GMC: Denali News
02-04-2004, 09:38 PM
#1
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
GMC: Denali News
For Release: Feb. 1, 2004, 3 p.m. EST.
2005 ENVOY DENALI AND ENVOY XL DENALI RAISE THE BAR FOR MIDSIZE SUV COMFORT AND REFINEMENT
CHICAGO - Distinctive styling, segment-leading refinement and superior V-8 power - these professional grade traits of GMC's premium Denali nameplate are the hallmarks of the new Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali midsize SUVs.
GMC announced the 2005 Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali at the Chicago Auto Show. They will join the luxury and performance-oriented family of Denali vehicles, which includes the Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali, Sierra Denali and the new 2005 Sierra Crew Cab Denali. Marking the fourth introduction to the Envoy family lineup in as many years, the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali round out the offerings by further enhancing the Envoy's already exceptional levels of comfort, amenities and proven power.
"The Denali name has become synonymous with style, comfort and performance and the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali bring those desirable attributes to the midsize utility segment," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "And they provide the capability you expect from a GMC."
A billet metal-look, chrome-plated grille instantly identifies these new, premium midsize utilities. Similar styling cues separated the original Yukon Denali from other full-size SUV competitors, helping push the Denali to almost 30 percent of Yukon and Yukon XL sales.
"It has become an aspirational vehicle and part of popular culture," said Bunnell. "By employing the same attention to detail and great design cues to the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali, we are making the Denali level of refinement available to a new group of customers."
In addition to the iconic grille design, the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali feature new front and rear fascias, integrated, body-color running boards, body-color accents and 17-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. Inside, a host of high-quality leather, burl wood grain trim and satin metallic accents work harmoniously to maintain the Denali promise of uncompromising refinement.
Standard equipment for the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali includes:
· Vortec 5300 Gen IV V-8 (with Displacement on Demand to be included in Envoy XL Denali later in 2005)
· Electronically controlled air suspension
· 17-inch polished forged aluminum wheels
· Interior noise reduction package
· Nuance leather, eight-way adjustable, heated front seats
· Bose premium audio system
· Headlamp washers
· Electric-adjustable pedals
· Content theft deterrent
· Cargo shade/cargo net (Envoy Denali only)
· Third-row floor mats (Envoy XL Denali only)
· Autotrac all-wheel-drive on 4WD models
· Traction Assist on 2WD models
· Locking differential
In the 2006 model year, a vehicle stability enhancement system will be available, and 18-inch wheels and tires will be standard.
Displacement on Demand
Powering the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali is the robust Vortec 5300 V-8. Rated at an estimated 290 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine delivers excellent step-off acceleration and a broad torque range that gives the vehicles segment-leading towing capability - up to 7,100 pounds in the Envoy XL Denali. Later in 2005 Envoy XL Denali will be equipped with Displacement on Demand (DOD), a fuel-saving feature that uses a sophisticated program to shut down four of the eight cylinders in certain driving conditions. Fuel savings of up to 8 percent are possible, depending on driving style and load conditions.
With DOD, the engine's state-of-the-art powertrain control module determines when conditions are optimal to shut down the cylinders - typically in lighter-load conditions when the power of all eight cylinders isn't required to sustain cruising speeds. The seamless operation instantly switches between eight- and four-cylinder power and there is no discernible difference in power felt by the driver or passengers. In conditions that demand it, such as towing or driving up a steep grade, the Vortec 5300 always operates with all eight cylinders.
"This is cutting-edge technology that makes a noticeable difference in the fuel consumption of an SUV," said Craig Bierley, midsize truck marketing director. "GMC's legendary capabilities have not been sacrificed whatsoever - in fact, DOD ensures the promise of performance and makes it more efficient."
The Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali are available in two-wheel drive and with Autotrac four-wheel drive.
Exterior design
The Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali are imbued with instantly recognizable premium styling appointments pioneered by the original Yukon Denali, which was introduced in 1999. The most recognizable of these is the signature chrome-plated grille with "honeycomb" texture. The Envoy Denali models receive their own version of this iconic styling cue, which is accented with a surrounding chrome ring for an overall look of machine-crafted billet metal.
An all-new, body-color single-piece front fascia also is part of the styling package and has a large, horizontal air intake flanked by round foglamps. The foglamps are set deeper in the fascia and accented with 2.5-inch-deep bright bezels. The front fascia also includes an integrated air dam to channel more air to the Vortec 5300 powertrain.
Attention to detail for all the elements comprising the front fascia and grille include tighter gap tolerances, enhancing the Denali models' refined, precision-crafted appearance.
"The tighter tolerances contribute as much to the premium appearance as the styling enhancements," said Bierly. "Improved build quality is apparent to the eye and underscores GMC's professional grade philosophy."
A new rear fascia is part of the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali design package. It has been lowered to visually conceal the vehicles' undercarriage components and, like the front fascia, its gap tolerances have been tightened. Air deflector extensions surrounding the trailer hitch area also help create a lower look for the vehicles, and the rear step pad that leads to the liftgate opening carries the honeycomb-style pattern of the Denali grille - this time with dime-sized embossments that form a rubberized mat.
Integrated running boards are painted body color and also feature rubberized mats embossed with the Denali circle pattern. The boards prevent stones and other debris from being kicked up onto the vehicle's exterior surface. To ensure exceptional fit and finish, the running boards are mounted so that they appear as seamless extensions of the rockers.
Other exterior design cues for the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali include thinner, body-color side moldings, body-color mirrors (heated and with integrated turn signal indicator), and polished forged aluminum 17-inch wheels. Forged aluminum is lighter and polishes to a brighter finish than comparable - and more common - cast aluminum wheels. Beginning with the 2006 model year, 18-inch wheels and tires will be standard.
Six exterior colors will be offered: Magnetic Red Metallic, Steel Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Onyx Black, Summit White, and Carbon Metallic.
Interior refinement
Nuance leather seats immediately signal the accommodating environments of the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali models. Leather is used to accent additional interior items, including the steering wheel, shift boot, parking brake boot, center console cover and in the door panels above the armrests. Selective use of satin nickel and burl wood grain accents also complement the upscale passenger compartment.
The leather-covered seats, which include all positions in the second row, are tailored with French seam stitching, with particular attention paid to ensure the sew lines and seat trenches are as small and tight as possible. This increases the stitches-per-inch ratio of the seats, enhancing both the finely crafted appearance and long-term durability. The increased number of stitches means less chance of a "stretched seam" look after several years of use.
Driver and front passenger seats have standard eight-way power adjustments and are heated.
A new, burl wood grain accent, which is richer and darker in appearance, surrounds interior components in the "center stack" and console. It also is used in trim surrounding the light switches and the switches on the door armrests. This upscale accent also is planned for Envoy SLT models in 2005.
Satin nickel metallic accents, which also are used in other Envoy models, are found around the instrument cluster, the shifter base and HVAC vents. Denali models receive an additional satin nickel accent that runs vertically down the center of the shifter head.
The steering wheel has the look and feel of premium execution and craftsmanship. The four-spoke wheel incorporates leather covering with French stitch seams in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, with real wood insets at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. Subtle chrome accents ring the wheel where the leather and wood meet and a jewel-like Denali badge is positioned over the horn pad.
Other interior appointments include brushed aluminum Denali-logo sill plates, a map pocket on the back of the driver's seat and two interior color choices: all-ebony or tone-on-tone light gray - a mixture of a lower surface light gray and upper darker gray.
Exceptionally quiet interior
Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali are engineered to deliver outstanding quietness. To that end, these new models have up to 20 additional applications of acoustic material treatments designed to deliver exceptionally low interior noise levels. They include:
· Laminated windshield and front door glass: Within the front windshield glass, an acoustical-grade vinyl sheet is layered between the glass laminates, resulting in a reduction in noise of approximately 13 percent. The front side-door glass uses a non-acoustical vinyl sheet, yet yields similar noise reduction levels.
· Front-of-dash sound absorber: Constructed of a two-layer, non-woven fiberglass material, this component closes openings in the front-of-dash panel, virtually eliminating the passage of noise or air from the engine compartment. Noise is reduced up to 2 decibels with this sound absorber.
· Exhaust resonator: Achieves quieter performance with an acoustic chamber tuned to the Vortec 5300's specific resonant frequency - effectively canceling much of the exhaust noise.
· Sound absorber insulators: Like the front-of-dash absorber, more than a dozen similar insulators are used throughout the vehicles in places like the doors, pillars, body openings and speaker areas, to ensure noise from wind and other sources is muted.
Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the first quarter of 2005.
GMC, a division of General Motors Corporation, markets the Sierra, Yukon, Envoy, Savana, Safari and GMC medium duty trucks and the all-new Canyon midsize pickup. GMC's lineup of professional grade trucks delivers outstanding capabilities. GMC sold nearly 580,000 vehicles in 2003, setting a divisional sales record for the 10th time in eleven years.
# # #
Contact:
Tom Beaman
Pontiac-GMC Communications
Phone: (313) 667-4123
E-mail: tom.beaman@gm.com
Source: Autoweek
The Explorer, Pilot, MDX, all still look like SUVs with 3 rows of seats.
02-05-2004, 06:24 PM
#5
I miss my 03 CL-S :(
Originally posted by Beetroot
how come is says 'ENVOY' on the back.
I thought Denali was the top of the line Yukon?
how come is says 'ENVOY' on the back.
I thought Denali was the top of the line Yukon?
GMC announced the 2005 Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali at the Chicago Auto Show. They will join the luxury and performance-oriented family of Denali vehicles, which includes the Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali, Sierra Denali and the new 2005 Sierra Crew Cab Denali.
My bro has a 2002 Yukon Denali and it's huge, but it's great! Very very comfy.
Trending Topics
02-03-2008, 12:12 AM
#9
Senior Moderator
GMC Denali XT...
From Leftlanenews...
Decades ago, GMC sold re-badged versions of the Chevrolet El Camino called the Sprint and Caballero. Today, the automaker unveiled a concept vehicle that is similar in principle, but completely different in execution.
While classics like the El Camino — and similar modern-day vehicles like the Holden Ute — are car-like in appearance, the Denali XT concept looks very much like a GMC truck.
Despite its beefy appearance, the Denali XT does not have a truck frame chassis, nor is it high off the ground. Instead, it is based on GM's Zeta platform, which underpins the Holden Commodore, Pontiac G8, and Chevrolet Camaro.
The unibody truck is perhaps the first of its kind. While the Holden Ute also features this style of construction, the Denali XT offers more utility, and four doors instead of just two.
GM says the lightweight construction and efficient mechanical design offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline.
But they didn't stop there. The Denali XT concept also incorporates a hybrid powertrain that further improves efficiency.
The system combines a 4.9-liter version of GM’s small-block V8 with electric two-mode hybrid technology. The engine runs on ethanol E85 fuel and features technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.
“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.”
GM says overall stiffness is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, making Denali XT’s capable off-road and for hauling. The stiffness also improves on-road handling, as does four-wheel independent suspension.
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 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).
While classics like the El Camino — and similar modern-day vehicles like the Holden Ute — are car-like in appearance, the Denali XT concept looks very much like a GMC truck.
Despite its beefy appearance, the Denali XT does not have a truck frame chassis, nor is it high off the ground. Instead, it is based on GM's Zeta platform, which underpins the Holden Commodore, Pontiac G8, and Chevrolet Camaro.
The unibody truck is perhaps the first of its kind. While the Holden Ute also features this style of construction, the Denali XT offers more utility, and four doors instead of just two.
GM says the lightweight construction and efficient mechanical design offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline.
But they didn't stop there. The Denali XT concept also incorporates a hybrid powertrain that further improves efficiency.
The system combines a 4.9-liter version of GM’s small-block V8 with electric two-mode hybrid technology. The engine runs on ethanol E85 fuel and features technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.
“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.”
GM says overall stiffness is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, making Denali XT’s capable off-road and for hauling. The stiffness also improves on-road handling, as does four-wheel independent suspension.
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 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).
02-03-2008, 12:12 AM
#10
Senior Moderator
02-03-2008, 12:13 AM
#11
Senior Moderator
Wow, I quite like this! 
02-03-2008, 11:18 PM
#13
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,122
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
ridgeline-ish, me likes
02-04-2008, 12:32 AM
#16
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,122
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
We've seen your pics...youre one to talk.
02-04-2008, 06:21 PM
#19
The sizzle in the Steak
If they can get away with that real high beltline....that would be suite!!!
I doubt the production model will retain that look.
I doubt the production model will retain that look.
02-04-2008, 11:30 PM
#20
Senior Moderator
Press release for the XT Concept...
GM Holden’s global design capability was showcased today on the world stage when GMC took the covers off a stunning concept vehicle at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.
The GMC Denali XT was designed and constructed at GM Holden’s design centre in Port Melbourne, Victoria. GMC drew upon General Motors’ global resources and expertise in Australia to produce the show stopper.
Lead Designer, Warrack Leach - who also recently led the VE Ute design - created the Denali XT’s new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).
“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,” Leach said.
“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.”
The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive which enables its distinctive design and efficient performance.
Denali XT’s new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM’s small-block V8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology, Active Fuel Management and includes the first combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine.
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.
The Denali XT boasts an estimated 50-percent fuel economy improvement over comparable small pickup trucks when running on petrol.
Jim Bunnell, GMC General Manager, said although just a concept, the Denali XT was 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 Bunnell.
“It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC’s engineering excellence, as well as GM’s commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies.”
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 carefully design proportions are framed around a high cowl configuration that enhances the vehicle’s truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture that enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience.
Exterior
The Denali XT features a muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance giving the vehicle a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, huge 23 inch wheels, custom Kumho tyres, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.
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 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.
Ed Welburn, Vice President GM Global Design, describes the concept as a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road.
“It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck,” Welburn said.
The exterior colour "Battle" is described by GM Holden’s colour and trim team as a cool mid tone liquid gunmetal which is balanced against the polished aluminium details.
Interior
Warrack Leach, Lead Designer, says 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,” Leach says.
“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.”
A feeling of luxury is created with soft grey microsuede finishes while keeping the integrity of a functional product with the hard saddle, workboot brown leather.
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 Denali XT seats four comfortably as the high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the 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. 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 with dimensions that create the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.
Functionality is enhanced with an easy-to-operate Midgate that can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle.
The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 499kg and a towing capacity of an estimated 1,587kg. This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration.
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 V8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 243kW. It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.
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 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 GMC Denali XT concept will be on show at the Chicago Motor Show from 6 – 17 February 2008.
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 aluminium; split 5-spoke
Tires: front: Kumho 255/35/R23 rear: Kumho 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)
The GMC Denali XT was designed and constructed at GM Holden’s design centre in Port Melbourne, Victoria. GMC drew upon General Motors’ global resources and expertise in Australia to produce the show stopper.
Lead Designer, Warrack Leach - who also recently led the VE Ute design - created the Denali XT’s new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).
“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,” Leach said.
“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.”
The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive which enables its distinctive design and efficient performance.
Denali XT’s new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM’s small-block V8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology, Active Fuel Management and includes the first combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine.
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.
The Denali XT boasts an estimated 50-percent fuel economy improvement over comparable small pickup trucks when running on petrol.
Jim Bunnell, GMC General Manager, said although just a concept, the Denali XT was 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 Bunnell.
“It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC’s engineering excellence, as well as GM’s commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies.”
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 carefully design proportions are framed around a high cowl configuration that enhances the vehicle’s truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture that enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience.
Exterior
The Denali XT features a muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance giving the vehicle a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, huge 23 inch wheels, custom Kumho tyres, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.
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 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.
Ed Welburn, Vice President GM Global Design, describes the concept as a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road.
“It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck,” Welburn said.
The exterior colour "Battle" is described by GM Holden’s colour and trim team as a cool mid tone liquid gunmetal which is balanced against the polished aluminium details.
Interior
Warrack Leach, Lead Designer, says 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,” Leach says.
“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.”
A feeling of luxury is created with soft grey microsuede finishes while keeping the integrity of a functional product with the hard saddle, workboot brown leather.
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 Denali XT seats four comfortably as the high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the 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. 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 with dimensions that create the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.
Functionality is enhanced with an easy-to-operate Midgate that can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle.
The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 499kg and a towing capacity of an estimated 1,587kg. This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration.
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 V8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 243kW. It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.
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 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 GMC Denali XT concept will be on show at the Chicago Motor Show from 6 – 17 February 2008.
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 aluminium; split 5-spoke
Tires: front: Kumho 255/35/R23 rear: Kumho 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)
02-04-2008, 11:30 PM
#21
Senior Moderator
Interior sketch...
02-06-2008, 07:31 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
02-06-2008, 07:32 PM
#25
Senior Moderator
A couple of shots:
02-06-2008, 07:33 PM
#26
Senior Moderator
More interior pics...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
detailersdomain
Wash & Wax
8
02-27-2012 06:54 PM
PortlandRL
Wash & Wax
16
03-31-2010 12:05 PM
