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GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept
GM adds many fuel-saving features to its unibody pickup truck

All auto manufacturers are thinking "green" these days and many will showcase their fuel-efficient vehicles at the upcoming 2008 Chicago Auto Show. In this age of broken embargos and leaked specifications, it comes as no surprise that one of GM's vehicles to be showcased at the show was leaked early.

The new GMC Denali XT Concept is based on the same Zeta platform that forms the basis of the upcoming Pontiac G8 sedan and Chevy Camaro. The low-slung concept features a fully-independent front and rear suspension, 23" wheels and a 55" bed with Midgate. The Midgate feature -- similar in concept to the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT -- extends the bed to a full seven feet.

The most important part of the Denali XT Concept, however, is its advanced powertrain. The concept uses a brand new 4.9-liter, 326 HP small-block V8 engine with direct injection. The new 4.9-liter engine can be powered by regular gasoline or E85 ethanol and uses cylinder-deactivation to run on just four cylinders under light loads for better fuel economy.

In addition, the Denali XT concept features GM's two-mode hybrid system which can also be found on the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line. GM's two-mode hybrid system allows lumbering behemoths like the Yukon and Tahoe achieve 20+ MPG in the city.

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

The GMC Denali XT Concept foreshadows the production model which could debut in the U.S. within the next year. Styling will no doubt be toned down somewhat for the production model, but expect to see many of the fuel-saving technologies to carry over to the road-going version.

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By shabby on 2/3/08, Rating: 0
RE: ...
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 2/3/2008 12:54:04 PM , Rating: 5
It's not meant to be a "work site" truck.

Think Honda Ridgeline, only with some grunt.

You'd be surprised how many pickups are used as commuter vehicles these days. They have leather, moonroofs, DVD navigation, flip-down DVD players in the ceiling, and all the other conveniences you'd find in a luxury car.

I don't think there's anything wrong with offering a car-based pickup that gets good gas mileage, yet can also carry a washing machine/dryer or other bulky loads from time to time.


RE: ...
By Spoelie on 2/4/2008 5:46:51 AM , Rating: 2
Good gas mileage is relative. Putting a V8, in a heavy vehicle, aerodynamically equivalent to a brick, on huge rims, is just no good recipe to get even what one would consider as above average gas mileage, no matter what "fuel saving technologies" are employed. I have no intention to start any euro vs us, diesel vs gas etc. discussion that are littered around dailytech, but here is what for example Kia is doing (pic http://www.adgoog.com/blog/photo/15409a-kia_eco_ce... ) - most of which are already available in BMW's "efficient dynamics" cars:

The Frankfurt show concept car, based on the new three-door Kia pro_cee’d hatchback fitted with a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, boasted a combination of small but significant modifications and equipment additions to the standard vehicle. These resulted in a 17% reduction in fuel consumption (down to just 3.9 litres/100km = 60 MPG ), and lower CO2 emissions (just 104 g/km, down 8.4%).

Aerodynamic enhancements cut drag to Cd 0.29 (from 0.33 representing a significant 11% improvement). Following extensive wind-tunnel testing, Kia engineers lowered the concept’s suspension, fitted under-floor coverings to the front, middle and rear of the vehicle, adopted wheel arch linings with ‘spoiler’ lips to smooth airflow around the wheels, and added a low-drag front grille to improve air flow over the vehicle. Finally, ultra-low rolling resistance Michelin tyres were mounted on special 17-inch alloy wheels that generate minimum disturbance to the airflow along the sides of the car.

Engine changes which will transfer to the ‘eco’ cee’d range from the concept car include measures to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, such as reduced turbo boost pressure (diesel models), enhanced fuel injection timing, modified residual gas rates and reductions in internal engine friction.

ISG features regenerative braking, which automatically recharges the battery during deceleration, and switches the engine off when the car is stopped and the engine is at idle, dramatically cutting both fuel consumption and emissions during typical stop-start city driving.

All the new ‘eco’ cee’d’ models will be fitted with a new six-speed manual gearbox instead of the five-speed used on standard cars. Higher ratios for fourth, fifth and sixth gears will improve fuel consumption at motorway speeds. First, second and third gears retain the standard ratios to ensure that the dynamic performance of the standard car accelerating from standstill is carried over.

To further guarantee that the ‘eco’ cee’d models’ engines and transmissions are always operating at high efficiency, an ECU-controlled ‘Shift Indicator’ will be fitted in the instrument cluster. This displays the optimum gear choice for the speed at which the car is travelling, and indicates the ideal moment (based on road speed and engine speed) at which to change gear.


RE: ...
By Torched on 2/4/2008 9:35:15 AM , Rating: 3
Yeah, thats great for a lot of people. Needless to say, some people need to haul things. That little kia is not made for that. Can all the eco-friendly people just be glad that fuel efficiency is headed in the right direction?


RE: ...
By Spoelie on 2/4/2008 11:37:47 AM , Rating: 1
I'm indicating it's kind of a stretch calling that pickup green or it having good gas mileage. For very occasional towing/moving, you do not need to BUY a pickup, renting the necessary equipment is smarter. And most people who will buy it belong to this group.

You can make a "towing-case" if you do haul stuff a lot/professionally, but even then, it strikes me there are better options available - though they probably won't be as bling-bling as this one.

That's actually why people will want it: the big V8, the pimp-look etc. Not because of the economy or the need for towing capacity. And hey, it's their right, I'm only putting into perspective that these are just babysteps and something will need to change fundamentally before we can call pickups "green".


RE: ...
By Spuke on 2/4/2008 11:52:41 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
I'm only putting into perspective that these are just babysteps and something will need to change fundamentally before we can call pickups "green".
So what's "green" in your book?


RE: ...
By Torched on 2/4/2008 1:07:29 PM , Rating: 2
Will you admit that it is good that the industry is moving in the right direction? Can I hear you say it in your post: "A 20+MPG truck is a step in the right direction?" It will help your argument, believe me.

We all know 20+MPG is not the "be all end all" for trucks, but to get from step A to step B one must admit there needs to be a few stops in between. Either say the above or quit rationalizing the fact that all people will drive a car like the above referenced Kia. We all know it won't happen. Its more realistic to assume truck MPG's will improve until engines can be replaced with practical high torque electrical motors.


RE: ...
By Spuke on 2/4/08, Rating: 0
RE: ...
By FITCamaro on 2/3/2008 1:54:38 PM , Rating: 2
The Denali isn't meant to be a work truck. They're status symbol vehicles to say "look at me I have a big luxury truck."

One thing thats is good about this plan is that it gets another potential vehicle on the platform the Camaro is using which will help drive down the cost. The more of those platforms they build, the cheaper it gets to make them.


RE: ...
By FITCamaro on 2/3/2008 1:57:53 PM , Rating: 2
I also have to wonder if this new 4.9L V8 will make it into the new Camaro. That would be a potentially great base V8 engine. I'm sure they can even pump a few more horsepower out of it. Then have an LS3 variant as well.


RE: ...
By KamiXkaze on 2/3/2008 6:50:26 PM , Rating: 2
That would be nice tho if GM was trying to cut cost, but what I want is the LS3 in the new Camaro nothing more can't wait for the Z28 variant for that baby.

KxK


RE: ...
By FITCamaro on 2/4/2008 8:05:24 AM , Rating: 2
I agree but an inexpensive, fuel efficient V8 model is preferable to me than a V6. :)

You figure with direct injection and DoD, with proper gearing it'll probably get pretty damn good mileage.


RE: ...
By theapparition on 2/4/2008 2:00:06 PM , Rating: 2
Everyone wants the LS3, but the door is still open to put the L76 engine from the Commodore (aka G8) in there. The L76 has DoD, and might get better mileage.


RE: ...
By AlexandertheBlue on 2/3/2008 2:05:12 PM , Rating: 3
All new vehicles are too pretty to beat the living daylights out on a worksite in my opinion, but someone will do it anyway. Design intent or not


RE: ...
By Anonymous Freak on 2/4/2008 1:06:19 AM , Rating: 2
I'm sure that not a single Cadillac Escalade EXT has ever had anything resembling 'work' ever put into its bed. Heck, I'd be surprised if a single one has even done so much as haul furniture.


RE: ...
By mles1551 on 2/4/2008 1:56:53 AM , Rating: 2
Saw one in LA a couple of months ago on the 405 with a toolbox and an air compressor in the back.
Also seen a Dodge Ram SRT10 quad cab with a ladder rack. Granted it could've just been a reg. Ram in Vipers clothing, but it's hard to fake an EXT.

I come from a farming background and have seen several F150 Lariats, Chevy LT(Z)s, $45K+ trucks put into service pulling chemical and seed to the field. Just b/c they cost a lot does not mean they won't do what the cheaper ones will.

That being said: This "truck" is for city people. Last time I checked they don't market SuperDutys & HDs to people who care about their city MPG.

Also, didn't they already try basically this same idea with the Envoy XUV?


RE: ...
By Spuke on 2/4/2008 11:33:16 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Saw one in LA a couple of months ago on the 405 with a toolbox and an air compressor in the back.
The guy that installed my plantation shutters used one as his work truck.


RE: ...
By CU on 2/4/2008 12:22:56 PM , Rating: 2
This is more like the EXT or Avalanche which is a four door short bed truck that converts to a normal bed 2 door truck. The XUV is a 4 door SUV that converts into a 2 door truck/suv. It is like having a camper shell on your Avalanche that retracts and hides away.

I have an XUV and my wife and I love it. It is so nice to to have for carrying everything my wife wants to care for our babies. We had a 4 door corolla for awhile, but my wife could not fit everything in it when we went shopping as a family. Plus unlike a mini van we can haul whatever we want in the back without worrying to much since you can just hose it out. However it would be nice to get more than our current avg of 19.1 mpg.


RE: ...
By rcsinfo on 2/3/2008 2:18:41 PM , Rating: 2
Remember the El Camino or Ford Ranchero? I think this is more along those lines. Definitely not a work truck, but more utility than a car.


RE: ...
By KamiXkaze on 2/3/2008 6:54:00 PM , Rating: 2
I thought the SSR (more so a non-truck) was more on the lines of the El Camino/El Ranchero.