Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs Previewed At Texas State Fair

[ottawamatt]

Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs Previewed At Texas State Fair


Written by: Marshall Pruett DALLAS. TX – 9/27/2007
The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid. (Photo: GM)



Boasting a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy, General Motors will showcase its new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid – the only hybrid full-size SUVs – at the 2007 State Fair of Texas, Sept. 28 – Oct. 21. During the fair, the public can get a sneak peak of these Texas-built hybrid SUVs before they arrive in dealer showrooms.

The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids, to be built locally at the GM Arlington Assembly Plant, will deliver a 30 percent gain in overall fuel economy and, during certain driving conditions, will run on pure electricity.

"The new Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid SUVs offer the best of both worlds to customers and complement the Texan lifestyle – all the capability expected of an SUV with better-than-ever fuel economy," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

Carrying on a tradition of comfort, performance and utility, the 2008 Tahoe and Yukon boast vastly improved fuel economy over their gasoline-only siblings. Two-wheel drive models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50 percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the much-smaller 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.
The hybrid information display is found within the NAV options. (Photo: GM)



The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids’ 6.0L V-8 engine is equipped with the GM Active Fuel Management system, which disengages half of the engine’s cylinders when full engine power is not needed, allowing the engine to move seamlessly from V-8 to V-4 on driving demands. Electric-only propulsion is available up to 30 mph, which is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop and go traffic – like being caught in DFW metro area traffic.

Electric power assists the engine to save fuel during brisk acceleration or additional pulling power for towing. During vehicle deceleration, fuel is cutoff to the engine and the hybrid system’s battery pack is recharged via regenerative braking.

"Building the full-size SUV hybrid vehicles locally is a perfect fit for Texas," said Alicia Boler-Davis, GM Arlington plant manager. "Most auto manufacturers offer hybrid vehicle technology only in smaller vehicles with less room for passengers and cargo. In Texas, we know transporting family and towing boats, campers and trailers is a way of life. GM is proud to bring a green alternative fitting for our fellow Texans needs and lifestyles."

The Tahoe Hybrid’s fuel-saving features include:

Electric-only propulsion (up to 30 mph)
Electric boosting during brisk acceleration
Engine speed and load control
GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which seamlessly shuts down half of the Vortec V-8’s cylinders to improve fuel economy when full engine power is not needed.

GM’s Arlington Assembly plant has been manufacturing vehicles in Texas for 54 years and is a prime example of a high-tech automotive manufacturer. With 2,700 employees (2,500 hourly employees represented by UAW Local 276), the manufacturing facility builds the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, in addition to the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.


Boards: To discuss this article, click here

[GMusa]

Gotta love GM!!

[HoosierRon]

What do you know -- a Tahoe that gets 25% better mileage than a Honda Accord coupe. GM needs to point this out in a commercial.

[espo19047]

Just found out moments ago 0% for 60 on o7 Tahoe/Suburban! 1.9% for 72...
I'm sure the details will hit soon.

[stevecmh]

i hope they advertise the crap out of the fact that it gets better mpg than cars

[megeebee]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

What do you know -- a Tahoe that gets 25% better mileage than a Honda Accord coupe. GM needs to point this out in a commercial.

It's very strange world we live in. And if I were GM I'd be shouting from the roof tops about this.

[camaro_freak]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

What do you know -- a Tahoe that gets 25% better mileage than a Honda Accord coupe. GM needs to point this out in a commercial.

is that city, highway, or combined?

[Serpentine]

25% better than an Accord? How do you figure that?


Based upon the 30% overall improvement, that would give the hybrid 21 MPG City, and perhaps 21 MPG Highway. Quite an accomplishment - no doubt.

Will this give the Tahoe / Yukon the boost GM needs? We'll see -- anyone have an idea of the price of the hybrid option?

[Hummer Guy]

They're pretty sweet rides -- we got a chance to take the vehicles for a drive before the fair -- the transition between modes is seamless - and it's the first 2 of 16 hybrids GM is releasing in the next 4 years...

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by Serpentine

25% better than an Accord? How do you figure that?

The 2008 Honda Accord coupe 6-speed gets 17 mpg city. Increase that by 25%, and you get the Tahoe Hybrid's 21 mpg city.

[paul3230]

Those are excellent numbers for a full size..interesting that Toyota doesn't have anything in the pipeline at all. I think they got caught flatfooted a bit..

[HoeyHimself]

Originally Posted by paul3230

Those are excellent numbers for a full size..interesting that Toyota doesn't have anything in the pipeline at all. I think they got caught flatfooted a bit..

yeah, no hybrid Tundra in sight..nor a diesel..or a 3/4 er 1ton. I guess slow sales are not providing them with much enthusiasm to look after their huge investment. Cant blame them..or rather, happy they are not.

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by paul3230

Those are excellent numbers for a full size..interesting that Toyota doesn't have anything in the pipeline at all. I think they got caught flatfooted a bit..

Alternate viewpoint:

Toyota and GM and Ford and Honda are all specializing in different areas of the market possibly ( probably? ) by mutual agreement. They are staying away from competing against the other in order to grow the hybrid market in the future.

Honda tried it's system in midsizers and backed away
Toyota has not tried its system in the small vehicles where it could butt heads with Honda; It has also not said a word in 2 years about hybrids in heavier vehicles.
Ford too has not tried to expand its system into other areas.
GM could have put the 2-Modes right into the Vue first or the Aura, but it didn't. It went to the open area, heavy vehicles.

When one or the other crosses the line onto another turf then we'll see some sparks fly

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by HoeyHimself

yeah, no hybrid Tundra in sight..nor a diesel..or a 3/4 er 1ton. I guess slow sales are not providing them with much enthusiasm to look after their huge investment. Cant blame them..or rather, happy they are not.

C'mon. You're in the industry and on top of all the press releases.

I know that you've seen the statements. The diesel is completed. I'm sure that you know that a diesel Tundra dually will be debuted in 30 days. You did know that? Didn't you?

[ronald mcretard]

Originally Posted by PhishPhood

Alternate viewpoint:

Toyota and GM and Ford and Honda are all specializing in different areas of the market possibly ( probably? ) by mutual agreement. They are staying away from competing against the other in order to grow the hybrid market in the future.

So it's a conspiracy among enemies that don't mind giving each other head starts in the hybrid market? Give me a break.

GM wasn't smart enough to get into the small hybrid market like Honda and Toyota, and the Japanese are now behind in the hybrid technology department (although still far ahead in sales obviously). Simple as that.