The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali: This Diesel Might Surprise You

With 2020 behind us, the economy has begun showing serious strength in a variety of ways. Live, in person diesel events are happening again and SEMA has announced that SEMA registration is open for this year's show in Las Vegas. Over 1500 companies are already registered.

On April 30 Cars.com had an interesting story by Aaron Bragman titled "Can the Mammoth GMC Yukon Denali Get Good MG With a Diesel Engine?" I like headlines with questions. The word "mammoth" adds a dimension of intrigue. If he left that word out of the title it would not be the same. with the word inserted it suggests, "Can something this massive get good MPG?" 

Bragman begins with a little background that many of us are familiar with. 40 years ago GM offered diesel engines in its big SUVs. More recently, diesels are back, this time with a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter Duramax six-cylinder engine as an option on some of its vehicles. Included in the 2021 catalog are the Chev Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. 

"Diesels are often renowned for their stump pulling torque," he writes, as well as their "fuel-sipping frugality." For this reason, Bragman has set up some tests to see how well these attributes hold true in the latest and greatest Yukon.

Before heading into the meat of the matter, we're treated to a description of the interior. Like many of the latest pickups and SUVs by all the manufacturers, efforts have been made to make these machines as comfortable as a dream. More spacious, more luxurious. And under the hood we have a diesel power plant that delivers 277 horsepower with 460 pounds-feet of torque driving a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

What Bragman is intending to do here is take the Yukon for a long drive that will involve city, suburban and open highway routes, then compare his results with what the EPA has rated the vehicle at. Before sharing his ride with us, he spells out the expectations with a specificity that lets us know where things stand. This is not his first rodeo. He has a standard 200 mile loop that he drives, and a standard procedure of having the tire pressure set at the manufacturer's recommendations, windows closed and climate control with A.C activated. There are no segments where he does drag racing and his speed is maintained within 5 mph of the posted limits.

Unfortunately, one variable that he has no control over did interfere in his first attempt. Wind gusts up to 45 mph were on and off again to such an extent that he had to abort the mission. The second attempt took place on a placid, sunny day, with satisfying results. 

The Results
Even with its massive weight (5800 lbs) the Yukon Denali 4WD delivered impressive number. The EPA rated it to get 22 mpg but Bragman's results were significantly better. While highway cruising his trip computer showed he was getting more than 30 mpg. The overall numbers when tallied showed he had achieved 27.9 mpg on the 206 mile course. When he refilled the tank, the fuel economy appeared to be 26.9 mpg which was 5 mpg better than its EPA rating.

To Bragman's big surprise, the diesel engine option is $1500 less than the V-8 for this Yukon. Fuel economy savings and a better price as well? What's there not to like?

Well, there are a couple tradeoffs, he says in his closing paragraph. You still know it's a diesel engine there because of the noise. Not a bad big-rig clatter, but something that you can notice. Also, since diesel fuel is currently more expensive at this time, the fuel economy comparison isn't entirely apples to apples. Nevertheless, 65% better fuel economy makes up for a lot compared to the V-8 engine. 

Bottom line: There is much to like in the 2021 Diesel-powered GMC Yukon Denali. 

Read the full story here: https://rb.gy/of5t4m 

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Just as the lights from Virtual SEMA 2020 recede in the rear view mirror, the brighter lights of SEMA 2021 are already beginning to appear on the horizon. Plans are underway for the upcoming SEMA Show with one key message: Re-Connect. 

In a year when trade shows in nearly every industry were virtual, there's a hunger to connect once more face-to-face. Whether connecting with buyers or with peers, Las Vegas awaits.

One of the highlights of SEMA are the project vehicles. At the SEMA Show in 2021 something different is underway, or so I've heard. The aisles will be wider for social distancing purposes, but they won't be vacant. There will be cars and trucks on display throughout the halls. It should be interesting.

As many builders are aware, companies offer products to builders to help them defray expenses and achieve their dreams. This year, Champion Oil is seeking unique and interesting diesel vehicle builds for SEMA 2021. The vehicles, typically pick-ups, will be promoted by a variety of marketing methods using many social media platforms and technologies.

Each year, the SEMA Show features more than 1,000 project vehicles. The project-vehicle program is an exclusive opportunity for owners, builders and manufacturers to showcase their builds and sponsored products. The experience is valuable to participating manufacturers, like Champion Oil, that can offer products to project-vehicle builders at no charge and additional products at a substantial discount.

 

The dates for this year's show will be November 2^nd thru the 5^th. Champion is offering Champion’s Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil plus marketing support and recognition here at the Blue Flame Blogger blogspot. Products and promotion will be available for a limited a number of diesel specific project vehicles that plan on displaying either outside, inside or at a specific vendor booth. 

 

 The company will be offering several perks to selected builders as follows:

1. The vehicles will be promoted in advance by press releases, social media, etc. 

2. At the show, the vehicle and owner must be willing and available to be featured in a video interview about the build.

3. Their story will be posted on the Blue Flame Diesel Blog and Champion Facebook and Twitter channels. 

4. The diesel vehicle owner will be able to autograph photos during the show at the Champion booth, plus purchase additional Champion products at a special show display pricing of 50/50. https://www.championbrands.com/products/

 

To enter your diesel vehicle for consideration, send a digital photo or rendering, description, & contact info to: marketing@championbrands.com

 

About the Products

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These robust performance oils keep diesel engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque. https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

About the Company
Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion Brands, LLC also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO  http://www.championbrands.com