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2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
GM delivers the world's first full-size hybrid SUVs
James M. Flammang / autoMedia.com
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While Honda and Toyota paved the way for hybrid powertrains at the turn of the current century, the domestic automakers—Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler—sat out the emerging race for gasoline/electric vehicles. GM had leased a batch of full-electric EV-1 models in the 1990s. Electric-powered small trucks turned up, too. But hybrid propulsion was basically left to the imports.
Full-Size Utility
Ford joined the fray in 2005, with a hybrid version of its compact Escape SUV. Chrysler has yet to manufacture a hybrid. GM, on the other hand, has five hybrid models in its 2008 lineup. That includes the debut of Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs, equipped with GM's new 2-Mode hybrid system.
Chevrolet and GMC offered full-size pickup trucks in 2006-07, billed as hybrids but with an elementary semi-hybrid system. The gas engine shut off at stops, but otherwise operation differed little from that of conventional models.
Tahoe/Yukon for 2008 are billed as the world's first hybrid full-size sport-utility vehicles. Both models had been redesigned for the 2007 model year, and they differ mainly in styling. As always, GMC calls its vehicles "Professional Grade."
GM's 2-Mode hybrid system, mated with Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology, promises up to 40 percent fuel economy improvement in city driving. Combined city/highway use provides a gain of 25 percent in fuel economy, according to General Motors. Co-developed by GM, BMW, and DaimlerChrysler, this technology is based upon GM's 2-Mode diesel electric hybrid system, used in transit buses since 2003.
Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008
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