GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept

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What is it?
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept

What's special about it?
We didn't know what to make of the GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept the first time we saw it, so we asked Warrack Leach, the lead designer on the project, to explain it. He said it's an example of a "recreational vehicle done responsibly," a suspicious-sounding catchphrase if we ever heard one.

So what exactly does Leach mean by this? For one, this pickup truck aims for greater overall efficiency by doing away with the heavier body-on-frame construction found in most trucks. In its place is a lighter, unibody architecture with a full independent suspension similar to the setup used for the Pontiac G8.

Within GM, this is known as the global rear-wheel-drive platform, although this Denali XT uses a modified version with a higher cowl and raised hip point for the driver. Both measurements are nearly 2 inches higher than the standard version of the platform. This not only gives the Denali XT a higher driving position but it also opens up more legroom for the rear passengers, Leach tells us. It also makes for a massive-looking front end, a design element Leach exploited with a massive grille and wide track.

From there, Leach gave the rest of the Denali XT the lines and stance of a custom truck. From the sloping beltline to the flared wheel arches, the Denali XT looks built more for smoky burnouts than hauling plywood. Its 23-inch wheels are wrapped in custom 255/35R23 Kumho tires up front and 285/35R23 tires in back. The air suspension delivers adjustable ride height, so the XT can go from slammed street machine to respectable-looking utility truck with the flip of a switch. And with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and a 4.5-foot cargo bed, there's enough utility here to call this a real truck.

Of course, the responsible part of this GMC concept truck is the hybrid drivetrain. It consists of a small-block 4.9-liter V8 hooked to GM's new two-mode hybrid transmission. It's the first time GM has coupled a small-displacement V8 with the two-mode transmission, and it's also the first time an E85-compatible engine has been used with the system. The unique V8 also features direct injection and active fuel management to make it as fuel-efficient as possible. It still manages to produce 326 horsepower, so it doesn't give up much power to GM's larger V8s.

Like most concepts, the interior is stuffed full of ultra-expensive materials that a real GMC could only dream of. Leach says he liked the idea of contrasting elements that would bring out the truck's dual-purpose design. The billet-trimmed dashboard has a high-tech aircraft theme, while the seats are covered in more rustic-looking distressed saddle leather. It's set up for four passengers, but Leach says there's plenty of room for a five-passenger configuration. In fact, he went so far as to say that nearly all of this truck's interior dimensions have been validated for production, so it's not a stretch to say this could find its way to a showroom soon.

What's Edmunds' take?
The grille is a little much and there are a few odd proportions, but as sport-utility trucks go, this is one of the better-looking designs we've seen. If GMC could put this into production, it would make the Honda Ridgeline look even more homely than it already does. — Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line