GM @ Chicago 2008: GMC Denali XT Concept

[Chris_Doane]

For release: Feb. 3, 2008, 12:01 a.m. EST (Info already published elsewhere)

GMC DENALI XT HYBRID CONCEPT TRUCK DELIVERS 50-PERCENT FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT

-New, robust design form serves as a test well for GMC’s future design direction

-First combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with E85 ethanol-capable engine

-Height-adjustable suspension and cargo space-enhancing Midgate®

CHICAGO – GMC unveiled the Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT’s new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM’s small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM’s unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability – including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

“Like all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience,” said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. “It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC’s engineering excellence, as well as GM’s commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies.”

With its unibody structure, the Denali XT is lighter than conventional body-on-frame trucks, with great ride-and-handling characteristics. This design enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience. True to its GMC Professional Grade heritage, the Denali XT is filled with technologies and features that maximize its flexibility, including a cargo space-enhancing Midgate® and height-adjustable suspension.

The Denali XT’s proportions are framed around a high cowl and 123.4-inch (3,134 mm) wheelbase. This enhances the vehicle’s truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture.

Design and construction were spearheaded by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM’s global design and engineering network.

“Denali XT is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle,” said Bunnell. “It is the same philosophy that has helped make the GMC Acadia crossover a huge hit with consumers.”

Dramatic design statement

A muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance give the Denali XT a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, large wheels, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.

“It is a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. “It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck.”

The Denali XT’s design includes a new take on GMC’s iconic grille, with a prominent, four-bar element in addition to the large, red GMC logo and signature Denali background. Flared fenders accentuate the wide road stance. The stance is also enhanced when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, which creates a sleeker appearance that simultaneously improves aerodynamics. Large, bold 23-inch wheels and custom Kuhmo tires complement the Denali XT’s stance.

Inside, the Denali XT blends mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort.

Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an aircraft cockpit. This is balanced by the warmth of bespoke saddle-leather trimmed seats and other contact surfaces.

“The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC’s power. The details have a deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC’s engineering sophistication,” said Warrack Leach, lead designer.

The interior features innovative instrumentation with “floating” red-illuminated numerals backed by surface chaplets in the clusters and a large integrated vehicle interface screen. The interior illumination was supplied by Osram.

The Denali XT seats four. The high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the couple distance between front and rear occupants to be reduced without compromising knee room. This packaging efficiency creates generous interior and cargo bed dimensions within a more compact package.

Truck capability

With stiffness that is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, the Denali XT’s unibody structure supports a very capable truck platform. It also serves as the mounting point for a four-wheel independent suspension that gives the vehicle its performance feel on the road. The multilink front suspension features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with ball joints at the outer ends, providing sharp responses to driver input. At the rear, a four-link suspension design uses coil-over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar to enhance cornering control, reduce body roll and optimize longitudinal compliance. In short, it’s a truck that hauls more than cargo on twisting roads.

The rear cargo area is wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or wheelhouse protrusions; the cargo floor measures 55 inches long (1,397 mm) by 47.5 inches wide (1,206 mm). It all adds up to the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.

The easy-to-operate Midgate can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle. The rear seats fold flat to provide a longer floor for carrying items such as skis, surfboards or wood from the home improvement store. A fixed rear window allowed engineers to retain the vehicle’s structure, reducing mass and complexity.

The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (499 kg) and a towing capacity of an estimated 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg). This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration, where the multiple modes of GM’s two-mode hybrid system provide towing capability.

New 4.9L SIDI V-8 and two-mode hybrid system

For the first time, GM’s rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid transmission is paired with a smaller-displacement version of the small-block engine. The new V-8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 326 horsepower (243 kW). It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.

Also, the functionality of GM’s Active Fuel Management system has been expanded through the use of hybrid technologies, enhancing the cylinder-deactivating feature to further improve fuel efficiency.

The Denali XT’s two-mode hybrid system is partnered with the 4.9L engine and uses an electrically variable transmission to enhance fuel efficiency in city and highway driving. In city driving, all-electric propulsion is used at low speeds; on the highway, fixed-gear operation enables efficient performance even when towing a trailer.

The specific characteristics of the Denali XT allowed the synergistic evolution of GM’s small-block V-8 and two-mode hybrid beyond the recently introduced in GM two-mode hybrid products, such as the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid. During this optimization process, additional powertrain technologies have been integrated, including Active Thermal Management, which transfers thermal energy from one driveline component to another to improve efficiency; and a high-efficiency axle configuration, which fundamentally reduces the losses normally associated with conventional axle configurations.

The integration of the advanced internal combustion engine technologies and two-mode hybrid system on the Denali XT reinforces GMC’s Professional Grade position as a brand that continues to exceed customer expectations.

# # #

[Chris_Doane]

For release: Feb. 3, 2008, 12:01 a.m. EST

GMC DENALI XT CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS:

Body style / driveline:

four-door, four-seat; rear-wheel drive sport-utility truck

Construction:

body-frame integral

Engine type:

4.9L SIDI V-8 with Active Fuel Management

Horsepower (hp / kW):

326 / 243 (est)

Fuel type:

unleaded regular or E85 ethanol

Transmission:

two-mode hybrid

Suspension:

front: independent SLA; rear: independent SLA

Brakes:

four-wheel disc

Wheel size & type:

23-inch aluminum; split 5-spoke

Tires:

front: Kuhmo 255/35/R23

rear: Kuhmo 285/35/R23

Wheelbase (in / mm):

125.4 / 3134

Overall length:

205 / 5207

Overall width (in / mm):

76.3 / 1938

Overall height (in / mm):

62.5 / 1587

Track (in / mm):

65 / 1651

Cargo floor length (in / mm):

55 / 1397

Cargo floor width (in / mm):

47.5 / 1206

Payload (lb / kg):

1100 / 499 (est)

Towing capacity (lb / kg):

3500 / 1587 (est)

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

[Camino LS6]

Autoblog pics and article here.

http://www.autoblog.com/

[K.C.]

Sounds good on paper. I look forward to seeing pics.

[bobo]

I'm very interested in this type of vehicle to replace my Silverado. Other than the grille, there's not much in the styling that says GMC. The styling appears to have a sprinkling of Tundra in it, but that doesn't bother me too much.

[Robert Hall]

Hmm..strange looking...GMC's Ridgeline, I guess..

[Camino LS6]

Hmm..strange looking...GMC's Ridgeline, I guess..

Without the stupid sideways engine and with a MIDGATE!

[citrusZ28]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I want one know!!!!!!!!sign me up! damit SOMEONE SIGN ME UP!!!!!!

build it build it build it.........................

[Croc]

I really like everything about this, except for the overstyled profile view. The angular greenhouse leaves me cold. Otherwise, a solid effort.

To anyone who pays more attention to these things than I do: what's the shot at production? I've seen threads about a Pontiac G8 ute variant as well...what's the real deal?

[Camino LS6]

I really like everything about this, except for the overstyled profile view. The angular greenhouse leaves me cold. Otherwise, a solid effort.

To anyone who pays more attention to these things than I do: what's the shot at production? I've seen threads about a Pontiac G8 ute variant as well...what's the real deal?

The G8 Ute is happening.

I'd say this one has a very good shot as well.

Volume for Oshawa.

[Croc]

The G8 Ute is happening.

I'd say this one has a very good shot as well.

Volume for Oshawa.

Hmm. Interesting. So two utes in the PBG showroom and none in the Chevrolet. Seems odd there will be two clones sold right next to each other...or will there be more sizable differences?

[Robert Hall]

Hmm. Interesting. So two utes in the PBG showroom and none in the Chevrolet. Seems odd there will be two clones sold right next to each other...or will there be more sizable differences?

Well, if the production Denali XT looks anything like this concept, they definitely won't be remotely 'clones'..

[Camino LS6]

Well, if the production Denali XT looks anything like this concept, they definitely won't be remotely 'clones'..

Not even close.

This is the G8 ST

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2060/3280230dnd8.jpg

[ocnblu]

Whaaaaat!? WOW, that thing is fantastic! That 4.9L smallblock DI AFM engine, with and without hybrid, should be on the market asap in all the half-ton GMT900s, as well as all the Zeta vehicles. This is the Zeta GMC Ute then... I love what I'm seeing so far. Maybe the future is brighter than we were lead to believe... but I bet a production version of this vehicle would sell for at least $45,000... too rich for my blood.

[Northstar]

Wow, that thing is sweet. I normally don't care much for trucks, but this thing kicks ass.

[Camino LS6]

I feel like a prophet.

[Chris_Doane]

I feel like a prophet.

LoL...slow down there sparky.

[Camino LS6]

LoL...slow down there sparky.

I guess I should explain, but I don't feel like it. :AH-HA_wink:

[BigPontiac]

Interesting, especially the adjustable ride height. Lame a GMC doesn't have a 4wd or AWD option though.

[Camino LS6]

Interesting, especially the adjustable ride height. Lame a GMC doesn't have a 4wd or AWD option though.

If it makes production, I'm sure it will.

[smk4565]

Ugly. It looks really bad from every angle. Do people really want an El Camino/Ridgeline/Subaru Baja combination? I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

On the plus side, 326 hp from a 4.9 liter pushrod is a solid improvement over the 315 hp 5.3 liter. GM needs to be able to downsize engines and increase efficiency without sacrificing power to stay competitive. Is that 326 hp running E85 though? If so with 87 octane gas it may not be as powerful.

GM is addicted to trucks though. How can they kill plans for V8 Cadillacs or a rear drive Impala and say CAFE is the reason, while they have 3 brands of GMT900s, the H2, and soon 4 brands with the full size Lambda SUVs, and now bring out a Zeta pickup/suv combo. GM has 3 good cars (Malibu, Corvette, CTS) and a ton of bad ones. They should fix their car lineup and not worry about a Hummer H4 or 3rd GMC pickup.

[Croc]

Not even close.

This is the G8 ST

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2060/3280230dnd8.jpg

Wow, those two look nothing alike.

This is good. The G8 is clearly the successor to the El Camino, and the Denali XT is a successor to the Envoy XUV and GM's version of the Ridgeline.. This makes sense.

[Camino LS6]

Ugly. It looks really bad from every angle. Do people really want an El Camino/Ridgeline/Subaru Baja combination? I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

On the plus side, 326 hp from a 4.9 liter pushrod is a solid improvement over the 315 hp 5.3 liter. GM needs to be able to downsize engines and increase efficiency without sacrificing power to stay competitive. Is that 326 hp running E85 though? If so with 87 octane gas it may not be as powerful.

GM is addicted to trucks though. How can they kill plans for V8 Cadillacs or a rear drive Impala and say CAFE is the reason, while they have 3 brands of GMT900s, the H2, and soon 4 brands with the full size Lambda SUVs, and now bring out a Zeta pickup/suv combo. GM has 3 good cars (Malibu, Corvette, CTS) and a ton of bad ones. They should fix their car lineup and not worry about a Hummer H4 or 3rd GMC pickup.

Don't be knucklehead, the whole point of this vehicle is to give people an option to get out of their full-size pickup. Until GM can move some weekend warriors out of half tons, CAFE will be a boat anchor around the neck. This sort of vehicle will Help with CAFE.

[red]

Can't say I like it at all.

The overall shape is pleasing, but the design is too heavy and poorly coordinated...not really exciting either.

I really liked the Audi look that GMC was shooting for about 7 years ago...

[Robert Hall]

Don't be knucklehead, the whole point of this vehicle is to give people an option to get out of their full-size pickup. Until GM can move some weekend warriors out of half tons, CAFE will be a boat anchor around the neck. This sort of vehicle will Help with CAFE.

Yes...a vehicle like this would be a practical alternative to an obese full-sizer for many people...

[PurdueGuy]

wow, that looks pretty sweet Sounds good too.

[jlbunting]

I like it.

If this thing gets 25MPG it will be a hit here!

[K.C.]

I really like this. Loving it! Bring it to market. This would sell.

[hyperv6]

Don't be knucklehead, the whole point of this vehicle is to give people an option to get out of their full-size pickup. Until GM can move some weekend warriors out of half tons, CAFE will be a boat anchor around the neck. This sort of vehicle will Help with CAFE.

We are looking at the future of the light truck.

As we spoke in the G8 thread that things were going to be different. I had no idea this was going to be more truck like than car and only was guessing about the unibody truck.

I too think this in some form will be on it's way to production as they would not be showing it. If all Zeta's but the Camaro were canceled they would have pulled it like the Impala.

Could we be seeing the Zeta evolving into a SUV truck platform VS a car platform. It is a heavy platform for a car but lighter than a truck.

I can see this as a lighter and cheaper Porsche Cayenne if they would make a wagon out of this.

The days of GM leaking new cars to keep the faith look to be over and the shows in the future will bring us some welcomed suprises like they used to.

I really like what I see and can imagine the veriltility of the Zeta now and how much can be done with it yet.

This is all the truck 70% of 1/2 ton owners need. Most are running empty most of the time and as long as it can haul a good load, Tow a trailer or boat and haul people in comfort. Also sell it at a good price with improved MPG this vehicle has hit the mark.

Edited February 3, 2008 by hyperv6

[PurdueGuy]

On the plus side, 326 hp from a 4.9 liter pushrod is a solid improvement over the 315 hp 5.3 liter. GM needs to be able to downsize engines and increase efficiency without sacrificing power to stay competitive.

Why? How does engine size matter? IMO, only weight and economy matter - If GM made a 10L engine that weighed 2/3 that of the typical 8cyl and got twice the economy, would you complain about the displacement?

GM is addicted to trucks though. How can they kill plans for V8 Cadillacs or a rear drive Impala and say CAFE is the reason, while they have 3 brands of GMT900s, the H2, and soon 4 brands with the full size Lambda SUVs, and now bring out a Zeta pickup/suv combo. GM has 3 good cars (Malibu, Corvette, CTS) and a ton of bad ones. They should fix their car lineup and not worry about a Hummer H4 or 3rd GMC pickup.

GM is a company. They are addicted to what sells. Even now, trucks sell, even if their sales are dropping. You complain about "full size lambda SUVs" when those very Lambdas are probably among the most efficient 7/8 passenger vehicles out there. Not everyone can get by on a 5 passenger midsize car.

The market determines the product. Sure, GM needs more good cars, but they can't neglect the trucks just because you want those better cars right now. They're in the works, have patience, and recognize legitimate product. Is this thing legitimate product? We'll have to see if they even intend to produce it, and what a production vehicle would look like.

[-Camaro-]

I'm very interested in this type of vehicle to replace my Silverado. Other than the grille, there's not much in the styling that says GMC. The styling appears to have a sprinkling of Tundra in it, but that doesn't bother me too much.

It may not say GMC now, but it will in the future. I don't see any other truck styling in this. Looks pretty unique to me. Personally I see Riviera Concept in it.

Edited February 3, 2008 by -Camaro-

[loki]

quite unexpected and cool... how soon would this engine be made widely, and i guess i'm still hopelessly thinking they may make CIB V6 like this V8, but in the 3.xL range

[Blake Noble]

I think I'm looking at what will replace my Sonoma, after the loan on the Camaro is paid off. I like it a lot.

[smk4565]

Why? How does engine size matter? IMO, only weight and economy matter - If GM made a 10L engine that weighed 2/3 that of the typical 8cyl and got twice the economy, would you complain about the displacement?

GM is a company. They are addicted to what sells. Even now, trucks sell, even if their sales are dropping. You complain about "full size lambda SUVs" when those very Lambdas are probably among the most efficient 7/8 passenger vehicles out there. Not everyone can get by on a 5 passenger midsize car.

The market determines the product. Sure, GM needs more good cars, but they can't neglect the trucks just because you want those better cars right now. They're in the works, have patience, and recognize legitimate product. Is this thing legitimate product? We'll have to see if they even intend to produce it, and what a production vehicle would look like.

Usually larger engines use more gas than smaller ones. I am assuming the reason GM is doing a 4.9 liter DI engine with cylinder cutoff is to replace the 5.3 liter with a more efficient engine with no loss to power. This is a good move.

Pickups have high volume due to few competitors and the commercial market. GM has 2 vehicles on the top 10 sellers list, Silverado and a 58% fleet sale Impala. The top 3 selling SUVs are the CR-V, Escape, Rav4, GM doesn't have a good small SUV or a minivan anymore. Two huge markets they don't compete in because they keep making big trucks.

This GMC pickup thing is 5 inches longer than a Yukon, this isn't a downsized product. If the Canyon/Colorado were as good as the Japanese pickups they could do a hybrid or diesel version of them that would help CAFE greatly and get people that don't need a half ton to downsize.

As for the Lambdas being the most efficient 7/8 seaters out there, they aren't. They are rated at 18 mpg (19 for front drive) which isn't bad, but the Honda Odyssey is rated at 20 mpg. The Mercedes ML320, R320, and GL320 diesels all average 21 mpg, 1 more than the Tahoe hybrid.

[gmcbob]

I like it! I'd seriously consider it today if it were on the market, especially with that new 4.9L engine.

[BuddyP]

Wow, to me that is a VERY good looking vehicle!

[ToniCipriani]

So they've now managed to put SIDI into a pushrod?

[Cory Wolfe]

I wasn't expecting it to look so good. I'm surprised. I'm just curious about the rear fog light/single reverse light set-up... *raises eyebrow*

[DetroitNut90]

Looks good. The front could be toned down just a smidge, otherwise it's very nice.

[regfootball]

wow, that design is half-assed/unfinished. the equivalent of trying to write a term paper the night before it's due.

and yes, there is some ridgeline in there.

conceptually its ok, but it needs AWD.

toyota's ABAT concept is more complete and interesting at this point. you can kind of see a bit of where GMC wanted the styling to go, but comon guys. spend some time and do it right. None of this 11th hour half assing please.

Edited February 3, 2008 by regfootball

[thegriffon]

@*% mate, the designer has clear Aussie accent. If they build it, it is just as likely to be based on Lambda than Zeta.

[pow]

Very nice... it's very aggressive looking. This is a great vehicle for those who think they need a full-size pickup, yet at the same time it offers better fuel economy. Great to see GM consider offering alternative and compelling choices.

[Gnitro]

I like the looks of this, can somebody please try to chop it into an SUV/Crossover? I would try, but I only have paint.

[Croc]

@*% mate, the designer has clear Aussie accent. If they build it, it is just as likely to be based on Lambda than Zeta.

I can see that; it really looks like it has the proportions for Lambda.

[ZL-1]

Gut feeling tells me this is more 'Buick Centieme concept' than 'Buick Enclave concept', i.e, not a 90% production-ready concept...

The main point here seems to be a preview of the Gen-V small block (rememeber how the SIDI thing was mentioned on the Delphi-GM-UAW memo that leaked?) paired to the 2-mode hybrid system and wrapped around NG GMC styling cues.

[hyperv6]

I thought Lamda too but how would the effect of a FWD truck sit with the American public.

The Ridgeline is not a run away sales winner. Many reject it for sereral readons one is the FWD.

Besides which one would be lighter Zeta or Lamda?

I originally wanted to see something like this on Lamda because I assumed the Zeta was dead. I would myself love to have this kind of truck but if it went FWD I would have no interest.

I drive trucks because I have never loved driving FWD and I feel not very alone on this point.

[4gm]

Could be awesome as a production model depending on how the final design would look. But I love the idea of a big old truck looking a lot more car like than we're used to seeing.

[Camino LS6]

I thought Lamda too but how would the effect of a FWD truck sit with the American public.

The Ridgeline is not a run away sales winner. Many reject it for sereral readons one is the FWD.

Besides which one would be lighter Zeta or Lamda?

I originally wanted to see something like this on Lamda because I assumed the Zeta was dead. I would myself love to have this kind of truck but if it went FWD I would have no interest.

I drive trucks because I have never loved driving FWD and I feel not very alone on this point.

Putting this on lambda would alienate the very group of buyers GM is wooing with this idea.

Lambda would be a very bad idea.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I freakin' LOVE it man!

I'm floored by this; I never expected it to be this good!

I love everything about it, excepting maybe the slightly overdone (IMO) tailgate.

Produce it GM.... errr... Produce it ON ZETA GM

[Cadillacfan]

I like this vehicle. We've all known for a little while that GMC was getting a Zeta-based pick-up type vehicle and I think most of us assumed that it was going to a Holden with GMC grille pasted on. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of effort GM put into this concept and hopefully, we'll get a production vehicle that is extremely close... if GM decides to go ahead with something like this.