WINDY CITY KEEPS ON TRUCKIN'.(News)

Byline: DALE JEWETT, JONATHAN WONG

Trucks traditionally have taken center stage at the Chicago auto show, and this year's show-which celebrates its 100th anniversary Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place-keeps the streak alive.

Higher fuel prices are pushing automakers to explore unibody platforms for future trucks to cut weight and boost fuel economy. GMC shows it is thinking in that direction with the four-door, four-seat Denali XT concept-a modern interpretation of that '80s icon the GMC Caballero, sister of the far more commonplace Chevrolet El Camino.

The design team at General Motors' Holden group in Australia (where the car/pickup mash-up has thrived) started with the rear-drive Zeta platform that underpins the new Pontiac G8 and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Under the hood is a 4.9-liter, 326-hp V8 that burns E85 ethanol, mated to GM's two-mode hybrid powertrain.

Huge fender flares cover wheels backed by independent suspension setups front and rear. An air suspension lets the driver adjust ride height. The rear seat and the back wall of the cabin fold flat to haul long items. Maximum payload capacity: 1100 pounds.

GM also rolls out another version of its highly popular new crossover with the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse-pulled from the same Lambda platform as the Saturn Outlook, the GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave.

The Traverse gets a direct- injection version of GM's 3.6-liter V6, rated at 281 hp with a single exhaust and 286 hp with a dual exhaust. That engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse will come with front drive or all-wheel drive.