GM launches XFE models of Tahoe, Yukon, Silverado and Sierra

August 12, 2008 Omar Rana GMC

GM today announced XFE (Xtra Fuel-Economy) versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Yukon and GMC Sierra. Gm added a combination of aerodynamic, mechanical and weight reducing features to increase EPA-estimated fuel-economy by 5 percent on the highway and 7 percent in the city.

The 2WD XFE models are powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V8 engine that produces 320-hp and 340 lb-ft of torque in the Tahoe and Yukon and 315-hp and 338 lb-ft of torque in the Silverado and Sierra. All models are mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. EPA-rated fuel-economy increases to 15/21mpg (city/highway) compared to the 14/20mpg of the base models. Yes – a whole 1mpg increase.

No idea why GM wouldn’t just add these features on the base models.

Click through for more pictures and the press release.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe XFE and 2009 GMC Yukon XFE:

GM Full-Size Pickups And SUVs Deliver Better Fuel Economy And Same Great Capabilities With New ‘XFE’ Models
    – EPA-rated fuel economy increases to 15 city and 21 highway
    – Silverado and Sierra have the best aerodynamics in the class
    – Towing capacity on Silverado and Sierra increases to 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg)
    – 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Delivers 25-Percent Improved Fuel Economy With All Of GMC’s Professional Grade Capability
    – 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Delivers 25-Percent Improved Fuel Economy And Delivers Chevy”s Rugged Capability

DETROIT ““ General Motors is building on the segment-leading fuel economy of its full-size pickups and SUVs with new XFE models of the 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon. The vehicles use a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic and mass-reducing enhancements to deliver a 5-percent increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7-percent improved mileage in city driving.

The aero enhancements make Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE models the most aerodynamic full-size pickups in the industry, with a “Best in Class” 0.412 coefficient of drag (cd). The pickups join the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid as the most aerodynamic full-size SUVs at 0.349 (cd).

The new XFE ““ Xtra Fuel Economy ““ models reflect GM”s quick adaptation to an evolving market that remains a very important segment. They are available on 2WD vehicles equipped with the 5.3L V-8 and six-speed transmission. They achieve 15 city and 21 highway mileage ratings versus comparable non-XFE models” 14/20 ratings. Most importantly, the increased efficiency does not come at the expense of capability. Towing ratings for the Tahoe and Yukon are unchanged, while the Silverado and Sierra increase from 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg) to 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) due to the new, six-speed transmission and high-capacity cooling package.

“We are pulling out all the stops to deliver a more efficient package for customers who need the capability of full-size pickups and SUVs and want the very best fuel economy,” said Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “Our pickups and SUVs are already the fuel economy leaders of their respective segments, but our engineers knew greater efficiency was achievable. We fast-tracked the XFE models to get them into dealer showrooms as quickly as possible.”

All models carry the XFE name badge and are offered in the LT trim for Silverado and LS and LT trims for Tahoe. Sierra XFE comes with SLE trim and Yukon XFE is offered with SLE and SLT trim. Most regular-production options for all models are available. Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE are offered in 2wd crew cab body styles only. Production begins this fall.

“In addition to the XFE models, GM already offers hybrid versions of the Tahoe and Yukon that achieve up to a 50-percent improvement in city fuel economy and coming in the first half of 2009 are the Silverado and Sierra Hybrids,” said White. “These hybrid pickups offer up to 25 percent overall increased fuel economy and greater than 40-percent improved mileage in city driving.”

XFE efficiencies

GM”s more efficient full-size pickups and SUVs are powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9) engine that”s built with a mass-reducing aluminum cylinder block and heads. It is rated at 320 horsepower (238 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm)* in Tahoe and Yukon and 315 hp/235 kW and 338 lb-ft/458 Nm in Silverado and Sierra. The engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission (with high-capacity cooling on Silverado and Sierra).

A rear axle equipped with a fuel-saving 3.08 ratio is also standard on all XFE models. Lightweight aluminum wheels and low rolling resistance tires (with higher tire pressure) also are included on all models.

Other unique content and features for Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE include:

    – Soft tonneau cover (improves aerodynamics)
    – Extended front lower air dam (improves aerodynamics)
    – Lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning (improve aerodynamics)
    – Aluminum lower control arms (reduce mass)
    – Aluminum spare wheel (reduces mass)
    – Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels (reduce mass)
    – Automatic locking rear differential
    – Trailering package
    – Low rolling resistance tires

Other unique content and features for Tahoe XFE and Yukon XFE include:

    – Lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning (improve aerodynamics)
    – Aluminum lower control arms (reduce mass)
    – Aluminum spare wheel (reduces mass)
    – Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels (reduce mass)
    – Automatic locking rear differential
    – Trailering package
    – Low rolling resistance tires

The new XFE models reinforce GM”s commitment to full-size truck leadership, which continue to the industry”s best and deliver the fuel economy, capability, quality and choice that are important to customers.