For Immediate Release: January 10, 2000 GMC Terradyne Redefines the Pickup Truck for the 21st Century DETROIT - 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 SUV 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." Contact: Pontiac-GMC Communications (313) 667-4000 FAX (313) 667-4001