What Is It?
GMC Graphyte Concept
What's Special About It?
This GMC all-wheel-drive vehicle is essentially a clean, green SUV. Using two-mode full hybrid drive, the Graphyte improves its fuel economy over similarly proportioned classmates by 25 percent. The first mode is intended to save fuel while driving in stop-and-go traffic while the latter lessens consumption in higher-performance situations, such as driving at highway speeds, towing trailers or rough terrain climbing. While the Graphyte looks more like a car-based crossover than a truck-based sport-utility, it's actually built on a ladder-type perimeter frame, which should ensure a great deal of ruggedness. The front suspension is a strut-type, while the rear is governed by a five-link variant. The vehicle's Vortec 5300 V8 with Displacement on Demand is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmission. Other distinguishing characteristics include 22-inch magnesium wheels, Goodyear all-terrain tires, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a striking metal-framed grille. The Graphyte was conceived and created at the GM Advanced Studio in Coventry, England.
What's Edmunds' Take?
One could be naturally leery of any truck designed in England (the Midlands are no Midwest), and the Graphyte, on the surface at least, seems to fit the bill of "novelty." If the company's boasts of this vehicle's hybrid system, frame and suspension are to be believed, though, the Graphyte has the capacity to be just as hardy as the rest of GM's SUVs. Beneath this vehicle's surface is the future of General Motors' large commercial vehicle design, as the company has specified that it will use a similar two-mode hybrid system to power versions of the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe in 2007. Another startling quality of the Graphyte is even more camouflaged than these components — this SUV is the first fruit of the recently announced hybrid-based collaboration between General Motors and Daimler Chrysler. Regardless of whether the Graphyte goes into production, its appearance, alone, represents a pivotal moment in automotive history. — Phil Lienert
GMC Graphyte Concept
What's Special About It?
This GMC all-wheel-drive vehicle is essentially a clean, green SUV. Using two-mode full hybrid drive, the Graphyte improves its fuel economy over similarly proportioned classmates by 25 percent. The first mode is intended to save fuel while driving in stop-and-go traffic while the latter lessens consumption in higher-performance situations, such as driving at highway speeds, towing trailers or rough terrain climbing. While the Graphyte looks more like a car-based crossover than a truck-based sport-utility, it's actually built on a ladder-type perimeter frame, which should ensure a great deal of ruggedness. The front suspension is a strut-type, while the rear is governed by a five-link variant. The vehicle's Vortec 5300 V8 with Displacement on Demand is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmission. Other distinguishing characteristics include 22-inch magnesium wheels, Goodyear all-terrain tires, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a striking metal-framed grille. The Graphyte was conceived and created at the GM Advanced Studio in Coventry, England.
What's Edmunds' Take?
One could be naturally leery of any truck designed in England (the Midlands are no Midwest), and the Graphyte, on the surface at least, seems to fit the bill of "novelty." If the company's boasts of this vehicle's hybrid system, frame and suspension are to be believed, though, the Graphyte has the capacity to be just as hardy as the rest of GM's SUVs. Beneath this vehicle's surface is the future of General Motors' large commercial vehicle design, as the company has specified that it will use a similar two-mode hybrid system to power versions of the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe in 2007. Another startling quality of the Graphyte is even more camouflaged than these components — this SUV is the first fruit of the recently announced hybrid-based collaboration between General Motors and Daimler Chrysler. Regardless of whether the Graphyte goes into production, its appearance, alone, represents a pivotal moment in automotive history. — Phil Lienert
Add A Comment »