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.
