GMC Yukon Hybrid / Yukon Denali Hybrid: New for 2012
; Navigation radio with AM/FM/XM stereo and CD player, USB port, 80-gig hard
drive, Time Shift Recording capability and available SiriusXM Weather Service
; Exterior colors: Crystal Red Tintcoat, Quicksilver Metallic and Steel Gray Metallic 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid / Yukon Denali Hybrid: Highlights
GMC Yukon Hybrid delivers a 33-percent improvement in city driving – EPA-estimated
20 mpg – with the spaciousness and capability customers seek in a full-size SUV. It offers seating for up to eight, a maximum cargo capacity of 108.9 cubic feet (3,084 L) and a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) on 2WD models.
The Yukon Hybrid’s improved fuel economy over gasoline-only models is due largely to
GM’s state-of-the-art, two-mode hybrid system, which is comparable to the city fuel economy of many smaller cars.
Changes and new features for 2012 include a new color touch-screen navigation radio with a USB port, hard drive, Time Shift Recording capability and more. Two new exterior colors are offered: Crystal Red Tintcoat and Quicksilver Metallic.
Hybrid system details
GM’s advanced Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS) work with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology to enable the Yukon Hybrid’s efficient performance. This hybrid system not only enables
the Yukon to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.
GM designed the EVT to provide the best combination of city and highway fuel economy. Used with the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management, it is an all-purpose system well-suited to providing excellent economy and full-size SUV passenger-carrying, cargo-hauling and trailer-towing capabilities.
The EVT is designed to bolt directly to the standard four-wheel-drive transfer case found on the gasoline-only models for true four-wheel-drive capability. The following major components comprise the Yukon Hybrid’s unique powertrain system:
; Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT)
; Energy Storage System (ESS)
; Vortec 6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing
(LIVC).
Electrically variable transmission (EVT): The key to GM’s EVT is its unique
assemblage of two 60 kW electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four traditional hydraulic wet clutches. This arrangement allows continuously variable operation, and
provides four fixed gear ratios (with operation comparable to that of a standard electronically controlled automatic transmission).
A sophisticated Hybrid Optimizing System constantly receives torque-based data from the powertrain and other vehicle systems, and then determines the most efficient means of propelling the vehicle — either via electric power, gasoline engine power or a
combination of the two. The EVT is like having two transmissions in one — continuously
variable drive for light-load conditions and fixed-ratio drive for high-load situations.
Energy storage system (ESS): A 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System
(ESS) provides power to the EVT’s two electric motors. This battery pack is located
under the second-row seat, where it takes up virtually no additional space and does not interfere with second- or third-row ingress/egress. The fold-and-tumble capability of the second-row seat remains, and flipping the seat forward provides a flat load floor from the liftgate forward to the front seats.
In addition to supplying power to the EVT, the ESS also provides power to the air conditioning compressor and the Accessory Power Module (APM), which converts the high-voltage supply to 42 volts for the electric power steering system, and 12 volts for the vehicle battery and other 12-volt electrical accessories.
Battery pack durability and reliability are maintained via optimized charge and discharge cycles, as well as a dedicated cooling system that draws air from the passenger compartment. As part of the vehicle’s emission control system, the ESS is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.
Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine: Engineers chose the Vortec 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine for the Yukon Hybrid because of its favorable torque characteristics. This is especially important because GM engineers adapted the 6.0L V-8 to operate with late intake valve closing (Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and better overall fuel economy.
Using flat-top pistons, cylinder heads borrowed from GM’s 5.3L high-output V-8 and a
10.8:1 compression ratio, the Vortec 6.0L V-8 produces 332 horsepower (248 kW) at 5100 rpm and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (498 Nm) at 4100 rpm, yet requires only regular unleaded fuel.
The Vortec 6.0L also features continuously variable valve timing to control late intake closing, as well as Active Fuel Management, which allows four of the eight cylinders to be shut off during periods of light load. With the benefit of electric boost, the engine is able to stay in V-4 mode for longer periods in the Yukon Hybrid.
Auto Stop mode and regenerative braking
A key contributor to fuel economy is the gasoline engine’s Auto Stop mode. At vehicle
speeds between 0 and 30 mph, the gasoline engine may be automatically shut down. By leaving the engine off and allowing the vehicle to move only under electric power up to 30 mph, such as during heavy stop-and-go traffic, fuel consumption is greatly reduced.
The regenerative braking system works in concert with the hydraulic braking system. The system uses a brake pedal emulator, which provides progressive resistance as the
pedal is depressed. This consistent pedal feel is operates very much like that of a standard hydraulic braking system.
Peace and quiet
Yukon Hybrid matches its gasoline-only siblings in comfort and convenience, with special attention paid to acoustic details that make for a very quiet driving experience. Examples include:
; Exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine’s Active
Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a
pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation
; Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing
sound quality
; Low-rolling resistance, ―quiet-tuned‖ P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
; Electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and
allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the
gasoline engine is shut off. Includes the standard tri-zone HVAC system ; Electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and
provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses
common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
; Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at
low vehicle speeds when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants.
Hybrid interior features
A unique hybrid gauge cluster includes a special tachometer incorporating an Auto Stop position just above the 0 rpm mark that indicates when the gasoline engine is in shut-down mode. An analog economy gauge, to the left of the tachometer, helps the driver maintain the most efficient driving style.
Located midway down the center stack, the standard navigation system’s 6.5-inch full-
color VGA display doubles as a monitor that shows a graphic representation of the hybrid drivetrain’s power flow. This display continuously informs the occupants how the
system is sending power to the wheels from the ESS/electric motors, the gasoline engine or both. The screen also displays reverse electrical flow during regenerative braking and whether the vehicle is in two- or four-wheel-drive mode.
Aerodynamic exterior
While the Yukon Hybrid bears a close resemblance to other models, styling revisions are made for aesthetic and functional purposes. In addition to setting these models apart from other SUVs, the following exterior styling changes contribute to improved fuel economy:
; The front fascia lacks fog lamp and tow hook openings, while a lower air dam helps
redirect air flow from underneath the vehicle to reduce turbulence and associated
drag
; Subtle, yet important aero tuning details around the wheel openings and other
areas all contribute to a low 0.345 drag coefficient
; A slightly larger front grille opening allows increased airflow to the radiator and
engine compartment, helping to cool the advanced hybrid power electronics
; The roof rack side rails have been eliminated to reduce drag and provide a clean,
uninterrupted appearance
; Standard running boards have been tapered fore and aft, and incorporate body-
color ―spat‖ inserts for decreased wind resistance
; Extended D-pillar corner appliqués include sharper edges at the rear vertical
corners for enhanced aerodynamic performance
; Specific rear fascia is aerodynamically optimized with sharper corners matching
the extended D-pillars
; An extended rear spoiler (with integrated LED CHMSL) contributes to the vehicle’s
overall aerodynamic performance
; Aerodynamically shaped rear brake lamps with LED lighting technology for
reduced energy consumption.
Mass reduction inside and out
Mass is an important factor in overall vehicle efficiency. Because of the slight increase in curb weight resulting from the various hybrid components, engineers reduced the mass of numerous vehicle components, keeping the Yukon Hybrid in the same test weight class as its gasoline-only counterparts.
On the outside, an aluminum hood and liftgate (with fixed glass) replace the standard steel units. Substituting an aluminum front bumper beam saved additional weight, as well as using low-mass, aero-efficient 18-inch cast aluminum wheels.
On the inside, special thin-profile, lighter-weight front seats provide all the function and comfort of those found in the gasoline-only Yukon. Another advantage of these new seats is the additional 1.5 inches (38 mm) of second-row passenger knee room.
Additional mass was eliminated by adapting a tire inflator kit that takes the place of the spare wheel and tire, hoist mechanism, jack and tools found on gasoline-only models. Easy to use, the tire inflator kit is conveniently located behind the left-rear quarter trim panel in the cargo area.
Yukon Hybrid exterior features
; Hybrid model-specific front and rear fascias.
; Standard assist steps.
; Standard heated, power-operated outside mirrors including auto-dimming,
integrated signal indicators, ground lights and curb-tilt feature.
; Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels and P265/65R18 all-season tires.
; Exterior colors include: Onyx Black, Gold Mist Metallic (Denali Hybrid only),
Carbon Black Metallic, Summit White, White Diamond Tricoat (Denali Hybrid
only), Mocha Steel Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Quicksilver Metallic and Steel
Gray Metallic
Yukon Hybrid interior standard and available features
; Almost no exposed metal hardware or latches, as all models feature
enclosing ―close-outs‖ around the seat bottoms and door sill trim plates.
; Yukon Hybrid has the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a large
glove box and numerous storage compartments.
; Three rows of seating are standard on all models. The second row is available
as a three-passenger bench with a 60/40 split bench. The third row features a
50/50-split design and is removable.
; Leather-appointed and heated front seats are standard.
; Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard.
; SiriusXM Satellite Radio standard on all models.
; New navigation radio with a seven-inch touch screen, USB port, hard drive,
Time Shift Recording capability, MP3 playback, navigation with voice recognition
and color interface display.
; Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard.
; Power-adjustable pedals are standard.
; Available Sun, Entertainment and Destinations Package (PCJ) is optional
and includes one year of SiriusXM Radio and NavTraffic service, power sunroof
and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Yukon Hybrid chassis and suspension
The Yukon Hybrid is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, incorporating a fully boxed
frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, leaf-spring rear suspension and rack-and-pinion
steering.
; Wide front and rear tracks – 68.2 inches (1,732 mm) front/67 inches (1,702 mm)
rear – enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel. ; A stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the
strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable precise mounting and
tuning of chassis and suspension components.
; A two-speed transfer case is standard on 4WD models.
; The standard axle ratio is 3.08.
; A locking rear differential is standard.
Yukon safety and crash-avoidance features
; Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating
rows.
; Standard seat-mounted side-impact air bags for driver and right-front
passenger provide thorax and pelvic protection.
; StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover
crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle,
braking or a combination of both.
; Standard Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist can detect certain stationary objects
behind the vehicle and send an audible warning alert.
; Rearview camera system is standard and designed to provide the driver with
a view of people or objects behind the vehicle.
; Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS features smooth, quiet
operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.
; Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are
standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more
tightly.
; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment
system, which is included in all second-row seating positions.
; Tire pressure monitoring system, standard on all models.
; Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for
the red panic button. Drivers can it to locate their cars without sounding the panic
alarm.
; Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective
―safety cage‖ around occupants.
OnStar details
OnStar is standard on Yukon Hybrid. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.
; OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information
services in the United States and Canada.
; Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service
with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance on all Yukon Hybrid
models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car
by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective,
since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.
; Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.
# # #
For immediate release
2012 YUKON HYBRID SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: GMC Yukon Hybrid / Yukon Denali Hybrid
Body style / driveline: 4-door sport-utility vehicle, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2- or 4-wheel
drive, half-ton models
Construction: body on frame
EPA vehicle class: full-size sport-utility vehicle
Manufacturing location: Arlington, Texas
Engine
Vortec 6.0L V-8 (LZ1)
Type: 6.0L V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc): 364 / 5967
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, two valves per cylinder, continuously variable
valve timing
Ignition system: coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark
plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires Fuel delivery: Active Fuel Management?; sequential fuel injection Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Horsepower (hp/ kW @ rpm): 332 / 248 @ 5100*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 367 / 498 @ 4100*
Fuel: regular unleaded
Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6000
Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition,
returnless fuel rail, fast-response O?
sensor
Estimated fuel economy (city / 2WD: 20 / 23
hwy): 4WD: 20 / 23
Transmission
Type: 2-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four
fixed gears
Gear ratios (:1):
First: 3.69
Second: 1.70
Third: 1.00
Fourth: 0.73
Reverse: infinite – 1.70
EVT1: infinite – 1.70
EVT2: 1.70 – 0.5
Final drive ratio: 3.08
Vehicle Power System
Power electronics system: 300-volt (transmission, air conditioning, heater pump, front
crash sensor); 42-volt (power steering); 12-volt (vehicle
accessories)
Batteries: 300-volt (hybrid system); 12-volt (vehicle accessories)
Chassis / Suspension
Front: independent, coil-over-shock; MagnaRide (Denali) Rear: five-link with coil springs; MagnaRide (Denali) Traction control: all-speed traction control, StabiliTrak electronic vehicle
stability enhancement system
Steering type: 42-volt electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion Steering ratio: 17.75:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 3
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 39.04 / 11.9
Brakes
Type: four-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS; with regenerative
capability
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 13 x 1.18 / 330.2 x 30
rear: 13.5 x .787 / 345 x 20
Wheels / Tires
Wheel size and type: Yukon Hybrid: 18-inch x 8-inch polished aluminum
Yukon Denali Hybrid: 22-inch x 9-inch flangeless chrome Tires: Yukon Hybrid: P265/65R ALS
Yukon Hybrid Denali: P285/45R22 blackwall ALS
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 116 / 2946
Overall length (in / mm): 202 / 5130
Overall width (in / mm): 79 / 2007
Overall height (in / mm): 2WD: 76.9 / 1954
4WD: 77 / 1955
Aerodynamic profile (cd): 0.34
Track (in / mm): front: 68.2 / 1732
rear: 67 / 1702
Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): 9 / 229
Step-in height (in / mm): 2WD: 21.8 / 553
4WD: 22 / 558
Ground to top of load floor (in / mm): 2WD: 31.7 / 804
4WD: 31.6 / 802
Approach angle (deg): 17
Departure angle (deg): 21.9
Curb weight (lb / kg): 2WD: 5598 / 2539 Denali Hybrid 2WD: 5877 / 2666
4WD: 5917 / 2684 Denali Hybrid 4WD: 6110 / 2771
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 2WD: 50 / 50
4WD: 53 / 47
Interior
First Row Second Row Third Row Seating capacity (8 max): 2 3 3 Headroom (in / mm): 40.3 / 1024 39.2 / 996 37.9 / 963 Legroom (in / mm): 41.3 / 1049 39.0/ 991 25.6 / 650 Shoulder room (in / mm): 65.3 / 1658 65.2/ 1656 61.7 / 1566 Hip room (in / mm): 60.3 / 1532 60.6 / 1539 49.1 / 1246 Cargo volume (cu ft / L) stndBehind 1 row, 2 row folded no 108.9 / 3084
third row: ndBehind 2 row no third row: 60.3 / 1707
rdBehind 3 row: 16.9 / 478
Capacities
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 108.9 / 3084
GVWR (lb / kg): 2WD: 7100 / 3220
4WD: 7300 / 3311
GCWR (lb / kg): 12000 / 5443
Payload, base (lb / kg): 2WD: 1476 / 669 (with third-row seat)
4WD: 1393 / 632 (with third-row seat) Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 2WD: 6200 / 2812 (Yukon Hybrid)
4WD: 6000 / 2721 (Yukon Hybrid)
2WD: 6000 / 2721 (Yukon Denali Hybrid)
4WD: 5700 / 2585 (Yukon Denali Hybrid) Fuel tank (gal / L): 24.5 / 92.7
Engine oil (qt / L): 6 / 5.7
Cooling system (qt / L): 16.8 / 15.9
*SAE certified.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.