The '07 Yukon and Yukon Denali are built on GM's new full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a new, fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. The new frame offers 49 percent increased torsional stiffness and 35 percent improvement in beaming frequency, compared to previous models. The frame supports wider front and rear tracks - approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm) wider in front and 1 inch (25.4 mm) wider in the rear - that enhance stability and driving confidence through a more secure road feel and a lower center of gravity.

The front suspension consists of an all-new coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride and handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Also new is a rack-and-pinion steering system that provides precise and responsive control and enhanced on-center feel. A highly-refined five-link rear suspension provides superior isolation and ride, with larger, firmer brackets that also contribute to the vehicles' precise driving manners.

Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new ABS system ensure braking performance at the top of the segment. Larger vented front and rear brake rotors, 50-percent stiffer dual-piston calipers, longer-life brake pads and a new, robust tie-rod-type apply system contribute to enhanced pedal feel, reduced brake noise, predictable, linear brake response and shorter braking distances. A new, Bosch 8.0 next-generation four-channel ABS system also is standard. The ABS system works with the standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. In the new SUVs, StabiliTrak incorporates the first-time GM application of roll-over mitigation, software algorithm technology that uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle "tip-up" and applies appropriate brake forces to prevent such events.

Enhanced driving control and ride smoothness is offered with the available Autoride real-time damping system (standard on Yukon Denali), which uses electronically controlled shock absorbers to make nearly instantaneous damping adjustments. The system "reads" the road and anticipates the best damping rates.

Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on Yukon, with 18-inch wheels standard on Yukon Denali. Twenty-inch wheels are available on Yukon and Yukon Denali. The wheels are designed with premium-appearance faces, including available chrome or polished finish. Yukon Denali wheels are exclusive. New tires are tailored to the vehicles to provide excellent balance of handling, quietness and safety.

A new Gen IV small-block V-8 family powers the Yukon family and offers more power than comparable powertrains in previous models. A 5.3L small-block V-8 is standard at start of production in Yukon and is rated at 320 horsepower (238 kw) and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm) an 8 percent horsepower increase compared to the previous 5.3L engine. A Flex-Fuel E85 version, which is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline, is standard on 4WD models and available on 2WD models. E85 is comprised of 85 percent ethanol, which is a renewable resource fuel produced in the United States. A 4.8L V-8 engine, rated at 290 horsepower (216 kw) will become the standard engine of Yukon 2WD models later in the '06 model year.

The 5.3L engine's Displacement On Demand technology enables better fuel economy. When combined with other vehicle-wide features, including improved aerodynamics, the small-block V-8 helps provide the segment's best fuel economy. The 6.2L engine of the Yukon Denali is all-new, with advanced technologies and lightweight materials - including variable valve timing and an aluminum cylinder block - contributing to the vehicle's uncompromising performance. It produces 380 horsepower (283 kw) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (564 Nm).

The engines are backed by proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmissions, including a new 6L80 six-speed that is matched with the 6.2L engine.

The six-speed automatic has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a "tap up/tap down" capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with a button on the column shifter.