GMC will take
the wraps off of the Terradyne "Work Truck" concept pickup
in January in Detroit at the 2000 North American International Auto
Show.
The five-passenger,
full-size MegaCab/Short Box pickup has a commanding, dramatic presence
befitting its name; "terra" is Latin for "of the earth" and "dyne"
is Greek for "strength and power." The "billet cut" styling provides
clean, beveled forms with precise lines around strong, solid volumes.
The cab contains
reconfigurable
rear seats, storage bins, overhead console, electronic analog
gauges, steering
wheel controls, 110V electrical outlets, and a mobile office with
a console-mounted laptop. Remote electronic sources eliminate the
need for a traditional radio. Premium industrial-grade materials
suitable for heavy use but comfortable for the user make up the
interior. The uncarpeted floor has spray-out capability. Four innovative
gliding doors eliminate traditional crew cab "B" pillar obstruction
and extended cab pickup door "parking lot trap." A door-activated,
power-assist step eases entry and exit. The Terradyne will be positioned
as strictly for work related purposes and lack any of the leather
and cup holders found in today's pickups. Owners should be able
to hose it out after a hard day's work.
The cargo box
can be extended from 6 ½ feet to 8 feet with its extending cargo
box. Tools or lifestyle cargo such as hunting and fishing gear or
home improvement equipment can be easily stored in the Side Storage
System integrated into the outer rear side panels. A rear video
monitoring system eliminates
the traditional rearview blind zone and, with a power-extendable
rearview mirror, enhances visibility when hitching or towing a trailer.
A front winch and a platform trailer hitch add to the versatility.
The piece de resistance is the 5000 watt on-board, engine-driven
AuraGen generator, which provides "Power on the Go" TM. "There’s
enough power to operate an entire house using the 110 and 220 outlets
in the tailgate area," said GMC Design Manager Carl Zipfel.
The style of
the Terradyne will point towards the direction GMC hopes to take
in the future.
