Chicago Auto Show: hybrids on parade
The Chicago Auto Show is physically the largest auto show in the United States, with 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. The show floor was home to 48 auto manufacturers showing off their latest productions and concept-car technology. But we were mostly impressed by the way this show put the range of hybrid-car choices into perspective.
The show floor
Following in the shadow of the North American International Auto Show in nearby Detroit, Chicago lacks some of the luster and breaking news of its more prestigious rival, but that doesn't cut into its ability to showcase just about every car for sale today and the technology within.
A hybrid truck?
GM has begun offering its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups as hybrids. In this application, the gas engine shuts down whenever the truck is idling, coasting, or coming to a stop. Then when you tap the accelerator, the electric motor jump-starts the gas engine in a fraction of a second.
A more "powerful" hybrid
GM's hybrid pickups also use the technology in an unexpected way: The vehicle can double as a high-power backup generator, producing up to 2,400 watts of 120V AC power while idling. That's enough juice to run a lot of gear during a blackout. You tap into it via outlets in the bed of the truck.
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