In a bid to try and salvage some sales from the rapidly deflating full size truck market, General Motors has decided to add XFE models to its big pickups and SUVs. As with the Cobalt XFE the new label is short for Xtra Fuel Economy. While the new XFE models don't come close to matching the mileage of the Two-Mode hybrid models, they do provide a boost in mileage at a much lower price point. The XFEs get a 1 mpg bump in both city and highway mileage going from 14/20 mpg to 15/21 mpg city/highway. GM has used an array of mass and drag reducing tweaks as well as a taller final drive ratio to achieve the improvement. The engine block, spare tire and wheels of the XFE models are all made from aluminum while the lowered ride height and deeper front air dam improve airflow around the vehicles. The pickups also get a standard soft tonneau cover on the bed. The XFE. The improvements may not seem like much but every little bit helps, especially for those that are actually using trucks for work purposes. On the other hand those that used to buy the trucks for personal transportation are unlikely to be swayed back.

[Source: General Motors]

Click the Tahoe hybrid for a high-res gallery

Regardless of your viewpoint on the role that the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid play in the marketplace, the engineering that went into the vehicles is laudable. Seamlessly integrating the dual gasoline and electric drivetrains has managed to win GM's engineering team the award for the Best Engineered Vehicles of 2008 by the SAE International's Automotive Engineering International magazine.

Says Kevin Jost, Editorial Director of Automotive Engineering International, said "The vehicles' advanced technology enables consumers looking for an efficient SUV a choice that does not involve sacrificing a cargo-hauling and trailer-towing capacity in return for improved fuel economy." We agree that for those who really do need the capabilities that only a full-size SUV can offer, the hybrid-duo from GM is the best bet when it comes to gasoline savings. But how many of you are there, really? The press release is pasted after the break for your perusal and click here to read our complete review of the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

There's considerable anticipation in the air for the arrival of GM's two-mode hybrid system in the company's fullsize SUV lineup. Starting this week, workers at GM's Arlington, Texas, assembly line will practice building the unique powertrain that includes a V8 engine and electric motor located inside the transmission. GM is the first automaker to try a fullsize SUV hybrid. It'll be offered in the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. GM officials say the two-mode will improve mileage up to 25 percent, giving the big trucks a rating of around 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Speculation is rampant on the impact the hybrid will have on SUV sales, considering the political climate and price of gasoline. Hybrids still make up only one percent of all vehicle sales while fullsize SUVs command around five or six percent. That trend equates to about 1,200 two-mode hybrids out of the Arlington plant. Next year, the two-mode will be offered in GM's fullsize pickups.

Right now GM hasn't released any pricing details. This unique system is likely to cost upwards of $5,000 over a standard SUV.

[Source: Terry Box / Dallas Morning News (subscription required)]