NY Show Preview: GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid with 21MPG

GM is adding yet another 'politically correct' full-size SUV with a hybrid powertrain to its model portfolio. The new 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid will its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show with sales set to commence in May. The eight passenger SUV features GM's 2-mode hybrid system that combines a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine producing 332-horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. (498Nm) of torque with two-electric motors packaged in the transmission.

GM claims that the Yukon Denali Hybrid (2WD) returns an estimated 21mpg city (11.2lt / 100km) and 22mpg highway (10.7lt / 100km). "The eight-passenger GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid goes just as far on a gallon of gas in the city as a much smaller, V-6 Toyota Camry sedan," said Susan Docherty, vice president, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "And in terms of fuel savings, the GMC Yukon Denali saves about 250 gallons of fuel a year over the Lexus GX 470."

Docherty also said the number one consideration for those purchasing the GMC Yukon Hybrid is fuel economy (80 percent), followed by 66 percent for its environmentally friendly technologies and more than half because of its technological innovation. We hope that Doherty is referring to those who have already decided to purchase a Yukon and not buyers in general...

Prices for the 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid start at $59,185 for the 2WD model and $62,030 for the 4WD version, including the destination freight charge of $950. Buyers may also be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2,200.