The once popular car-truck segment exemplified by the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero is soon to be resurrected. The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.
Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or play. The G8 sport truck is expected to arrive in showrooms in late 2009.
Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer, and consumers can visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas. “As an important part of the G8 family, we know that ‘sport truck’ doesn’t fully describe the vehicle’s ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck,” said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. “Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we’re giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal.” The winning entry will be announced April 15.
The G8 sport truck maintains the same exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels to give it a wide stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle’s performance pedigree. The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.
The sport truck draws its strength from the same 6.0L V8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 hp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.
While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a durable composite bedliner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 lbs. and tow a 3,500-lbs. trailer.
Source: General Motors