PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. — As GMC celebrates its 100th Anniversary, the GM truck maker reveals the latest version of what an authentic professional grade truck can be with the introduction of the 2002 Terra4 concept vehicle.
"Terra4 builds upon the capability GMC has already established with the Terradyne (2000) and Terracross (2001) concept vehicles," said Carl Zipfel, GMC brand character chief designer. "The truck market has undergone a radical shift as trucks have moved away from being strictly work vehicles to being vehicles for personal use."
But as trucks have become more upscale, even prestigious, functionality remains supremely important. "GMC raises these elements to new heights in the Terra4 — a four wheel-drive, four wheel steer truck with four doors and four ways to access the cargo area," Zipfel said.
Terra4's unconventional package — a totally integrated design and closed body, with a short, deep cargo area — permits greater functionality and utility than a pickup truck. Doors on the rear quarter panels allow easy access to the closed cargo area. The passenger cab is moved up and forward, creating interior cargo space behind the second row seats.
The four-door truck also is loaded with features that would exceed the expectations of the most demanding customers. The concept vehicle combines the fuel efficiency and power-on-the-go capabilities of a parallel hybrid V-8 engine with the car-like maneuverability of GM's exclusive four-wheel-steering.
