In an attempt to staunch plummeting sales of large pick-up trucks and SUVs, GM has announced the release of the XFE versions of the 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon. XFE stands for “Xtra Fuel Economy” and what it means is that GM has fine tweaked these vehicles to deliver a 5% increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7% improved mileage in city driving. All four XFE models are 2WD and powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V8 engine rated at 320 HP and 340 lb.-ft. in the Tahoe and Yukon and 315 HP and 338 lb-ft in the Silverado and Sierra. The engine is matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a fuel-saving 3.08 ratio rear axle. To make them more fuel efficient, all models get a lower suspension that improves aerodynamics, standard alloy wheels and spare wheel, aluminum lower control arms and low rolling resistance tires. Additionally, the Silverado / Sierra are equipped with a soft tonneau cover and an eextended front lower air dam to improve aerodynamics. -Continued
GM says that while the XFE models achieve 15 city and 21 highway mileage ratings versus comparable non-XFE models’ 14/20 ratings, the increased efficiency does not come at the expense of capability as 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, 6-speed transmission and high-capacity cooling package.
We say that GM should follow the example of BMW with its “Efficient Dynamics” technologies, meaning that it’s senseless to create a separate line-up within a vehicle’s range. Incorporate all these fuel-saving measures into the entire range and convince customers that every-single product you make is designed and engineered to the highest standards in terms of fuel efficiency.
