GMC Denali XT Concept Unveiled!

[04Colorado]

I like it. A lot. Exactly what I would buy.

[ChrisNJ]

Originally Posted by BBDOS CV8

I think the styling is hideous (which means it will be an enormous hit in the US judging from the 'hawt' comments here), and manages in one fell swoop to reduce the carrying and bed size capability of the old Crewman by virtually half (interesting many of the Ute and Crewman detractors gloss over this - form wins over function again)

---------------------BUT----------------------------

by combining a state-of-the-art sedan chassis, with IRS and the inbuilt stability and multi-airbag and crash structure with reduced weight, plus the hybrid/DI drivetrain capable of probably 25mpg overall, this might be exactly the combination GM needs for many US people who today buy a fullsize BOF truck but need less capability - i.e. really need a car. This shrinks the insanity of a 5,000lb 'family truck market' into something more sensible, ecologically supportable but enables the fake-macho culture to keep pretending it is 'tough' and 'big and safe'. It's smart product development and marketing think from GM, and makes use of the other half of the Zeta factory that won't be building Impalas.

AWD and diesel options will without doubt come. This will even sell in Australia, judging by the success of the US-inspired Hilux (Highlander) which is the third best-seller outright in Oz.

JoeT, I think this is the only version we are going to see of a new 'Creman'. They may build a leaf-spring higher-payload rear version for the 'States if it takes off, and you may get your tray version. Maybe, maybe not.

P.S. the engine is a OHV smallblock like the current Gen IVs which include the L76, L98, LS2/3 and LS7 ( I suppose it will be called Gen V because of the changes). Not a 3.6 with two extra cylinders or a Northstar replacement. Direct injection is nothing to do with valve actuation, and the HFV6 is a 60 degree motor for perfect primary balance with 60 degree firing intervals, not 90 deg. like a normal V8.

Agree 90%. GM will have to make this if they want to keep their current light to mid-duty pickup offerings, to meet Cafe. I agree that it is just what's needed to migrate current pick-up buyer that don't really need the capablity. I don't agree that it's hideous. I actually like it alot, but couldn't be an owner, as I do need the current capability of the current 6.2's power and 8K pound towing capacity.

[Ambalanche]

Looks awesome to me! Tone down the grille a little, take the rediculous side curves off the tailgate that will get in the way and I'm there! The interior is amazing! One more example of how when GM lets the designers loose what they can do! RWD Baby! I don't think Oshuwa (sp?) has any product worries!

[FenwickHockey65]

You know, GMC has a history of making...how shall I say it...pretty bad looking concepts. Remember the Terradyne and Terracross a few years ago? I almost had a heart attack when I heard that they would be showing the new styling of GMC. But the Yukon and Sierra turned out all right. This is no exception. It's just a concept, it just shows what GMC's thinking about and there's a pretty slim chance that it'll completely make it into production.

[MonaroSS]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

You know, GMC has a history of making...how shall I say it...pretty bad looking concepts. Remember the Terradyne and Terracross a few years ago? I almost had a heart attack when I heard that they would be showing the new styling of GMC. But the Yukon and Sierra turned out all right. This is no exception. It's just a concept, it just shows what GMC's thinking about and there's a pretty slim chance that it'll completely make it into production.

I agree.

There are 3 main uses for concept cars.

1. To introduce a soon to be released production ready vehicle ahead of time, especially when the opposition has vehicle/s you want the public to hold off buying - so as to wait for yours to be released.

2. To 'test' the public's reaction to new styling and design cues and/or see if you can make a case for a vehicle based on it's popularity.

3. To 'push' and even shock the public in a new design direction with over the top styling cues on a radical new format so that even while they protest about it they are subconsciously being 'conditioned' by it. But when the real vehicle comes out with the new radical format, it doesn't seem radical because the over the top styling cues have been toned down so that people are relieved. And they like it compared to concept.

The third 'use' doesn't happen often as manufacturers can usually 'evolve' their styling and design over time into new directions. But it has a real role to play when a new design direction is forced on a manufacturer (such as unibody trucks due to CAFE) and there is simply no time for the evolutionary approach.

[I-Love-Pontiac]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

I wonder how many who loathed this:

Love this

You can add me to the list.

As someone else said this looks a lot like the Ford Interceptor. Which is an extremely hot car. The Toyota is a tall lump that looks like nothing I've ever seen before.

[Evo69]

The A BAT is a hideous looking vehicle I must admit. But this Denali XT seems too extreme and I dare say "non American" in its design looking too Japanese styled.

Anyway its only a concept and will be toned down significantly for production if they do decide to build it.

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by suburbanfoo

If it was FWD with a sideways mounted engine I would hate it with a passion

Why? FWD is the configuration that I'd prefer myself. I am confused why pickups insist on RWD configurations, placing less weight over the driven wheels.

For me, I'd prefer a pickup with FWD. When I'm pulling my boats from my lake to do a bit of lake-hopping, the front wheels would stay on dry ground for traction while the rears are under water. In the snow, the FWD would be helpful.

Instead, I'm forced to buy 4WD when I really don't need the extra weight and cost. I'd really, really like to have a FWD truck based on the Acadia with a full 5 foot bed.

[Desert Rat]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Why? FWD is the configuration that I'd prefer myself. I am confused why pickups insist on RWD configurations, placing less weight over the driven wheels.

For me, I'd prefer a pickup with FWD. When I'm pulling my boats from my lake to do a bit of lake-hopping, the front wheels would stay on dry ground for traction while the rears are under water. In the snow, the FWD would be helpful.

Instead, I'm forced to buy 4WD when I really don't need the extra weight and cost. I'd really, really like to have a FWD truck based on the Acadia with a full 5 foot bed.

and then on a boat ramp with the trailer & boat loaded you won't have any traction because there will be no weight on the drive wheels, even though they are on dry pavement...

Just like a fwd vehicle in the snow, if a hill is too steep to make it up normally, you go up backwards so that there is more weight on the drive wheels.

[bcjohnso99]

Just wish they would put realistic wheels on it (The ABAT's are closer to reality)

Its OK to have a sport sedan concept with outrageous wheels but this is supposed to be a truck - give us real wheels/ride height so we can form a real opinion.

[rhvfd10]

It's an interesting CONCEPT and I hope that is where it stays. As many have said, this looks like a cross between the ABAT and the Ridgeline. IMO a 4 door Ute would be far superior. I would like to see a separate box and cab like the Crewman.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by rhvfd10

It's an interesting CONCEPT and I hope that is where it stays. As many have said, this looks like a cross between the ABAT and the Ridgeline. IMO a 4 door Ute would be far superior. I would like to see a separate box and cab like the Crewman.

Exactly, this is nothing more than a concept. If GMC ever does decide to make a production model, we've seen from past GMC concepts that it will look nothing like this.

[Quickening]

Originally Posted by bcjohnso99

Just wish they would put realistic wheels on it (The ABAT's are closer to reality)

Its OK to have a sport sedan concept with outrageous wheels but this is supposed to be a truck - give us real wheels/ride height so we can form a real opinion.

Agreed. I think it looks odd with those massive rims. They are huge and giving it a very unrealistic look.

[CarTract]

I've been waiting on something like this from GM....I have been seriously looking at the Honda Ridgeline, but I just can't warm up to its looks.....and I don't care how good it is....the first test is....its got to look sharp! Tone this baby down a little and I'll be one of the first in line to buy one!!!

[TaHoE]

Wow! That's stunning! Definitely the first pickup I would ever dream of owning! It even has a midgate!