Motor Authority - blog Category: G8 ST

For many car companies, finding a clear and coherent brand identity isn't as easy as it might seem. Case in point: Pontiac. The rip-snorting G8 hasn't been the success it might have been if fuel prices and economic woes hadn't struck as it made its debut, and now the G8 ST, or sport truck, won't even see the light of day according to the latest reports.

According to information from 'industry sources', enthusiast site PickupTrucks is reporting that the 2010 G8 ST won't see production. The sources indicate the decision comes as part of a redefinition of Pontiac's image and a simple cost-cutting measure - reducing Pontiac's line from six... For many car companies, finding a clear and coherent brand identity isn't as easy as it might seem. Case in point: Pontiac. The rip-snorting G8 hasn't been the success it might have been if fuel prices and economic woes hadn't struck as it made its debut, and now the G8 ST, or sport truck, won't even see the light of day according to the latest reports. According to information from 'industry sources', enthusiast site PickupTrucks is reporting that the 2010 G8 ST won't see production. The sources indicate the decision comes as part of a redefinition of Pontiac's image and a simple cost-cutting measure - reducing Pontiac's line from six vehicles to three or less by 2012. Dubbed by many as the return of the El Camino, the cargo-carrying two-door car/truck combo has been quite successful in its home market of Australia, where it does duty as a work-day vehicle in addition to its sporting role. In the U.S., however, Pontiac's brand image - and public perception of such vehicles - doesn't really allow for the utilitarian angle. And selling on its sporting potential alone is increasingly out of sync with Pontiac's thrifty-yet-cool brand image borne by products like the G3, G5 and G6.2010 Pontiac G8 ST Read More

The Australian-built Pontiac G8 will soon be getting its Sport Truck (or Ute, as the builders would call it) variant in the United States. According to the latest reports, the ST will start somewhere around the $30,000 mark, like its sedan counterpart.

How far below the $30,000 line the V8-powered G8 ST will go for isn't yet known, however. The dollar figure was given by GM communications Manager Jim Hopson, who said, "We expect G8 ST pricing will start in the low 30 [thousands]," reports PickupTrucks. So far there's no solid word on whether a V6 variant will be added yet, though there's a "growing movement" in support of it, according to... The Australian-built Pontiac G8 will soon be getting its Sport Truck (or Ute, as the builders would call it) variant in the United States. According to the latest reports, the ST will start somewhere around the $30,000 mark, like its sedan counterpart. How far below the $30,000 line the V8-powered G8 ST will go for isn't yet known, however. The dollar figure was given by GM communications Manager Jim Hopson, who said, "We expect G8 ST pricing will start in the low 30 [thousands]," reports PickupTrucks. So far there's no solid word on whether a V6 variant will be added yet, though there's a "growing movement" in support of it, according to Hopson. If a V6 version does come to market, it could potentially start below the $30,000 mark since it will ostensibly be cheaper to produce and compete in a difference market segment. The G8 ST will begin construction in July 2009, then make the pilgrimage across the Pacific to go on sale in the U.S. in the later part of the year. Interestingly, unlike many of its other pickup or SUV-like vehicles, GM has chosen not to delay the G8 ST. Its rather later entry to the market could play into that plan, as could its sort of half-car, half-pickup form factor.2010 Pontiac G8 ST Read More