GM’s Tahoe, Yukon Gets 21/22 mpg EPA Rating

The hybrid versions of the full-sized 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs will deliver fuel economy gains of 50 percent in the city over the standard, non-hybrid models.

Today at the Texas State Fair, General Motors will announce the EPA fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for the two-wheel drive versions of the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids.

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.

GM expects to sell 10,000 units per year, combined, of the hybrid SUVs. Prices won't be announced until closer to launch, but are expected to start in the low- to mid-$40,000 range.

The Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are the first vehicles to use the innovative Two Mode hybrid transmission GM developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. GM will also use the hybrid system in pickup trucks.

The EPA fuel economy figures are lower than some expected, but that's due to the agency's changing its test procedures to more accurately reflect real-world driving conditions.

The official EPA figures for both vehicles are 21 city/22 highway for 2WD models and 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway for 4WD models.

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.

2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid	2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid	GM’s Arlington Assembly Plant

"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."

Two Mode Specifications
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid tow like SUVs, but are no more thirsty than a midsized car.

Price: Low-to-mid $40,000 range
City/Highway EPA Ratings: 21/22 (two-wheel drive); 20/20 (four-wheel drive)
Engine: 6.0-liter, V-8
Horsepower: 332 hp
Torque: 367 pounds-feet
Transmission: Two Mode hybrid/four speed automatic
Batteries: 300-volt nickel-metal hydride for hybrid system; 12 volt for accessories
Towing capacity: 6,200 pounds (2WD); 6,000 pounds (4WD)
Curb weight: 5,541 (2WD); 5,787 (4WD)

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.

[source: GM]