General Motors today unveiled the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Essentially the same vehicle as the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, the GMC Yukon Hybrid, features the world’s first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV and GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology. The two-mode hybrid system was developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW.

“GMC has always stood for engineering excellence, so we’re extremely proud to be the first to market with a two-mode hybrid SUV to further improve our segment-leading fuel economy while providing all the performance you expect from GMC,” said John Larson, general manager, GMC.

While traditional full hybrid systems offer only one electric mode that is utilized during low-speed driving, the two-mode hybrid system is designed for both city driving and highway driving. The first mode, designed for low speeds, can operate with electric power only, engine power only and any combination of engine and electric power. In the first mode, the systems uses expected hybrid functions like regenerative braking and engine shut-off to improve fuel efficiency. The second mode is primarily used on the highway. In addition to electric assist, the second mode integrates Active Fuel Management, and other electronic controls allow more efficient engine operation. Full eight-cylinder engine power is provided when conditions demand it.

The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid is differentiated from its traditional sibling with a new hood, front and rear fascias and a new grille.

The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid will offer consumers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy, and will arrive in dealerships toward the end of next year.

More images and full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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GMC EXPANDS ITS PROFESSIONAL GRADE PORTFOLIO TO INCLUDE THE 2008 YUKON HYBRID
Design Meets Technology With the World’s First Two-Mode Hybrid System in an SUV

LOS ANGELES – The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, featuring the world’s first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV, will offer consumers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy when it arrives at dealerships toward the end of next year.

By utilizing innovative hybrid technology and Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, the Yukon Hybrid will deliver a spectacular combination of fuel efficiency and power, while maintaining the capabilities of a full-size SUV.

“GMC has always stood for engineering excellence, so we’re extremely proud to be the first to market with a two-mode hybrid SUV to further improve our segment-leading fuel economy while providing all the performance you expect from GMC,” said John Larson, general manager, GMC.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid is powered by an aluminum small-block Vortec V-8 engine that maintains important performance attributes of full-size trucks, such as towing at 6,000 pounds. To offset the added weight from the hybrid propulsion system, GM redesigned certain vehicle components to optimize aerodynamics. These design changes include a new hood, front and rear fascias and a sleek GMC grille.

While traditional full hybrid systems offer only one electric mode that is utilized during low-speed driving, GM is teaming up with DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group to co-develop the two-mode hybrid system, which is a patented fuel-saving technology with one mode for city driving and one mode for highway driving.

The first mode of the system is for low speed and light loads. In this mode, the hybrid system can operate with electric power only, engine power only and any combination of engine and electric power. When the first mode operates as electric only, fuel consumption is reduced in heavy stop-and-go traffic by shutting off the engine for extended periods of time and moving exclusively under electric power at low speeds.

The second mode is primarily used at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing and late-intake valve closure, to allow even more efficient engine operation with electric motors less than half the size of a traditional “one-mode” hybrid system. Full eight-cylinder engine power is provided when conditions demand it, such as passing, towing or climbing a steep grade.

The two-mode system also leverages a four-speed automatic transmission and electronic controls in an integrated, powerful and compact system that can be used with gas and diesel engines, front- and rear-wheel-drive configurations and cars, trucks and SUVs.

“The GMC Yukon Hybrid will be equipped with unique powertrain technology that provides a terrific combination of fuel economy, performance and towing capability in a full-size SUV,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. “The Yukon Hybrid’s 25-percent composite fuel efficiency improvement highlights GM’s commitment to save as much fuel as possible by applying hybrid technology to the highest fuel-consuming vehicles first.”

GMC is a division of General Motors Corp. GMC markets Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Envoy, Canyon and Savana. GMC’s lineup of Professional Grade trucks and SUVs delivers capabilities and unique features to fit every active lifestyle. GMC sold more than 566,000 vehicles in 2005, and has set divisional sales records 11 times in the last 13 years. More information on GMC and its products can be found at www.gmc.com.

Posted in: Chevrolet, GMC, LA Auto Show, SUVs, GM, Hybrids, Car Buying
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