Motor Authority - blog Category: Yukon

The GMC Yukon Hybrid broke ground with the world's first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system back in 2008, which on the 2WD model offers 21 mpg in city driving – a 50% improvement over non-hybrid models. The lineup now includes the feature-packed Yukon Denali Hybrid, which infuses a new level of luxury into the efficient utility vehicle.

Along with exceptional fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid deliver full-size capability – up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and standard eight-passenger seating capacity.

Vehicles like the Yukon Denali are ideal for a hybrid application... The GMC Yukon Hybrid broke ground with the world's first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system back in 2008, which on the 2WD model offers 21 mpg in city driving – a 50% improvement over non-hybrid models. The lineup now includes the feature-packed Yukon Denali Hybrid, which infuses a new level of luxury into the efficient utility vehicle. Along with exceptional fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid deliver full-size capability – up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and standard eight-passenger seating capacity. Vehicles like the Yukon Denali are ideal for a hybrid application because of the greater fuel savings compared to smaller petrol-electric models like the Prius and Insight. This will be a crucial factor in showrooms, as fuel economy is the most important consideration for roughly 80% of Yukon Denali buyers. Power comes from GM’s familiar Two-Mode hybrid system, which combines two lightweight electric motors packaged in the transmission, as well as regenerative brakes and electrically-powered steering and air-conditioning systems. The Yukon Denali Hybrid also comes with GM’s MagnaRide suspension system StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Most of the grunt, however, comes from a 6.0L Vortec V8 with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and late intake valve closing and variable valve timing technologies. It produces 332hp (248kW) and 367lb-ft (498Nm) of torque. To differentiate the hybrid model from the regular Yukon Denali, designers have added newly designed 22in flangeless chrome wheels and discreet badging. Inside, designers filled the cabin with a number of handy amenities including a 12-way power, heated/cooled leather front seats, and an optional sunroof, DVD entertainment system, and blind zone alert side-mirrors. Other goodies include OnStar connectivity with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a reversing camera, a Bose stereo system, and three years of real-time XM NavTraffic. Pricing starts at $59,185 for the 2WD model and goes up to $62,030 for the 4WD model, as well as $950 in destination charges.2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid Read More

Joining the Yukon Hybrid SUV and Sierra Hybrid Pickup this May is the all-new GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV, which makes its debut this week at the New York Auto Show. The latest addition is an upmarket fullsize SUV that seats eight, tows up to 5,800lb (2,636kg) and according to GM achieves an impressive 21mpg (11.2L/100km) in city driving – comparable to a V6 Toyota Camry.

Vehicles like the Yukon Denali are ideal for a hybrid application because of the greater fuel savings compared to smaller petrol-electric models like the Prius and Insight. This will be a crucial factor in showrooms, as fuel economy is the most important... Joining the Yukon Hybrid SUV and Sierra Hybrid Pickup this May is the all-new GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV, which makes its debut this week at the New York Auto Show. The latest addition is an upmarket fullsize SUV that seats eight, tows up to 5,800lb (2,636kg) and according to GM achieves an impressive 21mpg (11.2L/100km) in city driving – comparable to a V6 Toyota Camry. Vehicles like the Yukon Denali are ideal for a hybrid application because of the greater fuel savings compared to smaller petrol-electric models like the Prius and Insight. This will be a crucial factor in showrooms, as fuel economy is the most important consideration for roughly 80% of Yukon Denali buyers. Powering the vehicle is GM’s familiar Two-Mode hybrid system, which combines two lightweight electric motors packaged in the transmission, as well as regenerative brakes and electrically-powered steering and air-conditioning systems. The Yukon Denali Hybrid also comes with GM’s MagnaRide suspension system StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Most of the grunt, however, comes from a 6.0L Vortec V8 with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and late intake valve closing and variable valve timing technologies. It produces 332hp (248kW) and 367lb-ft (498Nm) of torque. To differentiate the hybrid model from the regular Yukon Denali, designers have added newly designed 22in flangeless chrome wheels and discreet badging. Inside, designers filled the cabin with a number of handy amenities including a 12-way power, heated/cooled leather front seats, and an optional sunroof, DVD entertainment system, and blind zone alert side-mirrors. Other goodies include OnStar connectivity with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a reversing camera, a Bose stereo system, and three years of real-time XM NavTraffic. Pricing starts at $59,185 for the 2WD model and goes up to $62,030 for the 4WD model, as well as $950 in destination charges.2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid Read More

Originally earmarked for arrival in 2011, the next-generation of full-size SUVs from General Motors may never arrive at all. Word of their cancellation has emerged, and now the future of the current models is in doubt as well.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman and head of product development, said that "it would have been very difficult in today's environment to spend a couple of billion dollars to do a replacement" to GM's full-size SUV lineup in the current automotive market, reports The New York Times.

The next-generation of SUVs hadn't been expected to get the axe so soon. However, plans to move the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade and others over... Originally earmarked for arrival in 2011, the next-generation of full-size SUVs from General Motors may never arrive at all. Word of their cancellation has emerged, and now the future of the current models is in doubt as well. Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman and head of product development, said that "it would have been very difficult in today's environment to spend a couple of billion dollars to do a replacement" to GM's full-size SUV lineup in the current automotive market, reports The New York Times. The next-generation of SUVs hadn't been expected to get the axe so soon. However, plans to move the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade and others over to the smaller and more car-like Lambda platform have been brewing for some time now, and this may merely be another interpretation of that plan: the Tahoe and Suburban may well live on, but as more moderate versions of their formerly excessive selves. What will happen to the current-generation large SUVs is likewise unknown. They could live out their tenure in decreasing production until the 2012 model-year replacements arrive, or they could begin a slow phase-out as their market relevance wanes. Already GM is beginning to idle or close the plants that build the trucks, meaning the existing stock is at levels GM doesn't want to exceed. Read More

Cutting back on SUV and pickup truck production while shifting focus to smaller and mid-size cars means some reallocation of the workload among General Motors' North American factories. While many factories are just changing what they do, some will have to be closed to align with the new face of the auto market, and the next on the list is the Janesville, Wisconsin SUV plant, which will shut its doors by the end of the year.

Earlier plans had the plant closing by 2010 anyway, but the tough market through September has forced GM to move up its timetable. The closure will put 1,200 UAW workers out of their jobs when the operation shuts down... Cutting back on SUV and pickup truck production while shifting focus to smaller and mid-size cars means some reallocation of the workload among General Motors' North American factories. While many factories are just changing what they do, some will have to be closed to align with the new face of the auto market, and the next on the list is the Janesville, Wisconsin SUV plant, which will shut its doors by the end of the year. Earlier plans had the plant closing by 2010 anyway, but the tough market through September has forced GM to move up its timetable. The closure will put 1,200 UAW workers out of their jobs when the operation shuts down December 23. The plant has been used to make GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban SUVs. Another plant in Moraine, Ohio, where the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Saab 9-7X are built, will face a similar fate. The plant there had also been slated for a 2010 shutdown, but was moved forward due to the worsening market conditions. Looking further into the future, GM also plans to cut its Grand Rapids, Michigan, stamping plant by the end of 2009. In operation for the past 73 years, the plant today mainly stamps parts for GM's SUV lineup. The plant closures are all part of GM's ongoing restructuring plan for its North American business, involving a $10 billion cost-cutting program and raising $5 billion in cash. With revenues dropping through the floor on the weakest market in recent memory, however, cutting costs is easier - and quicker - than boosting revenues, and GM has taken to the task with vigor. Read More