chevy heading into the future

[jamis]

I know this is OT, but check out my new work truck. Its a full size hybrid. We are the first to receive 50 of these trucks from the factory for testing. Its got a 5.3 vortec with an electric converter/transmission thinging (still haven had time to look at it). It as a 24v batt. pack under the rear seat for the electric motor that helps drive along the transmission. some cool features... the engine will shut down when the truck comes to a braking stand still, then it will fire up again as soon as you let off the brake pedal. However in Florida its to dam hot, so we override the system so now it wont shut off unless the cabin temp. is what I set it at. The engine will shut of at idle but will start back up if the inside cabin temp goes above 74 degs or whatever I'm in the mood for. It doesn’t save as much fuel as the small car hybrids but it saves more then 10% over the same type of truck with out electric power. This 4X4 is no turtle; it will set you back in the seat at lot more then those old 5.7s. The only draw back is I have to return it after testing for the next 2 years and every month I have to write comments on the vehicle. I don’t know when they will be available to the public or their cost