The reduction in fuel consumption would be enormous. Coupled to the transaxle are the conventional gasoline engine and one electric motor on the input side of the gearbox, and another electric motor on the output side. A 3.6-liter V6 version of the hybrid powertrain, which will be offered first, puts out 220 horsepower from the engine, plus another 32 hp from the electric motors. Performance predictions, based on a new SUV, were 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of 7.3 seconds, and a combined fuel economy of 43.7 miles per Imperial gallon. Pulling away from a light, however, they'll notice superior acceleration and relative quiet.
Electric motors offer excellent torque at start-up.
As the vehicle gains speed, the conventional engine starts, adding power at a point where it runs efficiently. Each of the electric motors has three operating modes. A small lead-acid battery pack will be used initially, but other battery technology is being explored. Keeping the battery pack small limits the range on electric motors alone, but saves weight for better vehicle performance. Range is not limited with the ParadiGM system however, because the conventional engine is used as the primary power source.