2000 GMC Terradyne Concept

Terradyne, the 2000 concept vehicle from GMC, takes the traditional full-size pickup into a new realm of capabilities. The truck's name derives from ''terra,'' Latin for ''of the earth,'' and the Greek ''dyne,'' meaning ''strength and power.'' The name fits: Terradyne combines a commanding, dramatic presence with power and versatility that reinterprets the pickup truck for the 21st century. Exciting innovations and an emphasis on industrial precision result in a vehicle that brings exciting new capabilities to both of its roles: as a professional grade tool on the job and as a vehicle for comfortable family transportation. Terradyne builds on GMC's 98 years of state-of-the-art truck-building expertise, redefining the pickup truck with fresh ideas and innovative capabilities. The result is a well thought-out vehicle that gives users everything they expect from a pickup, plus exciting new features that provide unexpected levels of functionality.

The emphasis on innovation and efficiency doesn't stop with truck volume. Terradyne's powerfu 6.6-liter V8 intercooled turbo-diesel, Duramax 6600, sets new standards for diesel power, performance, durability and quiet operation. The Allison 1000 Series 5-speed automatic transmission features normal and tow/haul modes of operation, and adds engine-grade braking and power take-off capabilities. With Terradyne, GMC also introduces QuadraSteer -- a remarkable four-wheel steering system. This innovation provides excellent maneuverability - allowing the driver to turn tightly at low speeds - as well as enhanced stability and towing capabilities at highway speeds.

Many of Terradyne's capabilities aren't obvious at first glance, but reveal themselves as the truck is used. For instance, anyone who has driven a pickup is familiar with situations such as ''parking lot trap.'' Traditional extended cab doors open away from each other, and a vehicle parked close in the next space can prevent them from opening very far. This creates difficulty for the pickup's occupants in entering, exiting and loading cargo. Terradyne's four innovative doors are powered to glide forward and back instead of swinging out, providing easy access to the cab and eliminating ''parking lot trap.'' Traditional crew cabs feature ''B'' pillars, with the need to walk around the door to access the front and rear seats. Gliding door construction allows the elimination of the B pillar - the center support that traditionally divides the front and rear doors. No ''B'' pillar means a wide-open space for loading and unloading cargo. A door-activated power-assist step automatically lowers to aid entry and exit, then raises to maintain high ground clearance.

Inside, reconfigurable rear seats and steering wheel-mounted controls add convenience and functionality. A mobile office with a console-mounted laptop allows drivers to take the productivity of their office with them when they hit the road. A Rear Video System uses a camera integrated into the tailgate to give the driver a clear view when backing up or while hitching a trailer, as do Terradyne's power extendable rearview mirrors. Premium materials used throughout the interior, such as aluminum, stainless steel and leather, reflect Terradyne's goal of meeting practical, work-related needs while providing exceptional occupant comfort.

Another feature that exemplifies Terradyne's status as both a precision tool and family transportation is the AuraGen 5000 watt on-board, engine-driven generator. 110V and 220V outlets in the tailgate area gives the user access to ''power on site,'' whether at work on the jobsite or relaxing at a campsite.

Source - GMC

Terradyne Builds On GMC Heritage of Meeting Customers' Needs Through Innovation

Since 1902, GMC has built great trucks designed to meet the high standards of vocational and personal users. Over the years, customers have turned to GMC to deliver vehicles with the construction, appearance and performance of professional-level products.

The continued innovation and customer-driven design that led to 98 years of building great trucks has also led to the latest GMC concept vehicle: the Terradyne. 'Terradyne is innovative, yet timeless in its execution - a new and confident expression of GMC professional grade positioning through exciting styling, precision functionality and peerless versatility in a package with fresh proportions,' says Carl Zipfel, GMC design manager. Although Terradyne may look, at first glance, like something completely different, its functionality and versatility are a direct extension of the innovative capabilities found throughout the 2000 GMC vehicle lineup.

When it comes to power, GMCs have it. Sierra's new Vortec engine lineup is the most powerful and fuel efficient family of gasoline V8s in its class. Safari offers the highest torque rating in its class, giving drivers quick acceleration and plenty of power to meet their towing needs. Sonoma's Vortec 4300 engine is the largest 6 cylinder offered in the compact truck segment, delivering great performance for passing, towing and hauling.

Terradyne continues the tradition. Únder its tilt-forward full hood, the powerful new DuramaxÔ 6.6-liter overhead valve (OHV) four-valve-per-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel V8 sets new standards for diesel power, performance, durability and quiet operation. The engine, which will be available as optional equipment on 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500 Series pickups, features a revolutionary direct-injection common-rail fuel system for excellent performance and fuel economy, along with a host of other features.

Envoy, Jimmy, Yukon, Yukon XL, Safari and Sierra offer GMC's Tow/Haul transmission shift select preference feature, which allows the transmission to shift smoothly whether loaded or unloaded for excellent performance when towing a trailer or hauling a payload. Terradyne features the Allison 1000 SeriesTM 5-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) This transmission also provides a Tow/Haul mode, and builds on this capability by adding engine grade braking, a system that allows the driver to better control the truck's speed when carrying heavy loads downhill. This helps avoid excessive brake use by allowing the transmission to automatically downshift, using the engine to slow the vehicle. Terradyne's transmission also provides best-in-class towing and power-takeoff (PTO) capability. PTOs, which the classic Sierra offers with manual transmissions, are used to transfer engine power to an onboard hydraulic pump. This hydraulic power can be used to hoist or drive generators or compressors, power dump truck bodies, or raise and lower a snowplow. The inclusion of PTO capability gives Terradyne increased relevance to commercial applications.

The 2000 Yukon features a decreased turning circle for improved maneuvering in tight places. Terradyne expands upon Yukon's agility by introducing QuadraSteerÔ four-wheel steering. This innovation provides powerful full-size trucks with the agility of a smaller vehicle. The driver can make tighter turns at low speeds, so parking lots are easier to navigate. The system also enhances highway speed agility by compensating for factors such as the wind turbulence encountered when the vehicle is passed by a large truck. The additional stability and control offered by Terradyne's four-wheel steering also builds upon GMC's towing capacities through additional stability and control at both high and low speeds.

All GMC owners have the advantage of standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes that help preserve steering control. Customers who drive the 2000 Yukon, Sierra or Sonoma 4WD have standard four-wheel disc brakes. Ventilated disc brakes at all four wheels help eliminate heat for consistent stopping power. Terradyne goes even further, offering cross-drilled vented disc brakes for extra cooling, providing even more capability. The 2000 Yukon, Sierra and Terradyne also feature Dynamic Rear Proportioning, which makes better use of the rear brakes by electronically modulating brake line pressure for maximum effectiveness. That means the brakes behave the same, whether the truck is loaded or empty.

GMC also excels at providing owners with the flexibility they need to comfortably enjoy an active lifestyle. Safari offers the superior towing capabilities of a truck along with the personal amenities of a minivan. Terradyne takes this idea and runs with it, providing the maximum amount of interior and cargo space in the minimum overall length. To accomplish this, designers lifted the cab up two inches, allowing it to clear key components so that it could be moved seven inches forward. This cab up-and-forward design allowed the creation of more interior space without adding any overall length to Terradyne, giving the customer the seating comfort of an SÚV and the cargo-carrying capability of a long box truck in the same amount of space as a traditional short-box extended cab.

The 2000 Yukon and the 2000 Sierra both offer customers manually-extendable towing mirrors for a wider field of view when towing. Terradyne goes further with power-extendable rear view mirror controls. The press of a button telescopes these mirrors up to six inches outward. When they're not needed, the same button retracts the mirrors, creating more side clearance for parking in narrow spaces or entering a garage. In especially tight spaces, the mirrors can fold back against the glass for even better side clearance. Terradyne also makes towing easier with a rear video system that enhances safety and ease of operation. The system uses a camera integrated into the tailgate, sending the image to an instrument-panel mounted screen that gives the driver a clear view that eliminates the traditional rearview blind zone when hitching a trailer.

Savana drivers enjoy 165-degree swing out rear doors that allow the driver to back up to a loading dock without removing doors or risking damage to the vehicle. Terradyne expands on the idea of easy loading with four powered doors that slide parallel to the sides of the vehicle. Traditional crew cab doors become an obstacle for users to walk around when open. Extended cab doors open away from each other, and a vehicle parked close in the next space can prevent them from opening very far. These conditions create difficulty for the pickup's occupants in entering, exiting and loading cargo. Because Terradyne's doors move out a matter of inches instead of the three or more feet of a traditional door, these obstacles are eliminated. The gliding door construction also allows the elimination of the 'B' pillar - the center support that traditionally divides the front and rear doors. With no 'B' pillar, the user has a wide-open, unobstructed space for loading and unloading cargo.



Terradyne builds on GMC's 98 years of state-of-the-art truck building expertise, exploring fresh ideas and innovative capabilities. The result is a vehicle that expands on the best features of the current GMC lineup, giving users everything they expect from a pickup, plus exciting new features that provide outstanding levels of unexpected functionality. The Terradyne reaffirms GMC's commitment to offering trucks that benefit customers by providing capabilities that exceed customer requirements. Terradyne showcases the type of features that GMC is investigating for future products.

Source - GM

GMC Terradyne Redefines the Pickup Truck for the 21st Century

Terradyne, the latest concept vehicle from GMC, takes the traditional full-size pickup into a new realm of capabilities. The truck's name derives from 'terra,' Latin for 'of the earth,' and the Greek 'dyne,' meaning 'strength and power.' The name fits: Terradyne combines a commanding, dramatic presence with power and versatility that reinterprets the pickup truck for the 21st century. Exciting innovations and an emphasis on industrial precision result in a vehicle that brings exciting new capabilities to both of its roles: as a professional grade tool on the job and as a vehicle for comfortable family transportation.

Terradyne builds on GMC's 98 years of state-of-the-art truck-building expertise, redefining the pickup truck with fresh ideas and innovative capabilities. The result is a well thought-out vehicle that gives users everything they expect from a pickup, plus exciting new features that provide unexpected levels of functionality.

'Terradyne's development began with GMC's approach to building trucks -- focusing on the user,' said Duane Paige, GMC portfolio manager. 'The team of designers and engineers took a long, detailed look at how people really use trucks. They let fresh, innovative solutions to age-old problems drive the concept's definition, and let the function determine the form.' The goal was to produce a truck with the characteristics of a well-made precision tool: thoughtfully designed and engineered, easy to use, with a solid feel matched with outstanding levels of capability. Every aspect of the design was analyzed with customer benefits in mind.

'Visually, Terradyne expresses this philosophy through the use of exterior billet cut styling,' said Carl Zipfel, GMC design manager. 'Clean, beveled forms draw precise lines around strong, solid volumes, resulting a great-looking brand expression. These assertive, powerful forms are driven by Terradyne's strengths and capabilities. Terradyne's fresh, new proportions stem from the ingenious use of existing pickup truck volume.'

'Terradyne takes the volume of a traditional extended cab short box pickup and makes it work more efficiently for the user,' said Zipfel. The cab is moved up-and-forward, a revolutionary process that makes the most use of Terradyne's available space for passengers. The 6-foot cargo box is powered to extend to 8 feet when more cargo room is needed, and back again when the job is complete. An innovative Side Storage System with powered access doors makes use of previously wasted space in the cargo box by creating two enclosed, lockable storage areas in the outer rear side panels. The inside of the box remains the same size - it's still able to carry four-foot-wide loads. The cab up-and-forward design also pays off inside, creating more interior room than a traditional crew cab. 'Terradyne's cab up-and-forward design combines the seating comfort of an SÚV with the cargo-carrying capability of a long box truck - in the same amount of space as a traditional short-box extended cab. We've increased the capability of the truck while maintaining a vehicle size that's garagable and easy to maneuver,' said Zipfel.

The emphasis on innovation and efficiency doesn't stop with truck volume. Terradyne's powerful new 6.6-liter V8 intercooled turbo-diesel, Duramax 6600™, sets new standards for diesel power, performance, durability and quiet operation. The new Allison 1000 Series™ 5-speed automatic transmission features normal and tow/haul modes of operation, and adds engine-grade braking and power take-off capabilities. With Terradyne, GMC also introduces QuadraSteer™ -- a remarkable four-wheel steering system. This innovation provides excellent maneuverability - allowing the driver to turn tightly at low speeds - as well as enhanced stability and towing capabilities at highway speeds.

Many of Terradyne's capabilities aren't obvious at first glance, but reveal themselves as the truck is used. For instance, anyone who has driven a pickup is familiar with situations such as 'parking lot trap.' Traditional extended cab doors open away from each other, and a vehicle parked close in the next space can prevent them from opening very far. This creates difficulty for the pickup's occupants in entering, exiting and loading cargo. Terradyne's four innovative doors are powered to glide forward and back instead of swinging out, providing easy access to the cab and eliminating 'parking lot trap.' Traditional crew cabs feature 'B' pillars, with the need to walk around the door to access the front and rear seats. Gliding door construction allows the elimination of the 'B' pillar - the center support that traditionally divides the front and rear doors. No 'B' pillar means a wide-open space for loading and unloading cargo. A door-activated power-assist step automatically lowers to aid entry and exit, then raises to maintain high ground clearance.

Inside, reconfigurable rear seats and steering wheel-mounted controls add convenience and functionality. A mobile office with a console-mounted laptop allows drivers to take the productivity of their office with them when they hit the road. A Rear Video System uses a camera integrated into the tailgate to give the driver a clear view when backing up or while hitching a trailer, as do Terradyne's power extendable rearview mirrors. Premium materials used throughout the interior, such as aluminum, stainless steel and leather, reflect Terradyne's goal of meeting practical, work-related needs while providing exceptional occupant comfort.

Another feature that exemplifies Terradyne's status as both a precision tool and family transportation is the AuraGen 5000 watt on-board, engine-driven generator. 110V and 220V outlets in the tailgate area gives the user access to 'power on site,' whether at work on the jobsite or relaxing at a campsite.

'Terradyne is innovative, yet timeless in its execution - a new and confident expression of GMC through exciting styling, precision functionality and peerless versatility in a package with fresh proportions,' said Zipfel. Paige adds, 'The Terradyne reaffirms GMC's commitment to offering trucks that benefit customers by providing capabilities that exceed customer requirements. This is GMC's vision of what a full-size truck can be. It's a way to package all these exciting features together so people can see the direction we're going. Terradyne showcases the type of features that we're investigating for future GMC products.'

Source - GM

GMC Terradyne Brings Industrial Precision to Pickup Design

The 21st-century consumer faces unique demands. They need to be highly productive. They need to make the most of their time. They want to invest in products that have additional capabilities to make their lives more productive. To help their customers meet these 21st-century challenges, GMC develops trucks with a design direction and philosophy that delivers top-of-the-line engineering and design, proven professionalism, and capabilities that exceed customer requirements.

'With GMC's philosophy in mind, our design team developed a brand character that we called 'Industrial Precision,'' said Carl Zipfel, GMC design manager. 'That means designing trucks that are like a well-made precision tool - thoughtfully designed and engineered, easy to use, with a solid feel matched with outstanding levels of capability. It means designing vehicles that reflect how people actually use trucks.' The Terradyne concept vehicle is the first example of 'Industrial Precision' design.

While developing the Terradyne, the design team focused on three key components: packaging, functionality, and the overall brand style.

'Packaging' Terradyne meant creating the maximum amount of interior and cargo space in the minimum overall length. To accomplish this, said Zipfel, 'We lifted the cab up two inches relative to current trucks. That allowed the cab to clear key components so that we could move the front of the cab seven inches forward.' This cab up-and-forward design allowed the creation of more interior space without adding any overall length to the vehicle, giving the customer the seating comfort of an SÚV and the cargo-carrying capability of a long box truck in the same amount of space as a traditional short-box extended cab. 'In essence, we've created a crew cab in the same overall footprint as an extended cab,' said Zipfel. 'This gives the Terradyne user significantly more functionality in a size that will still fit easily in a typical garage.'

With the second design focus, functionality, 'We wanted to make a better product for our customers, something that would make their lives more productive with less effort,' said Zipfel. This concern led to the development of four full-size powered gliding doors that eliminate the traditional 'B' pillar, giving users unobstructed access to the cab. It also led to the creation of a powered step that automatically folds down when the doors are open for ease of entry, then raises when the doors close to maintain superior ground clearance. Lockable storage space in the outer rear side panels was created without sacrificing any valuable cargo box space. 'The side storage compartments are driven by customer convenience and functionality. It's something we think the customer needs and would expect from their vehicle,' said Zipfel.

Functionality also drove a powered, extendable tailgate feature, which allows the 6-foot cargo box to extend to 8 feet when more cargo room is needed. 'As we know, the appeal of trucks continues to grow, especially for personal use. Many of these truck owners only use the full length of the box part of the time,' said Zipfel. 'The rest of the time they haul smaller items. So we incorporated this feature that lets the user haul something long when he needs to, then go back to a shorter configuration when the job is complete.'

The third goal in designing Terradyne was to reinforce the GMC brand character. This was done visually through Terradyne's use of beveled forms and strong, solid lines and volumes, conveying durability, strength, capability and power. Interior materials such as leather, stainless steel and reinforced composites work together to deliver occupant comfort and heavy-duty durability. Even details like chrome-plated control arms and the brushed metal fuel filler door cap attest to the importance of precision-tool quality on every level. The GMC character goes deeper than Terradyne's good looks, as proven by functional features such as a powerful new 6.6-liter V8 intercooled Duramax 6600™ turbo-diesel, a 5-speed Allison 1000 Series™ automatic transmission with engine grade braking, and QuadraSteer™ four-wheel steering.

Terradyne stands as an icon and a touchstone for future design explorations. 'The idea is to provide a confident expression of GMC through the bold execution of a show vehicle with exciting styling, peerless functionality and versatility, with impressive cues and appointments in a package with fresh proportions,' said Zipfel. 'We're exploring new concepts from which to base the look and feel of GMC vehicles for the 21st century. Terradyne builds on GMC's 98 years of state-of-the-art truck-building expertise, redefining the pickup truck with fresh ideas and innovative capabilities.'

Source - GMC

GMC Terradyne's Cab Up-And-Forward Design Creates New Levels of Interior Comfort

Terradyne's designers and engineers had a goal: To produce a user-focused truck with the characteristics of a well-made precision tool -- thoughtfully designed and engineered, easy to use, with a solid feel matched with outstanding levels of capability. Terradyne's interior meets that goal, combining unexpected work-related functionality with exceptional occupant comfort.

Carl Zipfel, GMC design manager, says, 'Terradyne's interior echoes the look and feel of its exterior, with clean, uncluttered surfaces, and purposeful, straightforward features located in all the right places.' Designers used materials that reflect the pickup's dual role as jobsite workhorse and family transportation. Leather, stainless steel and reinforced composites put comfort where it's important while providing surfaces that are durable enough for heavy-duty use. The combination makes Terradyne's interior an undeniably hardworking and surprisingly pleasant environment.

A new, higher seating position creates a even more commanding view of the road. To accomplish this, says Zipfel, 'We lifted the cab up two inches relative to current trucks. That allowed the cab to clear key components so that we could move the front of the cab seven inches forward. Doing that allowed us to accomplish our goal of creating more interior space without adding length.' This process, called cab up-and-forward design, moved the seating positions forward and up. 'The result was a better sightline downward at the top edge of the hood,' said Zipfel. 'From a driving viewpoint you have better visibility all the way around the vehicle.' To enhance the sense of space and visibility, the instrument panel components are mounted lower, while still keeping the key controls high enough for the driver to reach easily. Capping off the interior is a tinted glass roof that lets in more light and contributes to the spacious, airy feeling.

Terradyne provides plenty of features that keep the driver informed and in touch. A mobile office with a console-mounted, Compaq laptop computer with a color LCD screen allows drivers to leave the office while maintaining their productivity. The instrument panel features electronic, easy-to-read analog gauges. A rear video monitoring system with a 5.3-inch display eliminates the traditional rearview blind zone when hitching a trailer. Power-extendable rear view mirror controls also enhance rearward visibility. If rear visibility is reduced, such as when towing a long or wide trailer, the press of a button telescopes these mirrors up to six inches outward. When they're not needed, the same button retracts the mirrors, creating more side clearance for parking in narrow spaces or entering a garage. In especially tight spaces, the mirrors can fold back against the glass for even better side clearance.

The extra interior space created by Terradyne's cab up-and-forward design also pays off where seating is concerned. Five passengers can enjoy the seating room and comfort usually associated with an SÚV without sacrificing cargo-carrying capability. Redesigned seats are wider and firmer, and seatback angles are more relaxed, for increased occupant comfort. The reconfigurable rear seats fold flat for additional cargo room inside the cab.

Terradyne's spacious, comfortable and hard-working interior reaffirms GMC's commitment to offering innovative, versatile trucks that exceed customer requirements.

Source - GM

Terradyne's Dramatic, Commanding Presence Conveys GMC Industrial Precision

With exciting styling and fresh proportions, the GMC Terradyne is a dramatic reinterpretation of the pickup truck for the 21st century. Terradyne's unique exterior billet cut styling, clean, beveled forms and strong, solid volumes produce a vehicle that speaks of strength, innovation and capability.

The Terradyne concept vehicle is the first example of GMC's 'Industrial Precision' design philosophy. According to Carl Zipfel, GMC design manager, 'Industrial Precision means designing vehicles that are like a well-made precision tool -- thoughtfully designed and engineered, easy to use, with a solid feel matched with outstanding levels of capability.' That design philosophy is expressed in assertive, powerful forms that convey a sense of power and durability.

The Industrial Precision image is evident in the scale and proportion of the front end, with its prominent GMC logo and bold center port grille that delivers maximum cooling airflow. At the side, the high beveled shoulder creates a clean, uncluttered look that echoes Terradyne's purposeful and straightforward functionality.

Beyond the exciting styling, a look at Terradyne reveals numerous customer- driven exterior features and benefits that result in a better product. Lights surround Terradyne, creating exceptional visibility while making the truck impossible to miss. Úp front, advanced three-element headlamps and white xenon driving lamps mounted in the front bumper offer excellent visibility with eye-catching styling. Two amber clearance lamps mounted on the roof help make the vehicle more visible. Oversize, power-extendable rearview mirrors incorporate amber turn signals. These lights are visible to motorists in neighboring lanes who may be too far forward to see Terradyne's rear, amber neon turn signals. Additional rear illumination comes from a red neon center high mounted stop lamp, red neon rear brake lamps and high-intensity backup lamps.

Many of Terradyne's customer-driven capabilities are not immediately obvious, revealing themselves only as the vehicle is used. For instance, the fresh, new exterior proportions aren't just for looks - they stem from the ingenious use of existing pickup truck volume. An innovative Side Storage System with powered upward-opening access doors makes use of previously wasted space by creating two enclosed, lockable storage areas in the outer rear side panels. 'We moved the rear wheels further back to open up this area,' said Zipfel. 'That gave us room to create concealed, lockable, weatherproof storage that utilizes the space between the body panels.' These storage areas were created without taking room away from the cargo box, which retains the capability to carry large cargo such as 4x8 plywood sheets. Úsers can securely carry tools, home improvement materials or recreational cargo such as hunting and fishing gear in the enclosed areas, while leaving the cab available for people and the cargo box free for large loads.

Another unique feature that adds versatility for the customer is the extendable pickup box. 'Right now, truck boxes come in 6 1/2 foot or 8 foot lengths,' said Zipfel. 'The user has to choose which box length they need. If they need the 8 foot box, they can either drive a longer truck that's not as easy to fit into a garage or other limited space, or they're forced to accept a smaller cab.' The Terradyne design team set out to create a box that could accommodate the need to haul long loads while keeping the truck length manageable. 'We created a powered extendable tailgate feature that works basically like a drawer,' said Zipfel. 'If there's long cargo to be hauled, the user can convert the box from 6 feet to 8 feet in length. When it's not needed, the cargo box slides forward again.' This feature offers users all the cargo-carrying capacity of an 8-foot box on a traditional short-box length. 'Terradyne takes the volume of a traditional extended cab short box pickup and makes it work more efficiently for the user,' Zipfel §äid.

Terradyne's four powered doors also offer outstanding functionality. Útilizing a design that moves beyond conventional hinged doors, a pull on Terradyne's handle causes the door to move straight out, then glide parallel to the sides of the vehicle. The unique hinge design gives users the action of a sliding door without any grooves on the body to collect water and dirt. These doors are also powered, making them easy to open and close even if the driver's hands are full.

The door design provides pickup drivers with much more convenience than they've known in the past. When traditional crew cab doors open, they create an obstacle for users to walk around. Traditional crew cab doors also have a 'B' pillar -- the center support that traditionally divides the front and rear doors. Terradyne's gliding door construction allows the elimination of the 'B' pillar, giving the user a wide-open, unobstructed space for loading and unloading cargo. Extended cab doors open away from each other, and a vehicle parked close in the next space can prevent them from opening very far. This creates difficulty for the pickup's occupants in entering, exiting and loading cargo - otherwise known as 'parking lot trap.' Because Terradyne's doors move out a matter of inches instead of the three or more feet of a traditional door, the open-door obstacle and 'parking lot trap' are eliminated.

Because Terradyne is built for going off-road, it requires significant ground clearance. But high ground clearance can make it difficult for occupants to climb in and out. So the traditional fixed running board was transformed into a power-assist step that lowers automatically when the doors open to aid entry and exit, then raises to maintain high ground clearance. More evidence of Terradyne's customer-driven design can be found in a rear video system that enhances safety and ease of operation. The system uses a camera integrated into the tailgate, sending the image to an instrument-panel mounted screen that gives the driver a clear rearward view when backing up or while hitching a trailer.

Other practical features include a front winch and a platform trailer hitch with 7-pin electrical and auxiliary video connectors. These features add to Terradyne's towing and hauling versatility, both on the job and for recreational use. The tilt-forward full hood gives the user easy access to the engine compartment for routine maintenance.

Source - GM

GMC Terradyne: Innovative Functionality

The name Terradyne comes from 'terra,' Latin for 'of the earth,' and the Greek 'dyne,' meaning 'strength and power.' It's a name that evokes an image of strong, dynamic capabilities. The Terradyne concept vehicle lives up to the name: With exciting innovations and an emphasis on industrial precision, Terradyne brings exciting new functionality to its role as a powerful tool with capabilities that exceed requirements.

Terradyne is a truck that 'is good down to its bones.' Únder its tilt-forward full hood, the powerful new Duramax 6.6-liter V8 sets new standards for diesel power, performance, durability and quiet operation. The engine, which will be available as optional equipment on 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500 Series pickups, is a 90-degree, direct-injection, overhead valve (OHV), four-valve-per-cylinder, intercooled turbo-diesel V8.

The Duramax 6600™ engine offers excellent fuel economy through its lightweight design and a new direct-injection, common-rail fuel system, which provides maximum power for each pulse of fuel used. Like other direct injection systems, the Duramax 6600™ injector sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, producing more efficient combustion. Únlike other systems, injection pressure is independent of engine speed. Instead, fuel is computer-controlled by the Electronic Driver Únit (EDÚ), which works with the Engine Control Module (ECM) to adjust the fuel pressure. Variably controlled pressures of up to 23,000 psi -- up to three times higher than a normal fuel injection system -- deliver the most effective combustion for the engine's current operating conditions. This system lets the Duramax 6600Ô achieve excellent fuel economy while lowering emissions and enhancing performance over the entire engine speed range.

The sophistication and technology of the direct-injection system components also allow the Duramax 6600™ to use a process known as 'pilot injection.' A small amount of fuel is injected into the cylinder before the main injection occurs. This lets combustion start on a small scale and build rapidly, resulting in reduced engine knock, less vibration and quieter, smoother start-ups.

The Duramax 6600™ four-valve-per-cylinder configuration is state-of-the-art for modern diesel engine design. It optimizes airflow in and out of the engine, improves breathing at higher rpms, and processes more air. All that air results in more horsepower than competing designs. A slight twist to the shape of its valves gives incoming air added swirl, which improves the combustion process, controlling emissions and maximizing fuel efficiency.

A cooler-running engine runs more efficiently, is more reliable and puts more power at the driver's command. That's why there's no shortage of cooling capabilities built into the Duramax 6600™. A charge air cooler functions as an air/air radiator, taking compressed air from the turbocharger and cooling it. This cooler, denser air flows into the engine, where it improves fuel combustion to provide more power.

An integral oil cooler, like those found on many medium-duty truck engines, uses water from the gear-driven water pump to lower oil temperatures. A piston spray cooling system sprays oil directly onto each piston, helping to reduce operating temperatures. A transmission oil cooler, mounted below the radiator, allows the transmission to operate efficiently and extends the life of the components. A large, 21-inch-diameter composite fan features a large modulating clutch that reduces fan noise. All these features contribute to a cooler-running engine and transmission, enhancing the vehicle's reliability and the customer's peace of mind.

Torque is the force that lets a driver get their vehicle and load moving. The Duramax 6600™ engine delivers more torque across the power band than any competitor, helping Terradyne excel in off-the-line performance, acceleration and heavy-duty trailering and hauling. With a targeted operating life of at least 200,000 miles, the engine also delivers low maintenance costs and increased customer confidence. Key durability enhancements include a nitrided crankshaft -- nitriding creates a hard surface for excellent crankshaft bearing life. A deep-skirt block design and an exclusive induction hardened block offer excellent engine balance and a rigid structure, elements that provide smoother, quieter engine and driveline operation. Hardened valve seat inserts in the aluminum cylinder heads are another exclusive for engines in this class, providing improved durability and reliability.

The combination of these structural enhancements and the electrically-controlled fuel-injection system gives the Duramax 6600™ noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) figures more typical of a similar-sized gasoline engine than a diesel engine. Easy serviceability is created by the engine's compact size, the placement of the turbocharger in the 'V' space atop the engine, and the thoughtful placement of items such as the timing gear chain, oil filter and fuel filter. All are easily accessible and offer reduced service time.

Another of Terradyne's features helps users leverage the full power and torque of the Duramax 6600™ - the Allison Transmission 1000 SeriesTM 5-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) In addition to handling the substantial power and torque of the Duramax 6600™, the 1000 Series delivers superior shift quality and best-in-class towing capability.



The 5-speed configuration gives the driver excellent off-the-line performance and acceleration at lower speeds, as well as greater control on steep grades and during heavy-duty trailering and hauling. Five speeds give Terradyne a wider power band for more efficient power at any speed. The first four gears have closely spaced ratios, meaning better throttle response and acceleration to get the load moving. Fifth gear overdrive reduces engine rpm at higher speeds, so drivers experience excellent fuel economy and enhanced, quiet engine performance. The electronic controls provide superior smoothness and shifting consistency.

The transmission also gives Terradyne power-takeoff (PTO) capability - previously available only with a manual transmission on GMC pickup trucks. PTOs are commonly used to transfer engine power to an onboard hydraulic pump, powering dump truck bodies, hoist or drive generators or compressors.

The 1000 Series offers two modes of operation that let Terradyne operate equally well when loaded or unloaded. Normal mode, used during normal day-to-day driving, engages the converter clutch in fourth and fifth gear ranges for a superior combination of performance and shift quality. When hauling a heavy load, the driver can choose the Tow/Haul mode by pressing a button on the end of the gearshift lever. Tow/Haul mode holds gears longer, putting more torque where it's needed. Once the load is moving, Tow/Haul mode helps the driver haul heavy loads in overdrive for less noise and improved fuel economy. There's less hunting between gears when climbing hills, so the transmission stays cooler. Because the transmission builds more power for crisp shifts in Tow/Haul mode, drivers get the same solid shift feel whether they're traveling light, hauling cargo or towing a trailer.

Engine grade-braking, another new feature of Terradyne's transmission, helps the driver slow the vehicle and avoid excessive use of the brakes. For example, when drivers carrying heavy loads go down a steep hill without engine grade-braking, they can either use the brakes or manually shift into a lower gear to slow the truck. The 1000 Series uses operating data, such as how long the driver's foot has been on the brake, vehicle speed, and the gear currently engaged to calculate shift parameters. At a certain threshold, the driver can activate a brake-pedal command by tapping the brakes, and the transmission will downshift without the driver having to move the gear lever. Manual range selection always remains available to the driver.

Terradyne's 5000 watt on-board, engine-driven generator provides unprecedented functionality and versatility. At work on the jobsite, the generator can use the 110V and 220V outlets located in the tailgate area to run tools and machinery, making a portable generator or other power source unnecessary. This 'power on site' can also make family recreational activities much more enjoyable, allowing users to take the conveniences of home with them wherever they go.

With Terradyne, GMC also introduces QuadraSteer™ -- a remarkable four-wheel steering system. This innovation provides the agility of a smaller truck or car, allowing the driver to turn tightly at low speeds. The system also enhances stability at highway speeds, compensating for factors such as the wind turbulence encountered when the vehicle is passed by a large truck. The additional stability and control also enhance Terradyne's towing capabilities both at high and low speeds.

Terradyne exceptional functionality is the result of GMC's 98 years of state-of-the-art truck building expertise. It's a truck with the characteristics of a well-made precision tool: thoughtfully designed and engineered, easy to use, and a solid feel matched with outstanding levels of capability.

Source - GM