GM 'XFE' models deliver better milage with same vehicle capabilities

Mumbai: General Motors is building its new range of full-size pickups and SUVs with new Xtra fuel economy (XFE) models of the 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon for better fuel economy. The vehicles use a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic and mass-reducing enhancements to deliver a 5-per cent increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7 per cent 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 models are available on 2WD vehicles equipped with the 5.3 litre V-8 engines and six-speed transmission. XFE models achieve a mileage of 15 in city and 21 highway mileage ratings compared to 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 (2,994kg) to 7,000 pounds (3,175kg) thanks to the new, six-speed transmission and high-capacity cooling package.

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.

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.

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