Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Australia
Pontiac G8 Ute a distinct possibility
Holden is planning on turning out the full capacity of 147,000 Zeta-based vehicles at its Elizabeth plant in South Australia. Part of the production increase can be attributed to the Pontiac G8's impending arrival, but there have been cagey references to importing the VE Ute, which shares the VE platform with the G8. Bob Lutz made mention of a desire to bring the Ute to the US a while back, and now GM's Asia Pacific President Nick Reilly has made a couple of cagey references to GoAuto, fueling the suspicion that we'll see a VE with a bed out back here in the US.
While discussing the Elizabeth plant's ability to meet production volume without adding a third shift, Reilly referred to US exports by saying "If they start to sell much better than we anticipated, then we would have to look at doing something else and clearly a third shift would be a possibility..." They? Hmm. When the follow-up question about just what he meant by they, Reilly sort-of clarified by further stating: "We haven't necessarily announced all the programs we have at the moment." The not-quite-confirmed multiple flavors of VE headed for the US, along with Bob Lutz's wanting to bring the Ute here as something other than a Chevy could mean that those wishing for a return of the El Camino might get their wish, minus the name.
Thanks for the tip, Ben!
[Source: GoAuto]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
mbarnard07 1:04PM (9/07/2007)
As an FYI, one of the unnamed programs is the GTO. it is fully confirmed throughout GM that the GTO will be back, basically a G8 Coupe.
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mikew 3:01PM (9/07/2007)
GM is going to take another hit by making this Ute a Pontiac with that horrible family grill design. It nearly killed the GTO. What makes them think it will be good on this car? Please give the people what they want, a Chevy El Camino with a well designed front fascia.
In addition, Pontiac, FIRE the design manager that demands you use the kidney grill design on all your products. It usually makes the design look stale and uninspired. It is time for a change. Give us more variety.
My 2 cents. - Mike
Dave 8:15AM (9/08/2007)
I don't think the GTO will be back, and should be lied to rest. The last one should have never been named GTO in the first place. As a previous owner of a real GTO I was not a fan of the new GTO because of the name alone, but it was a great car for the money but the name was the problem.
I like this new El Camino Ute vehicle but don't think it should be a Pontiac. Though it looks good especially with the attractive trademark front end design, I still think it should be sold at one of the truck divisions.
Petey 1:05PM (9/07/2007)
Nothing sez "American BMW" better than a G8 UTE... didnt they just get rid of their sport minivan?
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Jake 1:11PM (9/07/2007)
All Ready GM is trying to totally destroy a great car.
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BartMack 4:07PM (9/07/2007)
How is that-? The Ute originates in Australia, ie it already exists, how does GM bringing it over here destroy a car-??
georgejetson 1:14PM (9/07/2007)
I bet the US Ute will be badged as a GMC, not a Pontiac. They're all sold through the same dealers nowadays anyway...
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Mark Tisch, Salt Lake City 1:20PM (9/07/2007)
The time is right for an El Camino reincarnation. Gas prices have turned many people who would like a light duty truck away from trucks. Beyond that, many of us would love the performance and sportiness of a Mustang or Camaro, but want more utility. This vehicle would give us both.
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NeoteriX 2:19PM (9/07/2007)
Someone talk to Subaru and and see how their Baja did. It had all the utility of a pickup, the drive and handling of a Legacy, and even had the optional 2.5T engine featured the Legacy Turbo and STi.
I'll save you the trouble: it didn't do well.
pgh 5:18PM (9/07/2007)
Neoterix-
Are you seriously comparing a four-door with a "bed" best described as silly and with stupid body-cladding, that even Pontiac abandoned, to a V8-powered, RWD, full bed ute?
Personally, I want one. Since the small pickup is now effectively dead and there's no way I need all of the truckiness of a full-size behemoth, the ute fits the bill. I think it will do well enough in the market to be a success. It's way cheaper than designing and building a decent replacement for the Colorado, a truck that, I suspect, will soon be history.
Mark Tisch, Salt Lake City 1:50AM (9/08/2007)
NeoteriX and pgh, I can speak to the comments made by both of you. I HAVE a Baja. Neo - you are right about the handling - it handles great. And I have the turbo - which is pretty quick. But to pgh's point, it's just not the sportiest looking vehicle. In some ways, it looks great. But the four doors take a lot away from the looks. The Pontiac looks great, and the power would be awesome. However, I do love the AWD of the Baja. But compared to a 2WD truck, it wouldn't even be close - give me the Pontiac.
keith 6:48PM (10/31/2007)
People dont demand a small truck. Why did the dakota, new S-10 (whatever it is called), tacoma, and frontier all replace a smaller more practical mini truck?? Because that is what the market demands. If the masses wanted a small pickup the ranger would be flying out the doors since it is the last mini truck remaining. If the masses wanted a cross between car and pickup, the Baja would be on every corner. Fact is, the ranger and baja both suck. The only thing that will come out of this monstrosity is another reason for normal people not to buy the G8.
Jonathan Hicks 1:21PM (9/07/2007)
I do not think Pontiac should offer any sort of pickup in America. The brand does not need a pickup.
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sw 3:32PM (9/07/2007)
But the brand does need a pickup. Get it? Needs a pick up.
Esprit bird 1:24PM (9/07/2007)
Another Holden badged with a name thats so far forgotten and tarnished? it can only appeal to geriatrics.
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why not the LS2LS7? 1:24PM (9/07/2007)
Don't be dopey. It should be a Chevy. An El Camino.
Some guy at the light next to me 3 days ago had a Ranchero GT. Sweetness. And I don't even really dig Fords much.
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Scott Hunter 1:33PM (9/07/2007)
Ugh.
Man, is that thing ugly.
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Corey W. 1:40PM (9/07/2007)
I love the El Camino, but not sure I like the styling of what's pictured above. No real "wow" effect. If you're going to bring the El Camino back, you got to do it right. I guess the GTO is prime example of what not to do..
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Mike 1:43PM (9/07/2007)
I'm not a big fan of the Ute design, but I'm not a critic either. I think its unique design would appeal to a decent number of people. I really don't think it would be a high volume car, and I doubt it would be marketed as such.
I'm quite excited about the things I've been hearing about the future of the Pontiac name, beyond the G8. The rumors of the next G6, and I'm already a G8 fan. :) I can't wait to see how it all comes out. :)
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gerard Vandenberg 1:49PM (9/07/2007)
Give it a spanish name: CHEVROLET QUISIERA
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