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BIG
LUX
Thirty-odd
years ago when America faced its last true gas crisis,
Asian imports were provided a beachhead in our automotive
market and have been gaining ground like Patton
rolling for the Rhine ever since. At $3 a gallon,
it would appear another gas crisis is upon us and
domestic automakers once again find themselves deep
in fuel-thirsty iron. Voracious gas consumption
notwithstanding, trucks and SUVs continue to improve.
Designated 2007 models, the GMC Yukon Denali and
the Ford Explorer Sport Trac are both superior to
previous generations. And what about those fuel
economy numbers? The Denali is rated at 13 mpg in
the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The Sport Trac
4.6L is estimated to get a mile more in each category.
 GMC
Yukon Denali
Remaining
more like combat boots than tasseled loafers among
full-size SUV competitors, the new Yukon is big,
beefy and in your face. If you want finesse and
nuance, GMC is happy to have you shop elsewhere.
But
hold the phone; this is a much more refined Yukon.
Fit and finish is flawless, and gap tolerances inside
and out have been tightened. This Yukon is eerily
quiet and boasts a remarkable 0.36 coefficient of
drag.
Nearly 50 percent stiffer than the previous platform,
the new Yukon supplements its more sophisticated
suspension with a highly responsive power-assisted
rack-and-pinion steering system. A
gutsy 380-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 turns all four
wheels of the Denali via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Four-wheel antilock brakes with stability control
and a roll-over sensor are standard on all Yukons.
Both passenger and cargo space have been increased.
The
Denali
is loaded with upscale features like a premium Bose
audio system with six-disc CD changer, XM satellite
radio, first and second row heated seats, power
liftgate, OnStar, and rear-park assist. A navigation
system, DVD-based entertainment system, heated steering
wheel and a rearview camera are all options. With
destination charges, the price is $47,990
 Ford
Sport Trac
Returning
after a year’s sabbatical, the 2007 Ford Sport
Trac is basically an Explorer with a 4.5-ft. composite
cargo box fused behind the rear seat. It is a compromise
for SUV lovers who want cargo-hauling versatility.
The top-of-the-line Limited 4x4 with 4.6-liter V8
is as much truck as most folks will ever need. Its
four doors and roomy backseat provide a sedan-like
environment. Delivering 292 horsepower to the transparent
all-wheel-drive system through a smooth-shifting
six-speed automatic transmission, the V8 can tow
up to 6,800 pounds.
Ford says the chassis is four times stiffer on the
new Sport Trac. Much of what’s under the skin,
though, is courtesy of Explorer. Eighteen-inch wheels
hide antilock disc brakes on all four corners. A
tire-pressure monitor and stability control are
standard.
Although its four-wheel independent suspension screams
comfort, utility remains high on Sport Trac’s
mission statement. For easy cleaning, the interior
floor is rubber and the cargo box has a built-in
liner to resist wear. The cabin is crammed with
convenience features such as power driver’s
seat, CD player and power accessories. A heated
windshield and satellite radio are among the options.
The 4.6L Limited 4x4 stickers for $30,235.
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