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SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?
Click above to watch the video after the jump
When gas prices spiked and automakers began focusing more attention on fuel efficient cars and crossovers, we began wondering if the pickup truck's best days were behind it. The next big blow came when domestic automakers began postponing or canceling development of light-duty diesel engines for their half-ton trucks. Then, when things were at their bleakest, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor arrived. The SVT-badged baja bruiser is one serious piece of hardware, with unique Fox struts and 35-inch rubber.With the overwhelmingly positive reaction that the Raptor has received, we've been wondering if General Motors, Chrysler or even Toyota would follow suit with their own sand monster. After seeing a Camaro video posted by Chevrolet on YouTube, we may have evidence that it's a strong possibility.
The purpose of the video is to showcase several new Camaro graphics packages that will appear at SEMA next month, but anyone can see the pair of pics in the upper right hand corner that show a bad ass green machine dressed up in a bow tie and sporting six-spoke wheels. The hopped-up Silverado is lifted to within an inch of its life with highly flared wheel wells to corral all that rubber, but it's hard to tell if the mods are more for show than actual dune diving. Hit the jump to check out the video, and clap twice out loud if you want Chevy to take on Ford's Raptor.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
fixitfixitstop 10:08AM (10/23/2009)
I think GM has bigger issues than the Raptor. They need to focus their attention to high-volume vehicles. I don't think they've had a car which has sold over 300,000 in a year since the 80s.
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Parlay84 10:30AM (10/23/2009)
I agree, they already have a strong presence in trucks, they should focus more on cars, and specifically getting them here quicker(Impala)
Jo Schmoe 11:39AM (10/23/2009)
Agreed. If GM is even considering competing with the Ford Raptor (which I believe that will fail if they tried), it really has its priorities screwed up. What GM really needs now is money, and to get money, GM needs to significantly improve its small cars and mid-sized sedans. A fast truck won't do it. It's not what Ford had in mind for the Raptor as well. Besides, is there any chance that a gas-guzzler fast truck would get the green light from the oval office? Not a chance in hell. The new GM will not have any balls for a long long long time and Ford is surely enjoying it.
Carlos 12:17PM (10/23/2009)
They need to focus on getting the cruze here and make it cheap and fun to drive while looking nice.
In other news, GM still doesn't get it
Randy 1:28PM (10/23/2009)
Agreed!
GM Needs to see about buying Ford's Playbook from that spy guy that sold Ford Secrets!
LOL - Oh I sure hope they drill that guy with questions like "WHO BOUGHT THEM" and then let the public know! :)
The Other Bob 10:09AM (10/23/2009)
How about a new Colorado first.
Please.
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Jei 11:03AM (10/23/2009)
Exactly! And how about making a 3/4ths version of the Avalanche/EXT based on the Colorado? I like the newest Avalanche & EscEXT, but I would like that styling in a smaller package. I like the rugged 4-door pickup with an adjustable midgate.
Joey Mazz 10:50PM (10/23/2009)
Totally agree with you about the Colorado, it's never been a great truck. It's kinda funky looking, reliability has been mediocre, hardly anyone is buying them and their inline engines proved more thirsty than sporty. They need to build a new midsize truck and consider bringing the s10 name back to the game. A lot of people bought those little trucks, myself included.
HotRodzNKustoms 10:13AM (10/23/2009)
Oh please please please please I love the Raptor but I would so much prefer a GM truck.
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PAT 11:21AM (10/23/2009)
I like the Raptor, and said I would buy one of if they produced it, but it looks a little tacky with the cosmetic changes they made. Having said that, I love that you can actually buy a truck with a real tire/susp combo! GM should put the H2 chassis/susp setup with the Silverado body. That would be ideal! I am still amazed how GM has failed to capitalize on our willingness to buy a truck with some added capability. I don't want to buy a truck that has the same size tires as a Tacoma. GM needs to add some flavor to their trucks. Whatever happened to the Z71...oh yeah, it has bilstein shocks...And you can buy 2wd Z71, come' on man! I have always been a Chevy guy, but today I would buy and F150.
katshot 10:19AM (10/23/2009)
SERIOUSLY doubt that GM could or would. Yeah, they will possibly have some kind of concept vehicle at SEMA but that's about it.
Even if they did produce a Raptor competitor, it would NOT be any threat to the Ford IMO.
But, then I'm not a GM truck fan.
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LaserRed38 10:01PM (10/23/2009)
Exactly. All I see on those boards are a SEMA concept vehicle, not a production Raptor competitor. Nice try though.
Danimal 10:19AM (10/23/2009)
If they build a Raptor competitor, then I think it's safe to say a Z28 is coming as well. I can't see them competing against Ford in trucks and not the pony cars.
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WhereIsJohnGalt 10:21AM (10/23/2009)
Well, considering the fact that the truck in the background has ~22" rims on it, I'd say no, GM will not be building a Raptor fighter. A sparring partner for the Raptor seems more likely.
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Danimal 10:35AM (10/23/2009)
Find me a recent concept drawing that doesn't have impossibly large wheels.
MajorGeek 10:22AM (10/23/2009)
Everything I am used to seeing from GM in trucks is an appearance package like the sport or the recent lol Chrome Edition. The attention the Rator has makes it an interesting discussion but I bet you can count Chevy out on this one.
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Avinash machado 10:24AM (10/23/2009)
They should badge it as a GMC.
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Taglane 11:01AM (10/23/2009)
Totally agreed
Stig2112 10:24AM (10/23/2009)
Commonsense says that GM should work on becoming financially viable again before pursuing niche market vehicles like Ford's Raptor. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if GM's management rushed this into production. Commonsense is a rare commodity these days.
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Jo Schmoe 11:41AM (10/23/2009)
LOL. Agreed!