GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV: Texas preview

GM will use the upcoming 2007 State Fair of Texas starting this Friday to give a sneak peak at the new hybrid-powered GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUVs.







Capable of running on pure electricity, the vehicles, GM is reporting in its press release, will be built in Texas at the GM Arlington Assembly Plant and will provide for a 30 per cent gain in average mileage over their traditionally motivated siblings. Just like its close relative, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, the new 2WD GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV will feature 21 mpg in the city, which is 1.5 times better than its 5.3-liter gasoline-powered counterpart and is close to the mileage of a comparatively tiny Toyota Camry mid-size sedan.

Both Tahoe and Yukon are equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine with the GM Active Fuel Management system. When not needed all of its available power, the system will shut down half of the engine's cylinders and will shut down the gasoline engine altogether at speeds lower than 30 mph, significantly reducing fuel consumption. To let the battery run longer, it is recharged with the help of a regenerative braking system.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will start at $33,700