2008 GMC Yukon
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SEGMENT-FIRST 2008 YUKON HYBRID OFFERS UP TO 25 PERCENT OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY
Last year, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs were all-new, delivering more power and better fuel economy than the vehicles they replaced. They build on that segment-leading reputation with changes and innovations for the 2008 model year, including the introduction of the Yukon Hybrid and a new six-speed automatic transmission for the Yukon XL 2500 heavy-duty model.
The Yukon Hybrid features the world's first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system in an SUV, which offers an estimated 25-percent overall improvement in fuel economy. Better still, the fuel-saving advantages are balanced with a superior driving experience and uncompromised capability. The Yukon Hybrid can tow up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg); and to maximize its efficiency, its Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine is equipped with GM's Active Fuel Management technology, which switches between four- and eight-cylinder power in certain driving situations.
'The innovative Hybrid system is designed to deliver optimum fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving, the way most Americans use their vehicles,' said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. 'The Yukon Hybrid doesn't sacrifice a thing; it delivers 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy and the capability that the Yukon name has always represented.'
The Yukon and Yukon XL are based on GM's acclaimed full-size SUV platform and feature distinctive styling, spacious and refined interiors, exceptional driving characteristics and segment-leading safety features. Indeed, safety also is enhanced for '08, as head curtain side air bags are now standard for all seating rows on all models. Previously they were optional on some models.
Additional changes for '08 are minor, reflecting customer preferences and enhancing Yukon 's style. They include a change to a 40/20/40-split front bench seat in the base SLE model that provides convenient storage space in the center section; and there are also two new exterior colors: Stealth Gray Metallic and Sonoma Red Metallic.
Yukon XL 2500 ¾-ton features standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and available, chrome-finish 17-inch aluminum wheels, along with its new, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. It's hooked to a powerful 6.0L V-8.
Yukon Hybrid
The V-8 powered Yukon Hybrid is expected to deliver a composite fuel efficiency improvement of an estimated 25 percent when combined with Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology. It is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations and a Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine with more than 300 horsepower is the standard engine. A special four-speed automatic hybrid transmission is paired with the engine, enabling a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg).
The Yukon Hybrid has a distinctive look befitting its unique powertrain; it is 10 mm lower in the front and has additional aerodynamic features, such as a new, streamlined hood, new front and rear fascias, refinements to the rear pillars, a small spoiler above the liftgate and a closeout panel at the rear of the vehicle. To reduce overall mass, the hood, liftgate and wheels are made of lightweight aluminum. Prominent hybrid badging completes the look.
GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler have co-developed the 2-Mode full hybrid system that will leverage automatic transmission technology and electronic controls in an integrated, powerful and compact system that can be used with both gas and diesel engines. GM's 2-Mode full hybrid system in transit buses has been established as the starting point for the GM-BMW-DaimlerChrysler collaboration. The design integrates proven automatic transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system to deliver the world's first 2-Mode full hybrid in an SUV.
The 2-Mode is patented hybrid technology with two modes optimized for city and highway driving. In the first mode, at low speed and light loads, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power. When operating with electric power only, it provides all the fuel savings benefits of a full hybrid system. Leaving the engine shut off for extended periods of time and moving under electric power at low speed is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop and go traffic.
The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full eight-cylinder engine power when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade. The second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing, and late-intake valve closure, allowing even more efficient engine operation.
Yukon 's 2-Mode system innovations allow for more compact packaging because its compact and powerful electric motors are designed to fit within the approximate space of a conventional automatic transmission – an efficiency advantage compared with today's typical single-mode systems that rely on much larger electric motors.
A sophisticated controller determines when the vehicle should operate in either mode of the 2-Mode drive system. Input from the controller determines the necessary torque for the driving conditions and sends a corresponding command to the engine and electric motors. The engine and electric motors transfer torque to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission to propel the vehicle. But unlike conventional continuously variable transmissions, the 2-Mode full hybrid's electrically controlled system uses no mechanical belts or bands. Shifts between the two modes are synchronous, which means no engine speed changes are necessary for the mode shift to occur, resulting in ultra smooth accelerations.
The 300-volt battery pack provides electric power for the system, and while it is larger than a typical automotive battery, it is designed to fit in the vehicle without compromising passenger space. Special converters located under the vehicle's hood convert the motors' AC output to DC current and power conventional 12-volt accessories, such as interior lighting, climate control and the radio. The vehicle's internal combustion engine provides power to charge the battery pack, so the vehicle doesn't have to be plugged in to keep the battery pack maintained.
Because the architecture can be scaled to fit multiple vehicles and adapted to gasoline or diesel engines, the 2-Mode full hybrid can be applied globally. In Europe , for example, where diesel engines are common in passenger vehicles, it can provide a significant reduction in fuel consumption, which would help automakers meet the region's ever-stringent carbon dioxide emissions standard.
To maximize efficiency, the front of the GMC Yukon Hybrid is lowered 10 mm compared the non-Hybrid version, which provides additional aerodynamic benefits as well as a smoother and sleeker appearance. The hood and liftgate are made of aluminum to trim weight, and the leading edges of the hood have been streamlined.
The Yukon Hybrid retains GMC's trademark grille design, but with a larger intake to accommodate the hybrid powertrain's higher airflow requirement for cooling. The fascias are tuned at the corners and air dam, and the running boards are flared in front in an effort to guide airflow around the wheel openings. Hybrid badging appears on the C-pillar, on the rear liftgate and on the hitch cover.
Other aerodynamic refinements include sharpening of the D-pillar rearward, including the taillamps, a CHMSL appliqué detail spoiler over the rear hatch and a closeout panel under the back of the vehicle to facilitate airflow.
Lightweight, aero-efficient wheels with the lowest rolling-resistance tires available for full-size trucks further trim fuel use, and are complemented with a tuned ride to provide the ride and handling performance and attention to detail that customers expect from a totally integrated vehicle.
Yukon and Yukon XL lineup
Yukon rides on a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, with an overall length of 202 inches (5,130 mm). It rides on a wider track that, along with the long wheelbase, provides a smooth, confident and secure driving experience. Yukon XL models have exterior dimensions similar to the regular models, but are about 14 inches longer in wheelbase and 20 inches longer in overall length.
Both Yukon and Yukon XL are available in SLE (cloth trim) and SLT trim (leather appointments), as well as 2WD and 4WD configurations. A third-row seat is standard on Yukon XL models and available on Yukon . The third-row seat is available in two configurations: two-passenger or three-passenger.
Yukon and Yukon XL models feature a 5.3L V-8 with GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology. A 4.8L V-8 is the standard engine on the Yukon 2WD base model only, and a new 6.0L all-aluminum V-8 with variable valve timing is available on Yukon XL. Several available engines are capable of running on E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline; in fact, all Yukon 4WD and Yukon XL half-ton models come standard with the E85-capable version of the 5.3L V-8. GM vehicles with E85 capability can run on 100 percent gasoline or on E85 or on any combination of the two.
Design details
Yukon and Yukon XL have a sleek, taut form. Wraparound front and rear fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards provide a seamless, contemporary appearance. Craftsmanship is found in elements such as tight tolerances between exterior components and a tuned, wheels-to-the-corners proportion. The toned look on all models is created with a fast windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This improves aerodynamic performance, which bolsters fuel economy and helps reduce wind noise. Jewel-look lighting elements and doors that extend over the rockers accent the vehicles' precise and refined design elements.
Features such as power articulating running boards and a power liftgate enhance accessibility. The liftgate's easy-to-operate assist feature is designed to help the operator by using the mass of the tailgate to almost open or close itself once the liftgate is past the halfway-open position. A switch inside the vehicle activates the power assist.
Refined, spacious interiors
Interior space has a spacious, refined environment, thanks to a premium tone-on-tone color scheme and a lower-positioned instrument panel. Sculpted seat designs and detailed trim affirm the vehicles' craftsmanship, which is bolstered by optional amenities, such as heated seats for first- and second-row passengers. Also, the front seats offer plenty of fore/aft and recline travel, and the second-row seats have a comfortable angle for the seatback recline.
The upscale styling is complemented by soft, low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. The harmonious color and grain of the materials were carefully selected to provide a premium feel as well as durability. Flush-mounted HVAC controls and radios, with almost imperceptible gaps, convey precision and integration. Chrome accents are used on instrument surrounds, vents and other trim.
Craftsmanship also is revealed in unexpected areas, such as distinctive sill plates that greet occupants when the doors are opened, and there are no exposed fasteners or hardware on the pillars, seats or seat tracks. The seats have 'close-outs' that surround the seat bottoms and seat tracks, creating a more finished appearance. The undersides of the seats are covered, too, when folded.
The Yukon family also offers an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat. The power fold-and-tumble second-row seats feature release buttons accessible by the driver on the overhead console or on the interior C-pillar to provide an easy, immediate release of the seat and an access path to the third-row seat or cargo area
Remote start is available and enables the climate system to heat or cool the vehicle's interior prior to occupant use. A wide array of audio, infotainment and safety options also is available and includes an available touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with a large flip-down screen positioned in front of the second-row seats.
Yukon and Yukon XL interiors are versatile, too. The third-row seats fold flat and are easily tumbled forward or removed for maximum cargo area. Also, the center console storage compartment, at 20.1 liters of capacity, is the segment's largest. The glove box offers significant storage space, too, and features damped opening operation that bolsters quietness and refinement.
Source - GMC