during heavier work loads such as accelerating, or can be run on a zero-emissions, fully electric mode.

The Two-Mode system also makes advances on current hybrid technology in that it can be added to most existing production vehicles. The electric motors used in the Astra and Graphyte concepts are housed inside the transmission case, while the batteries used are smaller, and more compact. Expect to see the same performance-enhancing, fuel-consumption reducing technology in upcoming passenger cars, SUVs and pickups.