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Report: GM Planning Rear-Wheel Drive Hybrid Cars, Starting With Cadillac ATS

 
9 2,156 views February 8, 2010

GM electric motor production

Last month General Motors announced it was expanding its in-house electric vehicle development capabilities by becoming the first major automaker in the U.S. to design and manufacture its own electric motors for future hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

The electric motors, which are 25 percent smaller and 20 percent more powerful than current designs, are to be used in the automaker’s next-generation rear-wheel drive Two-mode hybrid system. GM’s current Two-mode hybrid system is used exclusively in its full-size pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles but according to the automaker’s vice chairman of global product operations, Tom Stephens, the system will eventually feature in its rear-wheel drive cars.

With most new technology in the auto industry, the first recipients are usually luxury models. In the case of GM, this would mean the Cadillac division, which is made up mostly of rear-wheel drive models.

The first model to pick up the next-generation Two Mode hybrid system is likely to be the upcoming ATS sedan, which will be built on the new Alpha platform and eventually spawn coupe, wagon and convertible models as well.

The new ATS is expected to go on sale next year and be followed by a replacement for the CTS in 2012, and both cars are likely to offer a hybrid option. As for the range-topping XTS due late next year, which was previewed in concept form at last month’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show with an advanced plug-in hybrid system, we’re unlikely to see a production plug-in version anytime soon.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]


HI-RES GALLERY: GM electric motor production




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Comments (9)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 2/8/2010 1:36am PST

    I would much rather have a diesel, lots of low end torque, great milage etc.
     
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  2. By  r4 kaarten Posted: 2/8/2010 1:40am PST

    I work for GM (engineer) and was able to attend a sneak peek of all of these products and the upcoming products including the "ATS" , "XTS and Malibu are unbelievable and should put the world on notice that GM will not go quietly into the night. As for the ATS, yes the correct wheels are doing the driving!
     
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  3. By Bret Posted: 2/8/2010 6:23am PST

    Lol, we already know that it's gonna be RWD, and it will come in 4 versions of body style, but I wish they had been showing the ATS concept in Geneva, everybody wants to see that car, why to wait until Paris or LA?
     
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  4. By dan aka 64chevyman Posted: 2/8/2010 7:00am PST

    GM must work with the US government to make semi trucks the run on bio diesel or get further involved in green tech to further advance it's world class lab! Darn right they are on the move! They will gain some momentum and never look back! However that only takes you so far in the world economy thus GM must then shift to mass transit, cargo hauling, or solar production abroad with the facilities and lab they have in place!
     
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  5. By dan aka 64chevyman Posted: 2/8/2010 7:21am PST

    Biofuel will replace natural gas as the low emissions way going forward and yes that means diesel in hybrids cars etc..., thus GM must embrace this tech and keep Saab to expand Euro tech down this path.
     
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  6. By bepsf Posted: 2/8/2010 10:38am PST

    "...GM must...keep Saab to expand Euro tech down this path."
    SAAB is gone and soon to be in better hands -
    - that horse has already left the barn.
     
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  7. By dan aka 64chevyman Posted: 2/8/2010 10:57am PST

    I cannot help it but to dream as Chrysler now has access to the worlds most gifted creative minds that GM would covet one of their most sculptured lineups!
     
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  8. By Burke Posted: 2/8/2010 10:59am PST

    It is very refreshing posts with good common sense in this forum! At a glance, the rotor and stator shown look very heavy...I would be worried about extra weight added to hybrid cars. On the other hand, I believe that the future of the short commuting belongs electric and hybrid electric vehicles. However, engines burning biofuels and or natural gas have a little problem: combustion produces too much water vapor, which has a much higher "green-house effect" input than CO and CO2.
     
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  9. By ColtsChiefsTitans Posted: 2/9/2010 9:42am PST

    To: dan aka 64chevyman
    GM Europe (aka Opel) still exists and from what we've seen I think GM will accelerate importing Euro technology (see Buick Regal aka Opel Insignia). Unfortunately, if Lutz has his way we won't see GM Diesels on this side of the Atlantic as he believes there's no market unless US gas prices are over $4/gallon. As a hybrid owner I would not mind a higher gas tax to incentivize conservation and customer demand for more efficient powertrains (i.e. DIESEL!) in the USA. At current prices people don't care too much about milage... (anything in low 20's is OK for most folks).
     
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