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GM Ponders More Fuel-Efficient Options for Big SUVs

General Motors Co. is evaluating an array of new diesel engine, hybrid powertrain and 8- and 10-speed transmission options for its large SUVs, Automotive News report.
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General Motors Co. is evaluating an array of new diesel engine, hybrid powertrain and 8- and 10-speed transmission options for its large SUVs, Automotive News report.

But the company says none of those technologies will arrive until after the company's latest round of redesigned Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs debut next spring.

Those updated vehicles will arrive with the current 6-speed automatic gearbox. Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for GM trucks, notes that GM is developing 8- and 10-speed automatics for rear-drive vehicles, although he doesn't say when either option might end up in GM's SUVs.

In the meantime, he tells AN, GM is contemplating a hybrid powertrain even though hybrid versions of the current-generation SUVs were phased out for the 2014 model year. Luke also says the company is evaluating a possible diesel option, mainly because rival Chrysler Group LLC is offering an oil burner with its Jeep Grand Cherokee large SUV.

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