DETROIT, MI: It may not make sense in a perfect world, but there's no
denying that people feel better about driving and owning a vehicle if they like the way it looks as much as they like the way it works.
As a result, I am pretty sure that buyer appreciation for the GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali are going to go way up early in 2006 when the 2007 versions of these SUVs start showing up in Buick-Pontiac-GMC stores across Canada.
Both models feature what GMC executives called a "sleeker and more expressive style" at a media reveal here recently, and they are right about that. For me, a Yukon in black looks nearly as good as the new Cadillac Escalade, which GM hasn't released pictures of yet. Escalade's still the most striking of GM's full-size SUV lineup, to be sure, but it might strike a lot of people as being too flashy.
Yukon, on the other hand, is good looking in a more restrained way, and is supposed to foreshadow the new exterior look of all GMC models, which augers particularly well for the next Sierra pickup.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves here by about a year, so let's stick with the Yukon in all its variations.
Given the temper of the times, it's probably wise to mention right away that the vehicles also offer more power and deliver better fuel economy than the models they replace.
This is all part of a plan to bring GMC's "professional grade philosophy to a new level," said John Larson, the division's general manager. "We're aiming to provide customers with more than they expect in all respects."
When it arrives early next year, Yukon will come in SLE (cloth trim) and SLT (leather appointments) grades, in either two- or four-wheel-drive.
Yukon Denali will be a distinct model, said Larson, "with differentiated, exclusive features that elevate its performance and style to an unprecedented level -- including an exclusive 6.2-litre all-aluminum V-8 with variable valve timing and a new six-speed automatic transmission."
The "sleeker, taut form" that both will have comes from wraparound front and rear fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards that "provide a seamless, contemporary appearance."
Larson also said that "craftsmanship is found in elements such as tight tolerances between exterior components and a tuned,
wheels-to-the-corners proportion. The wheels are aligned on the same plane as the outer edges of the fenders, giving the vehicle a confident, broad-shouldered stance."
The "toned" look on all models comes from a windshield angle of 57 degrees, "which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise."
Jewel-look lighting elements, wraparound fascias and doors that extend over the rockers are said to "accent the vehicles' precise and refined design elements."
The headlights are larger, using bright halogen bulbs that deliver improved lighting spread, and rear-end styling also is distinct, with unique treatments above the beltline and around the glass, including taillamps and integrated license plate pockets.
Larson noted that Yukon Denali is "distinguished by exterior appointments that take its exclusive appearance to a higher, more differentiated level," including enhanced exterior bright work, unique and premium-look headlamps, taillamps and rear fascia treatment, as well as unique 18-inch standard wheels, with 20-inchers available.
Interior space is roomier and "has a spacious, luxurious environment," Larson said, "thanks to a premium two-tone color scheme and a lower-positioned instrument panel."
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| 2007 GMC Yukon Denali (Photo: General Motors) |
As a result, I am pretty sure that buyer appreciation for the GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali are going to go way up early in 2006 when the 2007 versions of these SUVs start showing up in Buick-Pontiac-GMC stores across Canada.
Both models feature what GMC executives called a "sleeker and more expressive style" at a media reveal here recently, and they are right about that. For me, a Yukon in black looks nearly as good as the new Cadillac Escalade, which GM hasn't released pictures of yet. Escalade's still the most striking of GM's full-size SUV lineup, to be sure, but it might strike a lot of people as being too flashy.
Yukon, on the other hand, is good looking in a more restrained way, and is supposed to foreshadow the new exterior look of all GMC models, which augers particularly well for the next Sierra pickup.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves here by about a year, so let's stick with the Yukon in all its variations.
Given the temper of the times, it's probably wise to mention right away that the vehicles also offer more power and deliver better fuel economy than the models they replace.
This is all part of a plan to bring GMC's "professional grade philosophy to a new level," said John Larson, the division's general manager. "We're aiming to provide customers with more than they expect in all respects."
When it arrives early next year, Yukon will come in SLE (cloth trim) and SLT (leather appointments) grades, in either two- or four-wheel-drive.
Yukon Denali will be a distinct model, said Larson, "with differentiated, exclusive features that elevate its performance and style to an unprecedented level -- including an exclusive 6.2-litre all-aluminum V-8 with variable valve timing and a new six-speed automatic transmission."
The "sleeker, taut form" that both will have comes from wraparound front and rear fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards that "provide a seamless, contemporary appearance."
Larson also said that "craftsmanship is found in elements such as tight tolerances between exterior components and a tuned,
 |
| 2007 GMC Yukon (Photo: General Motors) |
The "toned" look on all models comes from a windshield angle of 57 degrees, "which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise."
Jewel-look lighting elements, wraparound fascias and doors that extend over the rockers are said to "accent the vehicles' precise and refined design elements."
The headlights are larger, using bright halogen bulbs that deliver improved lighting spread, and rear-end styling also is distinct, with unique treatments above the beltline and around the glass, including taillamps and integrated license plate pockets.
Larson noted that Yukon Denali is "distinguished by exterior appointments that take its exclusive appearance to a higher, more differentiated level," including enhanced exterior bright work, unique and premium-look headlamps, taillamps and rear fascia treatment, as well as unique 18-inch standard wheels, with 20-inchers available.
Interior space is roomier and "has a spacious, luxurious environment," Larson said, "thanks to a premium two-tone color scheme and a lower-positioned instrument panel."