GM's Unique 2-Mode Hybrid Technology Provides 50-percent Greater City Fuel Economy and 30-Percent Better Combined City/Highway Economy on 2WD Models; Plus Full-Size Towing and Payload Capability
With the ever-growing emphasis on energy conservation, sport-utility buyers have been rewarded with segment-leading fuel economy available in General Motors’ current full-size Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. For 2008, GM has raised the bar even higher with its unique 2-Mode Hybrid technology.
Carrying on a tradition of comfort, performance and utility, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid boast vastly improved fuel economy over their gasoline-only siblings thanks in large part to a state-of-the-art hybrid system using GM’s all-new Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT). Two-wheel-drive Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the city fuel economy of the much-smaller 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.
An industry first for any full-size SUV, this patented hybrid system allows these vehicles to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway driving while still delivering full-size SUV performance. Imagine a full-size SUV that offers 25- to 30-percent more combined city-highway fuel economy while also providing up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of usable towing capacity (2WD) and 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) on 4WD models; 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) GCWR and eight-passenger seating capacity.
Making all this possible is GM’s advanced EVT and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM’s new hybrid system not only enables the Tahoe and Yukon to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.
EPA ratings
Along with Active Fuel Management, the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids use specific aerodynamic aids and reduced-mass components to help achieve EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for 2WD models. That compares with ratings of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway for the smaller-displacement, less-powerful 5.3L base engine.
With 4WD models, the fuel savings are equally impressive, with the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids rated at 20 mpg in both city and highway driving. The 5.3L base models are rated at 14 in the city and 19 on the highway.
No-excuse hybrid SUVs
The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid offer the same great driving performance, smooth ride and handling, and interior refinement that buyers have come to expect in a full-size SUV. And for 2008, the already segment-leading fuel efficiency of the gasoline-only Tahoe and Yukon has been improved even further, adding more value to these already outstanding SUVs — vehicles that successfully meld comfort, utility and economy.
From subtle interior touches to functional exterior aerodynamic details, Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid stand apart from the crowd. Once in the driver’s seat it is instantly clear that these vehicles are special — from the unique gauge clusters with distinctive badging to the special tachometer. Even the stylish thin-profile seats, designed to reduce mass for improved fuel savings, also provide a side benefit of increased second-row leg room.
On the outside, form follows function with the addition of numerous aerodynamic features, such as a lowered air dam, shaped running boards and special rear-end treatments. These not only enhance Tahoe and Yukon’s overall appearance, but are important contributors to the vehicles’ 0.34 drag coefficient.
Peace and quiet
The superior passenger comfort of both these SUVs has been maintained throughout, with a quiet cabin environment at the very top of the list. Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid models match their gasoline-only siblings in comfort and convenience, but attention to acoustic details makes these SUVs even more enjoyable.
Some of the significant accomplishments in noise reduction include the following:
- New exhaust system and resonator — Specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine’s Active Fuel Management operation, this new exhaust system ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation
- Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality
- Low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
- Electrically driven 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. Includes the standard tri-zone HVAC system
- Electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
- Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants