Video: GMC Denali XT Hybrid Challenges Honda Ridgeline? [2.4.7]

[T Mac]

You can't deny that there is at least some superficial resemblance between the Honda Ridgeline and the newly revealed GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept. No one at General Motors will acknowledge this outward similarity, of course, pointing instead to all the new technological gizmos that underly the GMC truck.

For starters, the futuristic-looking pickup is a hybrid of a different breed. Whereas most hybrids find some convergence between standard gasoline and electricity, the GMC Denali XT Hybrid combines the efforts of E-85 ethanol with direct-injection technology, resulting in a 2-mode hybrid propulsion system that "can produce the same amount of power generated by a larger engine, while simultaneously using less fuel and therefore producing lower emissions."

Click here (http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/354/C14488/) to view the video from Mobile Magazine

[T Mac]

Here's another article (http://www.trucktrend.com/future/concepts/163_0802_2008_gmc_denali_xt_concept/index.html) about the Denali with reference to the Ridgeline, this time from Truck Trend.

[25 Year Honda Owner]

No thanks, I will keep my RL. Looks like GM hired a designer from Chrysler!!:eek: Are those 22" wheels??

[shovelhd]

I wonder if this is the same platform as the Escalade hybrid that Eli Manning won for being named the Super Bowl MVP.

[arteegee]

I wonder if this is the same platform as the Escalade hybrid that Eli Manning won for being named the Super Bowl MVP.

In a word, no.

[MikeT]

Hell, that ain't a "real truck" :D











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And it's ugly too :eek:

[kanji]

It closely resembles the Ridgeline...with a bit bulky tires and fender flares and the roof line is shrunken down to half.

[ChrisM]

It closely resembles the Ridgeline...with a bit bulky tires and fender flares and the roof line is shrunken down to half.


I agree. If I chopped the top and rounded out the wheel wells on my RL, they would be pretty much identical. :rolleyes:

I guess the RL will be accepted by the GM guys now since they have their own version. :rolleyes:

[brentjs121]

No thanks, I will keep my RL. Looks like GM hired a designer from Chrysler!!:eek: Are those 22" wheels??

I was just thinking the same thing. After looking at the side profile, this "Truck" looks like a Chrysler 300 with the addition of a looooonnnnnngggg trunk-especially as they say "sittin' on 22's".

[Otter68]

Try looking out THAT back window...

[xridgelinex]

If that is an average sized person, no way would I be able to fit into that thing... I bet the RL emissions are lower...

[2Hondas]

Automobile Magazine gave the two-mode hybrid system its technology of the year award. Sounds interesting, especially if mated with a small turbo diesel. Imagine a 3.0 Liter Turbo diesel with this technology in a Ridgeline with Acura SH-AWD and a 6-foot bed. That would be a WINNER in my opinion. Hopefully, since GM was partnered with BMW and former Diamler engineers on this project, the GM accountants won't be able to cheap it down to another crappy technology.

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/0802_gm_two_mode_hybrid_technology_of_the_year/index.html

[djeaux]

What is with those ersatz chopped pseuo-Chrysler rooflines? Just my http://www.djeaux.com/images/chaos/twocents.gif of course, but that merely gives the driver more hood to try to see over.

Compared to the GMC thing, the Ridgeline looks like a "real truck." The Denali looks like an oversized Chevy SST with a Chrysler hip line...

The technology will be interesting, though.

[25 Year Honda Owner]

What is with those ersatz chopped pseuo-Chrysler rooflines? Just my http://www.djeaux.com/images/chaos/twocents.gif of course, but that merely gives the driver more hood to try to see over.

Compared to the GMC thing, the Ridgeline looks like a "real truck." The Denali looks like an oversized Chevy SST with a Chrysler hip line...

The technology will be interesting, though.

I think it resembles a Dodge Magnum with an EL Camino bed. The GMC label looks out of place!!:confused:

[jimmychoi]

If that is an average sized person, no way would I be able to fit into that thing... I bet the RL emissions are lower...
I agree...there would def. be a limit to the size of the owner

[Ridge]

Hey! Honda should make something like this. Nevermind, I think I already own one :D. If the Denali XT ever goes to production, this is a far cry from what it will look like.

What's really hilarious is that when this truck was shown on a GM fan site, suddenly, a unibody design was OK and they liked it despite it being less capable than the Ridgeline. That, after spewing hatred on the Ridgeline for more than a year. Amazing.

Another link:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124622#12


http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2008/0202/gmc.denali.xt.7.500.jpg

[djeaux]

According to http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124622#14:

GMC says the Denali XT has a payload capacity of 1,100 pounds and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

... and ...

Because it sits on a variation of the Camaro's Zeta platform, the Denali XT would also have good ride and handling characteristics, with all-independent suspension, including a multilink setup in front and a four-link rear with coil-over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar.

If the Ridgeline ain't a "real truck," this GMC concept is an outright car, based on a Camaro & with only 70% of the towing capacity of a Ridgeline... (And does all this with a V8 producing 100 more hp. I also noted that it only runs on electricity at "low speeds" & will depend on cylinder deactivation to achieve its fuel economy. My bet is that you could buy TWO Ridgelines for what this thing will cost if and when it sees a dealer's showroom floor...

The similarity to the Chevy SST just grew in my mind...

[Ridge]

The similarity to the Chevy SST just grew in my mind...

I'm sure the sales will be similar :D .