GM announces mpg estimates that rival Toyota Camry
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GM announces mpg estimates that rival Toyota Camry
Game, Set, Match.....GM. 
GM's Two Mode hybrid also features a cylinder deactivation system.
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By RICHARD TRUETT AND LESLIE J. ALLEN | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
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 (Sept. 26, 2007) 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.
Those fuel economy ratings are expected to give GM best-in-class fuel economy for large SUVs. The ratings also rival those of many midsize and large cars. For example, the 2WD Tahoe and Yukon match the four-cylinder Toyota Camry's 21 mpg city rating and beat the V-6 Camry's city rating by 2 mpg.
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 Yukon and Tahoe hybrids are equipped with GM's cylinder deactivation system, which cuts off four of the V-8's cylinders when the vehicle reaches highway cruising speeds. They have lightweight body panels and wind-cheating bumper covers. The 2008 Yukon Hybrid goes on sale in early November.
The two-mode hybrid is a full hybrid, meaning the Tahoe and Yukon can drive entirely on electricity. GM's two-mode hybrids can go up to 32 miles per hour using just electricity. At higher speeds, the two-mode system uses either all gasoline or a combination of fuel and electric propulsion.
GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW invested $1 billion in the Two Mode system.
"This is something that really changes the game," said Gary White, GM vice president and vehicle line executive for full-sized vehicle development team.
Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are by far the most fuel-efficient large SUVs on the market. By comparison, the two-wheel drive 2008 Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 and the two-wheel drive Ford Expedition all get EPA ratings of 12 city and 18 highway. The EPA has not released figures for the 2008 Toyota Sequoia.
The Nissan and Infiniti ratings are for the 5.6-liter V-8 and the Expedition rating is for the 5.4-liter V-8. GM's Two Mode hybrid SUVs have a 6.0-liter V-8 engine.
GM is also planning to use the Two Mode system in its Silverado and Sierra pickups. The Dodge Durango will use the Two Mode system next year, and Mercedes-Benz and BMW will use their versions in the ML 450 and X6 SUVs.
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)
Source: General Motors
AutoWeek | Updated: 09/26/07, 9:41 pm et
Article URL: http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../FREE/70926003
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By RICHARD TRUETT AND LESLIE J. ALLEN | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
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 (Sept. 26, 2007) 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.
Those fuel economy ratings are expected to give GM best-in-class fuel economy for large SUVs. The ratings also rival those of many midsize and large cars. For example, the 2WD Tahoe and Yukon match the four-cylinder Toyota Camry's 21 mpg city rating and beat the V-6 Camry's city rating by 2 mpg.
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 Yukon and Tahoe hybrids are equipped with GM's cylinder deactivation system, which cuts off four of the V-8's cylinders when the vehicle reaches highway cruising speeds. They have lightweight body panels and wind-cheating bumper covers. The 2008 Yukon Hybrid goes on sale in early November.
The two-mode hybrid is a full hybrid, meaning the Tahoe and Yukon can drive entirely on electricity. GM's two-mode hybrids can go up to 32 miles per hour using just electricity. At higher speeds, the two-mode system uses either all gasoline or a combination of fuel and electric propulsion.
GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW invested $1 billion in the Two Mode system.
"This is something that really changes the game," said Gary White, GM vice president and vehicle line executive for full-sized vehicle development team.
Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are by far the most fuel-efficient large SUVs on the market. By comparison, the two-wheel drive 2008 Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 and the two-wheel drive Ford Expedition all get EPA ratings of 12 city and 18 highway. The EPA has not released figures for the 2008 Toyota Sequoia.
The Nissan and Infiniti ratings are for the 5.6-liter V-8 and the Expedition rating is for the 5.4-liter V-8. GM's Two Mode hybrid SUVs have a 6.0-liter V-8 engine.
GM is also planning to use the Two Mode system in its Silverado and Sierra pickups. The Dodge Durango will use the Two Mode system next year, and Mercedes-Benz and BMW will use their versions in the ML 450 and X6 SUVs.
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)
Source: General Motors
AutoWeek | Updated: 09/26/07, 9:41 pm et
Article URL: http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../FREE/70926003
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,958
From: Kansas City, MO
Way to go, GM! That is fantastic mileage. If people can get that in the real world (and they probably can), this will be a smash. Let's get this system into as many vehicles as possible ASAP so economies of scale come into play.
I'll take my Camaro with this setup
Hopefully Chrysler will use this on Ram as well eventually. Now that DaimlerChrysler is Daimler and Chrysler, will both get to take advantage of this technology?
I'll take my Camaro with this setup
Hopefully Chrysler will use this on Ram as well eventually. Now that DaimlerChrysler is Daimler and Chrysler, will both get to take advantage of this technology?
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,180
From: Yadkinville, NC USA
I agree - by today's standards, it is pretty impressive - especially when compared to Durangos that are posting 12-15mpg.
21 mpg in a vehicle that tares 6990lbs wet is even more impressive.
Pulling 10,000 of additional weight behind it (that's 17k-lbs GCW) while getting 18 mpg is downright awesome.
Both of the above in an unaltered, stock vehicle from 1996 makes a statement to those looking deeper than face value.
While I am impressed with the new technology, and give kudos to the improvements made, I am still incredibly disappointed in all of our domestic manufacturers for not actively pursuing efficiency gains on their own over the last decade. I guess I'm saying "it's about time" while saying "good job", and I'm also saying "we have a long way to go before we start patting ourselves on the back".
21 mpg in a vehicle that tares 6990lbs wet is even more impressive.
Pulling 10,000 of additional weight behind it (that's 17k-lbs GCW) while getting 18 mpg is downright awesome.
Both of the above in an unaltered, stock vehicle from 1996 makes a statement to those looking deeper than face value.
While I am impressed with the new technology, and give kudos to the improvements made, I am still incredibly disappointed in all of our domestic manufacturers for not actively pursuing efficiency gains on their own over the last decade. I guess I'm saying "it's about time" while saying "good job", and I'm also saying "we have a long way to go before we start patting ourselves on the back".
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Okay, this is great. Kudos to GM for coming out with this. It's impressive and all - and will certainly help create a positive marketing buzz. All good things.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,650
From: Indianapolis, IN
Okay, this is great. Kudos to GM for coming out with this. It's impressive and all - and will certainly help create a positive marketing buzz. All good things.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
Kinda like the Prius is a hell of a lot more than a stripper Corolla, but becomes more attractive compared to a optioned-up Corolla that has equipment that comes standard on the Prius. At least I think that is basically the case...
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,209
Okay, this is great. Kudos to GM for coming out with this. It's impressive and all - and will certainly help create a positive marketing buzz. All good things.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
Thread Starter
Prominent Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,282
Okay, this is great. Kudos to GM for coming out with this. It's impressive and all - and will certainly help create a positive marketing buzz. All good things.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,897
From: Greenville, SC
Okay, this is great. Kudos to GM for coming out with this. It's impressive and all - and will certainly help create a positive marketing buzz. All good things.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
But...
As I understand it, this system will add maybe six, seven, eight, thousand dollars to the price of a Tahoe. That buys alot of gas my friends.
Just saying.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,646
From: Portland, OR
While I am impressed with the new technology, and give kudos to the improvements made, I am still incredibly disappointed in all of our domestic manufacturers for not actively pursuing efficiency gains on their own over the last decade. I guess I'm saying "it's about time" while saying "good job", and I'm also saying "we have a long way to go before we start patting ourselves on the back".
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,897
From: Greenville, SC
