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Terra4's unconventional package - a totally integrated design and closed body, with a short, deep cargo area - permits greater functionality and utility than a pickup truck. Doors on the rear quarter panels allow easy access to the closed cargo area. The passenger cab is moved up and forward, creating interior cargo space behind the second row seats.

The four-door truck also is loaded with features that would exceed the expectations of the most demanding customers. The concept vehicle combines the fuel efficiency and power-on-the-go capabilities of a parallel hybrid V-8 engine with the car-like maneuverability of GM's exclusive four-wheel-steering.

Terra4's powertrain is derived from GM's innovative Parallel Hybrid Truck, which brings together a 285hp, 5.3-liter VORTEC V-8 gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor/generator.A 4.8-kilowatt motor/generator is integrated into the drivetrain between the gasoline engine and the transmission. This provides starting power and the ability to generate electricity during deceleration. It also saves weight and parts because a conventional starter and alternator are no longer needed.

At a stoplight, the gasoline engine shuts off, but the accessories continue working on stored electrical power. When the light turns green and the driver depresses the accelerator, the gasoline engine restarts automatically. The truck gets more miles per gallon because of the stop/start function, torque-smoothing for improved powertrain efficiency, and regenerative braking, which turns the motor into a generator to capture energy as the truck decelerates. The bottom line is 15 percent better gas mileage with no reduction in the truck's towing capacity. This system will be available as a powertrain option on GM's full-sized pickups, the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado, beginning in 2004.

Terra4 also features the Quadrasteer(tm) four-wheel steering system that provides car-like maneuverability in a full-size truck. The GMC-exclusive steering system guides 20-inch low rolling resistance custom Goodyear tires. QuadrasteerTM is an electro-mechanical rear steer system that turns the rear wheel to produce four-wheel steering. The rear wheels turn as a percentage of the front wheels up to a maximum 12-degree angle. The angle is based on vehicle speed and steering wheel turn.