Wheels Muscle Masters

That huge Holden design studio set up to create the VE Commodore is starting to pay dividends, and the resulting designs just keep getting bigger...

The latest project to spring from the Port Melbourne studio is the GMC Denali XT, which will be revealed this week as the highlight of GM's Chicago Auto Show stand.

This SUT (or Sports Utility Truck, which is a far more apt descriptive than soft-roader or SUV) features the Aussie-made global rear-drive architecture and a techy hybrid drivetrain under a massive monocoque shell.

Under the broad bonnet lies a 243kW 4.9L version of GM’s all-rounder engine, the small-block V8, which also features direct-injection, E85 ethanol tune, cylinder deactivation, and a dual-mode hybrid system which allows the truck to move under its own electric power at low speeds. It's linked to an electrically-variable transmission which chooses optimal gearing for maximum power and fuel efficiency. This combined tech should cut the Denali's fuel bills to half that of its big GMC siblings.

Other features include a load-area midgate for additional cargo volume, and adjustable suspension for enhanced articulation in rough terrain. Though the 23-inch rims are probably big enough... And its monocoque construction is a first for GMC, which still uses the traditional body-on-frame build for its production vehicles.

Inside, the four-seater is laid out theatre-style for optimum room and command seating, with an airplane cockpit-inspired dash and instrumentation.

“This was a great program to work on as I was given the opportunity to really stretch the limits of the Global Rear Wheel Drive architecture and create a truck with unique and bold proportions,” said Denali XT design team leader Warrack Leach, whose more recent projects include the VE Ute.

“GMC has such a rich heritage of producing great trucks and it was essential we kept that in mind while at the same time exploring how far we could take this concept.”

“The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC’s power. The details have a deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC’s engineering sophistication.”

More details will come to hand after the reveal on Wednesday, February 6, US central standard time. But for now, we're left to wonder if this is the 'surprise' Holden is promising for the Melbourne Motor Show - and hoping to overshadow Ford's all-important Orion reveal. Judging by the size of it, the Denali XT would cast a pretty big shadow indeed...