LA Auto Show: GMC Yukon Hybrid does the two-step
We saw this one coming a mile down the road, although it was saving gas the whole time. The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid is essentially the same vehicle as Chevy's Tahoe Hybrid. Both vehicles feature GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology and a two-mode hybrid system developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. The system is coupled with a small-block Vortec V8 and should still be able to perform normal truck duties like tow 6,000 lbs. The two-mode hybrid system is pretty trick in that the first mode, designed for low speeds, allows the vehicle to operate on electricity only, gas engine only or a combination of both. Here all the normal hybrid benefits are enjoyed, like regenerative braking and engine shut-off. The second mode is for the highway, where a combination of cylinder deactivation and other operating tweaks maximizes the mileage while cruising. It's cool technology that was cool when it debuted in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. We're still awaiting for these sipping SUVs to arrive in showrooms, which GM says will happen late next year. As for mileage, we've again been given the line that the Yukon Hybrid will see a "25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy." It's a little odd that GM is introducing four hybrids this year (Saturn Vue Green Line, Aura Green Line, Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid) and keeping their biggest selling point, fuel economy, a secret.
More photos and GM's full press release can be found after the jump.
[Source: GM]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike 1:30PM (11/29/2006)
It's not odd... the new EPA fuel economy tests are coming out for 2008 models. Thus they dont want to market the new FE only to have to change them...
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DarkKnight67 12:32PM (11/29/2006)
I like the general overall appearance ... especially the chrome bar grille. It looks better than the black plastic on the SUV's or my Dad's new truck. Why are they taking off the body side moldings? It can't cut down on drag that much.
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Michael Karesh 12:39PM (11/29/2006)
This is a very complex system, so an even bigger question in my mind than the EPA ratings is the price. How much more will this cost than the regular Tahoe/Yukon?
I'm betting $3,000 before the tax credit. And how large will that be?
When the numbers are released, I'll get them into my database ASAP. I look forward to the real-world fuel economy numbers as well.
http://www.truedelta.com
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Greg Brady 5:15PM (11/29/2006)
Tax credit for hybrid tech vehicle...anybody know if the gov't still has the tax credit for the large body on frame truck based suv also?that would make this quite a buy if I'm not mistaken.
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Greg Brady 12:53PM (11/29/2006)
Tax credit for hybrid tech vehicle...anybody know if the gov't still has the tax credit for the large body on frame truck based suv also?that would make this quite a buy if I'm not mistaken.
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Jason 2:00PM (11/29/2006)
Love the front end changes. Even the blacked out rear pillar looks good, but it shouldn't extend up into the roof as high as it does. Good job GM on this truck.
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Fred Turner 7:55PM (11/29/2006)
Why does it have the Tahoe's tailight assemblies?
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asurroca 3:21PM (11/29/2006)
Wow, just from a styling standpoint, I like it a lot better than the regular Yukon. I like the fact that it looks VERY different. Just as when you buy a sport, or luxury trim, I think when you get a hybrid engine, you want your model to stand out from the non-hybrid version.
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Tom 5:18PM (11/29/2006)
#3 - What tax credit are you referring to for large body on frame truck based SUV? AFAIK there hasn't ever been a tax credit for these vehicles. There was a special, accelerated tax deduction that applied to all vehicles as well as SUV's.
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Lee Gibson 5:33PM (11/29/2006)
Hold on. The Yukon and the Suburban are different? Huh. Who knew?
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Greg Brady 5:17PM (11/29/2006)
Sorry 'bout #7
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Andy 5:43PM (11/29/2006)
The current Yukon averages about 15 to 16 mpg. Using that, the Yukon Hybrid will probably make 18 or 19 mpg overall. Not bad for a big SUV.
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MikeW 6:59PM (11/29/2006)
Is the 6L80 the standard transmission yet?
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