GM Sequel: Reinvented Automobile No Longer Just a Dream
Improves Upon First 100 Years
The bold push from General Motors Corp. to reinvent the automobile, first
revealed in the AUTOnomy and Hy-wire concept cars, became that much more real today
with the unveiling of the GM Sequel.
The technologies embodied in Sequel, such as fuel cells, by-wire and wheel hub motors,
have developed so fast that GM has been able to double the range and halve the 0-60 mph
acceleration time, compared to current fuel cell vehicles, in less than three years, according to
Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and planning.
"Three years ago, our chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, challenged us to completely
rethink the automobile", Burns said. "The Autonomy and Hy-wire concepts were the
outgrowth of that challenge a revolution in how vehicles would be designed, built and used
in the future. But, they were concepts. Today, with Sequel, the vision is real not yet
affordable, but doable."
Sequel embodies GM's vision of reinventing the automobile with a fusion of technologies that
includes advanced materials, electronic controls, computer software and advanced
propulsion. According to Burns, it's an exclamation point for GM's comprehensive global
advanced technology strategy that is addressing efficiency and emissions, from today's
engine and transmission technology to hybrids and, eventually, fuel cells as the ultimate
answer.
"GM's goal," Burns explained, "is to design and validate a fuel cell propulsion system by
2010 that is competitive with current internal combustion systems on durability and
performance, and that ultimately can be built at scale affordably. "
What excites Burns is that Sequel's performance is achieved with technology available today
and does not depend upon some science yet to be invented.
"We've achieved remarkable gains in range and acceleration by using our fuel cell system
technology that exists today," Burns said. "That's a real breakthrough. For anyone tracking
the viability of fuel cell vehicles, this is encouraging news."
Sequel, about the size of a Cadillac SRX, travels up to 300 miles on its hydrogen supply, and
accelerates to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Current-generation fuel cell vehicles have a
range of between 170 and 250 miles and cover 0-60 mph in between 12-16 seconds,
depending upon whether a battery is used.
"With Sequel," Burns said, "virtually everything is packaged in an 11-inch 'skateboard'
chassis, building on what we first showed the world in the AUTOnomy and Hy-wire. Sequel
points to a vehicle that, in the future, will be better in nearly every way quicker,
surer-footed, easier to handle, easier to build, better looking, safer and only emits water
vapor."
Other benefits include:
Unequaled control on snow and ice, or uneven terrain
42-percent more torque for unparalleled acceleration
Shorter braking distances
While Sequel should excite customers, it also should encourage world governments, Burns
added, because of its potential to address societal concerns.
"Sequel helps address major societal issues, from eliminating auto emissions, to helping the
world transition to renewable and stable energy supplies, to reducing the chance for crashes
and traffic congestion," Burns said.
About GM
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, employs
about 325,000 people globally. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales
leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and it's vehicles
are sold in 192 countries . In 2003, GM sold nearly 8.6 million cars and trucks, about 15
percent of the global vehicle market. GM’s global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance
Center in Detroit . More information on GM and its products can be found on the
company’s corporate website at www.gm.com.
Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com
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