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The history of the GMC Yukon XL 2WD dates back, as do all Yukons, to 1935. SUVs
were first designed and manufactured as Suburbans to provide drivers and
passengers with a vehicle that could take on any terrain and keep them, and all
of their cargo, in safe, dependable comfort. The capacity to tow heavy loads was
also an integral design component. The first model year for the Yukon XL, per
say, was 2000. It was an extension of the features offered in the 1999 GMC
Sierra full-sized pickup truck. It is notable that the Yukon itself is an
enhanced Chevrolet Tahoe while the Yukon XL is the replacement for the Chevy
Suburban.
While many automobile manufacturers of the past used the name "Suburban" to
describe a wagon-style vehicle with windows on a commercial frame, it is only
GMC that continues to produce the Suburban today as they were awarded the
exclusive trademark rights in 1988. When the GMC Suburban became the GMC Yukon
XL, the Suburban name was left strictly for Chevrolet's use. Today's Yukon XL is
the continuance of this legacy of Suburban toughness. More luxurious Suburbans,
now called Yukon XL Denalis, retail for about $20,000 higher than the Yukon XL
2WD.
The tough and ready appearance of the Yukon XL is very intentional and is
created in part from low fender lines and bulging hood design standards. Yukons
have always been made to appeal to the driver who desires protection and the
ability to conquer dangerous ground - even if the current market for SUVs in
general is flooded with people who never leave the city.
The current Yukon XL, aka the Cadillac Escalade ESV, are available in 18
different trims and encompass a vast variety of features and options. They are
available with the choice between three different engines: the Vortec 5300 325
CID V8 285 hp; the Vortec 6000 364 CID V8 335 hp at 5200 rpm and the Vortec 8100
496 CID V8 325 hp at 4200 rpm. The Yukon XL 2WD offers advanced control systems
including traction assistance that distributes vehicle weight to grip
low-traction terrain in much speedier times than a driver possibly can. The
"Premium Smooth Ride Suspension" system offers rear shocks that level themselves
in awkward terrain situations and automatically adjust the vehicle's height. The
Autoride "Real Time Damping" system gathers information from various height
sensors on the XL 2WD and vary the shock damping continuously while in motion.
Further, there is an electronic sensor that engages a compressor to keep the
rear end of the vehicle even with the front while towing heavy loads. Enhanced
maneuverability, serviceability, dependability and durability are always the
goal of every change made for the Yukon XL. GMC strives to make the XL the
finest SUV on the planet.
The Yukon XL 2WD also features independent front torsion bar suspension and a
rear coil suspension system with 5 separate links. The number of welds was
increased by 25% which has, in effect, doubled the stiffness of the XL for a
ride that is literally free of vibration. Aluminum bracing is hydro-formed to
optimize strength and performance while enhancing dimensional control.
The Yukon XL underwent a major transformation for the 2007 model which was, of
course, released in early 2006. In 2009, the Yukon XL 2WD will feature new 5.3 L
and 6.0 L V8 engines coupled with a 6 speed automatic transmission. They will
also come stock with OnStar 8.0 and turn-by-turn NAV systems. In addition,
owners will be treated to hands-free communication through the latest BlueTooth
technologies and XM Satellite Radio. The complex lineage of the Suburban
continues to evolve with the GMC Yukon XL 2WD SUV
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