Pontiac Introduces Segment-bending G8 Sport Truck

http://jalopnik.com/366699/2010-pontiac-g8-sport-truck-the-el-camino-is-back

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?ws4d_nav=true&search_criteria=g8&source=all&page=1

PONTIAC INTRODUCES SEGMENT-BENDING G8 SPORT TRUCK
NEW YORK - The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the sporty handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.

Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. The G8 sport truck significantly stretches Pontiac's commitment to style and performance and is expected to arrive in dealers' showrooms in late 2009.

"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."

Consumer named

Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer. Beginning today (March 15, 2008), consumers can visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas. "As an important part of the G8 family, we know that 'sport truck' doesn't fully describe the vehicle's ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck," said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal." The winning entry will be announced April 15.

Design

The G8 sport truck maintains the same sporty exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels and give it a wide, confident stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle's performance pedigree.

The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.

Performance

The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch (1878 mm) cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of cargo space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Structure

The G8 sport truck is based on the same rear-wheel-drive architecture as the G8 performance sedan. However, the sport truck's body structure was reinforced in key areas to support its cargo and towing duties. More than 60 new components were added to strengthen the structure. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer.

Suspension and wheels

A four-wheel independent suspension with electronic stability control delivers confident handling, whether loaded with weekend home-improvement supplies or towing a pair of personal watercraft to the lake.

The steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quick, direct feel. The sport truck's front stabilizer bar is one mm larger than the sedan, and the rear suspension has been enhanced to support payloads without adversely affecting handling.

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

Brakes and steering

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.

Comfort and convenience

Given its heritage, it's not surprising that the G8 sport truck offers many of the same creature comforts as the G8 GT, such as:

* Air conditioning with electronic dual-zone climate control
* Cruise control
* Driver Information Center
* Bluetooth connectivity
* Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with DIC and radio controls
* Power windows/locks/mirrors
* Remote keyless entry and remote start
* Theft-deterrent alarm system

Fully-bolstered, four-way adjustable cloth seats are standard. Heated, six-way leather seats are available. They can be customized with two-tone, black-and-red inserts and a coordinating gauge cluster.

Behind the seats is a surprisingly 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.

Sound system

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.

Safety and security

A full list of safety features are standard, including:

* StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
* Head-curtain side air bags
* Side thorax air bags
* Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
* Safety belt pretensioners
* OnStar

that's going to be a FUN truck

last quarter 2009 is a long way away!!

Interestingly 3rd quarter 2009 should be when the next major update on the Commodore comes from Holden. VF should bring a new front+rear body kit, new powertrains (diesel?) and refreshed interior.

Here's the holden version

http://s2.supload.com//files/default/IMG_0351-20080315013757.jpg

http://s2.supload.com//files/default/IMG_0353.JPG

:drool: Mmmmmmmmmm

Pontiac gets an El Camino, interesting. I'll bet it would be a fun ride though.

:metal:

I can see that replacing my Colorado in a few years...

Though I'd still like to see a club cab and / or crew cab version that still has a decent bed.

:yes:

I hope it gets a better name than G8 Sport Truck. Either way I'm a fan of it and glad GM will bring it here. Gives Pontiac another niche vehicle and something no other brand can offer. V8 RWD sedan based pick up.

Again, no damn manual! What's up with this crap, first the G8 which we were originally told would have a manual only gets it on the top of the line and now this will be the same way as well.

that's going to be a FUN truck

Agreed.:metal:

Making space in the garage is now a priority.

This is like a way more functional 3rd & 4th gen....

-two seater (c'mon those rear seats in the 3rd and 4th gens wear practically useless)

but to compensate...

-a bigass trunk!!!

I love the idea, hopefully this isn't butchered by the new CAFE stuff

Flop.

The sad thing is that they won't call it a flop.

They are only counting on 10k of these a year.

And compared to the Aussie market, 10k is how big? And is that in addition to the Oz sales, or total sales globally?

I remember something about the '04-'06 GTOs selling more in three years than the entire run of Monaro, which meant it was profitable (I believe).

Flop.

The sad thing is that they won't call it a flop.

They are only counting on 10k of these a year.

Please define "flop" or "failure" or whatever term you use.

Does it mean:

Horrible reviews
Sales less than expected
High warranty claims
Not enough power
Not enough hauling capability

If so, then it will not be a "flop".

If you mean: You won't buy one because you don't like it. Then I don't think it will be a "flop".

People moan because companies only produce the high volume, sure bet cookie cutter cars. A company tries to meet the enthusiast demand for something unique and we are already cutting them down? To the flopper gentleman, don't you own a similarly pointless car that could be judged a flop? A two seat convertible thats larger and heavier than a miata but has no trunk, a poorly designed top, and an engine that sounds like a tractor? (just kidding, I like the solstice :D) It may flop, but at least give it a chance before spreading the doom and gloom.

They just need to market this thing right. I think they should specifically link this sport truck to motorcycle enthusiasts right off the bat. There are lots of single young males and females that like sports cars but also have bikes. Bikes they like to take to the track or down to off road trails. But many of these young people do not have the space for (apartment) or do not want to use trailers. This is the perfect tool for the job. A psuedo-Corvette you can use to burn rubber to work every day. Nice and comfortable enough to take your girlfriend out to dinner Friday night. And on the weekend a utility machine to facilitate the two wheel passion. Even Harley guys can get one. They can get this to carry the Harley around since many like to "trailer" their bikes to their eventual riding destination :D Every person that owns a sporty car, a daily beater & trailer or a daily truck, and a bike can finally simplify:)

I hope it does well, but I'm just not sure there's that much of a market for this kind of vehicle anymore. The SSR certainly proved that not many people wanted a 'toy' truck, but then again the Pontiac will be cheaper, lighter, faster, more functional, and a lot better looking. No doubt GM has done a better job at hedging their bets better this time, as there's relatively little incremental cost to bring it here. If nothing else it will generate more buzz for the brand.

But overall, I think showing up with the Coupe 60 at NY would have made a bigger splash than this.

Its probably going to be one of those vehicles that appeals to a select market, I wouldn't expect mass sales out of it. Its one sweet vehicle though.

So just because capacity limits to 10,000 each year, it's a flop?

The G8 ST (Or whatever) is certainly meant to test the waters. If it does well, then we'll probably get either more versions (Denali XT, etc.) or higher capacity from somewhere else.

Even Lutz admitted that.

A wide array of folks have already decided to own one, myself and other members of this board included.

Anybody know of any other links where you can save the pics.?

doesn't matter, what Josh says is religion.

Just kidding, Josh.

No, but for reals, this, like the GTO before it, will help bring in a different buyer to GM and Pontiac. One that would have looked at a used luxury car, a new G37, new 3-series. Not in huge quanities mind you, but someone looking for something bold, expressive, unique, with tons of power and fun, that doesn't have need for a back seat. plus you can put a bed back there and you can do the math for the rest.

I can see a Chevy version of this in a Chevy showroom, though I don't think it'd sell in very big numbers there either (guess at a 10k limit, it doesn't really have to thogh...)... but... how the hell does this fit in with what Pontiac is supposed to be?

It doesn't.

The only reason it's there is because the G8 was already done, and it was the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to get it into U.S. showrooms.

This will be a big time bust.

It does't have a chance.

This product caters to a very very very narrowly focused market, and then to top it off, it's in the wrong showroom with the wrong badging of the wrong division.... which actually matters in some situations... this being one of them, IMO.

Just ship them over in the coffins... they are dead already.

I always wanted a vehicle with the performance of a Trans Am that would haul a couch or fridge if needed.

It's better than the SSR.

SSR was based on a truck frame and has a much higher center of gravity. The $7000 premium for the retractable roof wont be necessary, and hopefully the G8 ST ute will weigh less than the G8 sedan.

With SSR you also had the problem of not being able to put anything in the bed. The hard tonneau that only opened a foot or so pretty much precluded using it as a "bed" it was really just a "trunk." Same problem the Lincoln Blackwood faced. If you're going to have a bed, it needs to be usable as a bed. Looks like the ST will be.

I don't know if they'll sell 10k a year, but they're just using up existing production capacity so I don't think that this exercise is really going to cost them anything.

If they'd intended to do this vehicle as a Chevy (where admittedly it would make more sense) it wouldn't happen at all. I think a lot of the reasoning behind doing it as a Pontiac is not having to certify another front end. An expense that probably couldn't be justified even if they were maxing out sales.

Any idea on price?

Any idea on price?

$31K for the V8 version.

I found a good vid on the G8 ST. Looks like Pontiac is going to change the name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXNars9kjTw

Nobody thought the Avalanche would last more that a year or 2 either. I think the market it ready for a El-Camino like vehicle again. The Subaru version was too small & the Volkswagen version was just wrong!

This vehicle has muscle, good looks, versatility & a built in market of allot of nostalgic El-Camino lovers. Heck, you may even get a few of those Ford Ranchero guys to jump the fence to a GM product.

Before we crucify GM for doing another bold move (sorry Toyota...), lets give this potentially great launch platform that re-introduces this segment a chance. Hopefully this will be the first iteration of what will become a great line up of versions of this vehicle, 4 door, all wheel drive, tow package....

Evilnut

I can see a Chevy version of this in a Chevy showroom, though I don't think it'd sell in very big numbers there either (guess at a 10k limit, it doesn't really have to thogh...)... but... how the hell does this fit in with what Pontiac is supposed to be?

It doesn't.

The only reason it's there is because the G8 was already done, and it was the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to get it into U.S. showrooms.

This will be a big time bust.

It does't have a chance.

This product caters to a very very very narrowly focused market, and then to top it off, it's in the wrong showroom with the wrong badging of the wrong division.... which actually matters in some situations... this being one of them, IMO.

Just ship them over in the coffins... they are dead already.

A very good analysis of the situation, Darth. This vehicle should be marketed as a Chevy El Camino or 2nd choice GMC Caballero, clearly it would live up to the heritage of either vehicle. It will be another nice vehicle not correctly executed.

It's better than the SSR.

That doesn't take much. That being said I don't like it and don't think it will sell that well but I would love to be wrong on the latter.

I wonder if there will be a G8 ST GXP? :think:

This will be a big time bust.

It does't have a chance.

This product caters to a very very very narrowly focused market, and then to top it off, it's in the wrong showroom with the wrong badging of the wrong division.... which actually matters in some situations... this being one of them, IMO.

Just ship them over in the coffins... they are dead already.

Call me stupid, but I just don't understand this ... does this mean that any time GM wants to do a 2 door supercar, it must be a Chevrolet Corvette? Seems to be no problem with GMC, Chev and Caddilac all having full size SUV's, etc.

At the end of the day, this will be a niche vehicle - why not give it to Pontiac to sell it as such?

Call me stupid, but I just don't understand this ... does this mean that any time GM wants to do a 2 door supercar, it must be a Chevrolet Corvette? Seems to be no problem with GMC, Chev and Caddilac all having full size SUV's, etc.

At the end of the day, this will be a niche vehicle - why not give it to Pontiac to sell it as such?


Pontiac finally dropped the Montana... because it didnt fit the image of the brand.

Supposedly Torrent will be dropped when it runs it's lifecycle as well.

That finally should eliminate the glarringly out of place vehciles wearing a Pontiac badge... then, they slap a "truck" in the showroom.

It does not make sense.

Now, I *KNOW* why they did it... like was mentioned before, it was the cheapest, quickest way to get the UTE ito the US market...

It still doesn't make it right.

Finally, with trucky sort of things, people are VERY VERY brand loyal. How many truck buyers are brand loyal to Pontiac? I'm gonna guess that total comes to a ZERO since there aren't any Pontiac trucks.

If this were placed in a Chevy showroom, it'd probably have a much better chance at success... or at least meeting sales expectations.

Basically, this is like trying to sell a pair of Dickies overalls in a Victoria's Secret store in the local mall. It doesn't make sense.

Pontiac finally dropped the Montana... because it didnt fit the image of the brand.

Supposedly Torrent will be dropped when it runs it's lifecycle as well.

That finally should eliminate the glarringly out of place vehciles wearing a Pontiac badge... then, they slap a "truck" in the showroom.

It does not make sense.

Now, I *KNOW* why they did it... like was mentioned before, it was the cheapest, quickest way to get the UTE ito the US market...

It still doesn't make it right.

Finally, with trucky sort of things, people are VERY VERY brand loyal. How many truck buyers are brand loyal to Pontiac? I'm gonna guess that total comes to a ZERO since there aren't any Pontiac trucks.

If this were placed in a Chevy showroom, it'd probably have a much better chance at success... or at least meeting sales expectations.

Basically, this is like trying to sell a pair of Dickies overalls in a Victoria's Secret store in the local mall. It doesn't make sense.

This is no truck and its not intended to be cross shoped as a truck. If anything it will be cross shopped with lx cars or even the pony cars. It's not usable as a truck. Its a performance car with come utility. Treated as such its a perfect car for Pontiac. To be perfectly honest I would buy it.

This is no truck and its not intended to be cross shoped as a truck. If anything it will be cross shopped with lx cars or even the pony cars. It's not usable as a truck. Its a performance car with come utility. Treated as such its a perfect car for Pontiac. To be perfectly honest I would buy it.

Actually, I would say that it is not usable as a "work truck", but homeowners like me would like something besides a C6 for those Home Depot runs. This vehicle would be perfect for me, and I'm going to stop shopping around for a Silverado. I can wait for it, no problem.

I would prefer it with the 6-speed auto, too. It's a pretty good trans for a slushbox,and fair fuel economy to boot. I like it!

Actually, I would say that it is not usable as a "work truck", but homeowners like me would like something besides a C6 for those Home Depot runs. This vehicle would be perfect for me, and I'm going to stop shopping around for a Silverado. I can wait for it, no problem.

I would prefer it with the 6-speed auto, too. It's a pretty good trans for a slushbox,and fair fuel economy to boot. I like it!

You are looking for an alternative to a truck. Thats not the same as cross shopping. Like I said its a car with utility.

I think it's perfect for the urban cowboy. It gives you all you want in terms of home depot, or dump runs, while still being able to keep life interesting in the performance area.

Peter De Lorenzo really went off on the G8 ST in this week's Autoextremist column. Can't say I disagree with too much of what he says

http://www.autoextremist.com/


... But the glimmer of optimism that was starting to well up in me about Pontiac came crashing down when it was also announced that Pontiac would be offering a G8 sport truck in 2010, which drew a collective gasp of “WTF?” here at AE headquarters. A popular conveyance locally marketed by Holden, this El Camino-like vehicle should stay right where it belongs – in Australia – because there’s not a shred of logic to bringing the thing here and calling it a Pontiac, I don’t care what the performance numbers are.

Not to state the obvious, but there isn’t even a remote connection to faux El Caminos in Pontiac ’s storied history. Not even close. And on top of that, a 4,000-lb. sport truck is a niche vehicle that has no business being marketed here. I understand that Pontiac marketers are trying to zig in a zagging market, but wasn’t the lesson learned from the Chevy SSR example enough for GM? How about the Subaru BRAT? Do they really want to revisit why that didn’t work - and find out why it will even work less as a Pontiac? After all, once the couple of thousand or so (at best) El Camino nostalgia hunters ante up for a G8 with two seats and a 71-inch cargo bed, then what?

They’ll be piling up like so much cord wood on dealer lots all over the country, that's what.

To make matters worse, Pontiac marketers, in their quest to attract attention to this atrocity, are pulling out all the stops by offering consumers a chance to name this beast over the next month on a website. No, it’s not clever. And no, it’s not fun, either. It’s amateur-hour marketing at its lowest.

Let me remind Pontiac marketers of two great names that need no vetting on the Internet – GTO and Trans-Am. Why the Hell GM decided not to go ahead with basing either one of these vehicles off of the upcoming Camaro architecture (I’ve seen a design exploration for a Firebird Trans-Am that looks sensational) is completely beyond me. When you have names with that kind of residual brand equity gathering dust in this oppressively congested market, why wouldn’t you use them?

This move by GM – and I hope the idea is shelved long before it becomes an on-the-street reality – would finish off this once-proud division once and for all. The G8 sport truck (I can barely even type the words) would be the quintessential definition of the wrong vehicle, at the wrong time, from the wrong car company. As a matter of fact, it would retire the title from ever being used again, because there would be no other product misstep in recent automotive history that would even come close to this looming debacle, in my estimation. Not even the Aztek. Yeah, I know – that’s cold – but it’s the High-Octane Truth in this case.

Pretend the El Camino never existed for a moment and now judge the car on its characteristics. Is there any reason why this car can't sell 10-15k units a year?

Remember the burgeoning youth market, 20-30 year olds with big pockets looking for unique expression and performance. Also the fact exists that many performance car owners also have a pickup in thier garage for the small waverunner they need towed, for the occasional trip to Home Depot.

There will barely be any to make a dent on Pontiac's image. But I can just image what a modded Pontiac G8 ST looks like, and if Pontiac can put an emphasis on making spectacular looking versions at the auto show circuits, with mods, like Scion does, this will ultiamtely help Pontiac's image, especially among young people.

The thing is this is a strong performance statement, and in the tours around the country auto show citcuits, GM must not fail to capitalize on this and build cars that LOOK like they perform as crazy as they do. They must release as many strong, aggressive, yet tastefully modded STs to the public as possible. This will be a great way of garnering the right kind of attention. With the right mods, this car will look killer.

Judge the car for its merits and not on the past. this is actually a strong performing, great handling, quality feeling car, unlike the Aztek and Torrent that came before it.

Just to inject some reason in that above argument from Delorenzo.....SSR actually did quite well with a certain demographic, wealthy, priveleged guys looking for a weekend toy. SSR was also priced at $42k, at least 10k more than where the ST V8 will be at. SSR had ridiculous markups and offered no real performance.

Subaru Baja was ugly, misguided and didn't have an audience segment clearly in its crosshairs. The overall design appealed to women with its soft stance and conservative demeanor, yet it was a pickup and pickups by nature are blunt and rough, two features that don't appeal to women. The design of the Baja appealed to conservative moms, and conservative moms want to be seen in a wagon or crossover SUV.

Baja offered no performance.

Any analyst worth his/her salt knows the ST is completely different from these two cars in that offers something niche audiences are looking for all the time: unique looks and crazy performance.

There is a clear audience segment ST appeals to in my mind: GUYS. Young and old, especially young. GM HAS TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS APPEAL BY RELEASE MODDED SPECIAL EDITIONS, even if they're only specifically intended to increase the appeal at auto shows. This must happen to help capture attention.

OH, and hurry up with the damn thing already. No reason it shouldn't be here in a couple months, meanwhile gas isn't stratospheric.

I think it would be a perfect truck/car for me, I don't off road but I do turkey and deer hunt which is the only reason I have a truck to begin with. 18mpg on the hwy isn't that great since it's my daily driver and the 25mpg of this Ute would be great. I was looking at Lightnings a few years back but couldn't justify the gas mileage they got. This Ute is just as fast as a Lightning with 50% greater gas mileage and should take to modding pretty easily. Now if they would just give me the V8 and the manual together I would buy one. I just don't want the auto.

Pretend the El Camino never existed for a moment and now judge the car on its characteristics. Is there any reason why this car can't sell 10-15k units a year?

Remember the burgeoning youth market, 20-30 year olds with big pockets looking for unique expression and performance. Also the fact exists that many performance car owners also have a pickup in thier garage for the small waverunner they need towed, for the occasional trip to Home Depot.

There will barely be any to make a dent on Pontiac's image. But I can just image what a modded Pontiac G8 ST looks like, and if Pontiac can put an emphasis on making spectacular looking versions at the auto show circuits, with mods, like Scion does, this will ultiamtely help Pontiac's image, especially among young people.

The thing is this is a strong performance statement, and in the tours around the country auto show citcuits, GM must not fail to capitalize on this and build cars that LOOK like they perform as crazy as they do. They must release as many strong, aggressive, yet tastefully modded STs to the public as possible. This will be a great way of garnering the right kind of attention. With the right mods, this car will look killer.

Judge the car for its merits and not on the past. this is actually a strong performing, great handling, quality feeling car, unlike the Aztek and Torrent that came before it.


Scion enjoys popularity because they are cheap. This thing will not be cheap. This thing will die.

You would think people would be glad to see more RWD V8 vehicles form GM but I guess judging the reaction here they don't. Sure seems to be a lot of animosity, if you don't like it don't buy it. Why come into the thread just to bitch about how it's the worst thing ever? The more RWD performance vehicles by Gm the better in my book and they finally are trying something different. Enjoy driving around in your future fullsize GM ecotechs, this will be considered the "good times". Nobody is making you go and buy it but to just rip the hell out of it before even the first test drive is ridiculous.

You would think people would be glad to see more RWD V8 vehicles form GM but I guess judging the reaction here they don't. Sure seems to be a lot of animosity, if you don't like it don't buy it. Why come into the thread just to bitch about how it's the worst thing ever? The more RWD performance vehicles by Gm the better in my book and they finally are trying something different. Enjoy driving around in your future fullsize GM ecotechs, this will be considered the "good times". Nobody is making you go and buy it but to just rip the hell out of it before even the first test drive is ridiculous.

The problem with that line of reasoning is that GM has limited resources: limited capital to develop new vehicles, limited cash to market them, and limited CAFE offsets for performance vehicles. So one could argue that the ST, as cheap as it was to develop, is coming at the expense of something else. Personally I would have preferred to see the Coupe 60 come up here. Sure it would have stolen some Camaro sales, but I'll bet that overall it would be a net increase for GM.

The problem with that line of reasoning is that GM has limited resources: limited capital to develop new vehicles, limited cash to market them, and limited CAFE offsets for performance vehicles. So one could argue that the ST, as cheap as it was to develop, is coming at the expense of something else. Personally I would have preferred to see the Coupe 60 come up here. Sure it would have stolen some Camaro sales, but I'll bet that overall it would be a net increase for GM.Considering this car had already been built down under for several years I don't see that point. This was really cheap to bring here.

You would think people would be glad to see more RWD V8 vehicles form GM but I guess judging the reaction here they don't. Sure seems to be a lot of animosity, if you don't like it don't buy it. Why come into the thread just to bitch about how it's the worst thing ever? The more RWD performance vehicles by Gm the better in my book and they finally are trying something different. Enjoy driving around in your future fullsize GM ecotechs, this will be considered the "good times". Nobody is making you go and buy it but to just rip the hell out of it before even the first test drive is ridiculous.

We don't see a RWD Impala, but a G8 truck is ok?

Considering this car had already been built down under for several years I don't see that point. This was really cheap to bring here.

Re-read my first sentence. There is more than just the development costs to consider, which I did acknowledge were relatively cheap. Pontiac still has to spend millions to market it, and GM has to make allowances in their CAFE 'budget' to sell them (even though they will likely be considered "trucks"). And there's also the issue of what it does to Pontiac's image. IMO, this subtracts from where they want to go, whereas the Coupe 60 would have strengthened it.

I find it interesting to read comments from detractors. This vehicle was obviously never aimed for them. It is literally a segment bending vehicle. GM has found a niche in a crowded market and had the balls to 'bring it'. It's a performance ute. Those tradesman who don't need the size of a truck will love this affordable and sexy 'two door'.

It will be an image truck in a different way to Honda's Ridgeline.

Those tradesman who don't need the size of a truck will love this affordable and sexy 'two door'.


Agreed. If you don't really NEED a truck, and you like performance, what's not to like about this thing? It does the limited, light hauling that everyone needs from time to time, and drives like a performance coupe/sedan the rest of the time. No regular truck can do that. I like it.

Those tradesman who don't need the size of a truck will love this affordable and sexy 'two door'.

The thing is, the truck market in North America has gone decidely away from having one row of seating. The vast majority of pickup trucks sold nowadays have back seats because people need the flexibility to carry additional people. So where does this leave the ST? It has neither the utility of a truck (in terms of cargo or people), nor the convenience of a 2+2 coupe. Whereas most families that can afford only one car could justify an extended cab pickup or a sporty coupe, the ST would pretty much have to be a second vehicle, i.e. a toy. Personally, I can think of more interesting toys I'd like to own for a second car. But then again if they're only hoping to sell 5-10k a year, maybe that's good enough.

if this would have been available 2 years ago, I would have bought one. It fit 99% of my needs at that time perfectly. I'd like it a bit more if it's tow rating was a bit higher.

****, beer, and dollar lap dances.

I've skimmed through this thread. I've read the comments of alot of people, some who I respect and like and have corresponded with for years. But that doesn't mean I agree with them on this subject.

Not by a long shot. Not going to address each item posted, but there are points I want to make.


First off, the Ute is already in production. To say this is money that could have gone to something else is simply ridiculous. This is a vehicle that at the minimum has to pay it's own way on the boat. As for marketing, saying the money could go to another product, my response is "OK... which product is starving for the millions of trillions of ad dollars the G8 truck could provide"?? Ads of the G8 truck will be piggybacked off of other Pontiac products that will be advertized anyways. To think GM is going to spend truckloads of money on a vehicle that's going to sell less than 10K per year is ludicrious. Which brings me to my second point...

The thing is going to sell in limited numbers. It doesn't need to sell in great numbers to make money. The front end is already done (the G8). Conversion to the US market is already done (again, due to the G8). It has to pass through fewer hoops due to it being a truck and our new free trade agreement with Australia, and the Ute itself was engineered to be profitable with just Australia sales. Aside of filling out federal paperwork and booking space on cargo vessels, there is almost litterally nothing else to do to bring it here. It's probally the cheapest to create vehicle GM's going to be selling.

Third, Anyone who compares this to a full sized pickup is completely missing the boat on the point of this vehicle. Yes, it has a bed. So does a Cadillac Escalade EXT. You aren't likely going to haul loads of bricks, construction equptment, or heavy machinary in it either. Ditto a Lincoln MKT. Those 2 vehicles are basically luxury trucks that might carry some baggage up to Tahoe in the winter. The G8 ST is basically a sports car with a bed.

Finally, sure, we all would have liked to see it as a Chevrolet. But then if it had a Chevy grille on it, those same people would bring up the issue of badge engineering since it would look like a G8 with a bed and a bowtie badge. I think that would have been worse, and the complaints bigger.


I've gotten used to the fact that there are people so against bringing the Ute here that they will resort to all types of false or misguided ideas, or just plain old fantasy in slamming the vehicle. I've heard everything from "Pickups need more than 1 row of seats" to "Why not just buy a regular truck" to "it takes money away from another GM product" to "The Space-Time Continum will be irreparably damaged forever, and the universe will cave in on itself destroying everything including money that could be used to create a 3000 pound titainium 950 horsepower Camaro!".

The facts are:

1. It costs nothing to bring the thing here.
2. Anyone buying the thing will know about it anyway.
3. It will likely be slightly quicker than the G8 GT sedan because it's lighter.
4. It will handle circles around any so-called sports truck we have here in the US.
5. Any advertizing it gets will be in conjunction with the G8 sedan most likely.
6. People are no more going to haul machinary parts in it than they are an Escalade.
7. It doesn't need to sell in any significant numbers to make a profit.
8. Any GM vehicle that isn't advertized, still wouldn't absent the G8 ST.
9. The Space-Time Continium will continue unabated & the universe is still safe.
10. The G8 isn't to blame for diverting resources that prevent the 5th Camaro from being a 950 horse, 3000 pound, all titanium car.

Never thought I'd see people against the idea of the planet's cheapest 2 passenger, V8 powered, rear drive, hot handling, performance "car" that pretty much eliminates the issue of insufficient trunk space.

But then again, this is a Camaro enthusiast website and you can't even get a consensus on what a Camaro should be. :lol:

6. People are no more going to haul machinary parts in it than they are an Escalade.


I'm going to haul machinary in mine. :uhoh:

I'm going to haul machinary in mine. :uhoh:And you'll be able to up to 1300lb's worth. If only this Ute could get the LS3 and a manual!

how much do you think it'll cost? I would hope less than the G8 sedan since it will use less glass, it won't use any of the rear seat stuff, etc.

how much do you think it'll cost? I would hope less than the G8 sedan since it will use less glass, it won't use any of the rear seat stuff, etc.It will probably be about the same, they had to lenghthen the Ute a few inshes over the G8 so more steel I guess. If it sells like many on here are wanting it to it will be discounted heavily and could be picked up cheap for $25k in a year. I hope it sells well, it's what I've been looking for.

Rumor has it that the LS3 and the manual will be offered in a GXP version. That one will be my choice.

I just got an email from Pontiac... looks like they are havign a contest now to name the "G8 ST"..... If they pick your name, you win one of the first ones...

When will these be on dealer lots? July 2009?

Is there a chance for a GXP version?

When will these be on dealer lots? July 2009?

Is there a chance for a GXP version?

AFAIK, it will be later than July - and no official word on a GXP version yet.