Car Review: 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid
U.S. to get Holden Ute but misses out on sports wagon

U.S. to get Holden Ute but misses out on sports wagon

James Martinez January 15th, 2008 James Martinez By James Martinez Author January 15th, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 893
  • Comments Posted: 100
  • Leaderboard Rank: #17

December 31st, 1969 More rumors suggesting Americans will soon be seeing the Australian-built Holden VE Ute Stateside have flared up again, with GM insiders claiming the utility will be sold as the new Pontiac G8 ST sometime later this year or early next year. Unfortunately, these same insiders claim plans for a G8 sports wagon have been dropped. According to the source, the G8 ST Ute’s combination of distinctive styling, performance and reasonable price (the Ute is cheaper than the sedan in its homeland) will help build Pontiac’s image in markets where the brand is often overlooked. The wagon was ruled out because of America’s preference for SUVs and crossovers, reports MotorTrend. If it does make its way to the U.S., the engine lineup will be identical to that of the sedan. This means either a 256hp V6 or a 361hp V8. Hopefully GM will also bring the high performance HSV version as well. These come with a 411hp LS2 V8, six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, plus uprated suspension and brakes.
U.S. to get Holden Ute but misses out on sports wagon

U.S. to get Holden Ute but misses out on sports wagon

Enlarge Photo

More rumors suggesting Americans will soon be seeing the Australian-built Holden VE Ute Stateside have flared up again, with GM insiders claiming the utility will be sold as the new Pontiac G8 ST sometime later this year or early next year. Unfortunately, these same insiders claim plans for a G8 sports wagon have been dropped.

According to the source, the G8 ST Ute’s combination of distinctive styling, performance and reasonable price (the Ute is cheaper than the sedan in its homeland) will help build Pontiac’s image in markets where the brand is often overlooked. The wagon was ruled out because of America’s preference for SUVs and crossovers, reports MotorTrend.

If it does make its way to the U.S., the engine lineup will be identical to that of the sedan. This means either a 256hp V6 or a 361hp V8. Hopefully GM will also bring the high performance HSV version as well. These come with a 411hp LS2 V8, six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, plus uprated suspension and brakes.

Tags: General Motors

Posted in: News


Comments (4 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By Renton #1, Posted: 1/16/2008

    No wagon version? That's 'tarded.

    The el Camino version is quite cool, but why no wagon...makes zero sense.

    Oh....wait.... were talking GM here.

  2. By chris #2, Posted: 1/16/2008

    renton; chrysler is axing the magnum, and you expect GM to come out with a power wagon to compete with... oh wait.

    what I'M surprised with is that they are making this a pontiac instead of badging it an el camino. you just lost half your market right there. gooooooooooooooo GM!

    I heard this news last night while watching the Barret Jackson auctions; i had thought they'd announced it at NAIAS and made it official, but apparently not.

  3. By Stefan #3, Posted: 1/16/2008

    Nobody needs a new El Camino! There's a reason why it's extinct.

  4. By chris #4, Posted: 1/16/2008

    stefan; i think a lot of people will be looking for a light truck.

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media