So-called EcoTec3 powertrains are from the revised 2014 GM pickup truck line.
Coming off the successful introduction of the 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks, GM today showed the 2015 versions of its full-size sport utility vehicles built off the same architecture – Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon. They go on sale early next year.
While the traditional body-on-frame SUV segment is yielding most of its former robust sales to more efficient crossover unit-body designs, GM is booking big profits of roughly $10,000 per vehicle in the U.S. from its sales of the SUVs, which in total from all automakers now account for less than 2% of the U.S. market. This is less than half of the segment share that existed when pre-bankruptcy GM last redesigned the vehicles in 2007. During 2012 in a slowly recovering market GM sold 117,000 of the Chevys, with more than 51,000 additional Yukon models delivered by GMC. This was three of every four vehicles sold in the entire segment. The sales and revenue generated would be equal to a Fortune 400 company, claimed GM without providing details.
All of the new SUVs represent a significant upgrade compared to earlier versions, including more aerodynamic exterior styling, contemporary interiors with the latest electronics, and the most fuel-efficient powertrains that GM has ever offered in this segment. Of note is the 2015 Suburban, which represents its 80th anniversary and the 12th generation of what was arguably the original SUV.
A significant amount of electronics has been added to the interiors.
New technologies, including radar, contribute to what GM thinks is 360 degrees of crash avoidance and occupant protection. Standard or optional equipment include forward collision alert, front park assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. GM’s vibrating seat is available, which offers directional vibrations on either side of the cushion to alert the driver about potential crash threats or lane wandering.
TheEcoTec3 powertrains are straight from the 2014 pickup truck line. The standard 5.3-liter V8 has direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and a combustion system, designed to maximize power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions. An exclusive 6.2-liter V8 engine is standard in GMC Denali models, which is expected to deliver the segment’s best horsepower and torque – SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb.-ft. of torque (623 Nm). EPA ratings are pending. (The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra Denali 1500, have the 6.2-liter V8 with the same ratings, the most power of any pickup engine and torque of any light duty pickup truck engine and class-leading maximum available trailering capacity of 12,000 pounds when properly equipped.)
Improved engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, sophisticate aerodynamics help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode more often with Active Fuel Management, further increasing efficiency. The engines are connected to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, with ‘TapShift’ control, ‘Tow/Haul’ mode and ‘Auto Grade Braking.’
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