Automotive News, Media & Press - Next Gen Yukon/Denali = Design Failure

http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000523061917/

WTF possessed GM to style the next gen Yukon/Yukon Denali to look like a round and bulbous Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade more or less works because it has knife edged styling but holy crap the new Yukon is hideous. It's supposed to be better looking than it's Chevrolet counterpart which is not the case here. I HATE how the top of the headlights peak out above the top of the grille line and I really preferred the more sleek retangular headlight units as opposed to these new bulbous blocky looking ones. SAD. :(

The only good news is that the upscale Denali packs a new 380hp 6.2L V8 and as I had previously stated I hoped they would, a new 6 speed automatic transmission. W00t W00t. Thank god because a 6 speeder in the General's next gen full size SUVs is a no brainer what with it having already been designed and put into the '06 Corvette Automatic, XLR-V and STS-V. With gas prices on the rise and stiff competition this was a must for GM IMO. If GM had kept the ole 4 speeders around I would have pimp slapped someone. So as with many other GM products, quality powertrain, blah design.

I don't like the styling a whole lot either.

I didnt see the Escalade design.

The front end almost looks like its from a different truck it doesnt match the rest of the truck.

It does look very odd.

I actually like the Denali, especially the interior (minus the woodgrain).

I like it.. the headlights are a little strange looking though.

So far, I think the Tahoe looks the best.. we'll see how they look in person.

I agree, the next gen. SUVs as whole = total design failure.

The old Yukon/Denail had curves and lines, this one is a flat, square box with a Mercury Mountaineer front clip. GM also cut things like the projector lenses on the low beam headlights and the interior is identical to the Tahoe. This is not good.

I like it.

They are attempting to make them more aerodynamic, or so I read.

It does look very odd.

Indeed.

not sure whats wrong with it, but it just doesnt work so well. the interior looks promising though

not sure whats wrong with it, but it just doesnt work so well. the interior looks promising though

It looks more befitting of a Buick than a contemporary and stylish SUV. But then again these SUVs look pretty frumpy outside as well. :(

It almost looks like a big Ford Explorer or a close cousin to the Expedition


Franco

There's only so much that can be done with a rolling shoebox. ;)

Looks generic, but better than it's predecessors.

looks like a big smiling face on the front. looks like i'll be buying a dodge when it comes time.

looks like a big smiling face on the front. looks like i'll be buying a dodge when it comes time.

I was thinking pot belly pig.....

Nice ideas, but should've come up with something that hasn't been done before...the headlights are a disappointment.

whats with the smilie face grill?

I read somewhere else that the economy rating was going to 20 city / 28 highway. That is better than my GTP gets...

-Geoff

That's hideous. It looks like an Envoy

I like it

It's alright looking.

Good design. just what GM needed. Specs look awesome. Sounds like a promising vehicle. I want GM to nab as many explorer/expedition sales as possible. This is their cash cow and can help GM get back up on its feet (cough hopefully leaving more time for new fbodies/improved GTO). I believe the design is simple, smooth, and the denali can even be considered elegent. No clashing body cladding is a major plus. I like the new sleek look, pushing it more upscale. There is so much competition in this market, and SUV buyers seem to place too much emphasis on style. This is something unique without being too rash. well done. the new escalade is going to be an excellent package i bet.

sorry, but I think GM knows a bit more about building successful SUVs than the poster of this thread. The current Denali was a super success, they are everywhere and look great. This is GM's bread and butter and would know better than to mess up the only good thing left they have going

That's hideous. It looks like an Envoy

:werd: I was thinking the same.

The current generation Denali is amazing. One of my favorite vehicles out. But the new design is a step in the wrong direction IMO. But I guess it just means by the time this 2007 model starts selling next year, the price of the current gens may not be so far out of my price range. :naughty:

sorry, but I think GM knows a bit more about building successful SUVs than the poster of this thread. The current Denali was a super success, they are everywhere and look great. This is GM's bread and butter and would know better than to mess up the only good thing left they have going

Uhh, did you even read my post? I said the thing was pug fugly. That's completely subjective so therefore you saying that GM knows more about my opinion of design makes no sense. Secondly, I'm saying that the inclusion of a 6 speeder is a no brainer. If GM had not gone with their new 6 speed slushy that would have been one stupid ass move on their part? How is that GM being smarter than me? I'm agreeing with their move and being thankful that Captain Obvious didn't have to point it out to them. Especially when you consider that the Mercury Mountaineer will supposedly get a 6 speeder as well. DUH. And you say that GM would know better than to f00k their bread and butter products is just plain fanboyish when you consider how shitty their current lineup of bread and butter sedans looks. Yah they sell to the mainstream... WITH AN EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT.

Oh yah, and the Yukon is still ugly.

I think its good overall. The headlights seem a little "taller" than I'd like, but I'm sure the design will grow on me over time.

It kinda look's like a expedition to me.