Autoblog

Custom 1956 Bentley S1 ute up for charity auction in Australia

Noah Joseph — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:39:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Truck, Auctions, Etc., Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, Luxury

1956 Bentley S1 pickup - Click above for high-res images

Bentley and Bugatti may be under common ownership these days, but back in the day, they were bitter rivals. That rivalry lead one Ettore Bugatti to deride his English competition as "the world's fastest lorries" (the British term for commercial trucks). He was speaking figuratively, because while the notion of a Bentley sport-ute has been rumored every now and then, the company doesn't actually make trucks. This, then, stands as an exception.

This classic started life in 1956 as a Bentley S1, purchased by the owner of a large retail chain before changing hands to the Earl of Stradbroke who had it converted to a pickup. The work was carried out in New South Wales, Australia, where they've always been bonkers for utes. They painted it yellow and gave it a woody-style pickup bed.

The car was donated by Stradbroke to the Trinity Grammar School, which is now auctioning the vehicle through insurance broker Shannons to raise funds to build a new library. The vehicle will hit the auction block during the Australian Motor Show on July 10, where it's expected to fetch between $22,000 and $32,000 in Australian funds, or about $23,600-$34,400 in equivalent American greenbacks.

Custom 1956 Bentley S1 ute up for charity auction in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the other BMW with a bed: Stuart Appleby's M5 Ute

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, BMW, Australia, Celebrities, Luxury

Stuart Appleby's BMW M5 Ute - Click above for high-res image gallery

Turns out the BMW M3 pickup we showed you yesterday isn't the first BMW to be turned into a sport pickup. Back in 2008, PGA Tour golfer Stuart Appleby had his E39 BMW M5 turned into a ute by Australian custom shop Southern Rod.

Appleby has a deep-seated love of utes from his childhood on an Australian dairy farm, and has loved M cars since he first laid eyes on them. He also has a history of tearing into his rides, trying to squeeze each extra pony from them. His first M5 hadn't gone 4,500 miles before the engine was torn down and pushed to 460 horsepower.

The build for this ute was finished in October 2008, and used an undamaged M5 to make a factory-looking build as easy as possible. The build took months and left no stone unturned making sure the car retained its original stiffness and functioned like a normal Ute.

We dig the finished product, and we dig that Appleby doesn't care what people think of it. Along the way, the car got a sport suspension to go along with the 460-horsepower engine, thanks to a chip, headers and exhaust.

UPDATE: Appleby originally created a thread about his M5 ute on the m5board.com forums before launching his official M5Ute.com website.

Gallery: Stuart Appleby's M5 Ute

[Source: M5ute | Images: M5ute]

Meet the other BMW with a bed: Stuart Appleby's M5 Ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussies build a Chevy El Camarino

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia

Holden Commodore SS Ute Camaro Conversion - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you have a Holden Commodore SS Ute and, for some vexing reason, you want it to look more like the American-market Chevrolet Camaro. Well, we've got good news for you. An enterprising young soul from Victoria, Australia has worked up just such a kit. With new sheetmetal from the A-pillar forward and a custom Camaro nose cap, the end result is as close to a Camaro-meets-El-Camino mutation as you're likely to find. This particular example was spotted outside of a Nashville, Tennessee tuner.

We have to say that while the Commodore SS Ute is as handsome as can be right from the factory, the Camaro nose doesn't exactly do the car an injustice. There's no word on exactly how much the conversion kit will set you back, though with all of the appropriate pieces and sheetmetal, we'd be surprised if the final price tag were less than $5,000 - before paint. Worth it? That's a conversation you'll have to have with your wallet.

Gallery: Holden Commodore SS Ute Camaro Conversion

[Sources: Car Advice, Performance Street Car]

Aussies build a Chevy El Camarino originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Montana compact truck unveiled in South America

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, South America

2011 Chevrolet Montana - Click above for high-res image gallery

Say hullo to this little truck: It's the 2011 Chevrolet Montana and it might just make its way up from South America into U.S. dealer showrooms. It's a small two-door, two-passenger ute that rides on the same platform as the Brazilian Chevy Agile, a hatchback city car.

According to Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com, General Motors has no successor planned for the U.S.-version of the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon twins. This car-based, front-wheel-drive trucklet could provide a nice stepping stone into its family of larger pickups. The engine would likely have to be beefed up for this market, since potential truck shoppers might be scared off by the Montana's 1.4-liter four-cylinder (it's good for 97 horsepower, 95 pound-feet of torque, and 30 miles per gallon on the highway). Despite its modest power numbers, the Chevy Montana is capable of hauling 1,671 pounds in the rear cargo area - a number comparable to the payload ratings of several full-size pickups.

Is North America ready for a pint-sized, front-wheel drive truck? That's a tough call, especially one with such ~~Aveo-like~~ unique styling. The 2011 Chevrolet Montana might not arrive in the form you see above (and in the gallery), but it could provide a glimpse at what's waiting down the road.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Montana

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

2011 Chevrolet Montana compact truck unveiled in South America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Holden, Australia

The HSV E Series 2 lineup - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just as wounds from the Pontiac G8 being ripped from us are beginning to scar over, HSV has torn them open anew by revealing version 2.0 of its Commodore-based E Series lineup. It's facelifts all around for the gang of Aussie stoplight brawlers, four of which - The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer - even get the erstwhile Poncho's twin-scoop hood. The more luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange models have smooth hoods and less overall ornamentation. Either one would have made a sublime performance Buick, but oh well...

The most extreme looker of the bunch is the range-topping HSV GTS (front and center), which rocks a vicious Fu-Manchu blackout treatment on its new front fascia. All of the cars get new wheels, LED running lights, and new treatments out back as well. Every HSV machine also has an LS3 V8 pumping out 317 kW (425 hp), except the GTS - its LS3 makes 325 kW (435 hp). To further drive home the point, 317 or 325 badging is prominently displayed on the back of the GTS, Maloo, and the two ClubSports so that other drivers have a better understanding of why their doors just got blown off. The Corvette's new launch control system is on every manual gearbox-equipped car, and a manual is standard equipment on all of them but the Grange, which is only sold with a six-speed auto. Finally, new "SV Enhanced" options such as upgraded wheels, bi-modal exhaust, and, in the case of the GTS, 6-pot front brakes let drivers trick things out even further.

It's basically a massive laundry list of good stuff we'll probably never ever see in the U.S. now that GM leadership has put a bullet into the whole North American Zeta sedan idea once and for all. Obviously, this rots. Follow the jump for the official HSV press release and have a gander at the new cars in the gallery below. The photos are all labeled so you know which car is which. That way you'll know precisely what it is that we're missing out on.

Gallery: HSV E Series 2 Lineup

[Source: HSV]

Continue reading Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crazy Kiwis: Buy a new Mitsubishi Triton, get a free goat with purchase

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 May 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Mitsubishi, Humor

New Zealand Mitsubishi wants you to buy a Triton ute, and to lure you into doing it they're using goats -- because really, who can resist a goat? Said Mitsu's New Zealand sales and marketing manager, Peter Wilkins, "three years of drought has severely depleted sheep and beef populations, so what better time to float the goat?''

But wait, there's more! If you don't end up taking the goat -- said to go well with the Triton because goats are "hardy, versatile units which will integrate directly into existing farm operations'' -- a goat-free package is available. That will get you a 5-year extended warranty, five vehicle fitness inspections, five thousand km of road user charges paid, five years of roadside assistance, and $500 worth of Triton accessories.

New Zealand Mitsubishi, working hard to... get your goat. (Sorry, had to...)

[Source: Courier Mail]

Crazy Kiwis: Buy a new Mitsubishi Triton, get a free goat with purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 09:25:00 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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Tear in my beer: GM reportedly kills off 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Chris Paukert — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Pontiac

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 ST

Hold on to your Budweiser coozies: Details are scarce at the moment, but Pickuptruck.com is reporting that Pontiac has quietly euthanized plans to introduce the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST. The muscular G8-based trucklet was to signal the re-emergence of the unibody pickup in North America, a genre once populated with vehicles like the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero, along with smaller front-drive moppets like the Volkswagen Rabbit pickup and Dodge Rampage.

The Austrailian-built rear-drive G8 ST was to arrive with V8 power, a 74-inch cargo hold, and a 3500-pound towing capacity, making it less capable than full-size body-on-frame pickups like General Motors' own Silverado/GMC Sierra twins, with the predicted trade-off of markedly better handling and fuel economy.

The ST was to launch as a 2010 model later this year, and prices were rumored to start in the low $30k range. Although we are unsurprised to learn of the truck's cancellation (as GM is actively slimming down its portfolio and the baby muscle pickup was expected to serve as a small-volume niche model), we can't help but get a little misty-eyed at the loss of what promised to be a truly epic donut-making machine. G8 ST, we hardly knew ye...

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Tear in my beer: GM reportedly kills off 2010 Pontiac G8 ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Skyline R32-amino, wait... wha?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Videos, Supercars, Nissan

Click above to view video after the jump

The Nissan Skyline R32 is a legend on the track and in the eyes of tuners around the world. There are legions of fans who have tweaked their R32s to go faster and move with more agility, but we don't think many have turned their precious Skylines into a Ute to obtain optimal drifts. Following the jump is video of a race-ready R32 that looks more Ford Falcon from Down Under than it does a super-tuned Nissan from the land of the rising sun. It may look beaten with an ugly stick, but it could be the only R32 that can hot lap a track and help a friend move in the same day. And it's a hella-good drifter, too. The video after the jump is English free, so if you have any Japanese language skills, let us know what they're saying in the comments section.

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Skyline R32-amino, wait... wha?

VIDEO: Skyline R32-amino, wait... wha? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: The new FPV range launches Down Under

Alex Nunez — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Ford, Australia, FPV

Click above for high-res gallery of the FPV F6, more galleries after the jump

FPV's seemingly endless rollout of its new FG Falcon-based lineup has finally culminated in the actual launch of the cars (how novel), which we've already touched upon. To that end, we'll keep this brief and turn you loose on the multiple new photo galleries now available (check out the rest after the jump). The FPV range encompasses both Falcon sedan and Ute bodystyles, and power comes from either the turbocharged F6 inline-six or the 5.4L Boss 315 V8. The six delivers 415 horsepower and a tire-humbling 416 lb-ft of torque. The eight's no slouch either, pumping out 422 horses (315 kW, hence the engine's name) and 406 lb-ft. A Tremec TR6060 6-speed stick is available across the full range of cars.

Speaking of that, here's the rundown:

FPV F6 Ute
FPV Pursuit (V8 Ute)
FPV Super Pursuit ( Top-of-the-line V8 Ute)
FPV F6 Sedan
FPV GT (V8 Sedan)
FPV GT-P (Premium version of the GT)
FPV GT E (Top-of-the-line V8 FPV sedan, more subtle styling than GT, GT-P)

You can see galleries of everything below and after the jump. We'll take an F6 sedan in the lime green. In fact, we need one of those approximately yesterday.

Gallery: 2008 FPV F6

[Source: FPV]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: The new FPV range launches Down Under

Pics Aplenty: The new FPV range launches Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York '08 Preview: 2010 Pontiac sports truck, GM wants you to name it!

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Truck, Pontiac

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 ST

After more than two decades, the ghost of the El Camino has finally risen from the grave, at least for U.S. drivers. It never actually went away in Australia. Now that the Pontiac G8 has ushered in a new era of affordable rear-wheel-drive performance at General Motors, the car-based pickup truck, or Ute as they are called Down Under, is coming back. Rumors have been flying for months about a G8 Ute and GM even showed the GMC Denali XT concept at the Chicago Auto Show last month - a four-door ute with a two-mode hybrid power-train that may or may not see production.

What we will definitely see in showrooms late next year is the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. The G8 Ute gets a 6-foot 2-inch long cargo bed behind its two-passenger cab. Compared to the sedan, the pickup has a four-inch longer wheelbase plus two more inches hanging behind the rear axle. The box that's unified with the passenger compartment comes with a color matched soft tonneau cover to enclose the 42.7 cubic feet contained within the composite bed. That's nearly double the volume of the late and unlamented Chevy SSR. The G8 can haul almost 1,100 lbs and tow 3,500 lbs, that latter figure also 1,000 lbs more than the SSR.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Continue reading New York '08 Preview: 2010 Pontiac sports truck, GM wants you to name it!

New York '08 Preview: 2010 Pontiac sports truck, GM wants you to name it! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Pontiac G8 will spawn wagon, sport truck

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Wagon, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

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.]

Report: Pontiac G8 will spawn wagon, sport truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, SUV, Volkswagen

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

The new Tiguan cute-ute factored big into Volkswagen's press conference at this year's LA show. And no wonder, as Vee-Dub is hoping its new small sport-ute sells big, especially in the all-important US market, and especially in California where nobody needs a truck yet everybody has one (and parks it next to their Prius).

Volkswagen of America revealed that Tiguan is priced to sell with a starting MSRP of just $22,490. With just two sport-utes in its lineup, that gives VW a huge price-point spread that stretches all the way up to $68,320 for the bigger Touareg 2 with the jumbo-jet-pulling V10 TDI.

Volkswagen is evidently hoping that the Tiguan will become the Golf of the sport-ute market after it hits US dealers this coming summer. Check out our gallery of the US-spec Tiguan below, and VW's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan

Continue reading LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490

LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat crossover expected in 2010, Alfa version to follow

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

The Italians are known for making great sports cars, touring cars, supercars, even little itty-bitty cars. Sport-utes, not so much. Lamborghini's monster LM002 notwithstanding, the last time few times Fiat tried its hand at SUVs, it came up with the Sedici (a slightly taller than normal compact car built in partnership with Suzuki) and the Oltre concept (some sort of twisted cross between a Hummer and an Apple store). But with crossovers continuing to sell big, despite the impediments of fuel prices and an increasingly enviro-conscious market, the ~~mafia~~ legitimate business association of the Italian auto industry can hardly afford to sit it out. So they'll try, try again.

The next up to bat is the production version of the CX-Over, expected to hit the market in 2010. Sources indicate an overall length of about 4.5 meters, potential for hybrid powertrain options (though more likely a range of the company's highly-efficient diesels), available AWD and a body style fitting somewhere between a minivan and a sport-ute. The Fiat version is expected to sell in the €22k-30k range in Europe, and is expected to spawn an additional version from sister brand Alfa Romeo.

[Source: Info Motori]

Fiat crossover expected in 2010, Alfa version to follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sydney 2007: Holden Commodore Sportwagon and HSV Maloo break cover again

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Holden, Australia

Automakers go to great lengths preventing images and details of new cars being released prior to their official debut, but sometimes, well... often, they still fail. Holden is the latest automaker to suffer this fate, with images of its new VE Commodore wagon and high-performance HSV Maloo ute being leaked for the second time ahead of their debut at next week's Sydney Auto Show.

The pictures were published by local magazine Motor, the latest edition of which wasn't meant to go on sale until the official embargo date of the 11th of October. Subscribers of the magazine, however, received their new copies today in with full details of the two Holden show cars. These same cars were subject to another leak back in August.

The wagon Holden is presenting is being called a concept but it's an almost exact copy of the production model set to go on sale early next year. Previous versions of the car were normally sold to company fleets and accordingly were lacking in the style department. The new model is being touted as a more affordable alternative to sporty European estate models from the likes of Audi and BMW.

Holden's other model is the new Maloo ute, a hotted up version of the regular Holden VE Ute prepped by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). It features a 411-hp 6.0L LS2 V8 and an equally powerful bodykit to match.

[Source: Drive]

Sydney 2007: Holden Commodore Sportwagon and HSV Maloo break cover again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Lutz on US Ute: "Odds are it will happen."

John Neff — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, GMC, Pontiac, Australia

click above image to view more pics of the Holden VE Ute

A few weeks ago we wrote about an email exchange between "Maximum" Bob Lutz and a GM Inside News forum member by the name of MonaroSS. In the exchange, Lutz claimed he and his colleagues were behind a move to bring the Australian-built Holden Ute to the U.S., but that "it won't be a Cheverolet." Never one to leave a quote like that hanging, Mike Levine from PickupTruck.com cornered "Maximum" Bob in California and asked if he could expound upon the status of a Stateside Ute, to which Lutz replied, "Odds are it will happen," and "We'd love to do it." Sounds promising.

In reference to his line that a Ute sold in the U.S. would not be badged a Chevrolet, Mr. Lutz added, "The Chevy product portfolio is too full to add this to it. We'd do it as either a Pontiac or GMC." Most have assumed a U.S.-spec Ute would be badged a Pontiac since from the A-pillar forward it would be identical to the forthcoming Pontiac G8 sedan, but Bob thinks a revival of the GMC Caballero might be cool, too.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Gallery: Holden VE Ute

Continue reading Bob Lutz on US Ute: "Odds are it will happen."

Bob Lutz on US Ute: "Odds are it will happen." originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Aussie dollar threatens more Holden exports

Siddharth Raja — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Australia

Before you start sweating, rest assured Holden's VE Commodore will be heading Stateside as the Pontiac G8, but as for other models such as the two-door Ute, things are looking in doubt. GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz is a key backer of bringing the Ute to the U.S. but revealed at this week's Frankfurt Auto Show that the export program could be in doubt because of the strong Australian dollar. Either the car-based pickup would be priced out of the market or GM would have to subsidize it, something that's not going to happen, Lutz informed.

Plans to import roughly 50,000 Pontiac G8s are unchanged but the margins made on the car will be very slim, meaning there's no room to add a variant priced below it. This will come as a major blow to Holden staffers. Almost half of its annual production of 147,000 cars is exported and gaining a foothold in the lucrative U.S. markets has been one of its key goals over the past decade.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Gallery: Holden VE Ute

High Aussie dollar threatens more Holden exports originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Sep 2007 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 Ute a distinct possibility

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Australia

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]

Pontiac G8 Ute a distinct possibility originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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El Camino may return, but it won't be a Chevy!

Dan Roth — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:47:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Holden, Australia

Holden just released a new version of its Australian Ute, and it's been rumored that the VE Trucklet will be US-bound. There's no doubt that GM is taking a look at the possibility of reintroducing the El Camino's ethos to American consumers, and fans of past El Caminos (and Sprints and Caballeros) are excited. GM Inside News forum member and photoshopper MonaroSS whipped up a chop of the VE Ute with an imagined Chevrolet nose and emailed it to everyone's friend, Maximum Bob, at GM HQ. Accompanying the picture was the note "hope the new Ute gets a more Chevy look if it goes Stateside." The reply from Lutz confirmed a desire on GM's part to bring the Ute over, but went on to state that it wouldn't be a Chevrolet if it happens.

What? An El Camino that's not an El Camino? What brand would sell it, then? There's GMC, which had versions of the El Camino in the past (the aforementioned Sprint and Caballero), but is it a good fit with the rest of the GMC product line? Pontiac's already getting the VE cars as G8s, so there would be a level of familiarity on the part of the sales/service organization were the Ute to end up at the Excitement branch. Of course, GM could take a total left-turn and sell it at Saturn or Buick stores, too, but we see those as a remote possibility. Saturn have a slight edge over Buick if it were to ever end up in either of those stores, but it's nearly as doubtful as the Ute becoming a Cadillac. So - while a certain number of consumers would welcome a new version of GM's not-a-car-not-a-truck, it's anyone's guess who will sell it and what they'll call it.

[Source: GM Inside News]

El Camino may return, but it won't be a Chevy! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: MINI-ute in development

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mini

With the MINI Clubman rapidly approaching production, and the new cabrio coming along, the BMW-owned automaker is reportedly working on another variation of the theme: the MINI crossover.

Although rumors have been bouncing around for a while of a MINI-derived mini-ute, the automotive sleuths over at MotoringFile say they have it on good authority that the vehicle has been given the green light for production, and has now entered the development phase.

Alternately code-named R59 or R60 and referred to internally as the "Colorado", the crossover is reported to be based on the Clubman, but with more rugged styling, a larger body, possibly more doors (suicide rear doors would be a smart choice) and a new advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The news also comes hot on the heels of the reported Fiat 500 crossover derivative. Let the retro wars begin.

[Source: MotoringFile]

REPORT: MINI-ute in development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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