GM will be debuting its GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid at the New York auto show this week.

The failing US automaker boasts that the hybrid drive-train provides a 50 percent improvement in city-driving fuel economy. Over what, they don't specify. They also say, "hey, this has the same mileage as a Toyota Camry V6 driving in the city," as if that is supposed to be a terrifically impressive fact to cite.

Now, this type of SUV used to get about 11 mpg back in its hey-day in the 1990s. So, it's actually a doubling of economy if they go that far back. Why not just say that? It sounds less stretching that way.

The GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid comes with a 6.0 liter Vortec V8 producing 332 hp (248 kW) and 367 lb-ft (498 Nm) of torque. Now, that's the impressive number. Why not just stick to that? Other goodies include the 22-inch, 8-spoke chrome wheels and the MagnaRide suspension, which can adjust the shock absorber damping rate due to magnetic particles in the fluid.

Prices start at $59,185 for the rear-wheel drive Yukon Denali Hybrid and $62,030 for the 4-wheel drive version.

A full-sized SUV as a hybrid? Well, thanks, GM. But could this be a case of too much too late?

 

Press Release

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.

 

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

*SAE certified.

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.