|
GMC
Yukon Hybrid SUV
The GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV is scheduled to roll out in 2007.
One of the larger SUV hybrid offerings from GMC, the Yukon
Hybrid will share the same power-train as the Chevy
Tahoe Hybrid SUV, also scheduled to roll out
in 2007 as well.
The GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV is a full hybrid system, unlike the
mild hybrid system, which GM will use it its Malibu hybrid car
and Saturn VUE Hybrid SUV, both scheduled to roll out for the
2007 sales year. The GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV will most likely feature
a couple of 40 hp electric motors that are assisted by either
a V6 or 5.3-liter V8 engine when more power is needed.
Also featured in the new Yukon Hybrid will be a 300-volt battery
pack, regenerative braking to recharge the battery pack and
Displacement On Demand gasoline cylinder-deactivation feature
that will some cylinder inactive during deceleration in order
to save on gasoline. The hybrid technology used on the GMC Yukon
Hybrid will be similar to the Allison advanced hybrid bus technology
and save approximately 30-percent in fuel efficiency.
General Motors is currently test piloting a fleet of hybrid-diesel
buses in California's Yosemite National Park. The power-train
for the buses is a larger scale version of the two-mode
hybrid system that will be used on the Yukon Hybrid and
Tahoe Hybrid SUV's and the test piloting program will serve
to get the GMC Yukon Hybrid and its counterpart to market
sooner.
GM has decided to hybridize its most fuel inefficient vehicles
first, such as buses large trucks and SUV's, so the Yukon
Hybrid falls right in line with General Motors' game plan
to create fuel efficiency where fuel efficiency is needed
most.
|
