GM's Hybrid SUV was a FAKE!

I haven't read the articles yet but I would caution against asserting indisputable fact on the basis of two recently published articles (even if journalism standards were not in decline).

 

Concept and show cars that don't have all the functions claimed? That is a shocker.

Next we'll hear that people in bars lie about their ages.

IMO this isn't newsworthy. The fact that GM actually has test mules driving around surprised me more than the supposed scandal of the show cars.

 

Same here.

 

Appears as the debut of the Tucker automobile, where Tucker was working against a lack of parts and money, just to meet a deadline. The deadline being a show to reveal his cars.

So new hat, old trick.

 

"The real trick stuff on Graphyte is found inside the automatic transmission case where GM has built two small, efficient electric motors into the system. Powered by a 300-volt nickel metal-hydride pack under the rear seat, the motors are computer-controlled from under the hood. The two motors are less expensive than using one large one as in the Prius system, GM says, and are easier to package, plus they deliver a fuel economy benefit."

It looks like they are either being intentionally misleding or they don't know what they are talking about. Last time I checked the Prius had 2 electric motors too.

 

The floor model WAS a working prototype. What they meant was other prototypes are out driving around too, disguised as pickups.

 

One 'show car' I saw on TV the other day had small electric motors at each wheel. If GM did that, then they are different than the Prius. The two motors in a Prius don't do exactly the same job.

I'd like a good warranty on the small motors, though. Larger makes me think it'll last longer, even if two smaller ones spread the same workload evenly...

 

Who is some? You and EricGo? I am sure it is just all a big hoax. The engineers at GM could never figure out how to assemble a hybrid system and make it work, they only know how to assemble 8, 10 and 12 cylinder powerplants that get less than 10 mpg.

 

I understand the argument that concept cars are often not fully working models when they are showcased but in this particular situation, if it turns out that it is indeed true that there doesn't exist an actual working hybrid model of the SUV, it does feel like a bit of a cheat since that is really the whole point of that particular concept.
I can be forgiving of some other concept car that is highlighting some new functionality, be it new aerodynamics or innovative doors or whatever, and then not have something like the engine in it since that is not really the point of the concept--but when the whole point of the concept is to say here is the new potential hybrid powered vehicle and then not have that in there--very weak.

Here is the new hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid-electric hovercar! Oh yeah, it's really just a regular car cause we haven't developed the technology yet. :huh:

 

In searching for info on the Graphyte, came across this article by Christian J. Wardlaw. http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/ar...icle_id_int/228
I can't believe he says this, "The concept vehicle is equipped with giant 22-inch wheels wearing Goodyear all-terrain tires, which reinforce the notion that the Graphyte is a real SUV designed for real off-roading." No one interested in off-roading would ever slap 22-inch rims on there. That's just dumb.

 

You folks don't understand how important 'perception' is to the media. This is a great example.

 

When you say "media" are you talking about GM's marketing media or outside media reporting like this guy's article?