GMC hinted at a future off-road version of its Canyon midsize pickup with a beefy concept vehicle revealed in Loveland, Colorado.
The Canyon AT4 OvrlandX ratchets up the looks and capabilities of the already available AT4, which already made some claims to increased off-road capability. GMC unveiled the pickups at the Overland Expo Mountain West.
GMC hasn't confirmed plans to build the OvrlandX, but it'd be surprising if most or all its features don't make it to production, the latest proof automakers' Truck Wars know no bounds for vehicle size and price.
"We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept," Buick and GMC chief Duncan Aldred said. "Consumer reaction to this concept's design will help us further serve the growing market" for vehicles with extreme off-road credentials, or at least looks.
The OvrlandX concept also boasts luxury and high-tech touches consistent with GMC's luxury image.
Front and rear lockers, and more
Significant mechanical upgrades include advanced Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers, a lifted body and front and rear locking differentials.
The concept showcases upgrades GM could make at the Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plant that builds the Canyon and its counterpart in Chevrolet's lineup, the Colorado.
Features likely to be added at the factory include:
—Ride height lift
—Rocker-panels that double as steps to access the lifted cab
—Cast-iron control arms
—Heavy-duty front bumper with Warn winch
—Front recovery hooks
—Rear mounted spare tire on a swivel mount so the tailgate can open
—Guy lines from front fenders to the roof to protect the windshield from low-hanging branches
The OvrlandX concept could ford up to 32.1 inches of water. The truck's approach angle is 27.7 degrees. Ground clearance is 10 inches, in part thanks to 33-inch Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on AEV Crestone wheels.
'Glamping' in a midsize pickup
Design cues include unique grille and headlamp finishes and a leather-wrapped interior. The interior and exterior have badges for AT4, GMC's off-road sub-brand.
"The Canyon AT4 OvrlandX concept truck was designed to balance functionality with aesthetics," designer John Owens said. When you're overlanding, capability is an important factor, but doing it with premium style elevates the experience."
"Overlanding" refers to extended off-road travel, frequently in vehicles that incorporate sleeping quarters.
Turning the Canyon into an overlander requires a number of accessories. The concept showcases several, including:
—Stainless steel bed cap
—Roof mounted tent
—270-degree awning
—Jerry cans for gasoline and water
—Cooler and kitchenette
—Truck bed storage system with drawers
—Off-road jack and mount
—Snorkel for cooler air intake
—Solar panel
The concept also has an AEV front bumper. Wixom-based supplier American Expedition Vehicles designs and makes parts to customize a range of pickups and SUVs, including the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, Jeep JT Wrangler and Gladiator and Ram Prospector.
GMC officially insists there's no plan to build the OvrlandX, but buyers' seemingly insatiable appetite for ever more luxurious and expensive pickups suggest a model very much like it will join the Canyon lineup.
