Production Trucks and Concept Trucks Take Center Stage
The 2008 Chicago Auto Show is looking good for truck enthusiasts. GM will introduce three new trucks: the HUMMER H3T, the GMC Sierra Hybrid truck and the Denali XT Hybrid Concept. Suzuki will use the Chicago Auto Show to showcase its brand new mid-size truck. I'll be there to talk to manufacturer team members, take a close look at all of the new introductions, and hopefully get a second look at some of the trucks shown in Detroit.
El Camino fans have been waiting for something new to get excited about. Could a production version of the sporty Denali XT Hybrid do it? Holden Design spearheaded the Denali project -- not too surprising since utes have remained popular in the Australian branch of GM.
The XT pairs GM's hybrid system with a new 4.9L version of its small-block V-8 engine. The smaller-displacement engine is E85-capable and an active fuel management system allows it to run on varying cylinders as needed to conserve fuel. Direct fuel injection adds to the package, making the engine more efficient, with less waste. I won't be surprised to see some version of this concept actually hit the assembly line.
Pictures are up, details are comin'. Suzuki introduced the Equator today, February 6th, showing us three customized versions that were very different from each other. The production truck is scheduled to be built later this year at the Nissan factory in Tennessee. The mid-size Suzuki Equator is based on the Nissan Frontier.
Larger than a mid-size truck but not as massive as a full-size, HUMMER's hoping the H3T Crew Cab pickup creates a niche of its own. Full-time four wheel drive, good safety devices, and features that let it go easily from on- to off-road should help. The H3T Concept from a few years back was a regular cab truck, but a good portion of its body lines were preserved in the production version.
Much like its Silverado hybrid cousin, the Sierra hybrid should offer improved fuel economy for the stops and starts of in-town driving. That would definitely help cut down on my every other day trip to the gas station.
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