The GMC Terradyne
concept cuts a distinctive wedge-shaped profile that sets it apart
from every other truck concept shown at this year's NAIAS. PUTC
met with some of the people responsible for designing this vehicle
to get an up close and in-depth look at the forces used to render
this versatile work truck.
Duane Paige,
GMC Portfolio Manager, calls the Terradyne, "A fresh opportunity
to go beyond today's truck." With its industrial design the
Terradyne is the first step for GMC to begin distinctively standing
apart from the rest of the GM lineup - and the competition. The
Terradyne actually builds on the concepts and innovations first
developed and tested in the GMC
Sierra Professional work truck concept.
It's 'all-work'
billet cut exterior was designed by GMC design manager Carl Zipfel.
Zipfel successfully strove to reflect the Terradyne's power and
strength in its edgy form. Up front the grill of the truck actually
extends into the headlights where it become part of the high intensity
halogen bulbs. Essentially the same length as a short box extended
cab truck, the Terradyne appears much longer in person because the
far forward movement of its cab allowed the design team to add move
space to the cabin and remove of the B-pillar. It's high stance
also gives the truck an impressive profile.
The Terradyne's
precision crafted interior, designed by John Puskar, continues the
all-business impression. Materials such as leather, stainless steel
and reinforced composites carry on GMC's tradition of tough, work
capable trucks.
The addition
of mobile office features such as console mounted laptop and GPS
make the interior a source of critical information to the driver.
A rear view video monitoring system mounted in the tailgate below
the lift handle links to a 5.3-inch LCD display up front. This helps
the driver maneuver when backing the truck up. Power extendable
rear view mirror controls also enhance rearward visibility. If rear
visibility is reduced, such as when towing a long or wide trailer,
the press of a button telescopes these mirrors up to six inches
outward. When they are not needed the same button retracts the mirrors
creating more side clearance for parking in narrow spaces or entering
a garage.
Powered by
the new 6.6-liter V8 intercooled turbo-diesel Duramax 6600 engine,
the Terradyne sets new standards for diesel power, performance,
durability and
quiet operation.
The Allison 1000 Series TM 5-speed automatic transmission features
normal and tow/haul modes of operation, and adds engine-grade braking
power take-off capabilities.
The 6-foot
cargo box can be power extended to 8 feet when more cargo room is
needed. In the sides of the bed is a Side Storage System with powered
access doors to make use of previously unavailable space in the
cargo box by creating two enclosed, lockable storage areas in the
outer rear side panels. The inside of the box remains the same size
- still able to carry four-foot wide loads.
PUTC readers
were invited to submit questions on the discussion board which we
took to GMC at the 2000 NAIAS.
