Anything that boosts fuel economy on a vehicle is likely to get a big thumbs up from the consumer market these days, therefore a move by General Motors to launch fuel saving versions of 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon is surely a good thing.
The models carry the label XFE – meaning Xtra Fuel Economy and now carry EPA-rated fuel economy figures of 15 City and 21 highway mileage ratings, up from 14 and 20 respectively on the non-XFE models.
The full sized pickups are powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9) engine that’s built with a mass-reducing aluminum cylinder block and heads. Power output lies at 320hp(238 kW) and 340 lb-ft of torque (461 Nm) in the Tahoe and Yukon and 315 hp(235 kW) and 338 lb-ft(458 Nm) in the Silverado and Sierra.
Further fuel savings are achieved with improved aerodynamics - the Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE feature an extended front lower air dam and soft tonneau cover whilst all models benefit from lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning. Overall weight is also reduced with aluminium 17 or 18 inch wheels.
EPA-rated fuel economy increases to 15 city and 21 highway
Silverado and Sierra have the best aerodynamics in the class
Towing capacity on Silverado and Sierra increases to 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg)
General Motors is building on the segment-leading fuel economy of its full-size pickups and SUVs with new XFE models of the 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon. The vehicles use a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic and mass-reducing enhancements to deliver a 5-percent increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7-percent improved mileage in city driving.
The aero enhancements make Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE models the most aerodynamic full-size pickups in the industry, with a “Best in Class” 0.412 coefficient of drag (cd). The pickups join the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid as the most aerodynamic full-size SUVs at 0.349 (cd).
The new XFE – Xtra Fuel Economy – models reflect GM’s quick adaptation to an evolving market that remains a very important segment. They are available on 2WD vehicles equipped with the 5.3L V-8 and six-speed transmission. They achieve 15 city and 21 highway mileage ratings versus comparable non-XFE models’ 14/20 ratings. Most importantly, the increased efficiency does not come at the expense of capability. Towing ratings for the Tahoe and Yukon are unchanged, while the Silverado and Sierra increase from 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg) to 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) due to the new, six-speed transmission and high-capacity cooling package.
“We are pulling out all the stops to deliver a more efficient package for customers who need the capability of full-size pickups and SUVs and want the very best fuel economy,” said Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “Our pickups and SUVs are already the fuel economy leaders of their respective segments, but our engineers knew greater efficiency was achievable. We fast-tracked the XFE models to get them into dealer showrooms as quickly as possible.”
All models carry the XFE name badge and are offered in the LT trim for Silverado and LS and LT trims for Tahoe. Sierra XFE comes with SLE trim and Yukon XFE is offered with SLE and SLT trim. Most regular-production options for all models are available. Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE are offered in 2wd crew cab body styles only. Production begins this fall.
“In addition to the XFE models, GM already offers hybrid versions of the Tahoe and Yukon that achieve up to a 50-percent improvement in city fuel economy and coming in the first half of 2009 are the Silverado and Sierra Hybrids,” said White. “These hybrid pickups offer up to 25 percent overall increased fuel economy and greater than 40-percent improved mileage in city driving.”
XFE efficiencies
GM’s more efficient full-size pickups and SUVs are powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9) engine that’s built with a mass-reducing aluminum cylinder block and heads. It is rated at 320 horsepower (238 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm)* in Tahoe and Yukon and 315 hp/235 kW and 338 lb-ft/458 Nm in Silverado and Sierra. The engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission (with high-capacity cooling on Silverado and Sierra).
A rear axle equipped with a fuel-saving 3.08 ratio is also standard on all XFE models. Lightweight aluminum wheels and low rolling resistance tires (with higher tire pressure) also are included on all models.
Other unique content and features for Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE include:
Soft tonneau cover (improves aerodynamics)
Extended front lower air dam (improves aerodynamics)
Lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning (improve aerodynamics)
Aluminum lower control arms (reduce mass)
Aluminum spare wheel (reduces mass)
Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels (reduce mass)
Automatic locking rear differential
Trailering package
Low rolling resistance tires
Other unique content and features for Tahoe XFE and Yukon XFE include:
Lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning (improve aerodynamics)
Aluminum lower control arms (reduce mass)
Aluminum spare wheel (reduces mass)
Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels (reduce mass)
Automatic locking rear differential
Trailering package
Low rolling resistance tires
The new XFE models reinforce GM’s commitment to full-size truck leadership, which continue to the industry’s best and deliver the fuel economy, capability, quality and choice that are important to customers.
is this a joke? are theytaking the piss? its hardly a revelation in terms of fuel efficiency! lok at the figures. is that what you would call an improvement?!! stoopid GM. then again what do you expect from a company on its knees....
while I agree that such a gain shouldn't deserve it's own special branding, those numbers are very good for heavy vehicles such as the yukon/silverado. Makes me wonder if the next hybrid yukon will get above 20mpg in both the city and on the highway.
why are they making these cars still?? end production, bring in SMALLER more efficient vehicles. these have no purpose and they never get used for off roading, EXCEPT the actual pickup trucks (which is the only thing they should keep). God i hate GM. even for this size, those figures will never ever come up on a daily drive. It all depends on who the driver is, and HOW he drives the car.
Because people are still buying them and alway will. There are plenty of people who can afford them and gas them up. There are just going to be less of them. To say get rid of them completely is just ridiculous. On my 15 minute drive to work I see at least 20 Tahoes and Yukons. The reality is that most people that actually buy (note I said Buy not lease) a Tahoe or Yukon car afford to fill it up cause they aren't cheap. And why is everybody making a fuss about the fact that the mpg only went up by 1 city and highway. Its not like GM is marketing it like some new advanced technology. And they already had the best fuel economy of any full size suv or pickup made by anybody else. They just want to give customers an option to buy a huge SUV or truck with slightly bigger fuel economy. Don't blame Gm because worldcarfans posted it. there are plenty of other much more important things going on at GM that they don't post. I just think this site likes to egg on the ridiculous posters on this site. If you cant afford to fill the tank than you probably can't afford to buy it. Their getting better fuel economy out of a a huge vehicle what else do you want.
"Anything that boosts fuel economy on a vehicle is likely to get a big thumbs up from the consumer market these days, therefore a move by General Motors to launch fuel saving versions of 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon is surely a good thing."
GM to launch fuel saving versions... that says a lot there mate. That is where my comments concern, as I am sure the other posters claiming this to be a joke.
Plus saying they are making fuel saving versions is another reason to raise the costs on an aging brand and make it seem like new technology.
I agree with your post about people who can afford to fill up will buy them, but my main comment was about touting the "fuel saving versions" part.
I don't wanna drive a pop can car. Not everyone likes cramped euro/japanese cars. That being said, there are a fair share of cramped american cars on the market as well.
ahan?? Well.. sorry for bringing in a different market all toghether... In India, we have the Honda CR-V, Ford Endevor, Tata Safari.. Of these, the Ford is the largest n the Honda the smallest.. yet, the Honda is more comfortable inside.. than the Ford!!
Its all in the packaging.. Just coz a car is huge doesnt mean its comfy or extremely spacious.. physics would hold that good, but then its all down to the design,, I'm sure the rear seats of this car is hideously cramped!!
k, you have no opinion then. The yukon is not a ford, it is a very comfy suv to drive and has a lot of interior space, especially when you get the larger versions of it.
no opinion? well, Ford or GM.. it looks pretty similar is construction.. i.e even teh Ford is built out of a pick up!! well.. interior space as in wat? coz of wat i can see in that car, there is more space at the back, behind the seats :P
remove/fold down the seats and you could fit several bikes in the back of a yukon. Try doing that in a CRV without taking them apart and ikea packaging them. Comparing Ford and GM is like me comparing vw and mercedes. Both look bland to me.
I don't care what anybody says, the Tahoe is one DAMN fine looking truck. Ive always loved the Tahoe/Yukon line and i always will from a truck stand-point. GM is taking steps, its not perfect but its a start in the right direction. Maybe they should cut down how many of these they build, yes we all agree. However for them to stop building ALL of them is stupid as they do sell enough especially in the most important market AMERICA to justify a certain amount being built. I really hope one day(in 10 years or so) GM can be able to build a great, big truck like this with alternate fuels as a source.
It might be a fine looking truck.. but its freakin heavy.. GM should probably start building them out of aluminium with plastics for certain body parts to reduce weight.. else these dinosaurs would die!!
What a joke. 1 mpg improvement, WOW, dont hold your breath! Hey if people fall for it, then it is great marketing, and remember most drivers get much less in their everyday driving habits.
some people still need to fit 7/8/9 people in a vehicle. And since there is still a need for it there will be people buying them. They have cut the production of them buy 25%
I think a Honda Odessy or Eurovan would be good for people who need to seat 7/8/9 people into a vehicle. Putting that many people in this thing will severely alter those "fuel savings."
ewww. Seriously, I never even heard of a eurovan before but after googling it I would have to say I'd prefer a Escalade as far as looks go haha. And besides these are SUV's/Trucks not minivans.
I think GM is smoking Crack Cocaine. They still want to unload old technology while they are waiting for government subsidies to support future cars. GM is turning into a follower rather than a leader and we will loose more jobs overseas. 20 mpg truck is not going to save the earth.
save the earth from what? I believe that the cooling trends found throughout most civilized countries is cause by the mass purchasing of prius's. Therefore trucks will save the earth if we lower their mileage.
Hahah, while i love the looks, thats the best way to put it. Lets be real here, the thing is a brick and wind hits it like a brick; "Marginally less terrible aerodynamics.
I have never been a fan of SUVs. Whether for their aesthetic shortcomings, the mentality they imbue on their drivers, or the circumstances under which they evolved, large civilian trucks are products of our capitalist market system I would much rather see fewer of. GM deserves all the criticism they get for making large trucks such an important part of their vehicle line-up; this is exactly what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket. These XFE versions are a sweet sight to my eyes indeed; it is utter desperation on the part of GM. Honestly, another version to promote a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy? By doing what, lessening ground clearance? Using smaller wheels? What a joke! Clearly the General is struggling to offload these miserable vehicles, and that makes me smile.
Thats fine, to each their own. However at least GM is doing something because as is GM can't move nearly as many of their trucks. Many are sitting on the lots, and ive even heard many leasers/buyers are trying to give back the trucks but GM won't take them back at all. While that sucks for the customer, GM doesn't really have a choice as they wouldn't be able to sell those trucks. So the point in all this is, while 1MPG might seem like crap and worthless, its GM trying to improve a bad situation and make models somewhat better and more appealing. Also the current Tahoe line is fresh, only released a couple years ago so as with any car, major strides will only happen when this models life cycle ends and is re-born into its new model. Or if they kill it and completely re-build a whole new 7+ seater truck program(for lack of a better word).
Yea, but don't harbor SOO much hate on the truck. For what it was built for it does its job the best; remember for what it was BUILT for. Im not talking about the cliche image of Rappers, actors and other celebrities packing it with Hoochies and their fake friends, riding on 34s. The real users.
