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Will truck buyers want hybrid trucks? GM hopes to find
out in late 2008 when the automaker begins selling the
2009 GMC
Sierra hybrid.
And there is a good
chance the Sierra won't be the last hybrid truck that
GM sells.
Already, GM has developed the GMC Denali XT Hybrid Truck concept, a beautifully styled hybrid truck that is estimated to achieve about 50 percent better fuel economy than a similarly sized pickup truck with its ethanol-capable dual mode hybrid powertrain.
Like Toyota's A-Bat hybrid truck concept, the Denali XT hybrid is built on a car-like unibody frame, the Zeta platform, that should result in a smoother ride and better fuel economy, according to GM. Compared to the A-BAT, however, the Denali's truck bed will be about 7 inches longer.
The 326-horsepower, direct injected 4.9-liter V8 dual mode hybrid Denali won't offer full truck performance. The Denali XT hybrid has a payload of 1100 pounds and the ability to tow up to 3500 pounds.
Thus, the Denali hybrid is a bit more of a crossover than a pure truck.
