There were
tradeoffs to carefully consider during the transition from screen to reality.
Wickham originally
wanted the XST to have a stretched wheelbase to accommodate a longer bed
and provide more stylistic control over the C-pillar's shape. The extra
inches, however, would prove to be impractical because of the amount of
work required to stay within the bounds of the Axiom SUV's body taper,
noticed as you move from front to rear over the top of the truck.
The triangular
racks seen mounted just behind the rear doors on the bed rails in the
original sketches were also ditched. In reality they would have gotten
in the way of the XST's "switchgate" cabin access system which
functions similarly to the Chevrolet
Avalanche's Midgate. Their resemblance to the Avalanche's own sails
didn't help either.
The
XST's interior is based entirely on the Axiom SUV's.
Interior
design responsibility also came under Wickham's direction. The Axiom's
all natural leather and cloth interior surfaces were replaced with synthetics
like vinyl and neoprene. But again, like the exterior, the interior's
design is very closely aligned with what's in production today to make
the XST as feasible as possible.
When asked
about his favorite part of the XST's design, Wickham is quick to point
out the very trick tailgate mounted bed extender that folds flush with
the bed when not in use. It's hinged in a unique way that makes first
time witnesses think it's an optical illusion - origami meets aluminum.
There are
many concepts that are all show and no go. They might be nicely painted
exteriors skinned over a clay model or only drivable at 20mph or less.
The Axiom XST is a runner, able to cruise around like any other Axiom
on the highway but you probably wouldn't want to throw a heavy load in
the back.
The average
budget for a concept car shown in Detroit is in the neighborhood of $1M
dollars. Sticking closely to production DNA, Isuzu was able to keep the
XST's budget to well under that figure.
Whether or
not the XST winds up in your driveway will be determined by public and
press reaction to the concept, which seems to be positive so far. So,
while the XST is only halfway there, Brent Wickham and his design team
at Isuzu and IDC can take a well deserved break knowing they have already
arrived.
The
Axiom XST is halfway to your driveway. Public and press reaction will
determine if it gets the greenlight for production.
