Detroit's auto show may claim to be the most important, but we know we can always count on the Chicago Auto Show to bring home the goods when it comes to cool new truck stuff. This year was no exception.
GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept
GMC's sport/utility truck (SUT) of the future may look something like this Denali concept. Carlike, isn't it? OK, we're not thrilled about this new car/truck trend, but look beneath the unibody skin and the 23-inch rims to the tech inside: a direct-injection, 4.9L V-8 that produces an estimated 326 hp and yet delivers up to 50 percent better fuel economy than a comparable pickup, says GMC. How? Primarily because it's mated to GM's two-mode hybrid electric drive system. The 4.9 is also fitted with Active Fuel Management to shut off cylinders when the engine is under light load and "additional powertrain technologies," says the truckmaker. Let's hope the efficient engine technology also finds its way to more conventional truck products.
'09 Hummer H3T
If the Denali XT Hybrid is tomorrow's SUT, Hummer's H3T is today's-well, "today" as in "available later this year." We showed you camouflaged prototypes a couple months ago; here's the real deal. The H3T is an H3 from the B-pillar forward with nearly 2 feet added to its wheelbase to accommodate a 5-foot bed out back. Unlike the Denali concept, though, bed and cab are separate, and both ride on a ladder-style frame. Four trim levels will be offered, right up to a 5.3L V-8-powered Alpha. An Off-Road Adventure suspension package will include 33-inch tires, specially tuned shocks, locking front and rear diffs, and a 4.03:1 low-range. Suspension bits-short/long-arm independent front, live axle rear-will be shared with the H3.
'09 GMC Sierra Hybrid
We saw Chevy's Silverado hybrid in Detroit; now it's GMC's turn to show off its new eco-friendly pickup. Teaming GM's 6.0L V-8 with the new two-mode hybrid electric drive system, the Sierra will see a 40-percent improvement in city fuel economy and 25 percent better overall mileage. The hybrid can still work, though; its tow capacity is up to 6,100 pounds. The two-mode system will allow the truck to drive at speeds of up to 30 mph on electricity alone, even when towing a trailer. Look for the hybrid drive system on Crew Cab 2WD and 4WD models in the fourth quarter of 2008.
'09 Suzuki Equator
Suzuki has partnered with Nissan to develop the Equator, a Frontier-based midsize pickup truck. On sale in the fourth quarter of 2008, Equator will be available in extended- and crew-cab variants, powered by either a 152hp, 2.5L I-4 or a 261hp, 4.0L V-6. The 4x4 versions will be equipped with an electronic, part-time, two-speed transfer case; four-wheel limited-slip; electronic locking rear diff; vehicle stability control; and hill descent control. At Chicago, Suzuki displayed several modified Equators, including the militaryesque Quad concept and the RMZ-4. Both featured custom paint, big wheels, and bolt-on accessories; the Quad also sat on a 21/2-inch lift.
Ford Work Solutions
Anyone who runs a business from their truck will find Ford's Work Solutions debut as exciting as any dream car. Work Solutions is a series of business-related technologies that will be available in '09 F-Series trucks and E-Series vans. They include: an in-dash computer powered by Windows CE with high-speed Internet access and a Garmin nav system; Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain an inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box; Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system that allows small fleet owners to manage their vehicles and keep vehicle maintenance records; and a Cable Lock security system developed with MasterLock to prevent theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab. While the Work Solutions' rollout is for '09 trucks only, Ford says these features will at some point be available for Ford trucks already on the road.