When asked just how American the new Denali XT concept is, Australian lead designer Warrack Leach, who designed and developed the vehicle, is careful to acknowledge that "nothing is done in a vacuum" in GM's global organization. "If they don't like it in Warren [Michigan], then it won't get built, and that goes for any of the studios in the world under GM's organization." Leach told CDN.
All the more reason then that he's proud his early sketches - done in October 2005 - were well-received, proceeding into a first vision model by the same time a year later. And not long afterwards, the fiberglass model stood in the GM studios in Warren for final approval.
GM's Australian Studios are familiar with production minded work, such as their Holden Sport Ute, which also bears Leach's signature. Similar to the El Camino of the 70's, 'utes' continue to be popular with Australian youth, as they are capable and affordable. The Denali XT concept, however, targets families with its four-door crew cab layout. The Denali moniker is a "brand within the brand", and we see the sheer aggressive power of this concept, which sits on a boldly emphasized 1651mm track and an overall height of only 1587mm. Refined fluted surface treatments and machined 23-inch wheels impart a look of sophistication.
"We achieved the right combination of architecture, unique proportion, and an amazing road stance that looks and functions like a truck, but drives and handles like a sports car", Leach said, like a proud father. He took CDN around the ‘Interior Command Center', featuring swathes of billet aluminum and saddle leather. Through the use of anodized and polished surfaces, the "ribbon effect" in the interior gives the feeling of an airplane cockpit in GM's own professional grade presentation.
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Much to the delight of MOPAR fans, Chrysler finally unveiled the Dodge Challenger SRT8 at this year's Chicago Auto Show, complete with a 425bhp Hemi V8. Brian Nielander, project design manager of both the exterior and interior of the new car, considers this an honor to be part of the rebirth of the "Holy Grail" of Dodge's product heritage.
The hot retro styling of the production car holds true to the concept created in Chrysler's Pacifica Studio and unveiled at the 2006 NAIAS in Detroit. In a scant 21 months, the concept car made it to the production model now on display in Chicago. With a 2946mm long wheelbase, the Challenger is 4-inches shorter than a Charger. By using 20-inch wheels on the front and rear, the car is appropriately scaled down improving the proportions over the 1970s original.
Jeff Gale, son of the legendary Tom Gale who led Chrysler Design during the glory years of the 1990s, was the lead designer on the Challenger project. It is obvious he learned how to fuel enthusiast fires by following his father's example, using ingredients such as the single unmistakable A-line and parallel beltline that echo the lines of the 35-year old original. The low DLO and thick C-pillar make this a very attractive proposition for those who aren't content in driving the competition anymore.
Automotive enthusiasts in the form of younger buyers, affluent customers and mature boomers who value a good driving experience - and want a car with iconic muscle car styling coupled to impressive performance figures - are expected to accept this challenge...
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GM's Hummer brand is looking to expand its product portfolio with the H3T, its first entry into the pickup truck segment. Visually the H3T continues the angular styling theme initiated by the H2 SUV and subsequently followed by the H3. But the H3T is a true pickup truck, with a 1.5m long modular bed.
Speaking with Carl Zipfel, Director of Hummer Exterior Design, CDN learned that there are several key differences in the new design. From the B-pillar forwards the H3T is identical to its SUV sibling, but the proportions change as you move towards the rear. The new truck has had its wheelbase extended by 86mm and its rear doors have also been lengthened. Still, the new vehicle retains the off-road capability characteristic of the Hummer brand, thanks to the optimized rear overhang and wheels at a corner stance.
The vehicle's dimensions were a big concern for the design team, whose goal was to create a vehicle with the payload and towing capability of a full-size truck while offering maximum all-terrain capability. Zipfel mentioned how, during initial testing in Moab, Utah, there were concerns that the longer wheelbase would hinder the vehicle's ability to perform off-road, but these were soon dispelled. "Much to our amazement, the vehicle did better in some places than the short wheelbase SUV that we had with us," he said. "It stabilized and let it do more in some cases."
Large 32 and 33-inch tires also help navigate through the rough stuff, but the design of the rear end enables the stowage of a full-size spare beneath the bed. "Customers were loud and clear that they wanted a full-size spare," said Zipfel, "Our engineers worked hard to package everything as tightly as possible, keeping the overhangs short." The bed's modular rail system also enables the fitment of multiple accessories, such as racks and cargo boxes.
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