For Release: June 9, 2008
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GMC’S PROFESSIONAL GRADE LINEUP DELIVERS GREATER EFFICIENCY IN 2009
DETROIT – Long renowned for engineering excellence and refinement, GMC’s century of building exclusively trucks is the foundation for the industry’s most capable lineup. It is also increasingly efficient, as many GMC vehicles enter 2009 with new technologies and enhancements that increase fuel economy.
On the popular Acadia, a more efficient and more powerful 3.6L engine with direct injection delivers greater fuel economy, while most V-8-powered Yukon and Sierra models feature new, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions. These full-size trucks also are offered in hybrid models that offer dramatically greater fuel economy – particularly in city driving – while maintaining excellent towing capability.
“At GMC, efficiency does not come at the expense of capability,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice-president. “Targeted enhancements that deliver real-world fuel savings are realized by customers without sacrificing the capability they’ve come to expect.”
Also new for ’09 is a strengthened Canyon lineup that includes a new V-8 engine option, redesigned brake system and the return of the performance-oriented ZQ8 sport suspension package. Below is look at GMC’s lineup for 2009 and their new feature highlights:
GMC’s popular Acadia continues to win over customers seeking the spaciousness and capability of an SUV with a smooth ride and responsive handling of a crossover. For 2009, Acadia receives an enhanced version of the 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that uses gasoline direct injection technology to help produce more power and greater fuel economy than the ’08 model. The engine is paired with Acadia’s fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.
Acadia seats up to eight. It is offered in SLE and SLT trims, with SLT-1 and SLT-2 equipment packages available. All models are available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations and a comprehensive safety system includes six standard air bags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.
GMC’s rugged yet refined Canyon pickup greets 2009 with a new 5.3L V-8 engine option that increases its capability. The new 5.3L V-8 is available on extended cab and crew cab models. It pumps out 300 horsepower (224 kW), for nearly 25-percent more than the Canyon’s available 3.7L I-5 engine. It also delivers 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm) for an exceptional maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg).
The ZQ8 sport suspension returns on extended and crew cab models. It features revised tuning, all-new 18-inch wheels and performance tires and distinctive visual cues, as well as the new 5.3L V-8 engine as standard equipment.
Soldiering into the ’09 model year, the Envoy and Envoy Denali continue to offer what few in the segment can: workhorse torque from either a strong, inline-six engine or the legendary small-block V-8 that is exclusive to the Envoy Denali. Torque equals pulling power and the Envoy lineup delivers with a towing rating of 5,800 pounds (2,631 kg) with the six-cylinder and a 6,600-pound (2,994 kg) maximum with the V-8. Few competitors can match those impressive numbers.
Changes to the ’09 models are few, but customers will appreciate the new Bluetooth wireless capability that is available with Envoy’s OnStar 8.0 system. With it, safer, hands-free phone calls are enabled.
GMC Sierra continues to lead the industry in fuel economy, capability and power, all delivered with responsive ride and handling traits, and an exceptionally quiet driving experience. The lineup includes everything from job-ready Work Truck models to the unique combination of performance and luxury that is the Sierra Denali.
For 2009, the Sierra range enhances its segment-best fuel economy with a new six-speed automatic that is paired with V-8 engines. Additionally, the 6.2L engine previously exclusive to the Sierra Denali is offered on SLT crew cab models; it is also more powerful than last year’s model and is E85-capable. Other new features and content changes give customer more choices that support both safety and convenience, including Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity for hands-free calls.
The 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid is a powerful full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy while delivering the capability expected of a full-size truck – including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity. It is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2WD models is 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway; 4WD models are estimated at 20 mpg in both city and highway driving. That mileage, combined with the Sierra Hybird’s 26-gallon (98 L) fuel tank, delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles with 2WD models and more than 470 miles with 4WD models.
Designed for hauling everything from a construction crew and their equipment to race car trailers and other large leisure “toys,” Sierra heavy-duty trucks are offered in a range of extremely capable 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models.
Sierra heavy-duty trucks are available in Work Truck, SLE and SLT trims. The range of configurations – three cab styles, three cargo box styles and five wheelbase lengths – delivers tremendous choice. Some full-size truck manufacturers do not even offer three-quarter-ton or one-ton heavy-duty trucks. And among those that do, the Sierra HD pickups offer many segment-best capabilities, including 18,500-pound (8,392 kg) gross combined vehicle weight rating for vehicles with a gas V-8 and a 13,000-pound (5,897 kg) conventional trailer weight rating enabled by a larger-capacity trailer hitch platform. Maximum towing capacity is 16,500 pounds (7,484 kg), when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.
For 2009, changes to the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD lineup include a number of safety-related and convenience features that bolster an already comfortable and refined driving experience, including Bluetooth phone connectivity for hands-free calls and OnStar with new Destination Download feature.
Yukon & Yukon XL / Yukon Denali & Yukon Denali XL
Built with GMC’s legendary capability and renowned refinement, the Yukon and Yukon XL family of full-size SUVs continues to deliver more power and segment-leading fuel economy. For 2009, a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission on models equipped with the 5.3L and 6.0L engines is standard.
Additional new features include Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, Side Blind Zone Alert system and a new 20-inch wheel design. The new content adds to an already comprehensive package of performance, safety and comfort features that gives customers unparalleled choices in the segment.
Yukon Denali models are distinguished with unique exterior design cues, including a signature honeycomb chrome grille. Denali-exclusive headlamps and taillamps further the jeweled look of these special Yukon models. A new, power-adjustable and heated steering wheel with Easy Entry/Exit feature is standard on all Denali models.
An exclusive 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine with variable valve timing and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission is the power behind the Denali models – and it is more powerful and FlexFuel-capable for ’09. Additional updates for the new year include minor exterior revisions, Bluetooth connectivity and a DVD entertainment system for the third row (XL models).
The GMC Yukon Hybrid delivers a dramatic improvement in fuel economy over non-hybrid models – up to 50-percent improved mileage in city driving – with all of the comfort and capability customers expect in a full-size SUV. The vastly improved fuel economy is due largely to a state-of-the-art hybrid system using GM’s all-new Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT). Two-wheel-drive Yukon Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the much-smaller, 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.
An industry first for any full-size SUV, the patented hybrid system allows these vehicles to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway driving while still delivering full-size SUV performance. Imagine a full-size SUV that offers 25- to 30-percent more combined city-highway fuel economy while also providing up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of usable 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.
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Contact:
Randy Fox
GMC Communications
Phone: 313-667-4128
E-mail: randal.l.fox@gm.com