Holden team builds GMC stunner

Holden has again topped the General Motors product tree with a stunning concept vehicle set to be unveiled at this week's Chicago Auto Show.

The work of Holden's design and engineering teams Down Under, the GMC Denali XT is "a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT)."

Designed and constructed at GM Holden's design centre in Port Melbourne, it is built on the same architecture as Holden's Commodore and Commodore Ute. As we telegraphed last week, the Denali XT is an expression of the adaptability of GM/Holden's Global Rear Wheel Drive architecture.

At just over 5200mm, the XT is around 200mm longer than the new VE ute. The XT's 3134mm wheelbase is around 120mm longer and at 1938mm the SUT is around 40mm wider than its production family member. The Denali's near-1600mm height dwarfs the VE, which in most examples is just 1480mm high.

The Denali XT feature's General Motor's latest 4.9-litre version of GM's small-block V8 -- and in efficiency terms is one with the lot. The 243kW powerplant features direct-injection technology, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and is E85-capable.

In addition, the Denali XT also packs GM's two-mode hybrid system -- the first time the electric powertrain has been combined with an E85 ethanol-capable engine.

GMC claims the combination could deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy improvement over comparable pickup trucks running on petrol. That said, the stats are theoretical. According to Holden sources, the XT is purely a concept and though the car is a 'runner' it is limited to 40km/h.

The concept's lead designer, Warrack Leach (pictured), also penned the VE Ute (see video, here). At this stage, there are no plans to produce the vehicle, which is rear-wheel rather than all-wheel drive.

Said designer Leach: "This was a great program to work on as I was given the opportunity to really stretch the limits of the Global Rear Wheel Drive architecture and create a truck with unique and bold proportions".

"GMC has such a rich heritage of producing great trucks and it was essential we kept that in mind while at the same time exploring how far we could take this concept."

In contrast to most existing GMC product, the Denali features unibody (monocoque or unitary) construction as per the VE Ute. It rolls on 23-inch wheels, shod with custom Kumho tyres.

GM says the Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 499kg and a towing capacity around 1600kg. The rear cargo area is "wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or wheelhouse protrusions with dimensions that create the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories".

The cargo bed and cabin flexibility is maximised using a 'Midgate' feature that extends the bed into the crewcab section of the cabin.

Says GM of the exterior design: "Sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance... The wide road stance is accentuated by flared fenders and enhanced further when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, creating a sleeker appearance that simultaneously improves aerodynamics.

"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.

The exterior colour is called Battle and is described by Holden's colour and trim team as "a cool mid tone liquid gunmetal which is balanced against the polished aluminium details."

Holden's design team is believed to have pitched the concept to GMC's US headquarters. The decision to build the concept came after local design head Tony Stolfo showed Leach's sketches to GM design exec, US-based Aussie, Mike Simcoe.

Alas at this stage, it's unlikely we'll see the concept back Down Under any time soon.