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Initially released in 1992, the GMC Yukon was one of the first on the market to
propel the SUV to stardom. With its latest adaptation, the 2008 GMC Yukon
Hybrid, the maker stands to reach those heights in history yet again. The Yukon
Hybrid stands side-by-side with its brother, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. While GM's
most recent model claims to be the first ever two-mode hybrid SUV, it is not
much of a departure from the standard Yukon in exterior and interior styling.
Replacing the GMC Jimmy in 1992, the Yukon boasted a tough exterior, ample
interior space, and luxurious added features. Marketed as an alternative to the
standard pick-up truck, the Yukon in fact appeared to be a remake of GM's K5
full-size Jimmy. The new SUV was able to tow and haul large loads just like a
pick-up, but could seat many more than a measly single bench seat in a standard
cab truck. From 1992 through 1994, the Yukon was only available as a two-door,
placing more focus on their other large four-door SUV, the Suburban. Not until
1995 did GM produce a four-door Yukon.
In 1995 other standard features not widely seen on the market were launched as
well. A standard driver's-side airbag provided added safety, while a complete
revamping of the instrument panel appealed to more buyers. In Yukon's first four
years it had a 5.7L OHV V8 engine that touted between 200 and 210 horsepower.
Nevertheless, as trucks became more and more powerful, GMC felt the need to keep
up and implemented 250 and 255 horsepower versions from 1996 through 1999.
Not many significant changes took place for several years to come in GMC's
Yukon. However, when in 2005 sales had reached an all-time low for the Yukon, GM
decided to reinvent the gas-guzzler by working on a hybrid version of the
massive SUV. In 2008, they developed the first ever two-mode propulsion engine
in an American SUV, clearly setting a new standard in the already-booming hybrid
market. While the Yukon Hybrid may still only reach 20-22 MPG, GMC claims that
this is just the first in its quest to bring buyers a fuel-friendly SUV.
The marketing tactics are catching on for the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Already,
the television crime-drama, CSI, has swapped out their obsolete Yukon Denalis
for more eco-trendy Yukon Hybrids. Though it may take America a bit more time,
GMC has invented what is now considered a staple in a maker's upcoming SUV
lineup. The 2008 Yukon trims, including the Hybrid, all share updated sleek
exteriors, horizontal bar chrome grilles, and limitless added features in the
interiors. Lastly, GM has made the Hybrid 300 pounds lighter by using aluminum
on its hood and front end; thus, furthering the Yukon Hybrid's potential
fuel-economy even more.
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