Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Wagons/Estates, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia
Report: Pontiac G8 will spawn wagon, sport truck
Automotive News is reporting what's been suspected all along: GM will bring a both a wagon and a Ute to the U.S. after the launch of the G8 next year. Citing three sources intimate with the project, the report goes on to say that the two models will be built in Australia and will be similar to the Commodore wagon, on which the Pontiac G8 is based, and the Holden VE Ute.
The move comes in an attempt to bring back the sporting credentials sorely lacking in GM's excitement division, so there are no plans to offer the Ute in GMC-guise. The sports truck will use the same platform as its G8 sibling and will be powered by the drivetrain from the Camaro.
The only issue that could affect the importation of both models is the weakening dollar. If it continues to slide, pricing will either be increased or both models won't make the trek across the Pacific.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
John R 8:13AM (11/19/2007)
Well, this was a forgone conclusion. The wagon should do pretty well.
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Justin 8:22AM (11/19/2007)
I'd love to see a wagon variant.
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Thetruck454 8:23AM (11/19/2007)
OMG UTE!!!
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alphabeta777 8:32AM (11/19/2007)
I think it's not going to happen anytime soon, and it's not only because of the currency problem.
The other problem is a complete lack of available side and/or curtain airbags in the ute.
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Jason 10:14AM (11/19/2007)
"The other problem is a complete lack of available side and/or curtain airbags in the ute."
what makes you say that?
alphabeta777 12:55AM (11/20/2007)
What makes me say that??? Huh?
I'm Australian, and I know that the ute has no side or curtain airbags available.
Guenther 9:19AM (11/20/2007)
The A-pillar and forward roof structure in the Ute and Sedan should be sufficiently similar to integrate the same bags.
Avinash machado 8:34AM (11/19/2007)
So no Chevy El Camino after all.
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TBlueMax 8:34AM (11/19/2007)
Looking forward to the wagon. I would still prefer the new Mazda6 wagon as I think it strikes a nice balance between sophisticated and sporty, but I'll make my choice based on what is available for purchase in the U.S. This G8 wagon is an easy alternative.
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cowboy bob 8:43AM (11/19/2007)
It will be a LOT easier with an LS2 and 400 horsepower. Your Mazadodo won't be sporty enough if this hits the street. I love the Hemi powered Dodge Magnum, even as they kill it. Too bad, it's cool, and an eye turner in badass black.
TBlueMax 11:23AM (11/19/2007)
Yeah, a 400hp V8 may attract some folks but I'm drawn by the near-SUV cargo capacity with car handling/fuel-economy. I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't need the V8 and wouldn't mind the gas savings from the V6. I've owned enough quick cars with terrible mileage to get that out of my system.
"Your Mazadodo won't be sporty enough if this hits the street." WTF? Retard much?
I don't currently own a Mazda, matter-of-fact, I've never owned a Mazda - but when I saw their redesigned Mazda6 wagon, http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mazda-atenza-hatchback-and-sport-wagon/454379/full/ , I was fairly impressed.
Glad there are so many makes/models on the market - a little something for everyone.
cowboy bob 12:37PM (11/19/2007)
Why is it that the first reaction of a person to having read a CAR comment is: Ridicule and insult the writer? "retard" ??? I know some people with mental disabilities, and they have more character than to insult others.
TBlueMax 3:08PM (11/19/2007)
Well, because you asked... "Your" as the opening word to the sentence of yours I quoted implies the possessive (i.e. ownership or possession of something) as in "Your Mazadodo" - which to me, indicates your belief that I actually own/possess a "Mazadodo" which is either an attempt at a derogatory version of "Mazda" or a pretty serious nonsensical typo. Either way, I question the intent of your remark as, 1) personally derogatory, or 2) idiotic.
Let me know which you meant and I'll respond appropriately next time.
BTW, I have nothing against the developmentally impaired or the mentally handicapped. If you happen to fall into either of those categories, which would certainly explain your comment, you're forgiven.
Russell 3:39PM (11/19/2007)
There is a big difference between the two.
Mazda=FWD
G8=RWD
Big difference, at least for me.
Neil Schelly 8:52AM (11/19/2007)
A wagon would be awesome, but I suspect it won't be available with a stick.
-N
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Scott 5:04PM (11/19/2007)
If they bring it with a stick and the V8, I will get it for my wife, to replace her Outback turbo, with a stick.
oby 9:18AM (11/19/2007)
More clueless ideas from GM.
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Pokey 3:12PM (11/19/2007)
Another clueless comment from a clueless GM basher.
Yeah, what are they thinking. Why would GM want to finally bring an attractive American branded wagon to the U.S.?
Russell 3:41PM (11/19/2007)
Enliten us and tell us what would be a good idea.
Rboyett 9:20AM (11/19/2007)
Sounds crazy, but if they bring a G8 wagon, I'm going to buy it and pass on the new Camaro.
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