Via Motors X-Truck concept begins Detroit journey

VIA Motors has unveiled the X-Truck plug-in hybrid, at the Detroit auto Mela following the decision taken earlier.

Adapted from a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, the X-Truck can offer better fuel economy of a Prius. The concept comes with a modified running boards, fender flares and different wheels. Compared to the standard Silverado, the vehicle has been raised by 5 inches.

Although appropriate figures are not available yet, VIA Motors says it can achieve “over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving.” At the center of it, is a V8 5.3-liter engine from General Motors and a 24 kWh, lithium-ion lithium-cooled battery pack. In electric mode it has a maximum range of 35 miles (56 km), while the generator ejects inside when the battery drops below the 20 percent level. Once it reaches 25 percent, the generator is automatically deactivated.

The first ready to use model coming from VIA Motors will be launched in mid-2014 and will use a hybrid drivetrain consisting of an electric motor attached to a V6 4.3-liter engine stirring up 402 hp (300 kW). Truck performance and other specifications are yet to be made known, and it will spill out as the auto show progresses.

Till then savor the beautiful pictures.