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GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models

GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models

General Motors has released details and photos of its new XFE line of "Xtra Fuel Efficient" large SUVs and pickup trucks. The modifications, which GM first offered on the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE, will be offered on 2009 two-wheel-drive versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado and GMC Yukon and Sierra.

EPA fuel economy ratings increase to 15/21 city/highway, up from 14/20 for non-XFE two-wheel-drive models, according to General Motors. The increase in efficiency - 7 percent in the city and 5 percent on the highway - comes as a result of a new six-speed automatic transmission and several aerodynamics-enhancing upgrades.

The six-speed automatic that mates to the existing 5.3-liter flexible fuel V8 engine in XFE models is now standard across GM's entire 2009 line of full-size SUVs and pickups other than those with the base 4.8-liter V8.

A handful of mass-reducing and wind-cheating features set the XFEs apart from the standard models. To save weight, all four vehicles now feature aluminum lower control arms, an aluminum spare wheel and lightweight 17- (pickups) or 18-inch (SUVs) aluminum wheels mounted on lower rolling-resistance tires. Lowered suspensions and revised chassis tuning helps cheat the wind on all models and the pickups feature a standard soft tonneau cover to reduce wind turbulence in the bed.

These aerodynamics modifications make the XFE pickups the most aerodynamic full-size pickups on the market with a low 0.412 coefficient of drag. All four models are rated to tow as much as their non-XFE brethren.

GM hasn't released pricing or release dates for the new models.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe XFE

GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models GM introduces fuel-efficient XFE full-size SUV and pickup models