2005 GMC Graphyte Concept

GM Buys into Hybrid Power in a Big Way

"Guilt-free" - the type of performance the Graphyte sport utility concept promises, according to Tom Stephens, group vice

The Graphyte sport utility concept promises "Guilt-free" performance claims Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

president of GM Powertrain. It's very hard to believe that GMC's first concept vehicle of the year, as big, bold and tough-looking as a monster truck, could be environmentally friendly and a miser at the pumps, but as the saying goes, looks can deceive.

The Graphyte concept is a critical player in GM's show-stopping display this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is an important component in the "A Journey in Three Parts" performance, and a leading showcase vehicle in the Advanced Drivetrains section.

It's also the second vehicle to be equipped with the all-new Two-Mode full hybrid powertrain system developed in part with

The Graphyte is the second vehicle to be equipped with the all-new Two-Mode full hybrid powertrain system developed in part with DaimlerChrysler. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

DaimlerChrysler, sitting alongside the Opel Astra Hybrid Diesel concept and the GM Sequel concept.

Having already instigated a hybrid drivetrain program for its commercial line of buses and large trucks, the Graphyte is GMC's first attempt at scaling down the technology for use in a passenger vehicle.

The engineers' primary objective was to add fuel-saving technology while maintaining all the 'utility' and off-roading capability which SUVs and trucks are known for. A difficult task, but one that would result in the world's first go-anywhere hybrid.