Spy Shots: GM's large SUVs get racier
UPDATE: Spy shots are GMT900 Hybrid versions. The aero gear isn't for looks, but supposedly improves aerodynamics and boosts fuel economy.
Our automotive compatriot over at Winding Road, Chris Paukert, procured spy shots of several aero-enhanced versions of the Tahoe and Yukon SUVs. The assumption gathered by these test mules is that the General may be outfitting some of their newest GMT900 SUVs with some additional flare in a move to make a more 'sporty' 'ute.
Analysis of the cosmetic upgrades centers around the front clip, which sports a lower bumper and a revised grill, as the clean-themed side steps and a modified rear end wrap up the overall look.
[Source: Winding Road]
Our automotive compatriot over at Winding Road, Chris Paukert, procured spy shots of several aero-enhanced versions of the Tahoe and Yukon SUVs. The assumption gathered by these test mules is that the General may be outfitting some of their newest GMT900 SUVs with some additional flare in a move to make a more 'sporty' 'ute.Analysis of the cosmetic upgrades centers around the front clip, which sports a lower bumper and a revised grill, as the clean-themed side steps and a modified rear end wrap up the overall look.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
EGS 8:20AM (8/23/2006)
more tanks with attitudes. i am tired enough of the behemoths drivers thinking they have a fast vehicle without them burning another 6 gallons to go to work.
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5 watt 8:22AM (8/23/2006)
Wouldn’t it make more sense that these are hybrid test vehicles. GM already said they would have different grill and trim to improve aerodynamics.
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gixx 8:32AM (8/23/2006)
5 watt...you're right on the money.
But the twist may be that with the hybrid powertrain acceleration time may increase as well.
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Kowell 9:02AM (8/23/2006)
Great... this will be like the Highlander... insted of puting in a hybrid system to reduce consuption, they'll put in some monster hybrid V8 that's just as thirsty but acts like a great turbo giving more HP than the regular engine....
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chriseh 9:07AM (8/23/2006)
So this is what GM calls adding "bling" to the refrigerator mobile? Folks, it time to retire these gigantic shoe boxes to the auto museum.
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Howard Kerr 9:39AM (8/23/2006)
"...why would GM spend anymore of it's ailing development budget to equip what many identify as an ill-timed, fuel hog?"
Here's a few reasons:
1.) GM, like many of it's customers (foolishly) thinks gas won't remain at $3.00/gallon but instead will revert to $2.00/gallon or less.
2.) GM, unlike an old dog, can't learn any new tricks.
3.) GM, like Ford, knows there is enough of a market for a vehicle that LOOKS racy (even when it isn't) to warrant the expense of any special parts needed to bolster the illusion of sportiness.
4.) Let's hope it really is NONE of the above, and that instead these are areo aids for a hybrid model.
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J B Cougar 9:53AM (8/23/2006)
"If that's the case, we have to ask, why would GM spend any more of its ailing development budget to equip what many identify as an ill-timed, fuel hog?"
Because they are an American car company. No further explanation needed.
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Hampton 9:55AM (8/23/2006)
A lot of anti-GM sentiment posted. Interesting. Myself, I like their SUV and truck lineup. GM is introduding hybrid in nearly every line between now and '08. This includes Tahoe, Surburban, Avalanche and a new Silverado hybrid. More choices for the buyer, which is never bad AFAIC.
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m 10:01AM (8/23/2006)
6. "...why would GM spend anymore of it's ailing development budget to equip what many identify as an ill-timed, fuel hog?"
cause some people can afford gas
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Kowell 10:01AM (8/23/2006)
"A lot of anti-GM sentiment posted. Interesting. Myself, I like their SUV and truck lineup. GM is introduding hybrid in nearly every line between now and '08. This includes Tahoe, Surburban, Avalanche and a new Silverado hybrid. More choices for the buyer, which is never bad AFAIC."
-- The only Hybrid GM ever introduced was a Joke of a Sierra that was never mass produced because it really was a joke of 5% fuel economy.... big ass SUV and V8 don,t fit in the same sentence as Hybrid and ecological.
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Alex Nunez 10:10AM (8/23/2006)
The white one is almost definitely the Tahoe Hybrid.
Check this out, then compare.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/09/detroit-auto-show-gm-debuts-chevy-tahoe-hybrid/
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Zobi 10:25AM (8/23/2006)
I agree with others on the white one is the Hybrid Tahoe. I think that the Black one is just a GMC Yukon Hybrid.
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ChromeWaves 10:35AM (8/23/2006)
Damon the ill-informed anti-domestic troll strikes again!
As others have mentioned, these are probably hybrids! Maybe they get better mileage, or maybe they pump out more power, but with the same mileage. Is either scenario bad?!?
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Tri-Bob 10:46AM (8/23/2006)
Ah, love the emotion. 1)Howard Kerr, point 2, double negatives, that would then read they can learn new tricks? 2)GM keeps making them because people keep BUYING them, it is simple supply and demand. 3)Saturn is GM and they had the EV long ago in California (it didn't have great range and needed to be plugged in, but it was the first effort by ANY automaker to actually be in use. Saturn also has the VUE Green line. So saying GM doesn't have hybrids is wrong. They may not be Prius or Insight, but they are there and it will expand. No company is perfect (see all the recalls lately), so if you really don't like the trucks, don't bloody buy them! I think these look a lot better than the pick-ups they just introduced.
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Warren 10:47AM (8/23/2006)
Oh, well done Autoblog. Get GM-bashers going with more BS about gas hogging Utes when in fact this is obviously the Hybrid version with a 25% IMPROVEMENT in fuel economy over the "garden variety GMT900". And that comes from one of your own previous blogs!?! What keen insight you guys provide. Next time try reviewing your own friggin' reports before you link us into someone else's speculations. Even the wheels are the same!!
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Mj 11:11AM (8/23/2006)
WHAT A GM BASHING JOKE AUTOBLOG HAS TURNED INTO!!!!!
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Corey W. 11:22AM (8/23/2006)
Ah, the ill informed bashers!! They're what makes Autoblog posts so much more fun to read.
The whole, GM sucks cause they make SUV's, anyone driving an SUV sucks, the size of SUV's sucks, the amount of gas SUV's use sucks..... argument is TIRED!!
Yes, gas prices have effected many vehicle classes, but the market is still there, they're people that can afford these SUV's and can pay the 15MPG at $3gal. Get over it!! Like some, did you even take the time to confirm if these were just the hybrid models?
Sorry for the rant, it's just annoying shifting through the crap to get to the more genuine comments.
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Howard Kerr 11:28AM (8/23/2006)
Re nice TRI-BOOB:
Yeah, those big GM sport utes are just flyin' off the dealers lots....no big incentives needed there.
If you REALLY knew English grammar AND PUNCTUATION, you would know that the sentence
" GM , unlike an old dog , can't learn new tricks. "
DOES NOT use any double negatives. Unlike an old dog is a phrase used to describe GM...remove it and the sentence becomes GM CAN'T LEARN NEW TRICKS.
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Jeff 11:34AM (8/23/2006)
Why do you guys hate GM, Ford and Chrysler so much? I see so much Toyota love around here that it makes me want to puke? You think Toyota isn't in it for the money? I've owned 3 Toyotas and "TuRD" is an appropriate name for their "performance" division. I've owned several GM and Ford products and never had problems with them. I don't think that I've just been lucky with GM and unlucky with Toyota. Every time I go into the Toyota dealership to have my wife's van worked on, there's a waiting list to get into the service bays. If they're so stinking good, why is there a week backlog to get the darn thing serviced? Think about it.
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Marc Ricks 11:36AM (8/23/2006)
What ever happened to auto news reporting based on the vehicle itself instead of personal opinions? We are looking for facts on upcoming vehicles, not individual conjecture. No wonder people don't believe what they read and hear on the news anymore. You can't get to the truth anymore without wading through the junk. Stay focused, Damon. You are a reporter, not an analyst.
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