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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