Hybrid Car Review

GM has announced the MSRP for the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid 2WD at $50,490, 4WD at $53,295. The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid has an MSRP of $50,945 for the 2WD and $53,755 for the 4WD.

The 2007 Yukon ranges in price from $35K to $48K, while the 2008 Tahoe comes in between $35 to $39K. But given the number of premium options (non-optional) that comes with the hybrid, the premium price tag for the hybrid system does not seem to cover the estimated $10,000 extra it costs GM to make the two-mode hybrid engine.

Internal Extras included:

• heated leather-appointed front bucket seats
• 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
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• tire pressure monitoring system
• a tire inflator kit (in lieu of a spare tire)
• cruise control
• an electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor and 42-volt variable-assist power steering

External Goodies:

• lowered air dam
• shaped running boards
• special rear-end treatments
• trailering receiver/equipment
• two-speed transfer case (4WD)
• locking differential
• 18-inch lightweight polished aluminum wheels and assist steps.

Noise-reduction measures:

• a new exhaust system and resonator
• low-rolling resistance tires
• additional engine intake induction tuning
• tuning to the Energy Storage System cooling system internal fan.

The 2WD Tahoe (and Yukon) shows a 50% gain in city driving, up to 21 mpg. They sit at 22 mpg highway. GM improved the fuel efficiency by using a 300-volt Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery pack which powers the electric motor and is recharged by the gas engine or by regenerative braking. The new hybrids can get up to 30 mph on electric power alone. In steady state driving, say on the highway, half of the valves will close in the gas engine to save on fuel, too. Some changes were also made to reduce drag and mass.


Press Release Follows:

LOS ANGELES – GM today announced pricing for 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. Prices include a $900 destination charge and, based on current adjusted EPA fuel economy calculations and pending IRS approval, buyers could be eligible for a federal tax credit.

"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 San Diego to San Francisco.

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 (2,812 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) on 4WD models; 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) GCWR and eight-passenger seating capacity.

From subtle interior touches to functional exterior aerodynamic details, the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid stand apart from the crowd. Once in the driver's seat it is instantly clear that these vehicles are special - from the unique gauge clusters with distinctive badging to the special tachometer. Even the stylish thin-profile seats, designed to reduce mass for improved fuel savings, also provide a side benefit of increased second-row leg room.

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.

On the outside, form follows function with numerous aerodynamic features such as a lowered air dam, shaped running boards and special rear-end treatments. They enhance the vehicles' overall appearance and contribute to their 0.34 drag coefficient. Noise-reduction measures include a new exhaust system and resonator; low-rolling resistance tires; additional engine intake induction tuning; an electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor and 42-volt variable-assist power steering; and tuning to the Energy Storage System cooling system internal fan.