Everybody on the street knows when a Cadillac Escalade rumbles by: It's what hoop dreams are made of, what rap artists aspire to. Why don't folks feel that way about the GMC Yukon Denali? It was the Denali that GM favored by introducing it first, back in 1998. But it has always stood in the Escalade's shadow-a few thousand dollars cheaper, with 10 to 20 fewer horses and none of the Cadillac truck's notoriety-even though mostly superficial differences separate them. For 2007 comes an even more Escalade-like Denali, with a shared 6.2-liter V-8 and six-speed. This new powertrain is, for now, exclusive to Denali and Escalade models, but we expect the six-speed will eventually make its way down-market. That drivetrain is also the Denali's biggest difference among lesser Yukons, since all of GM's full-size SUVs benefit from a stiffer chassis, improved fit and finish, much enhanced interiors, and upgraded road manners. The bored-out all-aluminum 6.2-liter engine sports variable cam timing and makes 380 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque (a seemingly random 23 horsepower and two pound-feet shy of the '07 Escalade), and the 6L80 six-speed is a simplified transmission design-GM's first "clutch to clutch"-which is roughly the same size as the old four-speed unit. In practice, it almost always serves up smooth shifts and is happy to kick down two or three ratios when prodded. Our only complaint is that the tranny won't hold gears in either trailer-towing or manu-matic mode, which means those functions can't be used to prevent a shift while towing up a slight grade, for example. Speaking of towing, the Denali's rating of 7400 pounds is oddly lower than that of the outgoing model and the lesser 5.3-liter four-wheel-drive Yukons. The full-time 40/60-split all-wheel drive is basically unchanged (a rear-drive model comes later). Give the Denali the boot and the front wheels squawk as they claw for traction on the way to a mighty 6.2-second 0-to-60 dash and 15.0-second quarter-mile time, besting the last-gen Escalade by 1.6 and 1.0 seconds, respectively. These stats would also lay low competitors such as the Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX56. Even with an increase of 45 horsepower and 40 pound-feet over the previous Denali, the 2007 model manages the same 13-mpg city rating and betters the highway number by 2 mpg to 19. We were surprised to attain 20 mpg on highway stretches, even at near-80-mph speeds. Visually, the Denali adds a few chrome pieces, including a mesh grille, door handles, and roof rails. It also comes with a collection of standard equipment such as a power lift gate, Bose sound system, remote starter, Nuance leather seats, back lighting for the gauges. At Chariot Auto Sales we strive to exceed your expectations of what a car buying experience should be. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a loyal customer our team of salesman will work hard to find exactly what you are looking for. Our ability to keep overhead low allows us to compete with some of the best pricing in the country and we are only 25 miles from Salt Lake City. If you live outside the state of Utah we are happy to deliver your vehicle to you or pick you up from the airport. ** FREE DELIVERY TO SOME OUT OF STATE LOCATIONS ** We make internet shopping an enjoyable hassle-free experience. If you do not see the make or model you are looking for please contact us and we will find the right vehicle for your needs. All warranties delivery options and Gift promotions are for retail customers. Visit our website to see all of our inventory and specials at Chariotautosales.com