General Motors Corp. will introduce a new hybrid full-size pickup and a concept hybrid truck this week at the Chicago Auto Show, MSNBC reports, betting that pickup drivers have been itching to jump on the hybrid bandwagon. The company claims that its 2009 Sierra hybrid will see a 25 percent bump in fuel economy while maintaining performance. The 2008 Denali XT concept (pictured above) reportedly gets 50 percent better fuel economy—both using GM's new two-mode hybrid system.

Two mode systems are the way to go for maximum economy, at least using current hybrid technology. GM's version, which has already seen the light of day in the Tahoe hybrid, can run the 2009 Sierra at up to 30 mph without engaging the gas engine, according to the report. After that, or when towing, both the gas and electric engines kick in. During braking and cruising, the system restores electricity in the truck's 300 volt battery. The gas engine itself can run in either four- or eight-cylinder modes; the hybrid version helps keep the gas engine in its four cylinder mode for longer periods of time. The Sierra hybrid will be available by the end of 2008.

Meanwhile, the Denali XT concept is structured on a unibody frame rather than a truck frame, meaning that it delivers the smoother ride and better fuel economy of a car. It uses the two-mode hybrid system in tandem with ethanol.

Post by Jamie Lendino