GM Advanced Technology Debuts in Detroit

Photos

General Motors will have one of the most elaborate showings of all manufacturers present at this years North American International Auto Show. (Photo: General Motors)

GM is hoping that it can lure attendees to its display with a full lineup of Advanced Technology Vehicles, such as the GM Sequel Concept shown here. (Photo: General Motors)

The Graphyte is a departure from the typical GMC sport utility vehicle, ditching the brands reserved themes for wilder ones. (Photo: General Motors)

Inside, the Graphyte is unlike any other GMC truck or SUV ever built. (Photo: General Motors)

The second concept vehicle that GM will be displaying is the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept. (Photo: General Motors)

Named Two-Mode, and developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, the hybrid system found in the GM concept cars can be fitted to a broad range of vehicles. (Photo: General Motors)

Exploring New Territory

The North American International Auto Show held every year in Detroit is this continents biggest, and most important automotive event. The air in the weeks and days preceding is electric with manufacturers from around the globe working against the clock to prepare concept and production vehicles and put the finishing touches on some of the worlds most extravagant displays. But to American manufacturers, particularly General Motors, the NAIAS takes top honours because its on their home turf.

To make the most out of this “home field advantage”, General Motors will have one of the most elaborate showings of all manufacturers present. Titled “The Journey - A Play in Three Acts”, GM and the brands that it is composed of will pull the covers off many concept and production vehicles, many of which improve on what we drive today by introducing innovative new technologies.

Its a given that showgoers will pay special attention to the latest luxury cars and bar-raising performance machines, but GM is hoping that it can lure attendees to its display with a full lineup of Advanced Technology Vehicles. The trio is composed of the GMC Graphyte Concept, the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept and the GM Sequel.

The GMC Graphyte is a big, boldly styled sport utility vehicle. Its a departure from the typical GMC SUV, ditching the brands reserved themes for wilder ones. The Graphyte explores new territory through blocky, upright front and rear ends, but also through a sleek, wind-swept cabin with angular windows and edges. The go-anywhere, off-road theme is furthered by minimal front and rear overhangs, no discernible bumpers, metal-finish underbody and grille guards, massive wheels and flat-faced fenders.

Inside, the Graphyte is unlike any other GMC truck or SUV ever built. With clearly laid out instrumentation and low mounted seats, its driving position is very car-like. The Graphytes interior is also furnished with the finest materials including high-quality plastics, exotic wood and metal trim, and two-toned leather seats. A navigation system is also featured, linked to a TFT display.

Designed as a go-anywhere SUV, the Graphyte is built on a tough ladder frame chassis with adjustable independent front and rear suspension for better off-road ground clearance and improved on-road manners and dynamics. Power for the Graphyte comes from a Vortec 5300 5.3 liter V8 with fuel-saving displacement on demand technology.

The second concept vehicle that GM will be displaying is the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept. Though Opel hasnt sold vehicles in North America, the compact hatchback will be present at the show to demonstrate GMs technological advancements from around the world.

Though branded as a concept car, the Astra Diesel Hybrid is nearly identical in appearance to the stock Opel Astra GTC hatchback. Its attractive, sophisticated European-styled exterior that includes large, jeweled headlamps, sharp, creased body lines and a one-piece windshield that melds into a panoramic roof, is breath of fresh air from GMs current compact car offerings.

Like the Saturn ION, or Chevrolet Cobalt, both of which use the same general Delta architecture, the Astra features a rigid monocoque body with a European-tuned strut and torsion beam suspension. As its name suggests, the vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, a frugal 1.7 liter, four-cylinder common rail turbodiesel, capable of producing 125 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. Opel claims that the Diesel can reach 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, while consuming a miserly 59 mpg!

These two vehicles, while totally different in nearly every way possible, share one crucial component: a hybrid drive train system. Named Two-Mode, and developed in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, the system can be fitted to a broad range of vehicles, whether they be FWD, RWD or AWD, or powered by gasoline or diesel engines. The Two-Mode system, like many hybrid powetrains can operate to assist the main powerplant during heavier work loads such as accelerating, or can be run on a zero-emissions, fully electric mode.

The Two-Mode system also makes advances on current hybrid technology in that it can be added to most existing production vehicles. The electric motors used in the Astra and Graphyte concepts are housed inside the transmission case, while the batteries used are smaller, and more compact. Expect to see the same performance-enhancing, fuel-consumption reducing technology in upcoming passenger cars, SUVs and pickups.

The final vehicle that GM will be unveiling is the Sequel concept. The Cadillac SRX-sized vehicle is completely different than the other two offerings, as it uses hydrogen fuel cell technology rather than hybrid electrical assist.

Like the Hy-wire and AUTOnomy concepts, the Sequel uses an 11-inch thick skateboard chassis which houses the fuel cells, lithium-ion battery, and a vast majority of the cars electronics and computers that control the cars steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire components. Rather than integrating a single electric motor mounted under the hood, the Sequel features multiple electric motors mounted in the hubs of the wheels.

While GM is not yet at the stage of producing vehicles like the Sequel, it has made dramatic improvements with fuel cells, improving reliability, performance and range - all important factors for making the technology acceptable to real life customers. Perhaps GMs biggest achievement with the Sequel is that it was built with technology that currently exists. GMs tentative release date for a hydrogen powered vehicle is 2010.

With the Opel Astra, GMC Graphyte and the GM Sequel concepts on its side, General Motors is sure to have all bases covered when the show begins. All three vehicles, a spectacle of GMs global brands, show how the company is as much in tune with societal issues such as reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, to increasing performance and reliability - a platform for the future thats sure to impress in the years to come.