GMC: Graphyte News
01-12-2005, 10:33 AM
#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: Graphyte News
Source: Autoweek
GMC Graphyte concept
Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 mated to two electric motors
Horsepower: 300 hp
Width: 78.9 inches
Length: 187.7 inches
What the automaker says: "The GMC Graphyte concept vehicle is a refined SUV with all the capability expected in a four-wheel-drive truck, but with 25 percent improved fuel economy enabled by GM's latest two-model full hybrid propulsion system."
What you should know: The hybrid powertrain is similar to one that will be available on the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in 2007.
Production possibility: Unknown
GMC Graphyte concept
Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 mated to two electric motors
Horsepower: 300 hp
Width: 78.9 inches
Length: 187.7 inches
What the automaker says: "The GMC Graphyte concept vehicle is a refined SUV with all the capability expected in a four-wheel-drive truck, but with 25 percent improved fuel economy enabled by GM's latest two-model full hybrid propulsion system."
What you should know: The hybrid powertrain is similar to one that will be available on the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in 2007.
Production possibility: Unknown
01-12-2005, 10:34 AM
#2
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
Source: Autoweek
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY GENERAL MOTORS
GMC GRAPHYTE’S TWO-MODE FULL HYBRID POINTS TO THE FUTURE OF SUVS
· Fully capable all-wheel-drive SUV with full hybrid drive for 25 percent improved mileage
· Demonstrates GMC’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence
· Elegant design takes GMC styling to next level
DETROIT – The GMC Graphyte concept vehicle is a refined SUV with all the capability expected in a four-wheel-drive truck, but with 25 percent improved fuel economy enabled by GM’s latest two-model full hybrid propulsion system. A tailored design, including an elegant, metal-framed grille gives the Graphyte an urban flair. It was designed and built at the GM Advanced Studio in Coventry , England .
The midsize Graphyte uses the next-generation Advanced Hybrid System 2 (AHS2), combined with a Vortec 5300 V-8 with Displacement on Demand (DoD) technology, to deliver strong, continuous power in all driving conditions. It is similar to the hybrid system that will be available on GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe full-size SUVs in 2007.
“The promise of the Graphyte’s hybrid technology is guilt-free performance,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president for GM Powertrain. “It provides a real and dramatic improvement in fuel economy without compromising the reasons customers want to use their SUV.”
AHS2 is the world’s first two-mode full hybrid system and it is based on the same multi-patented hybrid-electric diesel technology pioneered by GM on urban transit buses currently in use throughout North America . The first mode provides tremendous fuel-saving capability in low-speed, stop-and-go driving – the kind of driving typical of urban commuting – with a combination of full electric propulsion and engine power. The second mode regulates technologies such as DoD cylinder deactivation at highway speeds to optimize fuel mileage, while providing full engine power when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing or climbing steep grades.
AHS2 is at the center of GM’s three-prong advanced propulsion strategy that aims to take automobiles out of the energy and environmental debate. Its universal design allows engineers to scale the architecture to fit vehicles of any size. The system fits within the space of a conventional automatic transmission, with a battery pack providing the electric power.
“GM feels it is best to employ hybrid technology first on large vehicles, such as buses and SUVs, because they generally are the largest consumers of fuel,” said Stephens. “With the Graphyte, we’ve demonstrated its integration into a type of vehicle where its fuel-saving technology will do the most good, while upholding all the capability GMC trucks and SUVs are known for.”
Packaging for the AHS2 drive system and supporting components in the Graphyte includes a 300-volt NiMH cross-vehicle battery pack located beneath the rear passenger seat and accessory systems under the hood to support the electrically driven HVAC, power steering and power brake systems. The drive system itself, including two compact electric motors and a series of gears that provide an infinite range of drive ratios, is contained within the case of a conventional Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmission.
The Graphyte has the built-in strength of a true truck, including a full ladder-type perimeter frame, with a strut-type front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. The suspension ride height can be adjusted by the driver up to 4.7 inches (120 mm), with the lowest height providing improved aerodynamics – enhancing fuel economy – and the raised height providing more ground clearance when driving off road.
The suspension meets the road via 22-inch magnesium wheels and prototype Goodyear all-terrain tires. Stopping power is regulated by a four-wheel disc brake system with four-channel ABS. The brakes feature large, cross-drilled and slotted rotors measuring 15 inches (381 mm) in diameter in front and 14.74 inches (374.6 mm) in the rear.
Design
The Graphyte takes GMC’s design language to an elegant level, with a more upscale image. It’s a forward looking design that incorporates strong truck cues, such as minimal overhangs, tight wheel-to-fender openings and an upright grille, with a sleeker, more aerodynamic appearance.
“The Graphyte pushes SUV styling in a more refined direction while reinforcing GMC’s authentic performance attributes,” said Anne Asensio, executive director of design. “There is an air of urban sophistication in the Graphyte that isn’t found in other SUVs, but is relevant for hybrid technology.”
The exterior combines the functionality and purity associated with traditional SUVs, with refinement and a clean, distinctive look that clearly retains GMC DNA. Aerodynamics also play a large role in the vehicle’s design, as a slippery shape enhances fuel economy. Graphyte’s fast, 40-degree windshield, swept headlamps and the tapered roofline convey a wind-driven look, while a smooth underbody cover reduces drag. A pillarless side window design also contributes to the smooth styling, as the glass appears as one continuous element from the A-pillar to the D-pillar. There also are two large, transversal skylights – divided by an overhead console – that provide a more open feel in the interior.
“Graphyte’s powerful stance and new proportion is a combination of functionality, space efficiency and aerodynamic performance,” said Simon Cox, director of UK Advanced Design Studio.
Details such as jeweled Xenon headlamps and LED-illuminated taillamps – the headlamps rotate left and right as well as move vertically to follow the attitude of the vehicle – complement the new, metal-frame grille design to convey a sense of solidity. Even Graphyte’s Spiral Grey Glass exterior color exudes professional grade strength and urban chic.
Exterior details also include a clever cargo area hatch/tailgate system. The tailgate operates independently of the upper hatch to rotate and fold straight down, easing cargo loading. And, like the grille, there is a prominent red GMC logo on the tailgate.
From its commanding driving position, the Graphyte’s interior has a crafted, airy environment that is enhanced by the large skylights. Mokanto wood veneer, as well as anodized and polished aluminum trim, accents Spiral Grey leather upper sections of the interior. The front seatbacks also carry the linear wood veneer and aluminum trim theme and are mounted on pedestals rather than conventional tracks to provide more leg room. Prairie Sandalwood-color leather covers the lower instrument panel, lower door panels and seats.
The rear seats have a unique 1-2-3 folding capability, allowing the seatbacks of all three seating positions to be folded flat and independent of one another. The rear seat cushion also folds up, increasing cargo space, while the entire rear seat adjusts fore and aft to provide additional legroom.
Intuitive driver controls for the hybrid drive system are located in the center console and consist of an easy-to-operate drive-by-wire system. Instead of a shift lever that moves to select a gear, the driver simply pushes a button to select drive, reverse or park. All controls were designed to bolster the driver’s feeling of control and enhance the relationship with the technology woven into the Graphyte – a relationship that evokes an emotional response from the driver and passengers.
A LCD screen in the console displays the hybrid system’s functional details, while a large, two-bin instrument panel in front of the driver provides conventional analog gauge readouts for the speedometer, tachometer and other instruments. The console screen also provides access to the vehicle’s satellite navigation system and other infotainment options. Another screen folds down from an overhead console for rear seat passengers to view.
The 2006 Graphyte also is equipped with OnStar. With 3 million subscribers, OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technologies. Owners can interact with OnStar's voice recognition system in Spanish, French or English. With the push of a button an OnStar advisor can change the system to allow the subscriber to interact with the system in their preferred language. Other core OnStar services are stolen vehicle location assistance, remote door unlock, roadside assistance, emergency services and automatic crash notification.
GM is the only automotive manufacturer committed to offering a full range of vehicles with safety protection before, during and after a collision. All OnStar-equipped vehicles come with Automatic Crash Notification. If air bags deploy, the system sends a signal to a highly trained OnStar Emergency Advisor, who contacts the vehicle to see if help is needed, and can contact an emergency responder to send for help. In many cases the occupants are severely injured and cannot speak for themselves. OnStar’s GPS unit allows Advisors to tell emergency responders the vehicle’s location. OnStar responds to at least one air bag deployment in the US or Canada every hour.
Additionally, the Graphyte has the GM-exclusive Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. The AACN system detects collisions, even rollovers, regardless of whether air bags deploy. AACN also transmits other crash data, such as the direction of impact force, the number of and which air bags deployed and the maximum change of impact velocity, so that emergency responders are more prepared with this critical information before they arrive at the accident scene.
TECHNICAL DATA: GMC Graphyte Hybrid Concept Vehicle
Vehicle type: front engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger SUV concept vehicle
Dimensions (mm / in): wheelbase: 2895.4 / 114
length: 4768 / 187.7
width: 2004 / 78.9
Gasoline engine: Vortec 5300 V-8 with Displacement on Demand technology
Power (hp / kw) 300 / 223.5
Torque (lb ft / Nm) 325 / 449
Electric motors: two motors integrated within Hydra-Matic 4L60-E transmission case
Hybrid transmission: Electronically controlled electric variable with mechanical lock-up, multiple fixed ratios
Battery : type: 300-volt NiMH
location: under rear seat
GMC GRAPHYTE’S TWO-MODE FULL HYBRID POINTS TO THE FUTURE OF SUVS
· Fully capable all-wheel-drive SUV with full hybrid drive for 25 percent improved mileage
· Demonstrates GMC’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence
· Elegant design takes GMC styling to next level
DETROIT – The GMC Graphyte concept vehicle is a refined SUV with all the capability expected in a four-wheel-drive truck, but with 25 percent improved fuel economy enabled by GM’s latest two-model full hybrid propulsion system. A tailored design, including an elegant, metal-framed grille gives the Graphyte an urban flair. It was designed and built at the GM Advanced Studio in Coventry , England .
The midsize Graphyte uses the next-generation Advanced Hybrid System 2 (AHS2), combined with a Vortec 5300 V-8 with Displacement on Demand (DoD) technology, to deliver strong, continuous power in all driving conditions. It is similar to the hybrid system that will be available on GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe full-size SUVs in 2007.
“The promise of the Graphyte’s hybrid technology is guilt-free performance,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president for GM Powertrain. “It provides a real and dramatic improvement in fuel economy without compromising the reasons customers want to use their SUV.”
AHS2 is the world’s first two-mode full hybrid system and it is based on the same multi-patented hybrid-electric diesel technology pioneered by GM on urban transit buses currently in use throughout North America . The first mode provides tremendous fuel-saving capability in low-speed, stop-and-go driving – the kind of driving typical of urban commuting – with a combination of full electric propulsion and engine power. The second mode regulates technologies such as DoD cylinder deactivation at highway speeds to optimize fuel mileage, while providing full engine power when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing or climbing steep grades.
AHS2 is at the center of GM’s three-prong advanced propulsion strategy that aims to take automobiles out of the energy and environmental debate. Its universal design allows engineers to scale the architecture to fit vehicles of any size. The system fits within the space of a conventional automatic transmission, with a battery pack providing the electric power.
“GM feels it is best to employ hybrid technology first on large vehicles, such as buses and SUVs, because they generally are the largest consumers of fuel,” said Stephens. “With the Graphyte, we’ve demonstrated its integration into a type of vehicle where its fuel-saving technology will do the most good, while upholding all the capability GMC trucks and SUVs are known for.”
Packaging for the AHS2 drive system and supporting components in the Graphyte includes a 300-volt NiMH cross-vehicle battery pack located beneath the rear passenger seat and accessory systems under the hood to support the electrically driven HVAC, power steering and power brake systems. The drive system itself, including two compact electric motors and a series of gears that provide an infinite range of drive ratios, is contained within the case of a conventional Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmission.
The Graphyte has the built-in strength of a true truck, including a full ladder-type perimeter frame, with a strut-type front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. The suspension ride height can be adjusted by the driver up to 4.7 inches (120 mm), with the lowest height providing improved aerodynamics – enhancing fuel economy – and the raised height providing more ground clearance when driving off road.
The suspension meets the road via 22-inch magnesium wheels and prototype Goodyear all-terrain tires. Stopping power is regulated by a four-wheel disc brake system with four-channel ABS. The brakes feature large, cross-drilled and slotted rotors measuring 15 inches (381 mm) in diameter in front and 14.74 inches (374.6 mm) in the rear.
Design
The Graphyte takes GMC’s design language to an elegant level, with a more upscale image. It’s a forward looking design that incorporates strong truck cues, such as minimal overhangs, tight wheel-to-fender openings and an upright grille, with a sleeker, more aerodynamic appearance.
“The Graphyte pushes SUV styling in a more refined direction while reinforcing GMC’s authentic performance attributes,” said Anne Asensio, executive director of design. “There is an air of urban sophistication in the Graphyte that isn’t found in other SUVs, but is relevant for hybrid technology.”
The exterior combines the functionality and purity associated with traditional SUVs, with refinement and a clean, distinctive look that clearly retains GMC DNA. Aerodynamics also play a large role in the vehicle’s design, as a slippery shape enhances fuel economy. Graphyte’s fast, 40-degree windshield, swept headlamps and the tapered roofline convey a wind-driven look, while a smooth underbody cover reduces drag. A pillarless side window design also contributes to the smooth styling, as the glass appears as one continuous element from the A-pillar to the D-pillar. There also are two large, transversal skylights – divided by an overhead console – that provide a more open feel in the interior.
“Graphyte’s powerful stance and new proportion is a combination of functionality, space efficiency and aerodynamic performance,” said Simon Cox, director of UK Advanced Design Studio.
Details such as jeweled Xenon headlamps and LED-illuminated taillamps – the headlamps rotate left and right as well as move vertically to follow the attitude of the vehicle – complement the new, metal-frame grille design to convey a sense of solidity. Even Graphyte’s Spiral Grey Glass exterior color exudes professional grade strength and urban chic.
Exterior details also include a clever cargo area hatch/tailgate system. The tailgate operates independently of the upper hatch to rotate and fold straight down, easing cargo loading. And, like the grille, there is a prominent red GMC logo on the tailgate.
From its commanding driving position, the Graphyte’s interior has a crafted, airy environment that is enhanced by the large skylights. Mokanto wood veneer, as well as anodized and polished aluminum trim, accents Spiral Grey leather upper sections of the interior. The front seatbacks also carry the linear wood veneer and aluminum trim theme and are mounted on pedestals rather than conventional tracks to provide more leg room. Prairie Sandalwood-color leather covers the lower instrument panel, lower door panels and seats.
The rear seats have a unique 1-2-3 folding capability, allowing the seatbacks of all three seating positions to be folded flat and independent of one another. The rear seat cushion also folds up, increasing cargo space, while the entire rear seat adjusts fore and aft to provide additional legroom.
Intuitive driver controls for the hybrid drive system are located in the center console and consist of an easy-to-operate drive-by-wire system. Instead of a shift lever that moves to select a gear, the driver simply pushes a button to select drive, reverse or park. All controls were designed to bolster the driver’s feeling of control and enhance the relationship with the technology woven into the Graphyte – a relationship that evokes an emotional response from the driver and passengers.
A LCD screen in the console displays the hybrid system’s functional details, while a large, two-bin instrument panel in front of the driver provides conventional analog gauge readouts for the speedometer, tachometer and other instruments. The console screen also provides access to the vehicle’s satellite navigation system and other infotainment options. Another screen folds down from an overhead console for rear seat passengers to view.
The 2006 Graphyte also is equipped with OnStar. With 3 million subscribers, OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technologies. Owners can interact with OnStar's voice recognition system in Spanish, French or English. With the push of a button an OnStar advisor can change the system to allow the subscriber to interact with the system in their preferred language. Other core OnStar services are stolen vehicle location assistance, remote door unlock, roadside assistance, emergency services and automatic crash notification.
GM is the only automotive manufacturer committed to offering a full range of vehicles with safety protection before, during and after a collision. All OnStar-equipped vehicles come with Automatic Crash Notification. If air bags deploy, the system sends a signal to a highly trained OnStar Emergency Advisor, who contacts the vehicle to see if help is needed, and can contact an emergency responder to send for help. In many cases the occupants are severely injured and cannot speak for themselves. OnStar’s GPS unit allows Advisors to tell emergency responders the vehicle’s location. OnStar responds to at least one air bag deployment in the US or Canada every hour.
Additionally, the Graphyte has the GM-exclusive Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. The AACN system detects collisions, even rollovers, regardless of whether air bags deploy. AACN also transmits other crash data, such as the direction of impact force, the number of and which air bags deployed and the maximum change of impact velocity, so that emergency responders are more prepared with this critical information before they arrive at the accident scene.
TECHNICAL DATA: GMC Graphyte Hybrid Concept Vehicle
Vehicle type: front engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger SUV concept vehicle
Dimensions (mm / in): wheelbase: 2895.4 / 114
length: 4768 / 187.7
width: 2004 / 78.9
Gasoline engine: Vortec 5300 V-8 with Displacement on Demand technology
Power (hp / kw) 300 / 223.5
Torque (lb ft / Nm) 325 / 449
Electric motors: two motors integrated within Hydra-Matic 4L60-E transmission case
Hybrid transmission: Electronically controlled electric variable with mechanical lock-up, multiple fixed ratios
Battery : type: 300-volt NiMH
location: under rear seat
01-12-2005, 01:47 PM
#6
goldmemberererer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: West Hills, CA
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Outside and in, this is hot. Very rugged looking and I could almost call it classy... not sure why, though. I'd never buy it cause I dislike SUVs but a good concept, this one.
01-12-2005, 02:18 PM
#7
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Age: 43
Posts: 5,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Autoweek
AHS2 is the world’s first two-mode full hybrid system
Trending Topics
01-12-2005, 10:40 PM
#8
The sizzle in the Steak
Exterior styling stolen from Isuzu Axiom.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
heyitsme
Automotive News
5
01-07-2006 10:42 PM
