VE Crewman set for production

[Clutch22]

The VE Crewman has been designed and built. I thought it'd be another year or two but they've done it. It is very much a prototype right now and they're sending it to the US to see what kind of reaction it gets.

My boss came in and showed it to me. Stand by and I'll get a source so y'all can have a look.

[Evman]

Woo! It's gonna be huuuuuuuuge!!

[mac06]

Anything's possible, but don't hang by your fingernails waiting. It's probably a CGI

[planetdavo]

Unless your boss is a high level manager within Holden, and provided insider information, you all have about ZERO chance of another Crewman anytime soon.
Holden is running at maximum production already, and if the ute goes to America, they will probably have to go back to a third shift again, leaving no capacity for yet another variant.
Plus, they already stated numerous times that they wont be doing one anytime soon, which really is a pretty believeable comment, as VY/VZ Crewman didn't really do that well, considering all the work to create it.

[Curtis-R]

Yer lets face it, those back seats were :bawl:.

I think they would better off and perhaps more successful going the 2 door direction again IMO.

[Mr Frew]

Clutch22, I think your boss is pretty cool to come tell you about it tho ...

[Hamico]

Great news.

Just hope they have improved the back seat + space this time

Get it right and they have a huge hit on their hands

[Steve-LS2]

Holden is running at maximum production already, and if the ute goes to America, they will probably have to go back to a third shift again, leaving no capacity for yet another variant.

The ute is not going to America unless the bean counters approve it soon and they already run the third shift don't they??

[planetdavo]

The ute is not going to America unless the bean counters approve it soon and they already run the third shift don't they??
Third shift was stopped early VZ.
Holden said they were stopping tonner/crewman production due to unnecessary complexity in the assembly plant, with so many left and right hand drive body styles in production.
I agree ute hasn't been confirmed, but two shift is at full capacity with G8 production, and ute to the US would need another shift.
Crewman wasn't successful for Holden. It was rushed into production, didn't sell all that well, and cost them a fair bit in warranty costs. Developing a crewman off the already nearly 18 month old VE would be another rushed conversion like the last one was. Wont happen.

[Danv8]

Heres something
"GENERAL Motors product czar Bob Lutz has
revealed that GM is set to display a VE-based
SUV in the form of a four-door utility.
Speaking to Australian media at the North
American International Auto Show in Detroit
this week, Mr Lutz hinted that it might herald
the unexpected return of the Crewman dual-cab
ute in Australia, not to mention a new export
opportunity to the United States for Holden.
“We will have a ute concept at the NY show,
but that is going to be badged GMC,” he said.
“That is a global design study – and a very
interesting study in that it is a GMC toughlooking
four-door ute that could then obviously
be badged as a Holden for Australia.”"

[Hamico]

Found this:-

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/ganewsnav?readform&lead

.

[planetdavo]

Heres something
"GENERAL Motors product czar Bob Lutz has
revealed that GM is set to display a VE-based
SUV in the form of a four-door utility.

Ford Territory is "Falcon based" remember everyone, but how many people think of it that way?
That style is the way of the future, not the old crewman.

[Hamico]

Come In Crewman


Byron Mathioudakis
16 January 2008
www.goauto.com.au

General Motors product czar Bob Lutz has revealed that GM is set to display a VE-based SUV in the form of a four-door utility.

Speaking to Australian media at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, Mr Lutz hinted that it might herald the unexpected return of the Crewman dual-cab ute in Australia, not to mention a new export opportunity to the United States for Holden.

“We will have a ute concept at the NY show, but that is going to be badged GMC,” he said.
“That is a global design study – and a very interesting study in that it is a GMC toughlooking four-door ute that could then obviously be badged as a Holden for Australia.”

In the style of the old VY/VZ Crewman – but beefed up to look more like a US-style pick-up truck – the as-yet unnamed concept vehicle, which is understood to have been designed in Melbourne, will debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show in March.

“It is very tough looking, with a sport-utility look that is very low, very aggressive looking, a blend between a sport utility and the classic Australian four-door ute,” Mr Lutz enthused.

GoAuto understands that Holden has played a significant role in the development of this vehicle, which uses the global Zeta architecture. Furthermore, if the New York motor show public reacts positively enough, a production version of the concept is likely in the near future.

However, Mr Lutz was also quick to water down speculation that a Crewman will be a sure thing.

.

[zaim]

oh shit yeah.... should be a good addition to holdens tradie range

[Hamico]

This must be the surprise "concept" Holden are showing at this years Melbourne Motor show ?

[teamkiwi]

Me thinks that this will be the equivalient of what FoA are doing with its "Huntsman"...A new Ute/pickup based on a sedan platform(territory) set to replace the Ranger, so in holdens case, set to replace the Rodeo. Anyway, Isnt there rumours that Holden will no longer be able to source Rodeo in the near future, this could make a suitable replacement!

[kingwalker]

The ute is not going to America unless the bean counters approve it soon and they already run the third shift don't they??at work we make the batterys , this week toyota took 3 thousand batterys, holden Ln4 gto 400,holden Ln2 600, mitibishi about 600, ford 600, toyota are our best customer, but saying that we will be putting out more gto bsttery this week:rofl:

[planetdavo]

Me thinks that this will be the equivalient of what FoA are doing with its "Huntsman"...A new Ute/pickup based on a sedan platform(territory) set to replace the Ranger, so in holdens case, set to replace the Rodeo. Anyway, Isnt there rumours that Holden will no longer be able to source Rodeo in the near future, this could make a suitable replacement!
I agree along these lines.
I get the feeling Holden could design something the size of a Mack truck, and quite a few people would still think of it as the return of the Crewman!
Crewman as you all knew it wont be back, but a VE "based" 4 door ute might be.
This goes on all the time in the "soft roader" class. Almost every single brand in the CRV/RAV4 class has "based" their car on a basic sedan chassis, yet hardly anyone realises it!

[Hamico]

Me thinks that this will be the equivalient of what FoA are doing with its "Huntsman"...A new Ute/pickup based on a sedan platform(territory) set to replace the Ranger, so in holdens case, set to replace the Rodeo. Anyway, Isnt there rumours that Holden will no longer be able to source Rodeo in the near future, this could make a suitable replacement!

The Rodeo is safe as GM still has an contract with Isuzu, plus the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are also based off the same platform as the Rodeo, either Isuzu or GM will build the next Rodeo.

Besides, the Rodeo sells between 1,500 to 2,000 a month, which makes it the second biggest seller in the Holden range now after the Commoodore, the Astra slipping to third.

These are important and much needed sales, especially to the tradies, as the Commodore ute targets the lifestyle market now.

A 4-door VE Crewman would definitely expand the ute's versatility and a tough looking 4WD model would appeal to tradies and farmers.

Bring it on

.

[Porkster]

Cannot wait for this to be released.

Has any one got any pics or drawing of what this may look like?


Porkster

[neverL8V8]

if you go to the holmart website it looks like there is on there main page if you wait for it to scroll around

[TriShield]

From what I hear it would likely be produced here in North America on the same line as the Camaro and shipped to Australia.

[NRD80Y]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/02/chicago-2008-gmc-denali-xt-four-door-flex-fuel-hybrid-ute/

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/xt_denali_concept_10.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/xt_denali_concept_09.jpg

PRESS RELEASE:

GMC DENALI XT HYBRID CONCEPT TRUCK DELIVERS 50-PERCENT FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT

• New, robust design form serves as a test well for GMC's future design direction
• First combination of GM's two-mode hybrid system with E85 ethanol-capable engine
• Height-adjustable suspension and cargo space-enhancing Midgate®

CHICAGO – GMC unveiled the Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM's two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT's new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM's small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM's unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability – including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

"Like all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC's engineering excellence, as well as GM's commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies."

With its unibody structure, the Denali XT is lighter than conventional body-on-frame trucks, with great ride-and-handling characteristics. This design enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience. True to its GMC Professional Grade heritage, the Denali XT is filled with technologies and features that maximize its flexibility, including a cargo space-enhancing Midgate® and height-adjustable suspension.

The Denali XT's proportions are framed around a high cowl and 123.4-inch (3,134 mm) wheelbase. This enhances the vehicle's truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture.

Design and construction were spearheaded by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM's global design and engineering network.

"Denali XT is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle," said Bunnell. "It is the same philosophy that has helped make the GMC Acadia crossover a huge hit with consumers."

Dramatic design statement
A muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance give the Denali XT a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, large wheels, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.

"It is a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. "It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck."

The Denali XT's design includes a new take on GMC's iconic grille, with a prominent, four-bar element in addition to the large, red GMC logo and signature Denali background. Flared fenders accentuate the wide road stance. The stance is also enhanced when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, which creates a sleeker appearance that simultaneously improves aerodynamics. Large, bold 23-inch wheels and custom Kuhmo tires complement the Denali XT's stance.

Inside, the Denali XT blends mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort.
Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an aircraft cockpit. This is balanced by the warmth of bespoke saddle-leather trimmed seats and other contact surfaces.

"The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC's power. The details have a deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC's engineering sophistication," said Warrack Leach, lead designer.

The interior features innovative instrumentation with "floating" red-illuminated numerals backed by surface chaplets in the clusters and a large integrated vehicle interface screen. The interior illumination was supplied by Osram.

The Denali XT seats four. The high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the couple distance between front and rear occupants to be reduced without compromising knee room. This packaging efficiency creates generous interior and cargo bed dimensions within a more compact package.

Truck capability
With stiffness that is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, the Denali XT's unibody structure supports a very capable truck platform. It also serves as the mounting point for a four-wheel independent suspension that gives the vehicle its performance feel on the road. The multilink front suspension features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with ball joints at the outer ends, providing sharp responses to driver input. At the rear, a four-link suspension design uses coil-over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar to enhance cornering control, reduce body roll and optimize longitudinal compliance. In short, it's a truck that hauls more than cargo on twisting roads.

The rear cargo area is wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or wheelhouse protrusions; the cargo floor measures 55 inches long (1,397 mm) by 47.5 inches wide (1,206 mm). It all adds up to the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.

The easy-to-operate Midgate can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle. The rear seats fold flat to provide a longer floor for carrying items such as skis, surfboards or wood from the home improvement store. A fixed rear window allowed engineers to retain the vehicle's structure, reducing mass and complexity.

The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (499 kg) and a towing capacity of an estimated 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg). This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration, where the multiple modes of GM's two-mode hybrid system provide towing capability.

New 4.9L SIDI V-8 and two-mode hybrid system
For the first time, GM's rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid transmission is paired with a smaller-displacement version of the small-block engine. The new V-8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 326 horsepower (243 kW). It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.

Also, the functionality of GM's Active Fuel Management system has been expanded through the use of hybrid technologies, enhancing the cylinder-deactivating feature to further improve fuel efficiency.

The Denali XT's two-mode hybrid system is partnered with the 4.9L engine and uses an electrically variable transmission to enhance fuel efficiency in city and highway driving. In city driving, all-electric propulsion is used at low speeds; on the highway, fixed-gear operation enables efficient performance even when towing a trailer.

The specific characteristics of the Denali XT allowed the synergistic evolution of GM's small-block V-8 and two-mode hybrid beyond the recently introduced in GM two-mode hybrid products, such as the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid. During this optimization process, additional powertrain technologies have been integrated, including Active Thermal Management, which transfers thermal energy from one driveline component to another to improve efficiency; and a high-efficiency axle configuration, which fundamentally reduces the losses normally associated with conventional axle configurations.

The integration of the advanced internal combustion engine technologies and two-mode hybrid system on the Denali XT reinforces GMC's Professional Grade position as a brand that continues to exceed customer expectations.

GMC DENALI XT CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

Body style / driveline: four-door, four-seat; rear-wheel drive sport-utility truck
Construction: body-frame integral
Engine type: 4.9L SIDI V-8 with Active Fuel Management
Horsepower (hp / kW): 326 / 243 (est)
Fuel type: unleaded regular or E85 ethanol
Transmission: two-mode hybrid
Suspension: front: independent SLA; rear: independent SLA
Brakes four-wheel disc
Wheel size & type: 23-inch aluminum; split 5-spoke
Tires: front: Kuhmo 255/35/R23
rear: Kuhmo 285/35/R23
Wheelbase (in / mm): 125.4 / 3134
Overall length: 205 / 5207
Overall width (in / mm): 76.3 / 1938
Overall height (in / mm): 62.5 / 1587
Track (in / mm): 65 / 1651
Cargo floor length (in / mm): 55 / 1397
Cargo floor width (in / mm): 47.5 / 1206
Payload (lb / kg): 1100 / 499 (est)
Towing capacity (lb / kg): 3500 / 1587 (est)

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/02/chicago-2008-gmc-denali-xt-four-door-flex-fuel-hybrid-ute/

[Grommz]

wholey hell..

its a 300c ute..

:bow: :bow:

[Steve'sR8]

As much as I would like a VE Crewman, I would be more than happy with a black one of these. Hopefully the production version won't stray too much from this & isn't too much more expensive than the VZ Crewman.

[Fnomna]

Very nice concept car. Will be interesting to see how close the production version is to this. Maybe the 23 inch wheels will br brought back to 19s!
And it's gonna take a 12 inch lion badge to fill the grille for the Holden version! :)

Remember how much the VE A-pillar got bagged. Check out the bigger one on this.
(2nd video)
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/autoshows/chicago2008/gmc/denalixt/page2.html

http://www.pickuptruck.com/IMAGES/autoshows/chicago2008/gmc/denalixt/comparo.gif

Pickuptruck.com

Interior is certainly...different
http://www.pickuptruck.com/IMAGES/autoshows/chicago2008/gmc/denalixt/xt2.jpg

[TriShield]

I really don't care for it.

[wagnman]

It never will stop amazing me how truely terrible the Americans are at styling the interiors of their cars:shock:

[HSVMAN]

It never will stop amazing me how truely terrible the Americans are at styling the interiors of their cars:shock:

Interior anything actually.
Its not bad but looks rather bling

[German Statesman]

Like steeping into a 60s Chrysler 300 with that square wheel and brown dash :spew:

[brentonsav]

it looks terrible and certainly wouldn't sell very well in australia.

melb motor show will unviel more...

[neverL8V8]

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc39/neverL8V8/CREWMAN08.jpg

[Holden Man]

http://aycu33.webshots.com/image/18152/2005342484552838622_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005342484552838622)

[SJA]

Its different, dont know about the interior though.

[Clutch22]

That interior makes me want to throw up...

Seriously, some of the stuff the yanks come up with is just really beyond reasoning.

[NRD80Y]

That interior makes me want to throw up...

Seriously, some of the stuff the yanks come up with is just really beyond reasoning.

Um, wasn't this concept designed and built by Holden??

[BadMac]

Not my work.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8561/gmccrewmanmonarossmo9.jpg

[CLUBRED]

Um, wasn't this concept designed and built by Holden??

Yep..

Another article: http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2887468.aspx

[BadMac]

Not my work.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/8561/gmccrewmanmonarossmo9.jpg


Fixed the link (Rehosted pic).

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w277/BadMac/gmccrewmanmonarossmo9.jpg

[Marco]

The concept thing is hideous, but I think we've missed the important bit - 4.9 litre V8 + hybrid drivetrain in something heavily based on the VE Commodore. And that means that GM is getting the V8 ready for the future rather than sitting back and hoping for the best vis a vis fuel prices etc.

In other words, the V8 has a future :)

[Hamico]

The GMC concept looks bloody unreal, it has a tough wide stance.

Holden has definitely done a great job designing this.

The interior however is not my taste, kinda a throwback to the seventies retro.

Holden, please bring on a VE Crewman :headbang:

.