GMC presents the Denali XT also to test future brand design elements, and
they are considering bringing this to the U.S. market. Pre-show photos promise a
supremely strong and tough look, and though the bed is short, the Denali XT does
sport a GM MidGate. This bold look hints at refinement, with its bright mesh
grille and LED headlights as a design element. It looks tough, but not simply
like a baby GMC Sierra. The huge wheels and tires certainly help the side view,
and the front quarter panel vent hints at a powerful powertrain. The rear, which
surrounds a bed that has no wheel intrusions taking up space, has design
elements clearly tied to the front. The deep and tall wheel arches add to the
purposeful stance from any angle.
GMC Trucks 2008
GMC Truck 2008
GMC resurrected its top-of-the-line Sierra Denali for 2008. There are a few
other tweaks for 2008, but the truck's 2007 redesign kept changes to a minimum.
At this year’s 2008 Chicago Auto Show, GMC is showing off a dramatic new
four-door pickup concept. What’s interesting about this truck is not its four
doors, or even its hybrid powertrain, which is GM’s two-mode system made E85
capable for the first time and uses a new direct-injection small-block 4.9L V8.
What’s interesting is that it sits on a platform related to the upcoming Pontiac
G8 and Chevrolet Camaro. As a design study for future GMC products, this truck
is a home run.
That’s right, this is a rear-drive unitbody car platform, developed
primarily by Holden in Australia (in fact Holden lead the design and
construction of the Denali XT). Down Under, Holden has been selling, with
terrific success, four-door Crewman and two-door Ute trucks for years. In
today’s climate and increased pressure to build vehicles delivering better fuel
economy, lower emissions, and power, GM is exploring unitbody trucks for the
States. (Act II is expected to be a two-door Pontiac G8 ST at the 2008 New York
auto show; the Pontiac may already be approved for production.)
GMC may find themselves with the right product concept at the right time here.
Consumers who don’t really need the full towing and off-road capability of a
traditional truck SUV are very happy with car-based versions. Despite the mixed
response to the Honda Ridgeline, which is both expensive and less attractive
than this Denali XT, the idea may apply to pickup trucks as well. Work-truck
needs ensure unitbody pickups aren’t likely to take over the pickup market as
thoroughly as they did the SUV market, but there may be room for a product such
as this.
The Denali XT may feel like a new idea, but it’s been a long time coming. Like
the SUV market, creating unitbody trucks can bring ride and handling closer to
the car experience and less weight for reduced fuel economy. Such a product
might not be strong enough for use at the ranch or the construction worksite
(towing capacity of the Denali XT is only 3500 and payload 1100 pounds), but
this solution could be a more efficient and comfortable alternative for
personal-use trucks.
Page Copyright by : mark sheldon wong
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