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2007 GMC Yukon XL Preview

GMs Biggest Best Bet on the Future of Large SUVs

The media previews for the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, scheduled to be open to the public between January 6 through 15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, are taking place now, and feature many automotive debuts. One of the most notable unwrapping sessions belonged to GMC as they slid an extra-long sheet off their all-new 2007 Yukon XL. A replacement for GMs aging line of full-size SUVs, the regular wheelbase Yukon and Yukon Denali having previously debuted at the California auto show in October, has been a long time coming, but its finally here and the wait appears to have been well worth it.

In replacing their GMT800 series of truck-based SUVs, GM went the distance by striving for benchmark thresholds in quality, refinement, styling, safety and performance, not normally associated with domestic SUV products. Having had the privilege of driving the Yukons sister ship, the 2007 Tahoe, I can attest

A replacement for GMCs full-size Yukon XL is finally here and the wait appears to have been well worth it. (Photo: General Motors)

to GMs success in meeting, and in some cases exceeding these goals. Based on the Tahoes impressive leap forward, it stands to reason that the new Yukon XL - which apart from cosmetics and length is substantially the same vehicle - will also be a vastly improved product over its none-too-shabby predecessor.

Stylistically the new Yukon and lengthier Yukon XL will distinguish themselves from their GMT900 bowtie stable mates with a different nose comprised of a large, Envoy-like grille, more upright-shaped headlight lenses and a cleaner front fascia. Side profile of the GMT900s will be fairly consistent throughout the vehicle line, and thats wise given

The Yukon features a large, Envoy-like grille, more upright-shaped headlight lenses and a cleaner front fascia than the previous example. (Photo: General Motors)

the attractive lines applied to what might otherwise be a large, awkward looking vehicle. The "XL" variant adds no less than 14 inches to the length of the standard Yukon, for a solar-eclipsing overall length of 222.4 inches - which is identical in length to Chevys Suburban, also redesigned and introduced yesterday. Whether the extra sheet metal of the XL is opted for or not, the Yukon is equipped with a third row split bench seat that can either be folded flat or easily removed, one side at a time, when prioritizing cargo capacity over human accommodation.
Immediately apparent in the Yukons frontal view is the integration of a full-wrap front fascia in place of a conventional bumper and grille setup. Not only does the new

Adding to the vehicles slippery aerodynamics and enhancing its sporty appearance is a dramatically raked windscreen angled at 57 degrees, shown here with the regular length Yukon. (Photo: General Motors)

arrangement clean up the front-end treatment, it also eliminates gaps which can generate turbulence contributing to wind noise - however, GMs focus on wind noise reduction didnt end there. They smoothed-out the entire body shell while reducing panel gaps to an impressive 4 mm (0.0157 inches). Referring back to my experience with the sister ship once again, I can verify just how silently the GMT900 Series of SUVs pierce the wind at highway speeds. Adding to the vehicles slippery aerodynamics and enhancing its sporty appearance is a dramatically raked windscreen angled at 57 degrees, in contrast to the GMT800s windscreen which stood at a steeper 50 degree angle.

To achieve the windscreen angle, GM had to push the instrument panel forward and down by approximately 6 inches. The redesigned panel is absolutely gorgeous.

The Yukon cabin shows significant improvements over the previous generation SUV. (Photo: General Motors)

GM really needs to take a bow for moving upscale in the area of interior fit, finish and quality. Based on what the Tahoe delivered, the interior packaging in the Yukon XL is expected to take a back seat to no rival, especially competitors in its mid-level price range. Look for premium-level options such as remote starting, rain sensing wipers, heated seats and steering wheel, touch-screen navigation, rear seat DVD, power-articulating fold/tumble second row seats, power-operated rear liftgate, rear backup camera system and power-articulating running boards to accompany a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features. Many of options noted are included as standard equipment in the Denali edition.

In addition to refining the Yukons cabin, GM aimed for world-class acoustics by minimizing and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. Engine idle noise and highway noise were also targets of the chassis engineers who gave the Yukon an entirely new frame assembly with

The new Yukon features a 5.3-liter V8 expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy thanks in part to GMs Active Fuel Management technology. (Photo: General Motors)

increased strength and structure over the GMT800 series architecture. In doing so they also widened the Yukons front track by 3 inches and its rear track by 1 inch, improving the vehicles handling and fortifying its stance by nicely filling its wheel wells. Onto the bolstered frame hang completely new front and rear suspension setups comprised of an independent coil-over-shock design up front and a five-link coil spring arrangement at the rear. Larger, more powerful 4-wheel disc brakes are now assigned stopping duties.

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