GMC Denali

The GMC Denali nameplate is used by General Motors' light truck division, GMC, on its top-of-the-line luxury models. The name applies to the luxury version of all SUVs as well as pick-up trucks in the GMC line-up. Vehicles with the Denali trim option carry MSRPs (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) up to 43% higher than those of the regular models. Prices range from $37,145 for Envoy Denali to $58,785 for a top-of-the-line Yukon XL Denali.

History

The Denali nameplate started as the luxury version of the GMC Yukon for the 1998 model year. It was also GM's first attempt to steal sales from the new-for-1998 Lincoln Navigator. At the time of its introduction General Motors decided to give Cadillac its own luxury SUV so the Denali's exterior was later shared with the 1999 Cadillac Escalade, with only the front fascia and lower side body panels differing from the standard Yukon. Even though the Yukon was redesigned alongside the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe in 2000, the Denali and Escalade retained their 1990s base design.

The "Denali" moniker is derived from the native name for Mount McKinley in Alaska, and is also the name of the national park that surrounds the mountain, as well as a state park.

1998–2000

In 1998 at the time of its introduction the Yukon Denali's exterior, which it later shared with the 1999 Cadillac Escalade, differed from the standard Yukon in the front fascia and lower side body panels as well as having unique 16" polished aluminum wheels and a special exhaust cutout for a right side-exiting cast exhaust tip. The interior of the Denali also featured several luxury upgrades not available on the mainstream Yukon. These standard features included an upgraded Nuance leather interior, driver and passenger 6-way power seats with power lumbar support, front and rear heated seats, a Delco/Bose 7 speaker (including subwoofer) audio system, an in-dash cassette, single CD player and an in-console 6-disc CD changer. Zebrano woodgrain accents decorated the front doors and center console. The front and rear doors featured unique "Yukon Denali" stitching in the panels.

The 350 cubic inch 5.7-litre 255 horsepower (L31) V8 was the only engine offered. RPO ZM9 was standard which included Bilstein 46mm shock absorbers and 3.73 front and rear axle ratios as well as a locking rear differential. Separate coolers for the transmission and engine oil were also standard. The Denali upgrade also included GM's automatic transfer case which allowed for push button transitions from 2-wheel high to 4-wheel high to 4 wheel low or fully automatic switching from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive.

2001–2006

Even though the GMC Yukon was redesigned alongside the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe in 2000, the Denali and Escalade retained their 1990s base design. It was not until 2001 that the Denali and Escalade were redesigned. GMC also introduced the extended-length (Suburban-based) Yukon XL Denali. Embossed side body panels and chrome surrounding the headlights differentiate the Yukon Denali from the regular Yukon. 2001 also saw the introduction of the honeycomb pattern grille which now has become the hallmark of the Denali nameplate. Also in 2001 it saw the introduction of the 6.0L V8 application in the standard-size Yukon in the Denali trim, which it also shared with the Cadillac Escalade. The engine produced 320hp upon its introduction, then was upgraded to 325hp in 2003. The same year it also introduced a new upgraded interior and new options such as 20-inch wheels.

The previous (for 2001 only) "C3" model of the GMC Sierra pickup truck was also renamed "Denali" in late 2001 as a 2002 model. The 2002–2004 Sierra Denali was equipped standard with a 325 hp 6.0L V8, All Wheel Drive and Quadrasteer, the 4-wheel steering system developed by General Motors.

2005

In 2005 the Denali nameplate was expanded with the introduction of the mid-size Envoy Denali SUV and new Crew cab Sierra Denali pick-up truck.

2007

In 2007 the GMC Yukon and Sierra lines were completely revamped with the Denali included, now with a 380 hp Vortec 6.2L V8, six-speed automatic transmissions, and many new features and options such as power folding second row seats and rear backup camera. Styling was also changed, particularly the controversial grill and headlights, which made the Yukon look much less aggressive than any previous models. The MSRP of the 2007 models have not changed.

Luxury features not included in Yukon trim

* 20 inch Polished Aluminum Wheels

Models