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Global Concepts (Part 2)
Chevrolet Triax
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GM describes the Chevrolet Triax as a peek into the future of transportation and a glimpse at the corporation's next generation of environmentally responsible vehicles. The 4215 mm (166 in) long car is aerodynamically efficient, attaining a low drag coefficient of 0.27. It offers multiple propulsion and drivetrain choices: hybrid electric all-wheel-drive, internal combustion engine rear-wheel-drive, and pure electric all-wheel-drive. The hybrid and electric feature two power sources. The hybrid employs a 75-kW (100-hp) Gen III electric motor driving the front wheels and the combination of a turbocharged, DOHC, 0.658-L, 48-kW (64-hp) engine and an inline three-cylinder engine and a 15-kW (20-hp) electric motor/generator driving the rear wheels and regenerating electricity on deceleration and braking. A nickel/metal-hydride module pack supplies/stores electricity. The electric package employs two 35-kW (47-kW) Gen-III motors to drive all wheels. Again nickel/metal-hydride battery modules are used. The gasoline engine version is powered by a turbocharged, DOHC, variable valve timing, 0.996-L, 75-kW (100-hp) inline four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels via a CVT. All three versions share a common chassis with pneumatic suspension all around and short/long arms up front and struts at the rear. The suspension incorporates an automatic four-corner leveling system to maintain a 200-mm (8-in) ground clearance and a consistent ride quality, even when fully loaded. Another novel feature is electrically assisted variable power steering operating on 42 volts. The body/framework is made of lightweight materials. Curb masses range from the IC model's 1030 kg (2270 lb) to the EV's 1490 Kg (3280 lb), with the HEV about halfway between.
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