The folks at General Motors are apparently excited about their newest tweaks to their belt-alternator hybrid system for 2010 - but not too excited. Representatives from their Powertrain wing are stoic and mum about any of the particular details. No, they can't comment on motor changes, and there's even less word on what the exact battery specifications will be - other than that the cells will be provided by Hitachi's Vehicle Energy division.

That said, these tweaks - notably the inclusion of a larger motor-generator and a smaller lithium-ion battery pack - will allow the automaker to begin applying the hybrid system in vehicles across the globe. Presently, the only vehicles in the General's portfolio using the "economical" hybrid system are those off the Epsilon (Saturn Aura, Chevrolet Malibu) and Theta platforms (Saturn Vue), although the Chinese W-body Buick LaCrosse is also available with a similar system. GM envisions even compact cars - like the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept - could be perfect applications for the BAS hybrid.

Moving to lithium-ion batteries allows GM to reduce the physical size of the battery (reportedly now the size of a 12-pack of soda), allowing the entire system to be incorporated in cars of smaller size or different packaging. Representatives wouldn't comment on how these batteries compare to those in the up-and-coming Chevrolet Volt, but battery engineer Andy Loithauser says the cell requirements are different, noting the BAS system is more a "lithium-ion - friendly application" than a PHEV.

Although GM wouldn't mention plans for what vehicles can or would get the revised powertrain, chief engineer Stephen Poulos says the system could be applied to front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. GM won't talk specifics about the revised motor-generator, but the larger unit now produces three times the electric boost of the current system - and in theory, says Poulos, could help compliment the performance of a small-displacement turbocharged motor by providing low-end boost while the turbocharger spools.

What GM will say is they expect to move more than 100,000 units with the system on an annual basis after its introduction in 2010. We'd expect the Aura and Malibu to continue offering the system, but small economy cars - like Chevrolet's Cobalt or Saturn's Astra - may be fair game for hybridization, as well.

GM RELEASE

GENEVA - As another key element in its overall global strategy to improve fuel economy and reduce oil consumption and CO2 emissions, General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner announced today that GM will introduce a second-generation version of the GM Hybrid System with a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery.

Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd., will supply an advanced lithium-ion battery, which will help make the next-generation GM Hybrid System nearly three times more powerful than the system it replaces. Overall fuel economy improvements for cars and trucks using the system are expected to be up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application.

"This new system is another important step in our broad-based strategy to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions," Wagoner said at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Saturn Vue, Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu. By building on this proven technology, Wagoner said, GM will be able to make the GM Hybrid System more cost-effective and expand its application in GM's global vehicle portfolio.

"In order to have a real impact in reducing oil consumption, oil imports, and CO2 emissions, advanced technologies must be affordable enough to drive high-volume applications," he said. "We plan to roll out this next-generation hybrid technology globally, across our brands and regions, starting in 2010 in North America, and we expect that volumes will eventually exceed 100,000 units annually."

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will complement GM's widely acclaimed Two-Mode Hybrid system as part of the company's advanced powertrain portfolio. The Two-Mode Hybrid system debuted in 2007 in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and will be offered this year in the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. The first front-wheel-drive application of the Two-Mode Hybrid system will debut in the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line.

The increased power from the lithium-ion battery will allow the next-generation GM Hybrid System to be used in a wide range of global powertrains, including naturally aspirated engines, new high-efficiency turbocharged engines, bio-fuel engines and diesels.

This technology is showcased in the Saab 9-X BioPower Hybrid concept car, which debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show. The Saab concept is capable of 117 g CO2/km, or projected fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg) when running on gasoline over the combined cycle.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by:

* Turning the engine off at idle
* Offering brief electric-only propulsion
* Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
* Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
* Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
* Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging

For additional energy savings, an advanced six-speed automatic transmission also may be used, depending on the vehicle application.

The current GM Hybrid System was introduced in 2006 on the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, which remains the lowest-priced hybrid SUV in the U.S., starting at a $25,995 MSRP. Shanghai GM announced in January that the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid sedan will be the first application for the current GM Hybrid System in Asia-Pacific.

By the end of 2008, GM will offer eight hybrid models in North America and nine worldwide. GM will introduce 16 new hybrid vehicles over the next four years.