2008 GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY DENALI DELIVER BIG CAPABILITY IN THE MIDSIZE SEGME
08/01/2007
GMC
Sized for those who need more than a compact SUV, but not the dimensions of a full-size, the GMC Envoy and Envoy Denali deliver right-sized comfort with large capability - all with surprising level of refinement and standard amenities.
GMC's midsize SUVs move into the 2008 model year with refinements that enhance convenience, safety and style, including standard head curtain side air bags and standard XM Satellite Radio - features that were previously optional on some models. A new, 20-inch polished aluminum wheel is available on Envoy Denali 2WD models. There are also three new exterior colors: Dark Cherry Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Desert Brown Metallic
Envoy and Envoy Denali are offered in a roomy, midsize package that rides on a 113-inch wheelbase (2,869 mm). The robust Vortec 4.2L six-cylinder is standard in Envoy models, while the powerful Vortec 5.3L V-8 is standard with Envoy Denali. The Vortec 5.3L is equipped with GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology. Both vehicles come with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission and are available in 2WD and 4WD models.
Envoy and Envoy Denali's combination of size and powertrain choices add up to excellent capability. There is 80.1 cubic feet (2,268 L) of cargo space when the rear seat is folded and the maximum towing capacity is a robust 6,300 pounds (2,858 kg) with Envoy and 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg) with Envoy Denali.
Envoy and Envoy Denali offer a myriad of entertainment choices. In addition to the standard XM Satellite Radio, owners may opt for a Bose premium sound system, touch screen navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Envoy Denali takes GMC's midsize SUV platform to the pinnacle of comfort and style, with specific design cues - including the iconic chrome grille - standard 18-inch wheels and tires and a host of standard amenities.
Powertrain details
The flagship Envoy Denali is powered by a powerful, all-aluminum Vortec 5.3L V-8. It delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 321 lb.-ft. of torque (435 Nm),* for excellent step-off acceleration and a broad torque range. The result is segment-leading standard towing capability - up to 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg) in 2WD Envoy Denali models.
The Vortec 5.3L engine is equipped with GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology, which enables fuel economy gains of up to 5 percent in certain light-load driving conditions by reducing the number of cylinders engaged in the combustion process. A sophisticated, next-generation engine controller determines when to deactivate cylinders, allowing the engine to maintain vehicle speed in lighter-load conditions - such as highway cruising. When the cylinders are deactivated, the engine effectively operates as a V-4, with alternate cylinders on each cylinder bank disabled. The engine seamlessly returns to V-8 mode the instant the controller determines the vehicle speed or load requires additional power.
The standard engine on Envoy is the award-winning Vortec 4.2L 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine. It is rated at 285 horsepower (213 kW)* and 276 lb-ft. (374 Nm)* of torque and provides the muscular yet smooth performance of many V-8 engines with the fuel efficiency of a six-cylinder.
Both engines feature new regulated voltage control, which enhances fuel economy by reducing the load on the engine required to drive the alternator in certain conditions. The engines are coupled to the rugged Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed transmission. All Envoy models are available in two-wheel drive and with Autotrac four-wheel drive.
Safety
New for 2008, head curtain side air bags are standard on all models (they were previously optional on some models).They inflate from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header; the air bag is designed to deploy in certain moderate to severe side impacts, to help provide protection for front- and second-row outboard passengers.
The head curtain side air bags feature an integral rollover protection sensing system that helps protect occupants in a rollover event by triggering both the side curtain air bags and safety belt pretensioners. The rollover-sensing module, located on the center tunnel under the rear seat, uses a complex algorithm based on lateral and vertical accelerations, roll rate and vehicle speed to determine whether to deploy the safety systems.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and GM's tire pressure monitoring system are also standard on all models. StabiliTrak helps drivers maintain control during sudden maneuvers or low traction conditions by using a comprehensive series of sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, steering angle and yaw rate. By monitoring these inputs, the system automatically controls the vehicle to help maintain the driver's intended path when a measurable deviation from the intended course is detected. The system maintains control by regulating vehicle acceleration or applying the brakes at any wheel.
Additional Envoy safety features include:
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Dual-stage frontal air bags
GM's Passenger Sensing System (PSS)
Push-pull power window switches
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child safety seats
Enhanced passenger seat belt reminder system
Low-drag brakes
All models feature OnStar Generation 7, which includes Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to 911 centers to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. ACCN does not require air bag deployment.
Envoy and Envoy Denali are covered by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles for non-powertrain components - the best coverage in America.
*SAE certified.