Auto
show season always reveals an abundance of concept cars meant to
provide insight into technologies or designs the manufacturers intend
to put into production somewhere down the road.
These cars are
sometimes fanciful creations that seem so far-fetched it appears they
might never see the light of day. Usually, however, underneath the
science-fiction trim, exists real technology waiting to be developed
for practical production. Other times, the cars appear to be
almost-ready-for-production and are described as hints towards the
actual styling of future models.
It's a complicated science to
pick the jewels from the counterfeits, to determine which vehicles
might actually see the light of day, and which ones will never be seen
again. That decision is often affected by the response of the auto show
attendees; when the feedback is extremely positive, manufacturers are
more likely to push a vehicle into production. Sometimes, they are
already racing to the finish line when the "concept" is put onto
display.
At
this season's Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows, we were shown two new
hybrid truck concepts by two different manufacturers: The Toyota A-Bat
was revealed in Detroit, and the GMC Denali XT made its debut in
Chicago.
Two
really striking pickup truck concepts, revealed a month apart - and yet
the pair looks amazingly similar, almost as if the two vehicles were
concept twins separated at birth. Read about them below, and check out
the images for yourself. It seems like too much of a coincidence that
they look and sound so much alike, but the two trucks have completely
different heritage. I was wondering if they might be a truckish
variation on the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe product sharing, but I was
told they are completely unrelated. GMC's concept is a development upon
an Australian Holden model. The A-Bat is considered by some to be
Toyota's Ridgeline runner-up, and it could ultimately become a Scion,
if and when Scion decides whether it needs a truck.
If you could choose to bring one of these hybrid pickup truck concepts to production, which one would it be?
Toyota A-Bat Hybrid Concept
Toyota's
A-BAT concept was developed by their Advanced Product Strategy group
and Calty, Toyota's North American-based research and design center to
appeal to a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle
activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that is not yet
available in the marketplace. The team created a new compact vehicle
with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique
styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an
active lifestyle.
The A-BAT concept is built on a unibody
platform to offer car-like handling when navigating both city streets
and crowded parking lots, and smooth ride quality for highway trips and
the everyday commute. In addition, its lightweight package is combined
with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive(R) technology to deliver excellent
fuel economy. Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the
instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy,
showcasing the vehicle's "green" character.
"The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme
in a new way," explained Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano.
"The bed is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from the
cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the profile." "The image
of a NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the occupants
as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this
compact package," stated Creative Designer Matt Sperling.
The
A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more flexibility than the
standard pickup truck. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow
for tall cargo in the cab. When the pass-through midgate is folded down
into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet. An open tailgate
provides an additional two-foot of bed length. The A-BAT offers
customers the versatility of hauling a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood
one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.
The bed promises features perfect for work and play. These include
tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit
and flashlight integrated into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an
AC power outlet. Items such as sports and leisure equipment can be
stored in the lockable drawers in the bed walls. The concept also has
additional storage that is accessible through sliding doors
conveniently placed in and outside of the truck bed. For even more
storage capacity the A-BAT comes with a large sliding drawer beneath
the bed, accessible without opening the tailgate.
The
rigid, yet sculptured alloy center console runs between the two front
seats and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers both AC
and DC for a wide variety of applications including powering tools,
electrical gear while camping, a laptop computer, small appliances or
assisting a vehicle jump start. Solar panels on the dash recapture
energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit,
portable power pack and backlit information displays.
"This
concept is the next evolution of the compact truck," said Hunter. "We
were able to create a compact truck that's utilitarian, has an original
profile compared to other pickup trucks, has a 'small, but tough'
character and is economical to operate. The A-BAT is a fun-to-drive,
practical package that reflects Toyota's environmental sustainability
message."
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept
GMC
unveiled the Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It
promises a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable
small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a
new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck
(SUT).
The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel
drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It
builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced
engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM's
two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT's
new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM's small-block V-8 features
fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active
Fuel Management. The engine is matched with GM's unique two-mode hybrid
propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and
uncompromising capability - including all-electric drive at low speeds.
A
muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance give the Denali XT a
confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, large wheels,
sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive,
performance-oriented appearance.
"It is a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything
else on the road," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. "It
has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the
capability customers expect from a truck."
The
rear cargo area is wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or
wheelhouse protrusions; the cargo floor measures 55 inches long by 47.5
inches wide. It all adds up to the space to haul a wide variety of
lifestyle accessories.
Its midgate can be lowered to extend the
cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle. The rear seats fold flat to
provide a longer floor for carrying items such as skis, surfboards or
wood from the home improvement store. A fixed rear window allowed
engineers to retain the vehicle's structure, reducing mass and
complexity.
For the first time, GM's rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid transmission
is paired with a smaller-displacement version of the small-block
engine. The new V-8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with
an estimated 326 horsepower (243 kW). It uses direct-injection
technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less
fuel and produces lower emissions.
"Like
all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those
traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience," said Jim
Bunnell, GMC general manager. "It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC's
engineering excellence, as well as GM's commitment to hybrid and
advanced technologies."
By Brandy Schaffels
Editor
2008 chicago auto show
