2010 Pontiac G8 Pickup

Pontiac decided to expand on its successful G8 line for the 2010 model year and beyond with the addition of a pickup variant. Tentatively called the ST, the sport 'truck'

Based on the Holden Ute sold in Australia, the G8 ST is the first car-like pickup truck to be sold in the United States in decades.

"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.

"There's simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities."

The sport truck is powered by the same 6.0-liter V8 used in the G8 GT sedan. It puts out 361 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides good fuel economy and a zero to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.

The ST seats only two occupants. Behind the seats is a large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.

A 73.9-inch cargo bed offers 42.7 cubic feet of space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds and tow a 3,500-pound trailer.

The G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/45R18 summer performance tires. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.

The sport truck shares the G8 GT's four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.

According to Lutz, the only major mechanical difference between the G8 sedan and pickup variants is a heavy-duty suspension for added hauling ability in the pickup variant.

The G8 sport truck's 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/six-disc CD changer has an MP3 input and five speakers. The 6.5-inch audio display controls both the sound and climate control systems.