General Motors will take the wraps off its car-based GMC concept at the Chicago Auto Show in under two weeks, rather than at the New York Auto Show as previously thought. It appears GM’s Bob Lutz misspoke when he said the vehicle would debut in NYC. Instead, a similar Pontiac model will debut at that show in late March.
This morning, a report surfaced online claiming the car-based GMC pickup would arrive at the Chicago show instead of New York. Leftlane sources have now 100% verified this claim. The concept will certainly debut in just under two weeks.
The concept might be the world’s first true unibody pickup truck. Perhaps we’re witnessing the emergence of a new segment — “crossover-pickups,” anyone?
The vehicle is styled to look like a true GMC — which means truck-inspired design elements and a generally chunky exterior. Lutz said people might at first be put off by the concept’s styling, but it is likely to grow on them when they understand the intention.
The concept is built on GM’s Zeta platform, which is also used for the Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Camaro, and Holden Commodore and Ute.
Pontiac G8 ST
While the Pontiac G8 sedan is based on the Holden Commodore, the new Pontiac G8 ST will essentially be a rebadged Holden Ute (pictured). Unlike the GMC pickup, the Pontiac model is not a concept, but rather a production car. It will debut at the end of March at the New York Auto Show, with sales starting later this year.
Earlier reports have the Pontiac pegged as the G8 ST, but GM’s head of marketing and sales, Mark LaNeve, recently told Leftlane that the G8 ST name is not set in stone.
01/25, 3:49 PM
posted by:
injunraiv
LOL, the ‘emergence’ of a new nuche, by going back to what was in the 70s! Nice reporting, LLN!
01/25, 3:49 PM
posted by:
injunraiv
Um, ‘niche’…
01/25, 4:02 PM
posted by:
bolex
it maight look cool but i donthink it’ll sell enough to keep it. the magnum was actually practical, but this?
01/25, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Chevellecamino!
01/25, 4:08 PM
posted by:
6ix
Did they not see the Subaru Brat sales figures???? Maybe they have some strong marketing data, but I just don’t see it being a good idea. Keep the G8 the way it is…a bad-ass car.
01/25, 4:34 PM
posted by:
F451
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
01/25, 4:45 PM
posted by:
droppedgmc02
Do it Do it. proved to be a good seller in Australia. So why not bring it here. I wish we had 1/2 the cars they sell over their.
01/25, 5:03 PM
posted by:
cwwilson
It will surprise me if these things sell.
01/25, 5:52 PM
posted by:
injunraiv
Oh great, another import humper making his prescient ideas known to the world. Dude, since when does Europe get better cars than the US? I hope you aren’t speaking of those high quality VWs… And BTW, my personal experience with the Holden brand so far has been a delight. My GTO is an absolute dream to drive. I think you have it backwards – they are isolated so they can make cars the way they want, without listening to pansies like you.
01/25, 6:07 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
head over to motor trend they have a picture of the 4 door.
01/25, 6:23 PM
posted by:
gbb
Well, if you occasionally need a light truck, this might be OK. I hope it will get much better fuel economy than a fullsize truck. Otherwise, its a waste.
01/25, 8:26 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Yeah Ironhide, say what you want but personally I’d rather have the big powered RWD sedans and Ute’s, and The Holdens and Ford Falcon’s that the Aussies have as opposed to half the crap that we have over here.
Keep bringing their vehicles over here!
Yeah as for the UTE’s I still don’t understand why Pontiac is getting it?
01/25, 8:30 PM
posted by:
Rover3500
Why are so many Americans so insular and close minded? Don’t you realise that this is one of the top selling vehicles in Australia? They are EVERYWHERE! Its like the Camry of OZ. But waaaaay cooler of course.
Oh and like its sedan sibling its fantastic to drive.
01/25, 10:42 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
I’m curious if LLN got a new writer. This one adds a little bit of humor, without getting everyone upset.
01/26, 8:16 AM
posted by:
injunraiv
Yea, hateful. I agree about the timing. I just don’t understand Pontiac getting the Ute. It seems to me it would sell better as a Chevy or GMC.
01/26, 10:51 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
Injunraiv- Because GM and Chevrolet both have compact. mid-size and full-size pick ups. Not only will this fit into Pontiacs styling department with little ease and lower cost, but it’s also viewed as sportier than a regular pick-up… Hence it’s a Pontiac.
01/26, 7:17 PM
posted by:
Automan
You Yanks crack me up! You don’t have a clue how popular the Holden utes and Ford utes are downunder. They handle well and are a lot better ride than those big Chevys and F-150’s. Yes most people think only rednecks drive them but that’s not the case down here we also loved panel vans too or “shaggin wagons” as they are known. But wait you may not even get them over there yet with that damn CAFE fuel B.S. you have over there anyway goodluck you might still get a few i still don’t know why they don’t just call it an El Camino?
01/26, 9:29 PM
posted by:
Richard
There is nothing new or innovative about a car-based pickup truck–or ute. For the 1957 model year, Ford pioneered the category with the Ford Ranchero. GM followed in 1959 model year with the Chevrolet El Camino. The 1950s were a time when pickup trucks were considered to be work vehicles used primarily by farmers. The emerging suburbs created a demand by former city dwellers for hauling capability. However, suburbanites wanted something a little more stylish than a pickup truck. To satisfy this new demand, pickup manufacturers gussied-up their truck-based trucks with the Style Side and Fleetside. The Dodge pickup truck offered a bed with tail fins. The Ranchero and El Camino took this trend to its logical conclusion with car-based trucks.
Eventually, the truck-based trucks lost their stigma and became highly profitable. Ford dropped the Ranchero after the 1979 model year ending a 23-year run. The Chevrolet El Camino hung on for a bit longer. It even spawned its twin GMC Sprint (1978-1984). However, GM dropped the El Camino after the 1987 model year ending a 29-year run.
The assertion that Americans are somehow closed-minded against utes flies in the face of the facts. What next are we closed minded against–hand crank starters and leather transmissions? The ute had its time here, but time has passed it by.
01/28, 4:33 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
Richard, wasn’t there a GMC called the “El Caballero” too?
01/28, 6:08 PM
posted by:
injunraiv
No, not “El Caballero”, just “Caballero” which doesn’t translate to spanish, IIRC! They did make an “El Diablo” version with trick hood flames.
02/15, 1:32 PM
posted by:
bonnejill
I dig the old El Caminos. Will have to reserve judgement on this one until I see it in person though. Too bad it won’t be at the Toronto auto show.