General Motors has decided to expand its hybrid powertrain across one more member of its full-size SUV and pickup range, the luxury-laden GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid. Set to be unveiled to the public later this week at the New York International Auto Show, the Yukon Denali Hybrid is positioned as the flagship model in the GMC lineup.Like the Equinox, power is provided by two new engines which feature fuel-saving technologies such as direct injection and variable valve timing. The base 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower (136 kW) and returns an estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Models equipped with this engine will come with a "ECO" mode which is activated via a button on the center console, when the button is pressed it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to maximize fuel economy. A 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine with 264 horsepower (197 kW) will also be available, it is expected to return an estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter Ecotec returns 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway while the 3.0-liter V6 returns 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
