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The GMC Division of General Motors puts out powerful pickup trucks in three sizes for 2008 and sport utility vehicles (SUV) in two formats plus stretched and deluxe treatments. GMC also has a big crossover utility vehicle (CUV) with Acadia. A new entry for 2008 is Yukon Hybrid SUV with a hybrid propulsion system to improve fuel economy.
Sierra trucks in half-ton 1500 series earned a re-do last year based on a new platform with best-in-class power, trailer tow ratings and fuel scores. For 2008 the Sierra 1500 trucks shows three cab configurations and three bed lengths, multiple suspension setups and V6 or V8 powertrains. Trims culminate with deluxe Sierra Denali, which stocks a 6.2-liter V8 pumping 403 hp. A flex-fuel (E85-compatible) V8 comes with GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology to conserve fuel. Tow capacity reaches 10500 pounds for Sierra Crew Cab stocking a 6.0-liter V8.
GMC's heavy-duty work trucks under the Sierra badge show increased strength from reworked gas and diesel engines teamed with six-speed automatic transmissions. The series includes Sierra 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and Sierra 3500HD (one-ton) trucks with cabs of regular and extended lengths plus the Crew Cab, two traction systems, two lengths for the truck box and choices for a gasoline-driven V8 or 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel. The turbo-diesel hitches to a remarkable Allison 1000 six-speed electronic automatic. Maximum trailer tow weight for Silverado HD trucks rises to 167000 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch.
GMC's Canyon pickup measures up as a mid-size model with the body styling featuring design cues borrowed from Sierra. Cabs conform as a two-door Regular Cab, the Extended Cab with two rear-hinged doors set behind the two front doors, and Crew Cab with four front-hinged doors. Two engines with in-line arrangement work for Canyon 2008. The base 2.9-liter four-cylinder plant with variable valve timing (VVT) delivers 185 hp, while an optional 3.7-liter five-cylinder VVT plant climbs to 242 hp. OnStar telecommunications gear drops into every Canyon in 2008.
The big Acadia CUV for GMC has a full-size passenger compartment stocking seats for six to eight on three rows. Powertrain is GM's 3.6-liter V6 with VVT for 275 hp through a fuel-saving Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic. Acadia also offers the choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) traction or a new Active On Demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. GMC produces the CUV in trim grades of SLE and SLT. StabiliTrak skid controls are standard now and enhanced with new rear-wheel oversteer controls. The option sheet for Acadia lists a triple-zone climate system, power liftgate, dual-panel Skyscape sunroof and a DVD-based video entertainment player.
The mid-size Envoy SUV from GMC for 2008 appears in a regular-length wheelbase with two rows of seats in the cabin for a capacity of five. The deluxe variation -- Envoy Denali -- brings comforts with choices for two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. Denali totes a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 300 hp. Envoy's powertrain is a 4.2-liter in-line-six worth 285 hp. Stock safety gear for all 2008 Envoys ranges from StabiliTrak electronic stability controls and Proactive Roll Avoidance (PRA) to a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A Bose audio package and touch screen navigation system are optional.
GMC's full-size SUVs consist of Yukon and stretched Yukon XL plus deluxe companions Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali. Denali editions are lined with leather and offer on-demand AWD traction via GM's automatic Autotrac system. All Yukons ride on a revamped platform with wider track and lower center of gravity to enhance the ride quality. Powerful engines propel the wagons, including a 5.3-liter V8 with AFM for 320 hp and Denali's 6.2-liter VVT V8 ripped to 380 hp. A new six-speed automatic transmission applies to Yukon XL 2500, the heavy-duty version, along with standard StabiliTrak skid controller.
The new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) off the Yukon SUV employs a two-mode hybrid propulsion system which integrates an automatic transmission with a hybrid-electric drive system. At low speed Yukon Hybrid can move using the electric motor or the gas-fired V8 or a combination of the V8 and electric motor. At highway speed the second mode works with all eight cylinders of the engine pumping when commanded, or with only four cylinders through AFM technology to conserve on fuel. The HEV can lug a trailer weighing up to 6200 pounds.
