General Motors will be putting the focus on its GMC brand at the New York Auto Show, with the launch of the Yukon Denali Hybrid – as well as the new 2010 Terrain.
Using GM’s two-mode hybrid system the “green” Yukon Denali boasts city fuel-economy that has been improved by more than 50 percent. Unfortunately in a vehicle as massive as this (with a 6.0-liter V8 engine) the result is just 21 mpg.
Wait a minute.. that is pretty good.
“The eight-passenger GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid goes just as far on a gallon of gas in the city as a much smaller, V-6 Toyota Camry sedan,” said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “And in terms of fuel savings, the GMC Yukon Denali saves about 250 gallons of fuel a year over the Lexus GX 470.
Actually, the news is even better than that. If you check out Toyota’s website, it lists the automatic V6 Camry at 23 mpg city and the 4-cyl automatic at 21 mpg city.
GM’s hybrid system not only reduces the need for gasoline in the city, it provides regenerative braking and powers both the electric power steering system and the air conditioning compressor.
Unfortunately, where fuel-economy doesn’t show much improvement is on the highway, with a rating of 22 mpg.
Then again, the Yukon Denali Hybrid does make 332hp and 367 ft-lbs of torque, can tow 5,800 lbs and can seat 8 in perfect luxury. Standard features include 12-way power, heated and cooled leather front seats with leather for the first and second rows.
It will cost you, however, two-wheel drive models start at $59,185, with 4WD models at $62,030. That price does include a freight charge of $950 and there is a tax credit of $2,200 available.
The Yukon Denali Hybrid goes on sale in may and joins the Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid Pickup, all of which come with an eight-year 100,0000 mile hybrid powertrain warranty.
GALLERY: Yukon Denali Hybrid
More on the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid after the jump:
GMC EXPANDS HYBRID PORTFOLIO WITH ADDITION OF YUKON DENALI HYBRID
Joins Yukon Hybrid SUV and Sierra Hybrid Pickup, Making GMC the First Manufacturer to Offer Three Full-Size Hybrid Models
• Provides full-size luxury and capability with more than 50-percent increase in city fuel economy
• Powered by GM’s advanced, patented, two-mode hybrid technology
• Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid powertrain warranty with no deductibles
NEW YORK – GMC’s all-new 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. It is a luxurious, full-size SUV that seats eight, tows up to 5,800 pounds (2,636 kg) and achieves an estimated 21 miles per gallon in city driving, thanks to the engineering excellence of the Yukon’s patented 2-mode hybrid system.
The GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid arrives in May at Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealer showrooms. It joins the Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid pickup truck in the GMC hybrid lineup, making GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.
“The eight-passenger GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid goes just as far on a gallon of gas in the city as a much smaller, V-6 Toyota Camry sedan,” said Susan Docherty, vice president, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “And in terms of fuel savings, the GMC Yukon Denali saves about 250 gallons of fuel a year over the Lexus GX 470.”
The GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid infuses a new level of luxury to the Yukon Hybrid introduced for the 2008 model year. Docherty said the number one consideration for those purchasing the GMC Yukon Hybrid is fuel economy (80 percent); followed by 66 percent for its environmentally friendly technologies and more than half because of its technological innovation.
Patented, industry-leading hybrid technology
GM’s most advanced hybrid technology drives the GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid’s superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability. Powering this hybrid system is a fully integrated combination of two lightweight electric motors packaged in the transmission; an electronic brake emulator that provides blended regenerative braking; electric power steering and an electric air conditioning compressor.
The heart of the system is GM’s 6.0L Vortec V-8 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management, late intake valve closing and variable valve timing technologies. It produces 332 horsepower (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. (498 Nm) of torque.
Unique hybrid exterior, luxurious interior
The Yukon Denali Hybrid rides on new 22-inch, eight-spoke, flangeless chrome wheels that make a unique Denali appearance statement.
Inside, designers filled the cabin with luxurious amenities such as standard 12-way power, heated/cooled leather-appointed perforated front seating and heated, second-row, leather-appointed bench seating. Buyers may choose an Ebony or Cashmere interior. The only three options on this fully equipped vehicle are a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind zone alert mirrors.
Enhanced connectivity includes standard OnStar with Directions & Connections and Turn-by-Turn Navigation, navigation radio with rear camera system, a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System and three years of real-time XM NavTraffic.
A comprehensive safety package of crashworthiness and crash-avoidance features includes front- and side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak with traction control. The Yukon Denali Hybrid also is equipped with GM’s MagnaRide suspension, the first application of this advanced technology in a Yukon. MagnaRide uses magnetic particles in the shock absorber fluid to adjust the damping rate of the shock absorbers – based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics – to help keep tires in contact with the road.
MSRP starts at $59,185 (2WD) and $62,030 (4WD), including the destination freight charge of $950. Buyers may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2,200.
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GMC YUKON DENALI HYBRID PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid
Body style / driveline: four-door sport-utility vehicle, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2- or 4-wheel drive, half-ton models
Construction: body on frame
EPA vehicle class: full-size sport-utility vehicle
Manufacturing location: Arlington, Texas
Engine
Vortec 6.0L V-8 (LFA)
Type: 6.0L V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc): 364 / 5967
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Ignition system: coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires
Fuel delivery: Active Fuel Management™; sequential fuel injection
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Horsepower (hp/ kW @ rpm): 332 / 248 @ 5100*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 367 / 498 @ 4100*
Fuel: regular unleaded
Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6000
Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O²
sensor
EPA fuel economy (city / hwy): 2WD: 21 / 22
Transmission
Type: 2-Mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears
Gear ratios (:1):
First: 3.69
Second: 1.70
Third: 1.00
Fourth: 0.73
Reverse: infinite – 1.70
EVT1: infinite – 1.70
EVT2: 1.70 – 0.5
Final drive ratio: 3.08
Vehicle Power System
Power electronics system: 300-volt (transmission, air conditioning, heater pump, front crash sensor); 42-volt (power steering); 12-volt (vehicle accessories)
Batteries: 300-volt (hybrid system); 12-volt (vehicle accessories)
Chassis/Suspension
Front: independent, coil-over-shock
Rear: five-link with coil springs
Traction control: all-speed traction control with Magnetic Selective Ride Control
Steering type: 42-volt electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio: 17.75:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 3
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 39.04 / 11.9
Brakes
Type: four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS; with regenerative capability
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 13 x 1.18 / 330.2 x 30
rear: 13.5 x .787 / 345 x 20
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type: 22-inch x 9-inch 8-spoke flangeless chrome
Tires: P285/45R22 blackwall AL 2 Touring
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 116 / 2946
Overall length (in / mm): 202 / 5130
Overall width (in / mm): 79 / 2007
Overall height (in / mm): 2WD: 76.9 / 1954 4WD: 77 / 1955
Aerodynamic profile (cd): 0.34
Track (in / mm): front: 68.2 / 1732
rear: 67 / 1702
Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): 9 / 229
Step-in height (in / mm): 2WD: 21.8 / 553 4WD: 22 / 558
Ground to top of load floor (in / mm): 2WD: 31.7 / 804
4WD: 31.6 / 802
Approach angle (deg): 17
Departure angle (deg): 21.9
Curb weight (lb / kg): 2WD: 5712 / 2596 4WD: 6047 / 2749
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 2WD: 53 / 47
4WD: 54 / 46
Interior
First Row Second Row Third Row
Seating capacity (8 max): 2 3 3
Headroom (in / mm): 41.1 / 1043 38.5 / 978 38.2 / 971
Legroom (in / mm): 41.3 / 1049 40.5/ 1031 25.4 / 644
Shoulder room (in / mm): 65.3 / 1658 65.3 / 1657 61.7 / 1566
Hip room (in / mm): 64.4 / 1636 60.6 / 1539 49.1 / 1246
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
Behind 1st row, 2nd row folded no third row 108.9 / 3084
Behind 2nd row no third row
60.3 / 1707
Behind 3rd row
16.9 / 478
Capacities
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 108.9 / 3084
GVWR (lb / kg): 2WD: 7300 / 3318
4WD: 7500 / 3409
GCWR (lb / kg): 12000 / 5443
Payload, base (lb / kg): 2WD: 1369 / 622
4WD: 1339 / 609 (with third-row seat)
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 2WD: 5800 / 2636
4WD: 5600 / 2545
Fuel tank (gal / L): 24.5 / 92.7
Engine oil (qt / L): 6 / 5.7
Cooling system (qt / L): 16.8 / 15.9