GM’s Australian division, Holden, has unveiled its new line-up of VE Utes. Based on the VE Commodore, this is the first all-new Ute since the VU was introduced in 2000. Engine choices range from a 255 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 to a range-topping 362 horsepower 6.0 liter V8.
Transmissions also come in a wide variety and include a four, five, and six-speed automatic, the latter being reserved for the V8, with a six-speed manual being available on all models. There have been rumors that the VE Ute will make it to U.S. shores as a new Chevrolet El Camino, although nothing has been confirmed. Pricing and gallery after the jump.
Recommended Retail Pricing (Australian)
(Excluding delivery and government charges)
Omega (6-speed manual) V6
$30,990 with air conditioning
Omega (4-speed automatic) V6
$30,990 with air conditioning
SV6 (6-speed manual) V6
$35,990
SV6 (5-speed automatic) V6
$36,990
SS (6-speed manual) V8
$39,990
SS (6-speed automatic) V8
$41,990
SS V (6-speed manual) V8
$44,990
SS V (6-speed automatic) V8
$46,990
Leather smart pack (SV6 and SS)
$1,250
On Sale:
October 2007
08/22, 8:35 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Pimpin’!
Bring it here as the new El Camino!
08/22, 8:45 AM
posted by:
Brendino
This is sexy.
Bring it stateside!
08/22, 9:36 AM
posted by:
Mclaren19p
Ditto to everyone, now this is a pickup I like! Burning rubber and great handling and great style, sign me up!
08/22, 9:47 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
I’d buy the Ford Ute, just because the Australians put together one of the best commercials I’ve ever witnessed. You gotta love the burrito delivery boy in the beginning, Mr. Frothy beer truck, and the 280 inch plasma TV being loaded up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kd2mMa0KqE
08/22, 9:47 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
1 Australian Dollar = 0.80 US Dollars, so were looking at $25K – $35K for the new El Camino. The only problem is it would probably kill Monte Carlo and Impala SS sales as this is an old-school V8 RWD combo versus the torque-steerable FWDs.
08/22, 9:56 AM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
damn can i move to australia, theyre cars are friggin sweet down under.
08/22, 10:25 AM
posted by:
autonut
The quality of GM cars/trucks in Australia is less impressive then in states. At $3/gallon I doubt it will erode any sales or make any sales. El Camino’s died on their own accords (no pun intended) in states 15 years ago (or more). My guess is that this vehicle (not a car yet not a truck either) would not make any sense in states where there is some snow during winter. And it is not a great pleasure to drive a car any longer, because pickups, SUV, crossovers and minivans blind you at night. Hope it bodes well on the bottom of the planet.
08/22, 11:31 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
madcapp: soeaking of aussie commercials, how about the Foster’s spots?
global: nothing that’s V6 and FWD should be called an Impala
autonet, did u used 2 b autonutt?
08/22, 12:13 PM
posted by:
nitinsharma1000
interior is better than the corvette!!! WHY??? Why do american carmakers have to offer better cars everywhere but america. just like the ford focus and the focus in europe.
08/22, 1:21 PM
posted by:
justkillin_time
ick
08/22, 1:49 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Im not using a fan of these, but this is probably as good as they’ll get in terms of looks and engineering. If GM ever plans to return the El Camino, this is the time. Bring it as a Chevy or Pontiac.
08/22, 2:23 PM
posted by:
motorheader
You can find some more sweet photos here: http://www.caradvice.com.au/
08/22, 2:48 PM
posted by:
67_L-88
That is one truck i might actually buy, if it came to Canada
08/22, 3:24 PM
posted by:
jJayC08
I gotta say, that was a funny commercial.
Has anybody actually owned one of these, and can personally say that there good well… what trucks usually do, work! When I think of these Utes, I think of “Chevrolet SSR!!”.
08/22, 7:42 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
jJay: If you want to Work, buy a Silverado. I don’t think there are any pretensions here of heavy hauling. Reminds me of what of my favorites, the 454SS
08/22, 7:53 PM
posted by:
Hidden_Hunter
jJayC08, I haven’t owned one but i’ve got a concreter mate that does that hauls all his work gear in one and it’s quite good at what it does