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Is GMC Really Serious About the Denali XT?

Is GMC Really Serious About the Denali XT?

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett February 12th, 2008

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Our story on the Toyota A-Bat concept got you talking -- so while you're thinking about small trucks with hybrid powertrains, help us figure out how serious GMC is about building that Denali XT concept that it unveiled at the Chicago auto show?

True to its pre-show buzz, the Denali XT's a pretty nifty idea that poses more questions than it answers. And boy, do we have a few. Start with the easy one: Are we really ready for more El Caminos and Caballeros? So dissed by the enthusiast mags in their day, the El Camino and its brother, el Caballero, have come full circle and have an honest, but small network of fans, just like the cliques that worship the ground old AMCs still run on. For the anti-establishment crowd wanting to make a statement--but still needing a utility bed to throw stuff in--a Denali XT might be a suitable ticket.

Another question: Will full-size truck buyers be willing to downsize like van buyers once did? CAFE changes are coming and trucks will have to get more efficient. It's a repeat of the scenarios that made the El Caminos a little more digestible in the 1970s--only now, with a four-seat body and a flexible bed (not to mention an upscale interior treatment), there's plenty of reason to figure that at least some buyers can be weaned off their big trucks. The virtual disappearance of true small trucks could help make the case too, as could the popularity of crew-cab mid-size trucks.

Say it gets the green light from GM. Will the Denali's flex-fuel, hybrid V-8 be enough to counter hundreds of thousands of big V-8 Sierras in the CAFE woodpile? The concept's V-8 is GM's first two-mode hybrid that also can run on E85 ethanol fuel. It's also 4.9 liters in displacement, versus the 5.3-liter flex-fuel V-8s found elsewhere in GM's lineup. And no doubt a V-6 version would end up in the lineup. But would it shift enough buyers into the higher-mileage category to matter?

No matter what the scenario, something so radical as a Denali XT will be a gamble. Maybe the right way to do it, is the way GM seems to be headed. Make the car-based truck part of a car lineup--wearing a Pontiac G8 badge, for example. That way, GMC builds real pickups, and this kind of truck experiment doesn't seriously damage a strong brand.

Tell us whether you think GMC should build the Denali XT in a comment below -- and keep your browsers pointed here for more GMC news from the New York auto show in March. In the meantime, here's some GM video from the Chicago auto show for your senses: Enlarge Photo Our story on the Toyota A-Bat concept got you talking -- so while you're thinking about small trucks with hybrid powertrains, help us figure out how serious GMC is about building that Denali XT concept that it unveiled at the Chicago auto show? True to its pre-show buzz, the Denali XT's a pretty nifty idea that poses more questions than it answers. And boy, do we have a few. Start with the easy one: Are we really ready for more El Caminos and Caballeros? So dissed by the enthusiast mags in their day, the El Camino and its brother, el Caballero, have come full circle and have an honest, but small network of fans, just like the cliques that worship the ground old AMCs still run on. For the anti-establishment crowd wanting to make a statement--but still needing a utility bed to throw stuff in--a Denali XT might be a suitable ticket. Another question: Will full-size truck buyers be willing to downsize like van buyers once did? CAFE changes are coming and trucks will have to get more efficient. It's a repeat of the scenarios that made the El Caminos a little more digestible in the 1970s--only now, with a four-seat body and a flexible bed (not to mention an upscale interior treatment), there's plenty of reason to figure that at least some buyers can be weaned off their big trucks. The virtual disappearance of true small trucks could help make the case too, as could the popularity of crew-cab mid-size trucks. Say it gets the green light from GM. Will the Denali's flex-fuel, hybrid V-8 be enough to counter hundreds of thousands of big V-8 Sierras in the CAFE woodpile? The concept's V-8 is GM's first two-mode hybrid that also can run on E85 ethanol fuel. It's also 4.9 liters in displacement, versus the 5.3-liter flex-fuel V-8s found elsewhere in GM's lineup. And no doubt a V-6 version would end up in the lineup. But would it shift enough buyers into the higher-mileage category to matter? No matter what the scenario, something so radical as a Denali XT will be a gamble. Maybe the right way to do it, is the way GM seems to be headed. Make the car-based truck part of a car lineup--wearing a Pontiac G8 badge, for example. That way, GMC builds real pickups, and this kind of truck experiment doesn't seriously damage a strong brand. Tell us whether you think GMC should build the Denali XT in a comment below -- and keep your browsers pointed here for more GMC news from the New York auto show in March. In the meantime, here's some GM video from the Chicago auto show for your senses:

Tags: Pickups, Chicago Auto Show, Shoppers

Posted in: 2000, 2008, GMC, Concept Cars, Denali



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Responses (40 total)

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  1. By  Craig Dong #1, Posted: 2/12/2008

    Why not? The american consumer is moving towards more fuel efficient vehicles due to financial or environmental concerns. Plus, it's not always easy trying to find a parking space for a big crewcab in a "compact" parking space world.

  2. By ksmith #2, Posted: 2/12/2008

    I say build it, but does it have to have such a truckish exterior? A G8-themed ute from down under would look a lot better IMHO.

  3. By Mark #3, Posted: 2/12/2008

    I would not buy it. Why? I do not need a truck. If I need to move something heavy, I go to Home Depot and rent a truck for $19.99. And in all other cases a Saab 9-3 SportWagon is sufficient - a complete Ikea Bedroom + 3 people fit into it. And I do not undrestand people who buy trucks and then use their bed or towing capacity twice a year. Just get a regular car and rent a truck when you need it - you will save a fortune on fuel...

  4. By  Anthony #4, Posted: 2/12/2008

    I say gimme a G8-style Maloo. This comes from a former '05 GTO owner, a 3 time El Camino owner ('78, '79 & '84) and a current Envoy Denali owner. I love the idea of a car-based vehicle with truck bed - but I think it only needs 2 doors and/or maybe an extended cab. The 4-door design with the huge front grill just looks silly - and I love huge grills.

  5. By Terry Patterson #5, Posted: 2/12/2008

    Build it just as it is soon. Vehicles of this caliber would help GM to better compete with the opposition-especially if the cost is under $40,000.

  6. By Csedke #6, Posted: 2/12/2008

    I loved my El Caminos. Only reason I quite buying them was they started to build them in Mexico. If you don't build them in the USA I don't want one at any cost.

  7. By Verne #7, Posted: 2/12/2008

    Will Denali XT a serious and desireable endeavor?
    Have sold my F-150 and now happily using my
    Subaru Baja...........The A-Bat would also be fine.

  8. By tom kuchnicki #8, Posted: 2/12/2008

    Looks like my Pontiac Vibe on steroid wheels and tires.
    Lets talk milage, like 35 city 44 hwy.
    Now you have something that appeals to a whole lot of people.

  9. By Seb #9, Posted: 2/12/2008

    Build it under the Chevy brand and make it look like a truck (as the Denali XT). If it picks up, then, market it under GMC also. Also, make it look like a car and badge it under Pontiac. Then, you cover both worlds of Truck and Car lovers. GM needs special design products with limited competition and this is basically a rebaded car from the land down under. So, limited cost, move volume, and addressing a new market! What else can you ask for...

  10. By Chuck Hudson #10, Posted: 2/12/2008

    Chrylser had huge success with the Magnum, why not GMC Danali, I think it is sleek looking car.

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