FOUR NEW CONCEPTS FROM GM
This new batch of concepts gives GM lots of new product ideas that could come to market very quickly, should they generate public interest. But even if many never go beyond the concept stage, GM sees its show fleet as an ideal testbed to showcase emerging automotive technologies that are destined to reach the market in some of its current vehicles.
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CHEVROLET BORREGO
Aimed at the hot hatch market, the Borrego is portrayed as a rugged and fun "Sports Adventure Vehicle" that just happens to be practical for commuting. It also happens to be practical for light hauling, as its 6-foot bed can be configured to handle a 4x8 sheet of plywood. (This so-called Convert-a-Cab design was first seen on last year's Chevy Avalanche concept truck.)
You might call the Borrego an attempt to mate a mini-hybrid Sport Utility Truck (SUT) to a rally car, thanks to its high ground clearance and all-wheel-drive architecture. There's no mistaking its strong youth appeal.
A clever, reconfigurable midgate behind the front seats can be shifted backward into the cargo area to make room for two more passengers, essentially forming a 2+2 when people-carrying takes priority over cargo. Its double-cockpit interior is pure futuristic Corvette, and there's even a built-in air compressor and onboard water tank for those times when your sports activities take you off the beaten path.
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GMC TERRACROSS
The GMC Terracross is a crossover SUV aimed at a young, sophisticated consumer who wants to entertain guests in style. Described as more refined and graceful than the no-holds-barred 2000 GMC Terradyne concept, the Terracross is based on a five-passenger unibody platform, complete with a low step-in height and a flat floor.
Terracross looks like a big piece of high-tech industrial machinery, which happens to work well with GMC's new brand styling theme. You might consider it a mix of SUV, minivan, pickup, and even convertible - thanks to its four driven wheels, gliding rear doors, reconfigurable midgate, and unique, three-panel sliding-glass roof. Inside, swivel-type passenger chairs turn the interior into a conversation pit.
Powered by a 3.4-liter V6 and equipped with GM's VersaTrak all-wheel-drive system, Terracross isn't meant to climb mountains. But it is meant to appeal to the vast army of on-road SUV owners who may be looking for something a little more functional.
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CADILLAC VIZON
The Cadillac Vizón, which GM describes as an LAV - or Luxury Activity Vehicle. Continuing Cadillac's new house style the Vizón bears a strong family resemblance to the division's Evoq concept, with bold body lines and a "less-is-more" styling simplicity.
Not really an off-roading SUV, yet engineered to be more than just a high-performance luxury wagon, the Vizón offers a cross between both - with flexible cargo-carrying ability and all-wheel drive powered by a 300-horse Northstar V8. In Cadillac's luxury tradition, Vizón features a sensuous interior with state-of-the-art infotainment systems for the passengers.
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HUMMER H2
Looking more like a cross between a Tonka Toy and a power tool, the H2 SUT follows in the footsteps of last year's H2 SUV show vehicle. Both are GM's way of taking the famous HUMMER H1 military off-road vehicle's look and applying it to a current truck chassis for more mainstream consumer use.
GM calls it the most capable off-road vehicle the company has ever built. It also features the largest sunroof GM has offered in its history. The H2's unique retractable bulkhead means that the midgate and tailgate can be configured to offer a 7.5-foot cargo bed. This SUT concept is also packed with a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, including OnStar Virtual Advisor, GPS, and a roof-mounted, 360-degree infrared night vision unit.
The H2 SUT concept is derived from the production-intent 2003 H2 version - which is to say this is pretty much how the actual factory model will be when it arrives on the market. Built off GM's recently introduced HD truck chassis, the H2 is powered by a 6.0-liter Vortec V8, with a heavy-duty automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. The H2 SUT was meant to complement the H2 SUV shown last year, which is to go on sale in 2002.
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