VE Ute pics!
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 75
From: Elsewhere
It never ceases to amaze me in some of the hypocracy that appears on this site at times. 
Here we are on a Camaro website (of all places!), fans of a car that has very little practical reason for coming back. Corvette has the "Halo Car" end of Chevrolet covered, Cobalt SS has the cheap performance end covered, and Chevrolet is selling just peachy (actually reaching number 1) without GM coughing up extra money that it actually doesn't have to spare for a car that the last time it was around, sold so poorly that the low production Corvette had far more V8s shipped their way and the Monte Carlo was outselling it by almost 50%.
Yet.... there's a chorus of guys here who believe if something has a bed attached to the back of it, the thing's useless if it doesn't haul as much as a Silverado Z71 longbed or isn't at least "Ram Tough". Did you guys eat too much lead paint off of Chinese toys when you were kids or something???!
We're talking about a car that has a bed. It handles as good as a car because it is a car, not because it's pretending to be. It has a bed with enough capacity for me to move boxes, dressers, maybe even a dinning room set for the wife. Anyone who thinks a vehicle like this is for throwing into the bed & moving cinder blocks or heavy farming equptment is brain damaged.
This is the ultimate single guy's car. This is the ultimate manager's car. This is the ultimate car for anyone who needs to get the occasional couple of cases of liquor for the club, or does the emergency run to "Office Max" or "Staples", or the shop supervisor that needs to do that occasional parts run, or the guy or is starting off their apartment or has a girlfriend who frequents yard sales, and... at the same time... likes to go tear it up at the track on the weekends, grab-assing on curvy roads without worrying about ending wrongside up, or having something to pull into Spagos with a nice date that's a bit classier and head-turning than a pickup truck. This is the car for people like these who don't want or need to have a car and a pickup truck, but can use both.
If you actually haul large machinary or small buildings, you need a bigger truck just like if I need to regularly carry 4 adults, I'm going to buy a large sedan not a small coupe, but it would be ridiculous for me to tell everyone else they should buy a sedan. Same holds true comparing the El Camino with a large pickup (or even a Colorado).
As for a car like this being a "Mullet" or "Redneck" car, all I can say is this: "Hey! Ever hear of a thing called Camaro?!" If there is any car that deserves that rep, it's Camaro. However, anyone that takes more than a knat's lifespan thinking about this will realize that in both the Camaro and El Camino's instance, that reputation started because both vehicles were very cheap and plentiful as USED cars, many years after they were actually made. "Dukes of Hazzard" made the Dodge Charger the ultimate redneck car... but I don't see many driving the new Charger, so what exactly is your point??
Those who don't see the point of a new El Camino should renew their membership to Minivan Monthly, or SUV Life because Camaro is far less of a point in terms of utility.
Those who simply don't like the El Camino, it's perfectly alright. Simply don't buy one.
But to sit here and say it shouldn't exist because it's not rated to tow a fully fueled and ballasted 40 footer + trailer behind it or because you can't carry that Boeing 777 Pratt & Whitney PW4098 engine you happened to pick up at the site home with you in the cargo bed is pure nonsense.
Here we are on a Camaro website (of all places!), fans of a car that has very little practical reason for coming back. Corvette has the "Halo Car" end of Chevrolet covered, Cobalt SS has the cheap performance end covered, and Chevrolet is selling just peachy (actually reaching number 1) without GM coughing up extra money that it actually doesn't have to spare for a car that the last time it was around, sold so poorly that the low production Corvette had far more V8s shipped their way and the Monte Carlo was outselling it by almost 50%.
Yet.... there's a chorus of guys here who believe if something has a bed attached to the back of it, the thing's useless if it doesn't haul as much as a Silverado Z71 longbed or isn't at least "Ram Tough". Did you guys eat too much lead paint off of Chinese toys when you were kids or something???!
We're talking about a car that has a bed. It handles as good as a car because it is a car, not because it's pretending to be. It has a bed with enough capacity for me to move boxes, dressers, maybe even a dinning room set for the wife. Anyone who thinks a vehicle like this is for throwing into the bed & moving cinder blocks or heavy farming equptment is brain damaged.
This is the ultimate single guy's car. This is the ultimate manager's car. This is the ultimate car for anyone who needs to get the occasional couple of cases of liquor for the club, or does the emergency run to "Office Max" or "Staples", or the shop supervisor that needs to do that occasional parts run, or the guy or is starting off their apartment or has a girlfriend who frequents yard sales, and... at the same time... likes to go tear it up at the track on the weekends, grab-assing on curvy roads without worrying about ending wrongside up, or having something to pull into Spagos with a nice date that's a bit classier and head-turning than a pickup truck. This is the car for people like these who don't want or need to have a car and a pickup truck, but can use both.
If you actually haul large machinary or small buildings, you need a bigger truck just like if I need to regularly carry 4 adults, I'm going to buy a large sedan not a small coupe, but it would be ridiculous for me to tell everyone else they should buy a sedan. Same holds true comparing the El Camino with a large pickup (or even a Colorado).
As for a car like this being a "Mullet" or "Redneck" car, all I can say is this: "Hey! Ever hear of a thing called Camaro?!" If there is any car that deserves that rep, it's Camaro. However, anyone that takes more than a knat's lifespan thinking about this will realize that in both the Camaro and El Camino's instance, that reputation started because both vehicles were very cheap and plentiful as USED cars, many years after they were actually made. "Dukes of Hazzard" made the Dodge Charger the ultimate redneck car... but I don't see many driving the new Charger, so what exactly is your point??
Those who don't see the point of a new El Camino should renew their membership to Minivan Monthly, or SUV Life because Camaro is far less of a point in terms of utility.
Those who simply don't like the El Camino, it's perfectly alright. Simply don't buy one.
But to sit here and say it shouldn't exist because it's not rated to tow a fully fueled and ballasted 40 footer + trailer behind it or because you can't carry that Boeing 777 Pratt & Whitney PW4098 engine you happened to pick up at the site home with you in the cargo bed is pure nonsense.
That's all well said, but in the end, this car and its predecessor are still 2 of the ugliest cars ever assembled.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 215
From: ********.com
I think it would be pretty cool as a GMC, actually... They could use a halo car/truck more than Chevy could use another ressurrected nameplate.
I don't think they should call it a Caballero (sp?) though
I don't think they should call it a Caballero (sp?) though
West South Central Moderator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,371
From: Kilgore TX 75662
They are probably right. The GMC division could use new product more than Chevrolet, especially since the Camaro is coming back. The GMC grille design will be a LOT easier to fit on there than the Chevy bar. The interior fits in more with the higher end GMC models.
I hate the Caballero name. What else would you call it? GMC is currently using Sierra, Envoy, Acadia, Canyon, Savanna, & Yukon. Too back "Outback" is taken already. Maybe the GMC Tasmania, GMC Canberra, or GMC Adelaide to pay tribute to its origins?
Whatever they name it, I cannot wait for the Denali version
I hate the Caballero name. What else would you call it? GMC is currently using Sierra, Envoy, Acadia, Canyon, Savanna, & Yukon. Too back "Outback" is taken already. Maybe the GMC Tasmania, GMC Canberra, or GMC Adelaide to pay tribute to its origins?
Whatever they name it, I cannot wait for the Denali version
Yes, yes, i know...
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 681
I hate the Caballero name. What else would you call it? GMC is currently using Sierra, Envoy, Acadia, Canyon, Savanna, & Yukon. Too back "Outback" is taken already. Maybe the GMC Tasmania, GMC Canberra, or GMC Adelaide to pay tribute to its origins?
Whatever they name it, I cannot wait for the Denali version
Whatever they name it, I cannot wait for the Denali version
Sprint.
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 538
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
I haven't sent an e-mail to Mr Lutz in some time because I haven't had very many questions and/or comments about upcoming vehicles lately. But I think this represents something I'd need to ask.
If the story about Bob Lutz's comments about the Ute are true (there's been people who made up stuff and attributed it to him before), there's alot of creative speculation going on based on his comments.
The article's headlines state that the Ute won't be called an El Camino, yet according to the article Bob Lutz didn't say that. According to the article he simply said it wouldn't be a Chevrolet.
My Non-Lutz sources still indicate that El Camino is the name most likely to be attached to the US-bound Holden Ute..... definately NOT Caballero! It's being refered to as the El Camino on the inside, and the name is almost certainly going to stick.
IF the car doesn't go to Chevrolet (I still believe it will, but I can see the case for it going elsewhere) I don't believe that automatically means GMC's. It doesn't fit into GMC's marketing.
Last edited by guionM; Aug 26, 2007 at 11:46 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,502
Given the two seat configuration, positioning it at a performance vehicle rather than a pure utility probably makes the most sense too.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 848
From: Melb, Aust
I haven't sent an e-mail to Mr Lutz in some time because I haven't had very many questions and/or comments about upcoming vehicles lately. But I think this represents something I'd need to ask.
If the story about Bob Lutz's comments about the Ute are true (there's been people who made up stuff and attributed it to him before), there's alot of creative speculation going on based on his comments.
The article's headlines state that the Ute won't be called an El Camino, yet according to the article Bob Lutz didn't say that. According to the article he simply said it wouldn't be a Chevrolet.
My Non-Lutz sources still indicate that El Camino is the name most likely to be attached to the US-bound Holden Ute..... definately NOT Caballero! It's being refered to as the El Camino on the inside, and the name is almost certainly going to stick.
IF the car doesn't go to Chevrolet (I still believe it will, but I can see the case for it going elsewhere) I don't believe that automatically means GMC's. It doesn't fit into GMC's marketing.
If the story about Bob Lutz's comments about the Ute are true (there's been people who made up stuff and attributed it to him before), there's alot of creative speculation going on based on his comments.
The article's headlines state that the Ute won't be called an El Camino, yet according to the article Bob Lutz didn't say that. According to the article he simply said it wouldn't be a Chevrolet.
My Non-Lutz sources still indicate that El Camino is the name most likely to be attached to the US-bound Holden Ute..... definately NOT Caballero! It's being refered to as the El Camino on the inside, and the name is almost certainly going to stick.
IF the car doesn't go to Chevrolet (I still believe it will, but I can see the case for it going elsewhere) I don't believe that automatically means GMC's. It doesn't fit into GMC's marketing.
Guy, send a PM to MonaroSS about it on GMinsidenews, he is the person who sent the email in question.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 929
I emailed Lutz myself and he confirmed that it won't be a Chevy. Another GM source indicates that it will be called Caballero.
God I hope that's wrong!
I also thought that it could be called El Camino even as a GMC much as the Suburban was.
God I hope that's wrong!
I also thought that it could be called El Camino even as a GMC much as the Suburban was.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Chevy has an overabundance of products in the pipeline... infact, almost too much product. Also, Chevrolet isn't going to be selling anything that isn't high in volume. The Commodore could never go to Chevrolet. The Monte Carlo could never be made by Holden. They couldn't come close to the volume Chevrolet would need.
Also, the Ute would need to come here with fairly few options because it would probally not be sold here in enough quanity to warrant an extensive option list. That pretty much pulls it out of Chevrolet showrooms.
The natural and logical conclusion would be that it would go to GMC. However, I wouldn't quite bet the farm on it. Not sure how the Ute would fit in with the "Professional Grade", "shiny wire-mesh & honeycomb grilles", "quazi-bling" of GMC's line up. So I wouldn't immediately jump on the GMC bandwagon just yet.
Although I hope to God it doesn't happen, next logical choice would be Pontiac. It would need zero investment since the G8 already has the nose and all Pontiac & USA specific pieces done. I hope Pontiac doesn't get it because Pontiac has developed a reputation of "Market Adjustment" pricing. These are the guys that stuck $5000-10,000 on top of MSRP on GTOs & Solstices, and watched them collect dust on the lot. Collectively (there are a few decent Pontiac dealers scattered around out there), Pontiac dealers are the pits and seemingly do mare to destroy the Pontiac brand than any other nameplate in the country. I can only shutter at memories of my GTO shopping at the thought of an even more limited edition sporty vehicle in their showrooms.
I can see the Ute fitting into the "Rethink Saturn" campaign. Chevy has pickups. Cadillac has a pickup. Buick-Pontiac-GMC has pickups. Even Hummer has a "pickup". Saturn doesn't. Just as the Escalade EXT is a pickup as bling, the Ute would be the pickup as sports car.
I have my e-mails sent out.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 929
Thanks.
Although I'm still hopeful it will be a Chevy, as I said before, I can see the point of it not going to Chevrolet.
Chevy has an overabundance of products in the pipeline... infact, almost too much product. Also, Chevrolet isn't going to be selling anything that isn't high in volume. The Commodore could never go to Chevrolet. The Monte Carlo could never be made by Holden. They couldn't come close to the volume Chevrolet would need.
Also, the Ute would need to come here with fairly few options because it would probally not be sold here in enough quanity to warrant an extensive option list. That pretty much pulls it out of Chevrolet showrooms.
The natural and logical conclusion would be that it would go to GMC. However, I wouldn't quite bet the farm on it. Not sure how the Ute would fit in with the "Professional Grade", "shiny wire-mesh & honeycomb grilles", "quazi-bling" of GMC's line up. So I wouldn't immediately jump on the GMC bandwagon just yet.
Although I hope to God it doesn't happen, next logical choice would be Pontiac. It would need zero investment since the G8 already has the nose and all Pontiac & USA specific pieces done. I hope Pontiac doesn't get it because Pontiac has developed a reputation of "Market Adjustment" pricing. These are the guys that stuck $5000-10,000 on top of MSRP on GTOs & Solstices, and watched them collect dust on the lot. Collectively (there are a few decent Pontiac dealers scattered around out there), Pontiac dealers are the pits and seemingly do mare to destroy the Pontiac brand than any other nameplate in the country. I can only shutter at memories of my GTO shopping at the thought of an even more limited edition sporty vehicle in their showrooms.
I can see the Ute fitting into the "Rethink Saturn" campaign. Chevy has pickups. Cadillac has a pickup. Buick-Pontiac-GMC has pickups. Even Hummer has a "pickup". Saturn doesn't. Just as the Escalade EXT is a pickup as bling, the Ute would be the pickup as sports car.
I have my e-mails sent out.
Although I'm still hopeful it will be a Chevy, as I said before, I can see the point of it not going to Chevrolet.
Chevy has an overabundance of products in the pipeline... infact, almost too much product. Also, Chevrolet isn't going to be selling anything that isn't high in volume. The Commodore could never go to Chevrolet. The Monte Carlo could never be made by Holden. They couldn't come close to the volume Chevrolet would need.
Also, the Ute would need to come here with fairly few options because it would probally not be sold here in enough quanity to warrant an extensive option list. That pretty much pulls it out of Chevrolet showrooms.
The natural and logical conclusion would be that it would go to GMC. However, I wouldn't quite bet the farm on it. Not sure how the Ute would fit in with the "Professional Grade", "shiny wire-mesh & honeycomb grilles", "quazi-bling" of GMC's line up. So I wouldn't immediately jump on the GMC bandwagon just yet.
Although I hope to God it doesn't happen, next logical choice would be Pontiac. It would need zero investment since the G8 already has the nose and all Pontiac & USA specific pieces done. I hope Pontiac doesn't get it because Pontiac has developed a reputation of "Market Adjustment" pricing. These are the guys that stuck $5000-10,000 on top of MSRP on GTOs & Solstices, and watched them collect dust on the lot. Collectively (there are a few decent Pontiac dealers scattered around out there), Pontiac dealers are the pits and seemingly do mare to destroy the Pontiac brand than any other nameplate in the country. I can only shutter at memories of my GTO shopping at the thought of an even more limited edition sporty vehicle in their showrooms.
I can see the Ute fitting into the "Rethink Saturn" campaign. Chevy has pickups. Cadillac has a pickup. Buick-Pontiac-GMC has pickups. Even Hummer has a "pickup". Saturn doesn't. Just as the Escalade EXT is a pickup as bling, the Ute would be the pickup as sports car.
I have my e-mails sent out.
I'm afraid that if it can't be a Chevy (as it should be) I am more of a mind to see it as a Pontiac, despite the dealership issues. GMC would be my last choice, as I think that would ruin it and prevent the return to the proper division down the road.