Od prihoda Pontiaca G8 krožijo govorice, da bo GM pripeljal tudi njegovo pick-up različico iz Avstralije pod starim imenom El Camino. In sedaj koncern predstavlja prvi otipljiv dokaz, da se bodo pričakovonja mogoče celo uresničila. Na salonu v Chicagu bo debitiral koncept GMC Denali XT, ki so ga konstruirali pri Holdenu. Ne gre samo za rebadgen Ute (tega bo ponujal Pontiac) ampak za povsem novo vozilo. Ali bo prišel v serijsko proizvodnjo, še ni potrjeno.
Pontiac has won the battle over which GM brand will sell a version of the Australian-built Holden Ute in the U.S., but it looks as though GMC also could be in line for a new four-door take on the theme. The flexible, rear-drive Zeta platform, upon which the Pontiac G8 and Ute (among others) are based, also underpins the GMC Denali XT Concept set make its world debut at the 2008 Chicago auto show.
The XT, whose design and construction were led by Holden, is best described as a crossover truck. The vehicle is more Honda Ridgeline than GMC Sierra, with some ideas borrowed from the Chevy Avalanche. Under the hood is a 326-horsepower, direct-injected 4.9-liter V-8 mated to GM's two-mode hybrid transmission that -- like the rest of the two-mode family -- is capable of electric-only operation at low speeds and helps improve overall fuel economy.
The unibody Zeta platform, which was developed Down Under, wasn't designed for serious hauling, and there are no solid axles or leaf springs in sight on the XT. But a maximum payload of 1100 pounds and the ability to tow 3500 pounds provide more than enough truck DNA to satisfy most light-duty needs such as hauling motorcycles and ATVs. At 55 inches long, the bed is slightly on the short side, but the XT borrows the Avalanche's Mid-gate feature that can fold down the rear-seat area to create additional cargo-bed space.
Aesthetically, the Denali XT is a strange-looking beast. Its oversize grille, short overhangs, and heavily flared fenders are meant to give it a muscular stance, but the proportions don't seem quite right. The unnecessary front-fender gill draws too much attention, and the rear window seems too small, probably due in large part to the XT's rapidly rising beltline. However, the biggest faux pas are the concept-style, 23-inch wheels fitted with low-profile tires. Instead of adding to the design, they arguably detract from the look by adding a radical, custom-tuning shop touch that probably wasn't necessary.
As we reported earlier, the production variant of the Denali XT, should one happen, would not be a rework of an existing Australian model but a new model altogether. Holden presently sells a similar vehicle called the Crewman in Australia, but it's not a strong seller and there are no confirmed plans for a new one based on Zeta. There is, however, the possibility of a new Crewman based on the Denali XT. An Australian rebadge of an American vehicle based on an Australian platform and body style. Now that's thinking global.
