We know the upcoming Pontiac G8 ST may be the closest thing to a reborn Chevrolet El Camino, but we can't help drawing ties to the 'ute whenever we look at GMC's concept for the Chicago auto show, the Denali XT. Or if not the El Camino, at least some GMC-badged version of it. Sprint, Caballero; you make the call.

No, there aren't any styling cues that trip our memories into a retro-hazed flashback, but you try looking at this four-door unibody pickup without seeing muscle. The flared haunches, high cowl, chopped roof and short windows all suggest plenty of power, all of which is channeled through the rear wheels - measuring in at 23 inches, by the way.

(Click through for a gallery and more on the Denali XT, including a release from GMC)

A 4.9-liter V-8 sits underhood, sporting cylinder deactivation technology and the capability to run on E85 grade ethanol. That's smaller than the traditional 5.3-liter small block found in GM's current pickups, but it doesn't seem any less capable - estimated power ratings lie at around 326 horsepower. Further helping to improve fuel economy, GM fitted the XT with it's two-mode hybrid system, allowing the ute to run solely on electricity in low-speed situations.

Ecological muscle is an interesting idea, but the main premise behind the XT is to offer pickup practicality in a smaller package. To do this, the Denali XT sports a 55-inch long cargo bed out back. Measuring 47.5-inches wide, the bed isn't interrupted by wheel wells or shock towers, adding to its practicality. Should the length prove to be too short, a Midgate allows longer items to extend into the interior. Total payload capacity is rated at 1100 pounds, while the Denali XT supposedly can tow up to 3500 pounds.

Will we see the XT enter production? Who knows. Although Holden led development on the concept (making us think it could ride on a production Commodore chassis) and CAFE ratings will force the development of smaller trucks, a lot depends on public opinion. What say you - does the Denali XT offer the right blend of performance and practicality for your tastes, or should GMC head back to the drawing boards? Let us know in the comments section below.

GMC RELEASE

GMC DENALI XT HYBRID CONCEPT TRUCK DELIVERS 50-PERCENT FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT
• New, robust design form serves as a test well for GMC’s future design direction
• First combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with E85 ethanol-capable engine
• Height-adjustable suspension and cargo space-enhancing Midgate®

CHICAGO – GMC unveiled the Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT’s new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM’s small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM’s unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability – including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

“Like all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience,