GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid Unveiled
Americans have a love affair with the SUV. Fuel prices and the segment’s generally low fuel economy ratings have put a damper on sales, but automakers are beginning to apply hybrid technologies to a range of larger vehicles to make them more palatable to the efficiency-conscious consumer. The GMC Yukon Denali is the latest large General Motors vehicle to get the hybrid treatment, and the results are impressive.
When it comes to making a large SUV that seats eight people into a a fuel efficient vehicle, there is no one thing designers can do to achieve the task. Instead, a full complement of feaures must be added that each contribute to the larger overall goal. The Yukon Denali Hybrid is certainly more than the sum of its parts. Sharing its hybrid drivetrain with the standard Yukon Hybrid SUV and the Sierra Hybrid pickup truck, the Denali is driven by GM’s Two Mode system. Two electric motors are fitted within the transmission to drive the vehicle at lower speeds. Also, the powerful 6.0-liter V8 engine features the company’s cylinder deactivation technology, which will shut down four of the cylinders when they aren’t needed. The result? An astounding 21 mpg city fuel economy rating.
The Denali also features a regenerative braking system. Essentially, this system uses generators in the brake system that will create electricity when the brakes are applied. When you first drive a car with this system, it feels a bit different from what you’re used to. The regenerative system applies more force to the brakes in order to generate electricity, resulting in more stopping power. After a few blocks of driving, though, you get used to the feeling.
The Denali is GMC’s premium SUV, and that is reflected in the bevy of gadgets inside the car. DVD players, heated and cooled seats, high-end Bose sound system, and other luxuries fill the cabin. This is also reflected in the price, as a two-wheel drive Denali starts at $59,185, and the four-wheel drive version starts at $62,030. Add in destination charge and a few options, and you’re looking at an extra $4,000 on top of those starting numbers.
