Automotive News, Media & Press - New Holden Ute Revealed, Strong Chance It Will Come to US as Chevy or GMC

It has the same powertrain and interior/features as the new Holden Commodore/Pontiac G8 with added versatility and a bit less weight (3,500lbs).

The perfect car for those of us who need to run to Home Depot but hate owning and driving big, lumbering trucks. A muscle car with a bed payload of 1,400lbs and can tow over 3,600lbs.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/08/2007_Holden_VE_Ute.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1202374150_ca478a0a77_o.jpg

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http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/08/medium_1202374660_ee43d33ab1_o.jpg

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/2418/07ridehandling103tn0.jpg

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WEBSITE

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/vehicleentry?vehicleid=15

VIDEO

http://media.drive.com.au/?rid=30988

HOT ROD and GMHTP articles on the outgoing Ute

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/54718_2002_holden_ute_ss/index.html

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ure/index.html

A four-door model and optional AWD will follow.

Once bitten, twice shy?

CarPoint's scoop regarding the fast-tracking of the new Holden VE Ute (picked up by other websites late this week) was reluctantly confirmed by Holden staff at the Pontiac G8 announcement.

Though they refused to go 'on the record,' senior execs confirmed that the ute needs to go online to help increase plant efficiencies at Elizabeth ahead of the volume increases to accommodate G8 (and other export) production. Currently the plant builds both VE and VZ (ute and wagon) variants, which adds complexity and slows the line.

The nameplate the Ute will head to the USA under is still a closely-guarded secret, however, Holden boss Denny Mooney (inadvertently or otherwise) threw another brand into the ring this week, GMC.

GM's 'commercial' brand in the USA with a line-up made solely of pick-ups, trucks, SUVs and vans, GMC could benefit from the 'sex appeal' of a performance-oriented V8 'sports pick-up.' Plus labelling the VE Ute GMC would also sidestep the need to attach an iconic badge (El Camino) to the Australian-built hauler as would be the case if it was sold as a Chevrolet.

A case or once bitten twice shy? Mooney did say this week that the only mistake GM made with the Pontiac-branded Monaro-based US model was calling it a GTO.

www.carpoint.com.au

2011 Chevrolet El Camino SS - Will it happen?

By: Hans G. Lehmann Posted: 07-06-07 09:04 PT
© 2007 PickupTruck.com

Following on the success of its Pontiac GTO export deal to the US, GM's Aussie division Holden earlier this year struck a deal to export sporty versions of its new VE Commodore sedans to the States, badged as the Pontiac G8.

Now, with the Ute, or pickup truck, version of the VE Commodore due to be released in Australia in just over one month's time, we have produced a computer illustration of what a Chevy version might look like.

There have been confirmed reports that GM is interested in this vehicle and, given that the car is sold in Australia in a sporty V8 guise, it's possible that it might provide GM the opportunity to dust off the legendary El Camino nameplate. Wheels magazine reported the following in its June issue: "Ever since GM's global product boss Bob Lutz became interested in rebadging Holdens for North America, there has been speculation – much of it from Lutz himself – that the Ute could work as a reborn Chevrolet El Camino. As recently as February, outgoing Holden MD Denny Mooney was talking up the Ute export program. "I can tell you we've been working on that for over a year (and) the Ute would be unique in the US. It has a fair likelihood (of happening)."

From the A-pillar forward the ute is a dead ringer for the Commodore sedan, but aside form the front doors the rest of the car's panels will be unique pressings. The underpinnings, however, are firmly Commodore-based, meaning a 2915mm wheelbase, strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension.

Whereas in Australia the Ute spans everything from a basic V6 workhorse at the lower end of the range, right through to a V8-powered SS sports version, any future El Camino would almost certainly be based on the latter.

That means power from a 362-hp 6.0-liter V8, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto. Elsewhere, the package would include leather trim, 19" or 20" alloy wheels, and quad exhaust pipes. With an expected curb weight of around 3,682-lbs this will be one rapid load hauler.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/IMAGES/putclogo.gif (http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2011/chevrolet/elcamino/elcaminohans.html)

GM, just put a bowtie on it and send it our way. Please.

Put a bowtie on it and send it my way.

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/07/thumb800x800_801655036_b46ab92f29_o.jpg

http://a248.g.akamai.net/f/248/325/2h/www.gmarabia.com/content_data/LAAM/ME/en/GBPME/001/images/1L_800x6005.jpg

Ford Australia also sells their own Falcon Ute.

http://www.homebrewandbeer.com/bitsandpieces/images/ute.jpg

The new ute looks fantastic. Can't wait to go see them once they hit the showroom floors in Oct. Hopefully they will be shipped to you guys (Nth America) as I'm sure they would be a big hit.

If it weighs 3500 and had a LS3 mated to a M6 I would buy it maybe over a Maro...unless it is called El-Camino. Forget that name. Nah...I think I like the Maro better...but having a bed in it sure is nice...

W

Yeah it actually looks pretty damn good as is...If they fuck with it and slap a bowtie on it I'm sure it'll be puke worthy--so I 2x the "Put a bowtie on it and send it my way."

Impala may be finally looking good again. One can only hope.

Oh my. Resurrecting a damn El Camino. Dear Lord...that thing is UGLY, IMO. I have nothing against El Camino's, but this thing is a crime against those blessed with sight.

As much as i like the look of the car they better not dare bring it here. GM is having issues as is with people not liking most of their line-up. I remember when all the hype was about the SSR and that thing got GM nowhere. The G8 looks fantastic and i hope i can afford one in the near future, but who cares how many people say they want one. The question is how many people that say they want one, will actually buy it when it comes out.
-Joel

I like the green one!

Its the production EL Camaro lol. :mullet:

The Ute is much different than the SSR. The SSR was a high-dollar toy purely made for collectors like the Plymouth Prowler and retro Ford Thunderbird. It was very expensive and built out of the Trailblazer which meant it was body-on-frame and heavy.

The Ute is not expensive, and it's not based on a truck like the SSR. It is a mainstream car with rigid unibody construction and a fully independent suspension like a car. It is affordable, lightweight and can do all the tricks any muscle car can in addition to hauling large loads in the back.

This vehicle is literally a Pontiac G8 with a tub in place of the rear seat and trunk. They are identical underneath the body.

Holden cannot build limitless copies of it for export, probably 20,000 at the most. I doubt GM would have trouble moving that many unless they decide to make it look ugly like the El Camino chops that have been floating around.

Yeah but remember this is GM, as great as they are they have been known to go down-hill from concept to production. Don't get me wrong its a bad-ass looking car, but how many people really off this forum would really consider getting something like that. To tell you the truth if i had alot of money to spend sure I'd get one, but if i was on a budget i would either get a G8 or a truck.
-Joel

IF that shiet would have said Hyundai on the back of it, you guys would be laughing so hard. It amazes me, how dedicated and blinded you guys are. That car is hideous! Reminds me of the Subaru

This is actually not hideous. If someone were to ever design a vehicle like that and do it right, well, I think they just have. It's functional and doesn't look that bad.

Does seem like they are attempting the SSR again. I never researched heavily into them, but they came accross as a sports truck from what I somewhat remember.

There was a guy that I actually talked to that has a SSR that claims it is built right off the Vette... entirely, just a different body. Same engine and all. I looked under the hood and it had the 5.3 (which I think came in the earlier models) and he told me it was a chevy 350 big block... right...

If they bring these things to the states they need to advertise them. The only people that know about these cars are the people that actually follow along with cars. They need to advertise their cars more. Only Pontiac commerical I ever saw for the GTO was on Speed channel, never anywhere else. I saw a bit of the G6 commercials but they seem to have fallen off.

You know, I like that Ute...

Chevy needs to stop being retarded and offer a Silverado with exterior panels done out like the SSR(maybe toned down JUST a bit), but keep the truck usable. That'd sell a lot.

People were screamin for the Holden lineup to makes it way to US shores when the Commodore and Monaro got LSx's and we were stick with FWD V6 Impala's and Monte's.

Now GMs finally listening, and people are bitching about them in a different manner lol. IMO GM and Ford are stupid for leaving the HSV and FPV lineups in Oz alone. They look better then the majority of shit we get AND have power to boot! I say bring 'em on.

The thing is im all for the G8 coming from Holden, that is one bad-ass looking car. But something like the UTE isn't what GM needs right now in their line-up. I don't believe its going to be as popular as many people think. Yeah they "might" sell good the first few months, but after that it just might go down-hill. The thing is the G8 has great looks outside, and fantastic looks on the interior. The option of a 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto, will really give peopel another option to look at when buying a car. The UTE yea is a great concept part G8, part truck. But seriously how many people are going to want something like that. I seriously wouldn't.
-Joel

I honestly don't see the 2 door version ever selling well on its own. No back seat. I think the only way for them to bring the Ute to the US would be to sell both 2 doors and four door models. I think a lot of families would roll around in a four door Ute. They could get the people currently looking at crew cab pickup trucks into one. The Ute would get a lot better gas mileage, drive better, and have a similar size bed.

i'd but the two door in a hart beat honest who bought there camaro or t/a cuz it seats two people and two midgets

I want one so bad... Elcamino Holden what ever u want to call it it wouldnt matter whens its spanking a mustang while hauling parts home.

UGLY! Would not buy.

Its so :mullet:
Business in front
Party in back

I just don't like it. :guns: :gay:

i'd but the two door in a hart beat honest who bought there camaro or t/a cuz it seats two people and two midgets

A four door Ute would be moe like a family car. Seat four adults comfortably, and have a huge ass trunk if you put a tonnue cover on the bed. People sell their fbody's when they have a baby or kids.

Im sorry but i just don't see that UTE doing well here. And if your going to spend the money on the 4 door, you might as well go spend money on the G8. If i wanted something with a bed to put stuff in, i would get a truck and call it a day. If GM brings it over it is not going to do well. If i were to have to sell my car because i needed something with 4 doors, i would get a G8. If i needed something with large space in the rear i would get a truck.
-Joel

The thing is im all for the G8 coming from Holden, that is one bad-ass looking car. But something like the UTE isn't what GM needs right now in their line-up. I don't believe its going to be as popular as many people think. Yeah they "might" sell good the first few months, but after that it just might go down-hill. The thing is the G8 has great looks outside, and fantastic looks on the interior. The option of a 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto, will really give peopel another option to look at when buying a car. The UTE yea is a great concept part G8, part truck. But seriously how many people are going to want something like that. I seriously wouldn't.
-Joel



...+1

I really like it. If they could sell it with a V8 for 25K and keep it looking like that. I think it would sell.

PLUS

Do not name it El Camino...everyone would laugh at that. Call it a Panther or a Cougar or a Rhino or some vicious animal that is cool...but do not call it an El Camino...that is so gay.

W

Do not name it El Camino...everyone would laugh at that. Call it a Panther or a Cougar or a Rhino or some vicious animal that is cool...but do not call it an El Camino...that is so gay.

W


Panther? Rhino? Those names make me :jest:
(and there is already a Cougar... made by Mercury).


If they bring the Ute to the states... that will be my next vehicle hands down. I think it looks awesome, and it also serves a utility. I can't really go to Lowe's or Home Depot in the GTO and pick up a bunch of mulch, sand, etc. With the Ute I can... and still take it to the track on the weekends. :)

If it becomes a Chevy, I can't see GM calling it anything else BUT El Camino. It's a legendary nameplate, something the American public can relate to. When you look at this thing... the first thing you think of is El Camino, unlike the GTO with the Monaro.

The name itself I don't mind at all. Besides, I love the late 60's El Camino SS's. So if GM imported the Ute over as an El Camino SS.... hell yes. :cool:

god i want one....
i hate trucks. i dont want a truck. but i need to be able to haul my motorcycles/carparts/etc around.


if i could get a LSx motored, 3500lb daily driver that drives like a nice car, and can haul my shit.... that would be awesome.
the green isnt bad.. but im thinking a electron blue, SOM, or some kind of metallic burgendy.... yea.. id drive that everyday to and from work.....

I honestly don't see the 2 door version ever selling well on its own. No back seat. I think the only way for them to bring the Ute to the US would be to sell both 2 doors and four door models. I think a lot of families would roll around in a four door Ute. They could get the people currently looking at crew cab pickup trucks into one. The Ute would get a lot better gas mileage, drive better, and have a similar size bed.
pssst... go google "Holden Crewman"
;)

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=103832

Im sorry but i just don't see that UTE doing well here. And if your going to spend the money on the 4 door, you might as well go spend money on the G8. If i wanted something with a bed to put stuff in, i would get a truck and call it a day. If GM brings it over it is not going to do well. If i were to have to sell my car because i needed something with 4 doors, i would get a G8. If i needed something with large space in the rear i would get a truck.
-Joel
The bonus with a vehicle like this is that is has some truck ability with a car like ride, handling, acceleration and fuel economy. Think of it as more of a truck/car crossover rather than a car/suv crossover, kind of like a car based Explorer Sport-trac. ElCaminos were never huge sellers anyway that I remember, but they were kept around for a while because of sharing a platform. From the doors forward it was a Malibu/Chevelle as well as the frame and suspension. The looks here definitely leave something to be desired, but I am all in for the concept. I need a truck for my side jobs, but prefer cars, this is just enough truck for what I need 90% of the time. The other 10% I will just borrow my fathers.

I totally understand, but with the problems GM has been in lately. I believe they should hold off on this, before they realize they got tons of these sitting on dealer lots.
-Joel

I'd buy it for the super-functional quarter inch deep tailgate cupholders in the pic.

I totally understand, but with the problems GM has been in lately. I believe they should hold off on this, before they realize they got tons of these sitting on dealer lots.
-Joel

pfft... sure that may suck for them.. but that just makes it cheaper for ME!

If i wanted something with a bed to put stuff in, i would get a truck and call it a day.

Why would I buy a truck when I can own a performance car that would do everything I would use a truck for?

I could haul stuff in the bed, it wouldn't bankrupt me in fuel bills, it would be easy to load the bed as well as get in and out of, it wouldn't be utter crap to daily drive, it looks unique and it would easily fit in my garage.

It would also be a hoot to take to the drag strip and drive on our twisting mountain roads. Trucks aren't any of that. They are big, heavy, gas-guzzling garbage that is tiring to drive.

How can anyone that likes performance stand to own a truck with something like this available? Most people don't ever come close to using what their half ton trucks are capable of. That's a big waste.

I totally understand, but with the problems GM has been in lately. I believe they should hold off on this, before they realize they got tons of these sitting on dealer lots.
-Joel

Holden can only build maybe 15,000 - 25,000 of these tops. I find it hard to believe GM wouldn't be able to sell them out like HOT ROD says. Especially in the Southwest.

Holden can only build maybe 15,000 - 25,000 of these tops. I find it hard to believe GM wouldn't be able to sell them out like HOT ROD says. Especially in the Southwest.

i would think they would sell big time in texas, tx consumes more pick up trucks than any other states combined. seems like
i would pay for one with a 6 speed and a low end lsx v8

I guess i feel different since we all live in different areas. Around here in South Fl. when the rain comes down, it really comes down. Especially during hurricane season, so i guess i figured if i was going to get something with a bed i would want a truck that i could carry a could amount of payload, and not worry about it drowning in flooded areas.
-Joel

How can anyone that likes performance stand to own a truck with something like this available? Most people don't ever come close to using what their half ton trucks are capable of. That's a big waste.
I like the idea of the Ute also, but this statement is a little oversimplified. Although I rarely come close to using my truck to its full potential, I used to regularly go over what this vehicles potential is. When I bought my truck I owned a 21 ft boat, and while the towing ratings of some smaller vehicles may have worked, in the real world they would have sucked. Also, you are looking at probably under a 6 foot bed. You are right though, most people have never towed anything with their trucks, and the majority have probably never hauled anything more than groceries or a TV in them (aside from the friend that always needs help moving).
This wouldnt be a replacement for people who buy 1/2 ton trucks, but mostly for people who consider Rangers, Colorados, Explorers, etc. As long as they dont plan on selling large numbers, and give it a better look, it should be succesful. The GTO's main problem was bland looks and a car that wasnt designed for America (small trunk to meet US crash guidelines).

I like the idea of the Ute also, but this statement is a little oversimplified. Although I rarely come close to using my truck to its full potential, I used to regularly go over what this vehicles potential is. When I bought my truck I owned a 21 ft boat, and while the towing ratings of some smaller vehicles may have worked, in the real world they would have sucked. Also, you are looking at probably under a 6 foot bed. You are right though, most people have never towed anything with their trucks, and the majority have probably never hauled anything more than groceries or a TV in them (aside from the friend that always needs help moving).
This wouldnt be a replacement for people who buy 1/2 ton trucks, but mostly for people who consider Rangers, Colorados, Explorers, etc. As long as they dont plan on selling large numbers, and give it a better look, it should be succesful. The GTO's main problem was bland looks and a car that wasnt designed for America (small trunk to meet US crash guidelines).

+1

I'd so trade in my truck for one. I like having the utility of a bed, but I want a car, and I don't want a mini-truck. I've towed occasionally, but most of what my truck has done is beds, electronics, hauling-type stuff usually nowhere near my payload capacity. I'll take one in black with a 6.0L please...

not to shabby dont think id buy it it looks like the elk has been reborn and rebadged

I cant tell if i love it or hate it. I dont like the front bumper or grill but the idea I am not sure about. With a normal color and a less ricey bumper I might go for it. As for the El Camino badge I don't see why they wouldn't throw it on there. That is exactly what it is. I agree with the guy a few posts ago that the GTO name shouldn't have gone on it due was a bland design. It is a cool, good performing car but it should have had its own name imo.

i would def rock one of those. one of hte nice things about el caminos is most people are afraid to use it. they don't think they haul much and never ask to borrow it.

When my dad had his service station he bought one and fell in love with the original el camino. When he owned a pick up everyone borrowed it and he could never find his truck when he needed it. with these they are perfect for most hauling situations and ride like a car.

You people are making me laugh. This shit is hideous. When will GM stop making these ugly ass retro looking space ships.

http://autos.yahoo.com/subaru_baja_sport/


That looks just like the damn Subaru Baja. And we all know, those were selling like hot cakes :gruffy: . This is not what GM needs right now. IF their focus is to get out of financial debt, this is the worst vehicle they could bring in. There's no market for it. European and American market is totally different and it doesnt take a genious to recognize it either.

You people are making me laugh. This shit is hideous. When will GM stop making these ugly ass retro looking space ships.

http://autos.yahoo.com/subaru_baja_sport/


That looks just like the damn Subaru Baja. And we all know, those were selling like hot cakes :gruffy: . This is not what GM needs right now. IF their focus is to get out of financial debt, this is the worst vehicle they could bring in. There's no market for it. European and American market is totally different and it doesnt take a genious to recognize it either.
The vehicle shown is not even close to being retro, except in its concept(and the fact that Subaru produced something similar even makes it less retro). GM produced ElCamino's for almost 30 years, and even Ford had the Ranchero. Plus the one thing this vehicle will have that the Subaru didn't is V8 power, most likely with D.O.D. and even a 6 speed. The styling in the pictures is not good, but if done right it could do well and would be competing against small pick ups, and those DO sell like hotcakes. Also, this is not from the European market, it is from Holden, and the magazine guys go nuts for the stuff they have there (I usually do not agree with them). If it was done right, like the previous ElCamino, it would share the majority of its components with another vehicle- the majority of the interior, suspension, drivetrain and body panels, etc
http://www.dealsonwheels.com/database/cars/000794-200505-000001big.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gmphotostore.com/images/53218871_pr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gmphotostore.com/prodinfo.asp%3Fnumber%3D53218871&h=310&w=388&sz=136&hl=en&start=34&um=1&tbnid=2lq1Us2IJ5GEEM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=123&prev=/images%3Fq%3Del%2Bcamino%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18% 26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26cli ent%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN
http://www.firsttraderegistry.com/forsale/3_06/65elcamino/1965%20el%20camino%20reese%20023.jpg

The vehicle shown is not even close to being retro, except in its concept(and the fact that Subaru produced something similar even makes it less retro). GM produced ElCamino's for almost 30 years, and even Ford had the Ranchero. Plus the one thing this vehicle will have that the Subaru didn't is V8 power, most likely with D.O.D. and even a 6 speed. The styling in the pictures is not good, but if done right it could do well and would be competing against small pick ups, and those DO sell like hotcakes. Also, this is not from the European market, it is from Holden, and the magazine guys go nuts for the stuff they have there (I usually do not agree with them). If it was done right, like the previous ElCamino, it would share the majority of its components with another vehicle- the majority of the interior, suspension, drivetrain and body panels, etc
http://www.dealsonwheels.com/database/cars/000794-200505-000001big.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gmphotostore.com/images/53218871_pr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gmphotostore.com/prodinfo.asp%3Fnumber%3D53218871&h=310&w=388&sz=136&hl=en&start=34&um=1&tbnid=2lq1Us2IJ5GEEM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=123&prev=/images%3Fq%3Del%2Bcamino%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18% 26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26cli ent%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN
http://www.firsttraderegistry.com/forsale/3_06/65elcamino/1965%20el%20camino%20reese%20023.jpg



This is 2007, not 1975!

The majority of people, that would be interested in this, would not be concerned with it being a V8 or not. The outer appearence, is what would draw the majority of its consumers.

The SSR is a flop, it has a V8
The Thunderbird was a flop, it had a V8

Honestly, who are they targeting? If that same car, said Hyundai on the back, you guys would be laughing, just as I am.

This is 2007, not 1975!

The majority of people, that would be interested in this, would not be concerned with it being a V8 or not. The outer appearence, is what would draw the majority of its consumers.

The SSR is a flop, it has a V8
The Thunderbird was a flop, it had a V8

Honestly, who are they targeting? If that same car, said Hyundai on the back, you guys would be laughing, just as I am.
The SSR and Thunderbird were both very expensive and pretty impractical, also if it were a Hyundai it would have a 170hp V6 as its top line engine.

Also, just like car/SUV crossovers, the looks as well as the utility of it is what would attract people.

What is funny is that you havent even seen what it MIGHT look like, yet you are bagging on the looks. What myself and some others in this thread are commenting on is the concept of the vehicle. The looks of the Holden Ute are not right for the states, but they can change that.

Like I said previously they could target the current crossover market as well as small truck market. Car like handling, comfort and fuel economy with small truck practicality.

It may not be 1975, or 65, or 85, but that doesnt mean that a design that was profitable then cant be profitable now. They also made SUV's, full size trucks, 4 door cars, sporty coupes, mid size cars, etc. You cant knock something just because they used to make it.

If this were a Toyota you would be all over it.

Edit- Also, neither one of those pictures is a car produced in the 70's.

This is 2007, not 1975!

The majority of people, that would be interested in this, would not be concerned with it being a V8 or not. The outer appearence, is what would draw the majority of its consumers.

The SSR is a flop, it has a V8
The Thunderbird was a flop, it had a V8

Honestly, who are they targeting? If that same car, said Hyundai on the back, you guys would be laughing, just as I am.

The SSR was a useless, overpriced toy. You couldn't haul crap with it, it weighed a lot, based on a Trailblazer chassis, cost as much as a Corvette, and drove like a turd compared to a Vette.

Thunderbird had the same problem, overpriced, drove like poo, underpowered, useless toy costing Corvette $$$.

Both of those cars were orginally show cars that went into production. Thus the jacked up price The Ute is already being built, so brining it over here is very cost effective and would sell for under $30,000.

As for people not wanting V8's, they do sell six cylinder versions in Austraila. But there are plenty of other cars with V8's that are selling well(300c, Charger, Vettes, Mustang, full size trucks, and all the hype about the new Camaro and Charger)

If you don't like the Ute fine. If you don't think its viable in the US, at least give me a good reason instead of moronic rambling.

The Thunderbird was a flop, it had a V8


Naw it had a 3.5 v6. So yeah it was a pig. :gtfo: :lol:

You people are making me laugh. This shit is hideous. When will GM stop making these ugly ass retro looking space ships.

http://autos.yahoo.com/subaru_baja_sport/


That looks just like the damn Subaru Baja. And we all know, those were selling like hot cakes :gruffy: . This is not what GM needs right now. IF their focus is to get out of financial debt, this is the worst vehicle they could bring in. There's no market for it. European and American market is totally different and it doesnt take a genious to recognize it either.

How naive to compare such a vehicle as the Holden Ute to a Subaru Baja. It's quite obvious that your knowledge of the heritage behind the Ute is limited.

I do beleive there is a market for the Ute in the USA, Why? Because we here in Australia are very much like you, we love our V8s. And the ability to have such a vehicle with all the goodies one could want would no-doubt score a hit with certain demographics in your country, just like it is here, a huge hit.

Whether it's for work or play, the idea of a Ute is extremely marketable. I own a ute (as well as a Firebird). A few of my mates own Utes. They are a huge hit with car enthusiasts, rev-heads just like the ones on this forum. The pictures speak for themselves, keeping in mind that these are the old shape models.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b146/AussieLT1/Badges%20For%20Sale/post-35891-118692164958975808.jpg?t=1188880175
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b146/AussieLT1/Badges%20For%20Sale/P1100180.jpg?t=1188880017
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b146/AussieLT1/Badges%20For%20Sale/P1100145.jpg?t=1188880048
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b146/AussieLT1/Badges%20For%20Sale/P1100175.jpg?t=1188880049
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b146/AussieLT1/Badges%20For%20Sale/post-47942-11883789521514860776.jpg?t=1188880081

(Photos taken by myself and courtesy of Boostcruising.com)

That shiet is hideous. It looks just like Baja. I dont care about the history, since it was never sold here! The point is, the shiet is :gruffy: , looks to ricerish to me.

I'd rock one if it came in a M6. I'd hope they make it a Pontiac, but I'd take it as a Chevy or GMC. Either way, I'd take a Ute before a 'Maro or a new GTO (unless they go with Firebird again :offtopic: ).

If you don't like the Ute fine. If you don't think its viable in the US, at least give me a good reason instead of moronic rambling.

That shiet is hideous. It looks just like Baja. I dont care about the history, since it was never sold here! The point is, the shiet is :gruffy: , looks to ricerish to me.
And yet more moronic rambling.

Also, that vehicle would have history here if it was sold as a El Camino.

That shiet is hideous. It looks just like Baja. I dont care about the history, since it was never sold here! The point is, the shiet is :gruffy: , looks to ricerish to me.

It does have history,dude. The El Camino was made here and there, and we stopped making them when the RWD Monte Carlo body style went out of production, partly because the S10 was selling hot enough for the two of them. The aussies never stopped making them IIRC.

And you are MISTAKEN. The BAJA looks like the UTE, not the other way around. Plus, it doesn't look ricerish to me at all. Ricers don't drive 6.0L V8 RWD trucklets. :cry:

That yellow one doesn't look to bad, I like the orange one with the flame job. But that giant hatch thing kills it.
-Joel

That yellow one doesn't look to bad, I like the orange one with the flame job. But that giant hatch thing kills it.
-Joel

Oh come on man, its the Ute hearse. Don't tell me you wouldn't want your corpse hauled around in that:devil:

ive been waiting for one now for 8 years. thats when i first heard rumors of it coming here. as for retro it has been built in australia since jan. 1950 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Ute

Naw it had a 3.5 v6. So yeah it was a pig. :gtfo: :lol:


Naw, it had a 3.9 liter V8 rated at "280hp"

My dad has one and yes its a piece of junk.

http://i11.tinypic.com/4rcbhh0.jpg

http://www.evolutionendshere.com.au/content/gallery/wallpaper/sml/Ute_04.jpg

http://www.evolutionendshere.com.au/content/gallery/wallpaper/sml/Ute_03.jpg

http://www.evolutionendshere.com.au/content/gallery/wallpaper/sml/Ute_01.jpg

http://www.evolutionendshere.com.au/content/gallery/wallpaper/sml/Ute_02.jpg

God I love it.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc303/MARTYMUNRO/220820071104800x600.jpg

The HSV model is insane.

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/763/imgvesv6utexa8.jpg

http://www.holden.com.au//images/uploads/gallery_images/ute/ss/img_vyIIssute_01.jpg

Nothing combines work and play better. Some of the Ute drag-strip videos out there are insane.

Mmmm, burnouts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38yoHr0BFpU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T83Z4p1UCGY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5s7MwW9qLw

Drag racing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_OtNt_nzek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UDDm6JEeRw

Quick Baja

It does have history,dude. The El Camino was made here and there, and we stopped making them when the RWD Monte Carlo body style went out of production, partly because the S10 was selling hot enough for the two of them. The aussies never stopped making them IIRC.

And you are MISTAKEN. The BAJA looks like the UTE, not the other way around. Plus, it doesn't look ricerish to me at all. Ricers don't drive 6.0L V8 RWD trucklets. :cry:



It has a history of being ugly.

It has a history of being ugly.
And yet again, more moronic rambling without a bit of knowledge or sense. With every additional post you make you further discredit the ones that preceded it.

And yet again, more moronic rambling without a bit of knowledge or sense. With every additional post you make you further discredit the ones that preceded it.



:mullet:

It has a history of being ugly.

so do chevy trucks. :lmao:

but why keep mentioning it?

i mean, if i said the 4thgen camaro is ugly everytime it was mentioned... well.. id have alot more posts.


why bother re-iterating it?











and as for the history thing.. its a aussie ute.. not an elky. there is no El Camino history tied to it. it has its own history, none of which is USA based.


so its not a retro. its not history. it may or maynot be ugly..... but none of these points are really worth posting about again. :jest:


it IS however, a good choice for thoes of us that want a car that can haul a dirtbike.

it IS however, a good choice for thoes of us that want a car that can haul a dirtbike.



And yet again, more moronic rambling without a bit of knowledge or sense. With every additional post you make you further discredit the ones that preceded it.

Ok. Well everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I have already contributed mine. Its not like one person sayin they don't like the El :mullet: is gonna change your mind about it if you had your heart set on buying it. Not everyone wants,likes, or needs an in between car/truck.

I think its a novel idea, but it is gonna be the only vehicle in its class, and if it does get produced/imported here, it will take a while to catch on. I just imagine it being a flop like the GTO was...

The front end of the car and everything but the BED looks sexy. I dont understand the point of buying one, if I needed something to tow, I would buy a silverado 1500...with a duramax :devil: . If I bought the El Camino, I would be too worried about keeping it clean. I would never use the bed for much of anything...

A truck is dedicated for hauling/towing junk, and I could see abusing. A car with a bed..no. If I wanted a fast car, I would buy the 5th gen Camaro. I just would never ever need the bed. For some people that need a dual purpose vehicle great...but its just not for me and that is imho. :drive:

Not everyone wants,likes, or needs an in between car/truck.

Not everyone wants, likes or needs any one type of vehicle, otherwise the world would be all pickups or midsize cars- no small trucks, full size cars, SUV's, crossovers, etc. The point id that some people on here like it and in the past this type of vehicle has shown to be a success. With the good sales of crossover vehicles it could possibly do well again with the proper styling.

Also, that quote of mine you used was directed at someone who hasnt given one good reason for anything he said, and is on here strictly to talk trash.

Also, that quote of mine you used was directed at someone who hasnt given one good reason for anything he said, and is on here strictly to talk trash.

Yup its all good man :cheers:
He just trollin'
... :lurk: :ban:

Yup its all good man :cheers:
He just trollin'
... :lurk: :ban:





:mullet: