GMSV to offer GMC Yukon Denali in Oz

GET READY for the arrival of GMSV’s Yukon Denali eight-seat premium large SUV that shares the same platform as GMSV’s “Aussiefied” Silverado pick-up (along with numerous other GMC vehicles in the US) and is destined to compete here against the likes of Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series and the Nissan Patrol.

The locally fettled newcomer due late in 2024 /early 2025 will leverage right hand drive components and manufacturing techniques currently used by reconfigurator, Walkinshaw Automotive Group, in the local Silverado pick-up.

The announcement of Yukon’s impending availability Down Under also hinted at several developments associated with GMSV’s existing model lines and coincides with the third anniversary of the company in Australia.

Though details of the Aussie GMSV Yukon Denali are unavailable, based on the US-spec GMC model, we can tell you that it is a more luxurious, premium version of the Chevy Tahoe SUV.

GMC Yukon runs a choice of a 5.3-litre petrol V8, 6.2-litre petrol V8, or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder engines but based on the GMSV Silverado 1500 pick-up truck, we can realistically expect the Yukon Denali to have at least 6.2-litre V8 petrol power under the bonnet.

This engine is good for 313kW and 624Nm, but a diesel option is also possible, the 3.0-litre Duramax with 207kW and again, 624Nm but with considerably better fuel economy and associated longer range.

Regardless of engine specification, Yukon has a 10-speed auto transmission with standard rear wheel drive, optional selectable 4WD. Other cool kit available stateside is GMC’s Max Trailering Package that provides a towing capacity of up to 3800kg which may or may not flow through to the local variant.

A large beast, the GMC Yukon Denali measures 5179mm long, 2045mm wide, and up to 1958mm high (model dependent), rolling on a 2946mm, bigger in every dimension than the LandCruiser 300 Series. Unconfirmed but a possibility for Australia is an extra-long-wheelbase version called the Yukon XL.

The GMC Yukon has “available” hill descent control, hill start assist, magnetic ride control and air suspension all of which are expected to make it into the GMSV Yukon Denali. The interior features a 12.0-inch digital screen and a 15.0-inch head-up display.

Other technology available includes a high-definition 360-degree camera, 18-speaker Bose premium audio system, 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and enabled Google.

A full suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) is included in the GMC Yukon that will transfer into the Aussie version.

“GMSV has made a real impression in the local market, and, thanks to this success, we’ve been able to make a strong business case for additional models and this latest arrival is testament to these achievements.” said GMSV director, Greg Rowe.

“I’m excited to confirm the new GMC Yukon, will be remanufactured here in Melbourne and will be available in Australia and New Zealand.”

The announcement is coincident with the 8000th remanufactured Chevrolet Silverado emerging from the Premoso facility in Dandenong.

The first examples of the Yukon Denali are anticipated to arrive in GMSV dealer showrooms early in 2025, with pricing and specification details be confirmed closer to launch date.

Other GMSV information coming to light concurrent with the Yukon Denali announcement focused on the Corvette E-Ray, MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 upgrades and MY24 Chevrolet Silverado HD.

The Corvette E-Ray is the quickest accelerating Corvette ever, due to the addition of an electric drive unit to the LT2 6.2-litre V8 engine. An e-AWD system, the first-time an all-wheel drive is available in a Corvette, is said to keep the E-Ray sure-footed on most roads in almost all conditions.

“The electrified architecture makes this the most technologically advanced Corvette ever and we are pleased to announce that MY24 build of the new model is expected to commence mid-next year,” said Mr Rowe.

MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 upgrades focus on a new GM performance exhaust that will be fitted to both models in the MY24 1500 range, the ZR2 and LTZ Premium.

“The MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will now be standard with an active performance exhaust system providing customers the flexibility of a ‘standard’ exhaust experience – or dialling up the limiter to hear that traditional V8 rumble,” he added.

Furthermore, the MY24 ZR2 will receive a raft of added equipment, including rear camera mirror, multi-colour 15.0-inch head-up display, power tilt/telescoping steering column, adaptive cruise control along with a Bose premium audio.

The MY24 Chevrolet Silverado HD is scheduled to start the remanufacturing process at Dandenong this month (November), with the first wave of vehicles anticipated to arrive in showrooms as early as December.