Chevy Tahoe Hybrid

I published a picture of the 09 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid in the 1-25-08 Issue of Texas Auto Guide. This car is currently on display at the 08 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

I was watching Friday Night Lights on NBC and they featured the Hybrid Tahoe in the McGarity Chevy dealership on the show. I immediately spotted it…(Hybrid letters down the side) and then they gave some features about it being a hybrid and sold it to a customer on the show. This vehicle will make it to the dealerships in Late 2008. Pretty cool.

Here is some info on the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and also the GMC Yukon Hybrid:

GM today announced the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids, the only full-size, fully capable SUVs whose two-wheel-drive (2WD) models offer the same EPA city fuel economy as a conventional four-cylinder midsize car. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the generously equipped Tahoe Hybrid are $50,490 (2WD) and $53,295 (4WD); and $50,945 (2WD); and $53,755 (4WD) for the Yukon Hybrid. 

“We promised to apply our most advanced technologies to vehicles that can save the most fuel, and we are delivering on that promise with the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid SUVs,” said GM vice chairman Bob Lutz. “ The gasoline-only Tahoe and Yukon SUVs already offer best-in-segment fuel economy. Now, consumers can choose GM’s patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology that delivers the same city fuel economy as the 2008 Toyota Camry with the base four-cylinder engine. The difference is that the Tahoe and Yukon can seat eight people and can tow up to 6,200 pounds.”

The Tahoe Hybrid is part of a commitment by Chevrolet, GM’s largest brand, to provide customers around the globe with a variety of value-driven fuel solutions that range from gas-friendly to gas-free. The Yukon Hybrid is further evidence of GMC’s engineering excellence and innovative technology. Both are among 16 gas-electric hybrid models GM is introducing during the next four years. Despite the added technology, the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid SUVs are not the highest-priced models within their respective lineups.

Two-wheel-drive Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid models deliver EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L gasoline-only siblings and comparable to the city fuel economy of the much-smaller 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan, according to figures obtained from www.fueleconomy.gov. EPA highway fuel economy is 22 mpg. The fuel savings is impressive on 4WD models, too, with the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids rated at 20 mpg in both city and highway driving. This gives the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids a driving range of about 525 miles per tank of fuel, or enough for a trip from Lubbock, TX to Houston, TX.

Making this possible is GM’s all-new, advanced electrically variable transmission and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM’s new 2-Mode Hybrid system enables the Tahoe and Yukon to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone and allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods. The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids also save fuel with aerodynamic aids and reduced-mass components.

Along with exceptional fuel economy, the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids deliver full-size SUV capability – up to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity,  12,000 pounds GCWR and eight-passenger seating capacity.

These generously equipped, full-size SUVs include heated leather-appointed front bucket seats and leather-appointed second-row bench; driver and passenger power-adjustable seats; navigation radio with rearview camera system; a Bose premium sound system; XM Satellite Radio and the OnStar safety and security system. Other standard features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control; tire pressure monitoring system; a tire inflator kit (in lieu of a spare tire); cruise control; trailering receiver/equipment; two-speed transfer case (4WD); locking differential; 18-inch lightweight polished aluminum wheels and assist steps.

 

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