What should Chevy's next SS (or Z..) truck be like?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 270
From: Minneapolis
I don't think there is a market for a hot 2wd truck. If the Lightning or the SRT10 couldn't make it work, GM sure as hell can't.
I think Ford is onto something with the Raptor, and the Ram Power Wagon is a good foundation for alot of guys in something they can really put to use. I think something along those lines is a good idea, but I don't think it should be an all out race style truck like the Raptor. I think there is room in the GM line-up for something like the Power Wagon but in a half ton version or at least with a diesel in the 3/4 ton version. I honestly don't see the point of a 3/4 or 1 ton Power Wagon without a diesel and a $45K pricetag. GM has a chance to beat them at their own game if they did the same thing and put it on a truck people are accustomed to spending $50K on....a diesel.
I think Ford is onto something with the Raptor, and the Ram Power Wagon is a good foundation for alot of guys in something they can really put to use. I think something along those lines is a good idea, but I don't think it should be an all out race style truck like the Raptor. I think there is room in the GM line-up for something like the Power Wagon but in a half ton version or at least with a diesel in the 3/4 ton version. I honestly don't see the point of a 3/4 or 1 ton Power Wagon without a diesel and a $45K pricetag. GM has a chance to beat them at their own game if they did the same thing and put it on a truck people are accustomed to spending $50K on....a diesel.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
I don't think there is a market for a hot 2wd truck. If the Lightning or the SRT10 couldn't make it work, GM sure as hell can't.
I think Ford is onto something with the Raptor, and the Ram Power Wagon is a good foundation for alot of guys in something they can really put to use. I think something along those lines is a good idea, but I don't think it should be an all out race style truck like the Raptor. I think there is room in the GM line-up for something like the Power Wagon but in a half ton version or at least with a diesel in the 3/4 ton version. I honestly don't see the point of a 3/4 or 1 ton Power Wagon without a diesel and a $45K pricetag. GM has a chance to beat them at their own game if they did the same thing and put it on a truck people are accustomed to spending $50K on....a diesel.
I think Ford is onto something with the Raptor, and the Ram Power Wagon is a good foundation for alot of guys in something they can really put to use. I think something along those lines is a good idea, but I don't think it should be an all out race style truck like the Raptor. I think there is room in the GM line-up for something like the Power Wagon but in a half ton version or at least with a diesel in the 3/4 ton version. I honestly don't see the point of a 3/4 or 1 ton Power Wagon without a diesel and a $45K pricetag. GM has a chance to beat them at their own game if they did the same thing and put it on a truck people are accustomed to spending $50K on....a diesel.
With that said, something powered by a turbo diesel would be pretty interesting.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
• Holden Ute
• Regular cab 6.2L Silverado
• Bare essentials GMC with a LNF or turbo V6
Does anyone know if the Equinox could handle a 350HP Turbo V6? Turbo 3.0 or 3.6L in the GMC Terrain AWD would make a nice 2nd gen GMC Typhoon
• Regular cab 6.2L Silverado
• Bare essentials GMC with a LNF or turbo V6
Does anyone know if the Equinox could handle a 350HP Turbo V6? Turbo 3.0 or 3.6L in the GMC Terrain AWD would make a nice 2nd gen GMC Typhoon
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 553
From: British Columbia, Canada
What it needs is a gimmick that will have everyone clamoring for the truck. Ford has their man-steps, their onboard computer and RFID tool tracking on the F-series... GM would need to have something innovative like that, in order to steal sales away and display they have the better product.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,897
From: Greenville, SC
Simple:
http://image.automotive.com/f/featur..._rendering.jpg
That's it. REGULAR CAB, no extended cab BS. Flush tonnea cover with optional rear spoiler, revised front bumper for a sportier look, dropped suspension package with cool rim options, leather seats, oh, and of course, the 6.2L with six speed auto OR manual
http://image.automotive.com/f/featur..._rendering.jpg
That's it. REGULAR CAB, no extended cab BS. Flush tonnea cover with optional rear spoiler, revised front bumper for a sportier look, dropped suspension package with cool rim options, leather seats, oh, and of course, the 6.2L with six speed auto OR manual
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,018
Honestly? I don't think the next Z/SS designation should go to a fullsize.
I think there's a market between ex-Blazer/Xtreme owners, ex-Tracker owners, would-have-been Hummer owners (before it turned Chinese) that would have liked a Blazer-ish/Jeep kind of thing from GM.
It would pretty much be a 2-door blazer updated on the size of a Colorado platform. It would be available as a 2-door model with an optional removable section ala the Envoy SUT that could go as an enclosed SUV or create a bed space. A sport version would take the SS or Z name--drop it down, give it AWD and something like a turbo 3.6.
Standard models would enjoy something like the current Z71 package with 17" wheels, g80 lockers, skid plating. It would actually be useful offroad.
The vehicle would be an enthusiast deal--probably not for high volume production.
I think there's a market between ex-Blazer/Xtreme owners, ex-Tracker owners, would-have-been Hummer owners (before it turned Chinese) that would have liked a Blazer-ish/Jeep kind of thing from GM.
It would pretty much be a 2-door blazer updated on the size of a Colorado platform. It would be available as a 2-door model with an optional removable section ala the Envoy SUT that could go as an enclosed SUV or create a bed space. A sport version would take the SS or Z name--drop it down, give it AWD and something like a turbo 3.6.
Standard models would enjoy something like the current Z71 package with 17" wheels, g80 lockers, skid plating. It would actually be useful offroad.
The vehicle would be an enthusiast deal--probably not for high volume production.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 270
From: Minneapolis
A Gentleman from the local Chev dealer passes me on the way to work almost daily in a lowered reg cab brand new Silverado and it's gorgeous. GM could certainly find a place to dump the 6.2L in there and lower it with some nice wheels. Nothing fancy...like a new version of the 454SS. I don't know many guys wanting to spend $40K on a 2wd or a muscle truck that isn't ever used for hauling or anything real productive....gas is too expensive..or soon going back there, and the truck suffers from not being a light sports car in every other aspect.
I agree with Quasar in that I think there is room for a new version of the Syclone/Typhoon. Small, sporty, utilitarian (awd/storage/etc.) and visually appealing.
Either of those type of vehicles would find a buyer, as would a Power Wagon type rig for the full size 4wd guys. I am in that category, having owned quite a few off roaders including a Rubicon. I welcome factory lockers, quick swaybar disco's, etc.
I agree with Quasar in that I think there is room for a new version of the Syclone/Typhoon. Small, sporty, utilitarian (awd/storage/etc.) and visually appealing.
Either of those type of vehicles would find a buyer, as would a Power Wagon type rig for the full size 4wd guys. I am in that category, having owned quite a few off roaders including a Rubicon. I welcome factory lockers, quick swaybar disco's, etc.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,406
From: Philaduhphia
^ur gettin punched in the face(tired of hearign about silly el camino ideas, not you man, just the idea)
an el camino is the worst thing you could sell right now, small almost useless regular pickup trucks dont sell, what makes you think a small very low 2 door coupe with a bed will sell..?
an el camino is the worst thing you could sell right now, small almost useless regular pickup trucks dont sell, what makes you think a small very low 2 door coupe with a bed will sell..?