Autoblog

Is the Holden Ute back on for the US?

George Kennedy — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

When not salivating over the prospect of the forthcoming C7 Corvette, GM Performance enthusiasts are busy speculating over the Chevrolet SS. The Holden Commodore-based performance sedan recently made its debut in NASCAR form, with the production model slated to launch on the weekend of the 2013 Daytona 500. Part of the rumor-mongering for this rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan was talks of US-bound translation of the Holden Ute - also the artist formerly know as the Pontiac G8 ST (pictured).

Australian outlet Adelaidenow.com cites GM Authority's findings that General Motors filed to renew its trademark the "El Camino" name. GM Authority also points to the recent filing of the "Nomad" name, connecting it to speculation that both ute and wagon variants of the SS would follow the sedan.

Holden spokesman Sean Poppitt was rather ambiguous about about the potential for a US Ute: "We haven't made a decision on the next generation Ute to its presence in export markets outside Australia," said Poppitt, "However there is the free trade agreement between the US and Australia which means we are not precluded from selling Australian-made light commercial vehicles in the US market."

So, while it is no confirmation of future product, one need only connect the dots, from the groundwork laid by the G8 ST, to the new SS, to this patent filing, and the possibility becomes very real that we could finally get the ute for which we've been pining on our shores.

Is the Holden Ute back on for the US? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High tarriffs curb resurgent U.S. hopes for Holden Ute

Chris Tutor — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

With the Holden Commodore sedan on its way back to the States as the Chevrolet SS, we were hoping that the El Camino-like, two-seat Ute wouldn't be far behind (after all, the halfbreed was supposed to be offered here as the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck before General Motors offed the brand altogether). Unfortunately, however, the Aussies have been informed that the Ute falls under our light commercial tariff rate of 35 percent - roughly three times the rate on passenger vehicle imports.

"We were hopeful at one stage, we thought we might be able to duck in under it, but it was ruled out," Holden executive director Richard Phillips tells the Herald Sun. "With the dollar where it is, exports can only be pursued that are niche... and profitable in this environment."

Bummer.

High tarriffs curb resurgent U.S. hopes for Holden Ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Cadillac, GM, GMC, Australia

Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Pontiac's death official, Holden stands to lose around $1 billion annually with the demise of the Pontiac G8. However, Holden doesn't plan to go quiet into night. The Aussie automaker has drawn up plans to offer the rear-wheel drive Commodore platform to Cadillac and GMC.

Although GM's CEO, Fritz Henderson, has confirmed that the G8 won't live on, there's a chance it could be used by law enforcement in the States, and with Cadillac's recent attempts to inject more RWD models into the mix (save the Epsilon II-based sub-CTS), the Zeta architecture could be used for a new line of Caddies.

More interestingly, with GMC safe - for now - from sharing a grave with Pontiac (not to mention the inevitable liquidation of Hummer, Saab and Saturn), Holden could make a case for importing the stillborn G8 ST 'ute to the U.S. as a fuel-efficient alternative to GMC's otherwise big and thirsty pick-ups. Where there's a niche, GM normally likes to fill it, and while the case for the Zeta-based Cadillacs could be made -- particularly as GM seeks to downsize the platform to aid its survival -- the G8 ST's revival seems far less plausible.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What to choose instead of a G8 ST? The Torrent GXP, of course

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Crossover, Pontiac

Click above for high-res gallery of what would have been the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Remember when the Pontiac G8 ST had just been announced for production and General Motors had not yet chosen a name for its new not-a-camino? A contest was held, a winner was chosen and the Poncho sport truck got the ST suffix officially added to its base G8-derived name. Joseph Warren, the winner of the naming contest, was granted a G8 ST as his prize for picking the right (and seemingly rather obvious) name, but since that particular piece of sport-truckery has now officially been scrapped, he had to pick something else. His choice? A fresh new Pontiac Torrent GXP. Really, we're not making that up. His only direction was that it had to be priced equal to or less than what the ST would have sold for. He could be parking a desirable G8 GT in his driveway, but perhaps the Torrent's CUV bodystyle is a better fit for Mr. Warren's life. Your mileage may vary.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

What to choose instead of a G8 ST? The Torrent GXP, of course originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: GM bringing Pontiac G8 ST concept

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Pontiac

Pontiac's G8 ST will likely not be used much for hauling joists and sonotubes, and General Motors took note of that before preparing one for SEMA. Instead, the concept has been dolled up with goodies that may make it to the GM Accessories catalog once the G8 ST goes on sale in late 2009. The most visible enhancements are on the outside. The paint is called Liquid Hot, and custom 20-inch wheels handsomely stuff the fenders. Making the car look more menacing is a reduced ride height, too. Inside, interior tweaks dress up the seats, the steering wheel and the shift knob with red inserts, and GM Accessories is contemplating making the custom interior trim kit and hard tonneau cover on the SEMA car available for purchase. With its vestigial bed and big V8, we predict the G8 ST will be hauling mostly ass.

[Source: GM Inside News]

SEMA Preview: GM bringing Pontiac G8 ST concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 ST expected to start in low $30k-range

Chris Shunk — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Pontiac

Click the image above to view the high-res gallery

Recent news that the G8 may never see a design cycle had us worried that the sport truck version of the RWD Pontiac may never see the light of day. GM has shot down any rumors concerning the demise of the G8, and Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson told our friend Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com that the ST model is running on schedule, too. That's certainly good news, but unfortunately it'll be another full year before we see the ute-tastic pickup at your local dealer.

Hopson also provided a reasonable expectation of the G8 ST's pricing. The 6.0L V8 model will hit your pocket book in the "low $30,000 range," which is right in line with what you'll pay for a G8 GT today. Hopson also touched on the rumored V6 version of the ST, saying that the odds were in favor of the more efficient powerplant going under-hood. It seems like it has already been too long since we first laid eyes on the G8 ST, and waiting another full year will be tough. At least we know Pontiac's incognito Holden will be reasonably priced when if finally gets here.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Pontiac G8 ST expected to start in low $30k-range originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Pontiac, Rumormill

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 GXP

Pontiac hopes to clear things up with a post on Pontiac blog regarding the future of its current products, namely the G8 and Solstice. It was just the other day that rumors of the brand's two rear-wheel drive vehicles possible being canceled hit the interwebs, and we dutifully reported on the story as we always do. According to Pontiac, though, those rumors are nothing more than speculation and should not be taken as gospel unless you hear it from the horse's (or Mr. Lutz's) mouth, which we have not. Still, the rumor in question indicates that the G8 will live on at least another five years, assuming it continues to sell that long, but would not be replaced after that. This could still be the case. Likewise, the Solstice has not been canceled, but it's replacement in GM's lineup still seems unlikely given the low volume of sales the vehicle attracts. In short, nobody can predict the future, but sometimes the handwriting on the wall isn't that tough to read.

Gallery: 2008 Pontiac G8 GXP - Live Reveal

[Source: Pontiac Underground]

Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Pontiac G8 ST it is

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:50:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Pontiac

Click above for hi-res gallery of the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

We often go poking around General Motors' media resources, so imagine our surprise when we were searching for something totally unrelated and found fresh images of Pontiac's iteration of the Holden Ute. Still warm like just-baked cookies, the images show off a great looking dark-hued modern-day El camino. And for what do we deserve a new batch of G8 ute pics? They accompany word from on high that the official name for this trucklet has been decided. Meet the Pontiac G8 ST.

You may remember that GM solicited submissions, or rather suggestions, for what the G8 ST should be named. But after months of waiting and however many submissions, the best they could do was G8 ST? That's the name they started with! Now we feel all cheap and used, like GM knew what they were going to call this thing all along. Whatever, it will be holding court as the king of awesome in your local Pontiac dealer's showroom in late 2009 as a 2010 model. The 74-inch cargo bed and 3,500 lb towing capacity will allow you to haul more than just ass, though the V8 will surely facilitate that nicely. Pontiac's official press release can be found after the jump, and those new high-res images are in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: Pontiac G8 ST it is

Officially Official: Pontiac G8 ST it is originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V6 could join Pontiac Sport Truck lineup

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Pontiac

Click on the image above for our high-res live gallery of the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Even the most die-hard enthusiast, dreaming about the 361-hp 6.0-liter V8 under the hood of the upcoming Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, must be having second thoughts about the cost of feeding that thirsty powerplant. With fuel prices rising significantly in just the last few months, the folks at Pontiac are rumored to be considering a six-cylinder option for the G8 ST. The engine, if it finds its way under the hood, would be the same 256-hp 3.6-liter V6 found in the entry-level Pontiac G8 sedan. Not due until the 2010 model year, the V6-powered G8 ST would share the sedan's EPA fuel economy ratings of 17/25, making the sport truck a more feasible for buyers that want to jettison their daily-driven pickups for something with better fuel economy and a bit of utility.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: G8Nation]

V6 could join Pontiac Sport Truck lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upcoming Pontiac Ute gets five stars in Australian crash test

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Ford, Pontiac

For those of you interested in picking up one of the new Pontiac G8 ST utes when they come to the US next year there's good news. In a recent round of ute/pickup crash testing in Australia, the Holden Commodore Ute beat all comers to score five stars. No competitor matched the lofty score. The Ford Ranger-based Mazda BT50 got three stars while the Indian Mahindra pickup only managed two. The Mahindra currently doesn't have airbags, which hurt its scores. Look for that to change before Mahindra launches its trucks and SUVs in the US a couple of years from now. For the time being, however, if you plan on driving into any barriers, you'll want to go for the El Camino wannabe.

UPDATE: Enough already! Yes my NyQuil hazed brain still isn't working quite right as I try to recover from this flu I've been battling all week. I did indeed mis-read the story. The Holden/Pontiac Ute only got 4 stars. On to other topics of discussion.

Gallery: Holden VE Ute

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Upcoming Pontiac Ute gets five stars in Australian crash test originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: The Ute has landed! Live Reveal of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Truck, Pontiac

Click above for a high-res live gallery of the 2010 Pontiac Sport Truck

Again with musical accompaniment from the Young Lords, Maximum Bob Lutz heralded the return of the ~~El Camino~~ Pontiac G8 Sport Truck to the U.S. market for the first time in over two decades. Joining Lutz to make the sales case for how wonderful the new G8 ST was Fifty Cent who the company claims is a loyal Pontiac owner. We've already heard all the specs on the new Ute, so we won't bore you with them again here. Click to visit our previous post with all the deets. The platform is a longer wheelbase version of the one under the G8 sedan, and the suspension remains all-independent, although the rear end has been beefed up to provide some load carrying and towing capacity. This thing is no replacement for a Silverado in terms of capability, but for those that need to grab some bags of mulch from your local big box store or tow a pair of jet skis to the lake, the ST provides a much more car like ride and performance pretty close to the G8 GT sedan. The Sport Truck has the same 361-hp 6.0L V8 as the G8 sedan, along with the six-speed autobox through which 385 lb-ft of torque flow to the rear end. Sometime between now and late next year GM will announce what the real name of the ST, is but you can make your voice heard (whether anyone is actually listening is another story) at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar.

[Source: Pontiac]

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Continue reading New York 2008: The Ute has landed! Live Reveal of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck [w/VIDEO]

New York 2008: The Ute has landed! Live Reveal of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No El Camino for you! Pontiac pickup will be named G8 ST

John Neff — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:36:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Pontiac, Australia

Mike Levine over at Pickuptruck.com has managed to scoop a tasty nugget of info about the Pontiac-branded ute that will soon be for sale in the U.S. The Aussie-import based on the same platform as the rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan will be called the G8 ST, as in "Sport Truck".

That pang of disappointment you feel is the missed opportunity of paying homage to GM's most well known car-based pickups and their colorful names: the Chevy El Camino and GMC Caballero. Rather than dubbing Pontiac's ute the "Tamale" or "El Camino Redux", we get a measly little two-letter suffix. Sigh.

Also of note is that the pickup will only be available with a 6.0L V8 and is likely to start around $31,000.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Gallery: Holden VE Ute

No El Camino for you! Pontiac pickup will be named G8 ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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