GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept

This GMC sport-utility truck (SUT) borrows its unit-body construction from the General Motors' Australian Holden unit, which is the prime mover on GM's global rear-drive Zeta platform. While the design is rugged and futuristic, the concept it self harkens back to such car-based pickups as the GMC Caballero and Chevy El Camino.

Riding on a 125.4-in. wheelbase, the Denali XT measures 205.0 in. in overall length and has a 55.0-in.- long cargo box behind its 4-door, 4-passenger cabin. Like GM's truck-based SUTs, the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade, the Denali comes with a mid-gate bulkhead that allows the passenger compartment to be opened up to the cargo bed to carry longer items.

Power comes from an all-new 4.9-liter V-8, which produces 326 bhp. This flex-fuel vehicle can be operated on unleaded regular gasoline or ethanol mixtures up to E85. The engine, which features cylinder-deactivation for fuel savings, is mounted to GM's 2-mode hybrid transmission. That system combines a stop-start feature and low-speed electric operation that enables the vehicle to deliver city fuel economy ratings on par with the traditionally higher highway number.

The Denali XT has a payload rating of 1100 lb. and 3500-lb. towing capacity. With an independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes, the Denali offers the best of both worlds — the ride and handling of a performance sedan combined with the utility of a compact pickup.