ok, that actually looks kind of cool.

Also hate GM, but this is a great concept… love it.

Let’s hope the production version isn’t too watered-down. (N)

Bloody awesome! Fire Lutz, and build it!

Gawddddddammit build this flippin thing GM. You wont be able to keep them in stock. This is the most awesome “truck” concept since I don’t know when.

stop being so conservative and build something like this!!!

Nice concept, but it needs some work stylistically.
Why would the bed not hold a 4X8?
At least 3 years from Earth.
Could replace Canyon quite effectively
DrFill

Interesting: Denali XT versus A-BAT. It could become a new segment.

Interesting to me, because as much as I (and almost everyone else) hates the Ridgeline, I’m pretty sure that it has something to do with A-BAT and this. But the thing is, Toyota and GM (especially GM) have the truck pedigrees, so they’re gonna make them much more functional and attractive.

I think I really like this concept, though I think some changes would have to be made for production. The beltline will probably have to be dropped a bit for visibility purposes, or the back end would have to be squared out so that you can tell where your rear end is. I know that this might not be chasing traditional truck buyers, but I think that whoever would want this would also want bumpers.

Love the front wheel arches though…wouldn’t change those for anything. Those wheels are banging, though I’m sure they’ll be scaled down.

Dr. Fill, good point…why wouldn’t they make it 48.5 instead of 47.5? There’s gotta be another inch in that bed somewhere. As for the length, well, that’s the nature of a smaller car. I wonder how much length the Midgate adds.

Great job, GM! You’ve really made a vehicle to look at and talk about.

After a reread – I thought the same thing about the extra inch of width in the bed. That and add a rear bumper and it is golden. Yes, rear visibility would suck, but it sucks in a lot of cars these days anyway so who cares. I want this. I would likely never get another pickup, but this thing I would buy pretty much as is. It is gorgeous and functional.

A-Bat carries a 4X8

This makes more sense than the Holden vehicle for Pontiac. and of the XTs (crossover trucks ?), the Honda Ridgeline (ugly), and the Toyota A-BAT (looks prissy or pansy-ish), this looks like it could turn truck buyers with real truck looks and performance on par with middle sized trucks.

For those who will likely never carry more than a few large boxes, forget plywood and ladders, then this is going to make waves.

GM has another serious possible hit on their hands. The CTC (along side the recently renewed CTS), The VOLT, the ZR-1, the G8 (which in motion doesn’t look bad – I finally saw it as the pace car for the 24-hours at Indianapolis.), the Kappa cars (still need to lose about 400 lbs, The Camaro (Retro done completely right), and the Malibu, are all making GM’s roster look very.

Blakkar – plus Jan sales had GM up and Toyota & Honda down. Ford, Chrysler also down It was a tough month for almost everyone, but GM increased as did Mazda. GM is learning and adapting. Gotta love/respect that.

Pontiac should get the Holden Wagon. GMCs are being sold on Pontiac lots now, why have a pseudo-truck sold under a performance car name?

I dont care for the hybrid BS, but the overall look is sweet.

Toyota A-BAT (looks prissy or pansy-ish),

Besides your being wrong, the A-Bat can do what the much larger GMC cannot!

Score one for the road team!
DrFill

Much much more cool than the toyota thing. I can see a man actually driving this.
Go GM.

This is a handsome machine. Seriously, look at the Toyota A-BAT thing and look at this…..Its like comparing Mr Bean to George Clooney. Another tick in the box for GM

Ok, Starting a new compact truck class, while offering a fuel-efficient truck with full-size capability.
Or offer a mid-size Ridgeline competitor to fight over…..40,000 sales?
In a saturated mid-size class.
A Class Run by Class President.
Toyota Tacoma?
Winner by TKO
A-Bat
Thanks
DrFill

For the cost of doing this hideous thing, they could have certified the G8 wagon…

Goddamm Ridgeline ripoff. Just look at the bed inside and one will see a picture of a Ridgeline bed. Boy GM is thinking outside of the box here…god!!

I fully expect that the production Denali XT will feature styling that is more practical and more conservative. I love the concept and I expect to like the production truck. GM needs to produce this vehicle in 2-door as well as 4-door versions. Buick-Pontiac-GMC does not need the G8 ST. Put the Holden badges back on that thing and keep it in Australia.

Based on the interior sketches, one thing that I really love about the GMC is that it marks a return to driver-oriented instrument panels. I am all for selling GM products on the world market. Unfortunately, manufacturers including GM adopted symmetric setups as a strategy to accommodate world markets on the cheap.

The GMC Denali XT shows that GM once again understands that its first priority is to design cars that accommodate drivers. All others come second.

Great job.

Execution is great. I like the design, very original and looks very good. But obviously, the front has the visibility of a tank. It looks very lean and aggressive, something that trucks right now don’t quite have.

Jdasch1- The beds are a little bit alike, but it doesn’t have the slight bulges, or the same angles, or the same design. The only real similarity that they seem to both have is the in bed storage.

The A-Bat concept and Ridgeline are both based on FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE cars which incorporate rear-wheel augmentation. This GMC is based on a REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE car with front-wheel augmentation, putting it in a different category. I think this will appeal to far more men than either of those funny tinker-toys from Honda and Toyota.

also, if it’s called the Denali XT, does that imply there would only be a Denali version? Therefore, the sky-high price? I believe that would be a huge mistake if so. I’ve got to say that GM is on a roll.

Nice. It’s different. It’s a little edgy but I think the translation from concept to production will tone it down just a tad.

Are you one of those people that bitches about production models not looking like the concepts? Well to answer those people — this is why this is done. This thing, although it is interesting, just looks silly and cartoonish. It is unrealistic, overdone, and…just weird. I don’t like it.

Good news? Better than the the Toy a Bat

More importantly:

LLN NEEDS TO POST JAN SALES

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKWNAS903120080201?rpc=44

GM up, Toyota down

Silverado, Ram, F-150 down.
Tundra Up 90%
Tacoma: 2 sales
Colorado: 1
:p
DrFill

Hmm…interesting vehicle. I’ve never seen anything like it, so I don’t know what to say. Keep it small and keep it light, GM, and I’m sure you could sell hundreds of thousands of these.

Wow, this looks awesome. I like how the interior sketch is inspired by the Camaro design. Build it, and don’t ruin it by cannibalizing it with the stupid G8 ST.

Looks great. Would be even better if they would run a roofline over the bed and make it a formal closed SUV. I would consider buying one.

BTW, LLN, you can smell the stench of ****ing payola in the air. Ease up on the GM-****-sucking a little.

I have to say that if they were to produce this—in its present form—I would purchase this vehicle. I do not like the thought of another El Camino, or Ranchero for that matter, but this niche vehicle is present day thinking, and I want one! I want it NOW!
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If they dilute the design, then I am out, keep it just as it is—I’m in. I am very interested to learn more about the actual team behind this concept; I am not remotely interested in reading or seeing Lutz tell us anything about it.

I like the concept and think it would make a better product than the G8 ST. I agree with the extra inch of width in the bed. I think a production version of this would make an excellent replacement for the less than spectacular Colorado and Canyon trucks.

look like a Honda truck.

look like a Honda truck.
How so? You mean it looks effeminate? This XT is a bruiser!

Deanster, call it ****-sucking if you want, but LLN is going to report the most on the most cooperative and accessible manufacturers. GM is recognizing the significance of the automotive blog world, and is making itself available to questions and inquiries for information. That is most certainly a good thing.

Can’t get enough about the Denali XT? Neither can I, here are some YouTube Videos: GMC Denali XT

I saw some Honda elements in this design as well. Which does not surprise me: Honda truck was designed by former GM truck designer. I am sure RIdgeline was evolution and GM probably had made several studies in the past looking to lighten the platform (unibody vs. body in frame). This truck does make a lot of sense to me: most of people never exceed half ton carrying capacity (you have to put that stuff in and then take it out) and towing more then 3500 lbs does not happen to often either (boats more then 3500 lbs usually not towed and folks who can afford them rent a slip). Smaller V8 & hybrid make a lot of sense (diesel would make more for me). The question is if GM will build it and sell it.

I just don’t see there being that much of a market for these things. I mean, really, compared to conventional pickups just how many Ridgelines, Avalanches, Sport Traks do you see?

@johnnycanuck, my wife and I are empty nesters, therefor, we can enjoy life again. We have two-seaters as daily drivers, and a four-door sedan for when guests visit. I love this concept as it is both stylish, and functional (to a degree) for those times when we want to haul something. I would not mind having this valeted this at a high-end dining establishment with guests abroad.

I think the market is definitely ready, kinda like the Presidential election. The time for change is NOW!
Somebody has to hit on the right formula, and presto, you will have the next big thing.
People said no one would buy a crossover.
These are crossover pick-up trucks.
How many pick-up truck owners actually use the heavy frames of their trucks? Not as many as you might think.
Who sees the market, and delivers what it wants first.
The race is on!
DrFill

F451: I still don’t get it. You’re going to take this to a restaurant with valet parking with a pile of stuff in the back? Or would you replace your sedan with one of these?

Me, I’m different. I’d just rather buy a cheap used truck that I’m not scared to throw a yard of lime or crushed gravel into the back of.

Dr. Phil, you’ve been reading too many Obama slogans. And why do you sign your posts? Your name is displayed automatically underneath it.

You mean I write too many Obama slogans.
And I sign all my posts because……
People often misspell my name!
Not pointing any fingers.
Just whistling while I work.
DrFill

@johnnycanuck, my wife and I are in need of both hauling people, and larger items, at various times. This resolves both issues to the extent that we wish to obligate.

F451: I do envy you on one thing: and that is being empty nesters!

Speaking of empty nesters, my folks are retired and my dad wants a new truck but wont get one because my mom would have trouble getting in and out. Something like this is barely taller than a car (i.e. mom can get in) and is functional as hell plus seats 4 (when guests arrive) and looks damn good. This vehicle is a winner (if GM doesn’t water it down).

Simply: Fugly

Look this machine is NOT meant to replace the traditional P/U anytime soon. Just provide an alternative, much like the Ridgeline and the A-BAT are meant to do.

Those griping about how this is not “truck enough” for one reason or another are missing a very important point: Not every one wants a behemoth not needs to tow/haul tone of stuff frequently if at all. If you need a bigger truck go buy one. For those who could use the utility of a full P/U, I can’t fault them, but for those who want big machine but find most Trucks too big or just not their “cup of tea”, then this will make their day.

This is totally cool and I could see this over that Holden Pseudo-truck GM wants to sell under Pontiac’s banner. A waste, they should have stuck with the sport wagon.

Frankly I would get one.

#

I fully expect that the production Denali XT will feature styling that is more practical and more conservative. I love the concept and I expect to like the production truck. GM needs to produce this vehicle in 2-door as well as 4-door versions. Buick-Pontiac-GMC does not need the G8 ST. Put the Holden badges back on that thing and keep it in Australia.

Based on the interior sketches, one thing that I really love about the GMC is that it marks a return to driver-oriented instrument panels. I am all for selling GM products on the world market. Unfortunately, manufacturers including GM adopted symmetric setups as a strategy to accommodate world markets on the cheap.

The GMC Denali XT shows that GM once again understands that its first priority is to design cars that accommodate drivers. All others come second.

Great job.
Comment by Richard, posted on February2 at 10:15 pm

I would think very little will change between this and a production model.

The wheels would be smaller 20in max off the lot. Which is fine to me. Anything over 20 inches would start to erode road handling and this machine would be perfect for some muscle car tuning.

The tail gate would lose relatively little but still retain the styling.

The headlights would likely not be banks of LEDs and the whole space, while going unchanged in shape, would lose the grating and add turn signals and/or running lights.

The grill would be more inline with current GMC offerings though aftermarket grills will be a dime a dozen in short order.

The mirrors would likely change but could still stay. Most buyers will not care if the mirrors fold or some such. Wiring for power mirrors would easily run through the supports.

The interior from the Youtube vids (Thanks F451), looks mostly doable. I would like to see the LED strips make production. I kinda’ doubt the steering wheel will make it and a few of the dash details.

Seeing the current crop of GM SUVs, the Denali XT looks mostly doable as is. There wouldn’t be much toning down if any. GM seems more willing lately to build what they show when they can. It is sad the VOLT got re-skinned, but the concept still lives and that, like this, is all that matters.

Like most of you, I think this should be built. Here’s the bad news: If they didn’t build the Terradyne(DAMMIT GM!) they’re not gonna build this.

This concept is pretty cool. I agree with Blakkarr; this vehicle makes much more sense for GMC than the rebadged Holden Ute makes for Pontiac. I really wish Mr. Lutz would forget about bringing the Ute over here as a Pontiac. I just don’t see it helping to define and focus Pontiac’s brand image. I say bring a production version of this concept to market for GMC and design a Zeta based coupe and convertible for Pontiac.

It would likely be a Chevy rather than a Pontiac, Mazdaman. A new SSR street performance P/U. But I do agree with that Coupe version idea.

they oughta remake this as a sedan (magnum,300C) and rebadge it as a buick. this thing looks cool. good job GM.

looks like a subaru baja and a lincoln blackwood had sex

Not bad, not great neither.

The real question is why would a GM concept sketch have KUMHO tires?!?! An American car company can’t even put American manufactured tires on a concept sketch?

i ****ing love GM- i hope this sees production

to the people who think this is a ridgeline ripoff are you serious, what do you think the ridgeline came from? it was the avalanch, so how is this a ripoff of a ripoff?
anyways i dont know if i like it or not.

I can’t believe I actually agree w/ DrFill on this – I think this would make great sense for my family. And if it works for mine, it should work for others. Who knows if the market is there? Then again, if the Ridgeline is finding buyers, why not this “truck”?

I generally like gmc’s but Damn that’s UGLY!!!

I say build it. Grill looks like it belongs on a 300

The idea is very good. Men will like this vehicle. Just make the right tweeks and start selling them GM.

i hate concept interiors. there so fake and dumb looking.

I’m shocked. I really like it.

Damnit, I want one, and I want it NOW!

When I heard GMC was getting a 4 door trucklet, I was imagining a VE Crewman with a GMC front end. Creating a totally new vehicle was a good move. Not surprised that Holden designed this, since GM has designated them for the design of all future RWD products other than trucks and Cadillacs.

3500 lbs towing capacity sounds reasonable from a unibody trucklet with a 4.9L V8 and the 2 Mode Hybrid system. Could be more without the Hybrid option, and with 4/AWD.

I see a lot of Ridgelines, so this will sell well if they make it.

It is disgusting to look at t(hink failure in terms of Dodge Magnum) but I like the concept purpose. The only styling part I like is the front fascia. A better question is why the hell give it a V-8 and 300+ hp if it is a lightweight/mid-size truck? Give it a V-6 and go for broke on the MPG since that is the reason you put a hybrid system in it in the first place.

That truck kinda reminds me of the Concept Ford F-250 Super Chief.

The sector makes sense to me. I kow that my K5 is too big and I just don’t see the point of a saloon car. Given that its sunny almost all the time here, I’d take something like this instead of my estate car (wagon) for utility and family duties and keep my S2000 for myself.
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The A-BAT was better looking though, and I’m not a tradesman, so I couldn’t give a fvck about ply sheet sizes

The GT-R now has competetion as my mid-life crisis car