Now HERE's a HD GMC- build it now!

[Kyle2k]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

They didn't have any intention of building the Camaro when they debuted it as a concept in 2006 ...

Semi-realistic concepts (where they could build it, but its unlikely), and a few 'out there' (where there is simply no chance of production) have a very important role for automakers. They often introduce upcoming design elements that you could see on future models or the entire brand. Ocasionally, some of these plausible concepts get turned into real cars (like the Camaro).

On top of all that, designers need to be allowed to get creative and have fun every now and then and not be concerned with hearing "we can't do that" from the engineers and bean counters. If you don't let them flex their creativity, the good ones will leave and the boring ones will stay ... not good when design is becoming an ever more important factor in buying decision.

I'm just coming from a frustrated consumer standpoint.

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

They didn't have any intention of building the Camaro when they debuted it as a concept in 2006 ...

Semi-realistic concepts (where they could build it, but its unlikely), and a few 'out there' (where there is simply no chance of production) have a very important role for automakers. They often introduce upcoming design elements that you could see on future models or the entire brand. Ocasionally, some of these plausible concepts get turned into real cars (like the Camaro).

On top of all that, designers need to be allowed to get creative and have fun every now and then and not be concerned with hearing "we can't do that" from the engineers and bean counters. If you don't let them flex their creativity, the good ones will leave and the boring ones will stay ... not good when design is becoming an ever more important factor in buying decision.

Shouldn't it also be pointed out that several cars that could have saved GM's hide were killed off this exact way..

By GM execs and bean counters that wanted vanilla-mobiles and wanted to 'play it safe and not waste money on frivolous design projects.'

Well..? Also doesn't that sound familiar to something that happened.. oh.. 2 years ago?

Hell we wouldn't have even had a ZL1 Camaro to serve as an inspirational bench mark for todays monster Camaros had Yenko and Nickey heeded GM and not used the COPO orders.

I guess we should just go back in time and blame the father of concept cars, Harvey Earl for 'wasting money' during the depression?

[syr74]

I think that the level of success the Raptor has enjoyed has surprised even Ford, and no doubt GM has noticed. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that GM wants a piece of that action and as such I seriously soubt that this concept is simply for show. Will they build it just like this? Not a chance. However, I would not be surprised to see something similar to this make it down a production line.

[lil_chef]

"They worked with Fox Shocks, who tell us it'll be like the Raptor, but with even more power and capability. Yes, please."
: drool::d rool::dr ool::dro ol:

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by syr74

I think that the level of success the Raptor has enjoyed has surprised even Ford, and no doubt GM has noticed. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that GM wants a piece of that action and as such I seriously soubt that this concept is simply for show. Will they build it just like this? Not a chance. However, I would not be surprised to see something similar to this make it down a production line.

It looks more like a Power Wagon competitor than a Raptor competitor to me

[bigearl]

If they do build it, it would be a 'halo' truck. But considering that GM's best selling vehicles are trucks- that seems to make a lot of sense (more than a halo car does considering the latest sales figures). There's a lot of truck guys willing to spend pretty damn big money on trucks. 50-60k for a well appointed TDiesel isn't unusual. It could be a nice profit center.

Plus, much like the Raptor, you wouldn't have to retool a whole facility. It's all bolt on stuff so it would be relatively cheap. The only thing that has kept me from buying a Power Wagon has been a lack of a diesel option. I'd have to see if that's capable of pulling a 5th wheel, but I'd certainly consider changing truck brands for something like this.

As far as the 'bubba fix' goes, people driving these to the shopping mall makes as much sense as driving a car that can go 175 by simply unlocking the chip. At least you don't have to worry about curbscraping your wheels. If you have the cash to burn, knock yourself out.

[syr74]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

It looks more like a Power Wagon competitor than a Raptor competitor to me

I dunno, I've been thinking it looks like it splits the difference between the Raptor and Power Wagon.

[ArkySS]

I know it's got A turbo...I said twin turbo...and I capped at 25 lbs of boost because any more and it would shoot engine parts at an altitude that the FAA might now approve of

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by ArkySS

I know it's got A turbo...I said twin turbo...and I capped at 25 lbs of boost because any more and it would shoot engine parts at an altitude that the FAA might now approve of

Don't worry.. they've blown pieces higher than that.

Out of aircraft turbos. :P Cool sight to see in flight, since most can be seen through the cowl from inside the cockpit (namely Piper Seneca twins). Students always freak out at the sight of a glowing orange snail attached to the back of their engine at WOT.

[bigearl]

Originally Posted by ArkySS

I know it's got A turbo...I said twin turbo...and I capped at 25 lbs of boost because any more and it would shoot engine parts at an altitude that the FAA might now approve of

People get 35psi on the stock turbo on old duramax engines. There's a video floating somewhere of someone getting 7 bar in a newer duramax (>100psi) with AM heads and studs and other stuff beyond my skill level.

My cummins hits 30psi on all stock heads with a very mild tune. You can crank PSI in a diesel to the moon with head work.

[TheCaptain]

THAT is a nice truck!

I hope GM does something with their Denali XT concept too, that was a nice car/truck.

[SilverTurtle]

would own

[SS 376]

give me one just like that one.

[bluetooth-ss]

me want.