GMC Denali XT Hybrid

(Images from Jilopnik.com).

GM is unveiling its Concept GMC Denali XT Hybrid. It’s a Flex Fuel, 2-Mode Hybrid with Active Fuel Managment. As Jalopnik.com notes, it’s very reminicent of an El Camino/Caballero.

It’s clearly a striking vehicle. But it’s also a bit of a far-out concept – GM is usually more reserved with its concept vehicles. This is a bit strange though, as is much of GM’s energy efficiency work.

Even in their website, they make no claims about expected fuel economy. Why go through all the trouble of shoving all of this fuel saving technology in a concept without at least speculating on MPG performance? It’s 326 HP number is pretty good. But I need more details.

Final thoughts on the Detroit Auto Show

This was an interesting auto show to say the least. Clearly, “green” and fuel efficiency was the big message that most of the auto companies were trying to push. There are some great concepts and some great new powertrain technologies out there. But I can’t help but be a bit suspicious.

It’s clear that GM and the other auto makers are taking the “green” trend seriously.  All the GM execs seemed as though they’d been through a training course on how to pitch their green message – desiring to be a leader in all of the advanced power train technologies.

Talk with Rick Wagoner

Update: Here is a video of the blogger Q&A session with GM CEO Rick Wagoner hosted by NextGear

I spent the morning at a Q&A with Rick Wagoner (with other auto and clean tech bloggers). Overall, the message from Rick was consistent with others with whom I spoke. But he also noted the future is wide open with respect to alternative energy technology. Here are a few take-aways from this talk.

Coskata relationship just a start
GM’s partnership with Coskata was based on a broad-based search for a company that has a real chance at commercializing cellulosic ethanol. Coskata’s technology has a great opportunity for feedstock versatility that can revolutionize the industry. Moreso, having a healthy Coskata allows GM to more viably approach other parties (including the U.S. Government) regarding distribution options. Currently, the oil industry is resistant to distributing ethanol (this is only part of the story; relatively low volumes of corn ethanol is the other portion). Coskata’s (and others like Range Fuels) make broad availability of E85 more viable and gives GM’s outlook some additional legs.

The most interesting element, however, is that GM would consider additional partnerships of this type in the future.

Interview with Troy Clarke, President GM North America (summary)

I got the opportunity to interview, along with several other industry bloggers, Troy Clarke, President of GM North America. While the discussion touched on many topics, I was most intrigued with the focus on fuel economy and emissions reduction.

Hydrogen
Surprisingly enough, Troy kept a very upbeat attitude towards hydrogen. His perspective was that hydrogen was produced near every major metropolitan area and can be delivered through traditional means (i.e. trucks). While there is clearly a chicken and egg problem, GM has decided to produce the vehicles and work with varying regional governments to try and develop hydrogen infrastructures in key locations (California, DC, Raleigh-Durham).

GM parters with Coskata

Below is a video of GM’s Alternative Fuels strategy including the announcement of a partnership with Coskata (skip to 16 Min for that part).