Motoring September 2008

it’s not all doom and gloom - true

(... and you can even drive an SUV)

By Kevin Ransom

As the U.S. auto industry’s summer season wanes, and begins to segue into fall – model-year-change-over time – the sales of big SUVs and trucks are still slumping among middle-income American car buyers, as long as gasoline remains over the $4-per-gallon level.

But Detroit’s carmakers know that there are still plenty of buyers out there who crave and even need the utility and space offered by SUVs – and that are others whose higher incomes allow them to shrug off high gas prices. And the automakers are tweaking some of their big boys to keep some folks in the SUV fold.

GMC Yukon

Take the GMC Yukon, for example. This has been a sturdy performer for GM over the years, prior to the recent sales slump. So, to stanch some of the migration away from big vehicles, the Big Three are offering hybrid versions of some of their SUVs. The thinking goes like this: If you offer a hybrid version of a big vehicle that was previously getting only, say, 16 miles a gallon, and the hybrid version now gives you closer to 30 miles a gallon, it’s actually a bigger fuel saving, percentage wise, than what would result from producing a hybrid version of a sedan that was already getting, 25 or 28 miles a gallon. So, while GMC continues to produce the regular gas-powered Yukon, it also offers a hybrid version as something of a stop-gap measure – and for those who are concerned about issues like carbon emissions and global warming.

GMC Yukon

I’ll describe the details of the hybrid version in a bit, but first, let’s discuss the particulars of the Yukon in general. It was completely re-designed for model year 2007, getting bigger engines, more power and higher fuel economy. I tested an ’08 model during the summer, and the ’09s, which arrive later in the year, will offer several new features, which I’ll also detail a bit later. The Yukon is a stylish, roomy SUV with some very sweet interior refinements and solid safety features: For example, head curtain side air bags are now standard for all seating rows on all models: prior to this year, they were optional on some models.

Both Yukon and Yukon XL can be ordered as either a 2WD or 4WD. The third-row seat is standard on Yukon XL models and optional on the base model. The Yukon offers customers an array of seating/cargo hauling configurations, with a 40/20/40-split front bench seat in the base model that enhances storage space in the center. And Yukon buyers also get an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the
third-row.

For those who go with the traditional gas-engine version,the engine choices are a 5.3L V-8 with GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology; a 4.8L V-8 that is only available on the Yukon 2WD base model; and a 6.0L all-aluminum V-8 with variable valve timing, which comes optional on the Yukon XL. For those who are interested in other alternative fuels, several engines are also available that can run on E85, the renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Indeed, all Yukon 4WD and Yukon XL half-ton models come standard with the E85-capable version of the 5.3L V-8. On the outside, the Yukon’s design conveys strength and toughness, with wraparound front and rear fascias and integrated running boards providing a seamless, forward-looking appearance. The “fast” windshield angle of 57 degrees conveys a feeling of forward motion and air-carving aerodynamics, and the doors extend over the rockers to convey more brawny appeal. I also liked the power-articulating running boards and the power liftgate – very nice convenience features that make getting in and out of the vehicle much easier.

Inside, the premium tone-on-tone color scheme and a lower-positioned instrument panel conveys refinement and attention to detail – as do the sculpted seat designs and detailed trim. Heated seats are optional for first- and second-row passengers. The power fold-and-tumble second-row seats are operated by release buttons on the overhead console or on the interior C-pillar. One push of the button and the seat “releases,” in order to create a path to the third-row seat or cargo area.

As always, suspension and ruggedness are key factors when buying an SUV, and the Yukon satisfies on that manly front. The Yukon’s full-size SUV platform incorporates a fully boxed frame, coil over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, while the frame supports wide front and rear tracks that are designed to improve stability, deliver a more secure road feel and help the Yukon easily traverse rougher terrains.

Helping out is the five-link rear suspension that’s designed to improve “ isolation” from road harshness and deliver a smoother ride. And the ABS system works in conjunction with the standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and the “rollover mitigation” system – which uses sensors to predict when the vehicle might be in danger of flipping, and applies brake force to steady the vehicle before that can happen.

Meanwhile, the Yukon’s rack-and-pinion steering system help give this big boy a crisp steering response and a more solid “on-center” feel.

But back to that Hybrid version. It employs a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which works in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Late Intake Valve Closing (LIVC) technology. This technology enables the hybrid version of the Yukon to travel up to 30 mph on electricity alone, and it also means that the 6.0L V-8 engine can operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods of time. The two-wheel-drive Yukon Hybrids deliver 21 mpg in the city – a 50-percent improvement over the 5.3L non-hybrid Yukon – which is comparable to the much smaller, 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan, according to figures obtained from www.fueleconomy.gov.

The ’09 edition, which comes out later in the year, will include such upgrades / new features as: Six-speed automatic transmissions paired with the 5.3L and 6.0L engines; OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn navigation and Destination Download; Bluetooth phone connectivity for hands-free calls; XM Satellite Radio with new NavTraffic feature; new 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheel and available rearview camera system with 3.5-inch screen in inside rearview mirror.

So, while SUV sales will likely remain flat until gas prices drop, GMC is still delivering a solid, sturdy, well-equipped and often luxurious Yukon for those who still yearn for yards and yards of sheet metal. Or, for those with fatter wallets who are unfazed by gasoline priced at over $4 a gallon.

Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition

Even as Ford is changing over some plants to build smaller cars, the venerable Explorer will continue to roll off the lines.

The last few years, Ford has continued to add more features to the Explorer, better to lure those folks who might be thinking about swapping it for a smaller model. Among those features have been the exclusive Ford Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system, the voice-activated navigation system and 20-inch wheels.

Ford Explorer Bauer Edition

The ‘f08 model became the first Ford vehicle to receive the new capless fuel filling system, and side curtain air bags are standard on all series. Ford also knows that one appeal of the SUV is the array of configurations and package options buyers can choose among, and the Explorer offers 12 all together.

The Explorer comes in the XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. I test drove the sporty and attractive Eddie Bauer edition.

In model-year ‘08, the XLT began offering standard body color bumper and wheel lip moldings for a more classic look, while the Eddie Bauer and Limited editions have been refined in terms of exterior styling.

For example, the Eddie Bauer models have Pueblo Gold colored accent step bars,while the Limited offers a standard chrome accent step bar. The Explorer also is firmly planted, with a wide stance and an impressive visual appearance, accentuated by the front end, which offers two different styles of grilles that wrap around the large, 7-inch Ford blue oval.

The Ford Sync system, rolled out a couple of years ago in the Focus, enables buyers to fully integrate electronic devices like mobile phones and handheld media players into the vehicle, using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. And the optional navigation system can be voice activated, allowing for more convenient -- and safer -- hands-free operation.

Another convenient feature is the one-touch up/down driver’s window added in the ‘08 model year. Under the hood, the Explorer offers a couple of different engine options, depending on how heavy a load you’re hauling and how much engine brawn you need. One is the optional three-valve, 4.6-liter V-8, which delivers 292 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft of torque. It’s hitched to an innovative 6-speed automatic transmission, which boasts a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio. The benefit of this wider ratio is that it allows the engine to spend more time in its optimum power band — whether you need maximum power for freeway-passing situations, or if you need peak efficiency in order to attain the best fuel economy.

This V-8 is a low-emission engine that meets the strict Tier II, Bin 5 federal standard, which means it can be sold in California, which follows a Low Emissions Vehicle II standard. Another engine choice is also a clean-burning one -- the standard 4.0-liter V-6, which meets the federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions requirements and therefore achives Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II status. As always, when it comes to the quality of the ride, an SUV has to strike a balance between ruggedness and reasonable levels of comfort. And the Explorer delivers, aided by the independent front suspension, independent rear suspension with trailing arms and a four-wheel disc brake system that comes with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution and electronic brake assist.

As for payload, the Explorer boasts a beefy 1,520 rating and a towing capacity of 7,290 pounds. My Eddie Bauer test model included such desirable features as automatic headlights; two-tone front and rear bumpers; chrome three-bar grille with nostrils; black roof rails; 17-inch, painted aluminum wheels with all-season tires; accent-color wheel lip moldings; wood-grain interior accents; overhead console; four-line message center; electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror; leather-trimmed, 10-way, power, low-back driver sport bucket seat and a leather-trimmed, manual passenger seat.

For the ‘09 edition, due out later in the fall, the Explorer adds a new safety feature: the Standard Trailer Sway Control, which works in conjunction with its Advance Trac with RSC system to provide an extra layer of security for buyers who use their explorer to tow trailers, boats, etc. And an XLT sport package will also be offered for those who really want to let their hair down. The ‘09 edition also adds the next-generation navigation system that uses Sirius Travel Link.

So, clearly, despite the current shift in buying habits – again, driven by those pesky high gas prices in the U.S. market – Ford is not holding back on amenities in a vehicle that was one of its perennial best sellers during the ‘90s and early ‘00s.

As we all know, oil and fuel prices are volatile, and if gas drops back to $2.50 a gallon a year or two from now, Ford will be ready when some of those folks who left the fold end up migrating back to theironce-beloved SUVs.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima Okay, after spending so much time wrapped in all that sheet metal, it’s time to talk about a passenger car! And a fine one, at that. More than a decade after its introduction, the Nissan Altima continues to be one of the most appealing sedans / coupes on the road. It is now in its fourth generation, having been re-designed for the 2007 model year. I road-tested the ‘08 edition in August. The ‘09 model will be hitting U.S. showrooms in October, but is a carryover, with a few new features, which I’ll detail a bit further down.

Nissan Altima

Also contributing to the Altima’s solid road feel is the Nissan’s aforementioned, distinctive “D” platform, which strengthens rigidity by employing advanced independent front suspension with “dynamic geometry” and shock absorbers with rebound springs. Plus, the engine is mounted using a low, six-point pendulum-type mounting system -- and the half-shafts are positioned at equal angles and almost parallel to the ground. Translation?

Torque steer is almost eliminated.

One interesting aspect of Altima’s suspension – which helps it attain its crisp- handling attributes – is the fairly extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts. An X-type upper cowl structure enhances the front body, and the rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shock absorbers and springs in order to minimize friction.

The result is better “damping” and a significant improvement in ride quality.

The ’09 edition that will be hitting U.S. showrooms in October will include new standard features on the Altima base model, such as: New 16-inch wheel cover design, black grille highlights, dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors and a standard trip computer and outside temperature gauge. Other base-model enhancements will include air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter and front side window demisters, trunk cancel switch and rear seat lock, dual sun visors with driver’s side vanity mirror and speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers.

All of the ‘09s will also get a new automatic door lock system, and the 2.5 S receives a revised Connection Package content, which will include dual zone automatic temperature control and rear A/C vents. Meanwhile, the ’09 3.5 SE will receive standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, fog lights and rear spoiler.

The Altima has always been a winner. So, whether you snatch up one of the last of the ‘08s or wait for the ’09, you really can’t go wrong with this baby.