Driver and passengers sit higher than current pickups, improving visibility. The concepts leather upholstery and metallic trimmed accents ad a touch of elegance. "I guarantee you've never seen anything like this," stated Zipfel. "We're hitting a sweet spot here where function meets social responsibility, and it's a stylish statement as well."
Did he say social responsibility in a pickup truck? The 4-door pickup comes equipped with a parallel hybrid drivetrain that consists of a 5.3-L VORTEC V-8 gasoline engine producing up to 285-hp, as well as a powerful 4.8-kilowatt electric motor/generator positioned between the V8 and transmission. The system not only saves weight due to not needing a conventional starter and alternator but has the ability of generating electrical power when decelerating.
Similar to other hybrid gas/electric cars on the market today, the gasoline engine shuts off at idle. Depressing the accelerator pedal ignites it back to life allowing full power from both the V8 and electric motors. This obviously improves fuel economy while reducing emissions and what's more, doesn't negatively affect performance, the best of all worlds. The Terra4 also uses regenerative braking, which captures energy otherwise lost when stopping. Altogether GM's hybrid technology results in a 15% improvement in fuel economy, which could amount to significant savings at the pump. Look for the hybrid system to show up on 2004 GMC Sierras and Chevrolet Silverados in the fall of 2003.