Holden Ute to go to US (G8 Sports truck).

[BadMac]

I had a quick look but couldn't see this. Mods delete/lock if its already been posted.

Seems the $AUD-$USD can't be causing too many issues and I'd say by the reaction in many of the US forums, this may sell well (better than the Monaro did).

EMBARGO: 3.01pm (AEST), 15 March 2008
AUSTRALIA DELIVERS TWO NEW SPORTY
EXPORTS TO NORTH AMERICA
General Motors announced today that GM Holden will export two new vehicles to North America, to join the already successful Pontiac G8 performance sedan.
The Pontiac G8 sport truck - based on Australia’s iconic ute - and Pontiac’s new flagship, the G8 GXP high performance sedan, will both officially be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday 19 March 2008.
The export programs were confirmed today by GM Holden’s new Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss, who described them as great additions to Pontiac’s portfolio, a brand renowned for driving excitement.
“It’s not everyday that a manufacturer announces a vehicle that creates a whole new segment in a market, but with this, the first ute export to North America in the form of the G8 sport truck, is exactly what Pontiac is doing,” Reuss said.
“The addition of the new G8s to our export program further enhances GM Holden’s position as the centre of global rear wheel drive expertise in the GM organisation and reinforces that the cars we are building are truly world class.
“The design, engineering and performance of the G8 sedan is already drawing praise from US media and Pontiac fans alike and we’re confident that the sport truck and the GXP sedan will be as warmly received.
“This is another example of how at GM Holden we are expanding our export opportunities and operating globally.”
The Pontiac G8 sport truck will adopt the same level of comfort and convenience as the G8 GT sedan which went on sale in the US earlier this year. It offers electronic dual-zone climate control, cruise control and remote start, plus a high level of safety features including ESP®, driver and passenger front curtain and side impact airbags.
Powered by a 6.0L V8 engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission it boasts Active Fuel Management technology that provides performance with car-like fuel economy.
In the US, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager, Jim Bunnell, said the G8 sport truck highlights Pontiac’s commitment to style and performance.
“Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles. There’s simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities,” Bunnell said.
In an interesting twist, Pontiac is running a competition allowing consumers to come up with a name for the new vehicle currently being called the G8 sport truck. The public will be able to submit their suggestions through the Pontiac website www.pontiac.com/namethiscar.
Pontiac’s marketing director, Craig Bierley, said they were aware that ‘sport truck’ didn’t fully describe the vehicle’s ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck and so they were opening the decision to the public. The winning entry will be announced April 15 2008.
Full production of the Pontiac G8 sport truck will commence at GM Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia, in the second half 2009 with the Pontiac G8 sport truck expected to arrive in dealers’ showrooms in late 2009.
Also being unveiled by Pontiac at the New York International Auto Show will be the new flagship vehicle of the GXP performance series, the G8 GXP, which adds to the existing line up of the G8 and G8 GT and will also be built in Adelaide starting later in 2008.
The GXP sedan export program will see Holden’s Elizabeth plant expand its production to 44 models off six variants. And with the sport truck variant on board in 2009, this will increase to seven variants.
The G8 GXP takes the G8’s responsive driving experience, refined passenger environment and aggressive good looks to a new level. It is also the first GM Holden export to Pontiac to offer a manual variant with both 6 speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission available.
GM Holden’s Export Manager, Kristian Aquilina, believes the car will complete Pontiac’s G8 range and will give it a definite sports performance edge.
“Not many would have thought Pontiac could have taken the G8 GT one step further, but the GXP has done that and it is sure to impress. This is a very exciting product,” Aquilina said.
Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager, Jim Bunnell, said that the GXP is more than just raw power.
“The GXP delivers the sophisticated yet exciting driving experience that enthusiasts expect in a car costing far more than the GXP,” Bunnell said.
At the heart of the G8 GXP is the 6.2L LS3 small-block V8, currently rated at 300kW and 546Nm* of torque. This engine is the newest member of GM’s small-block V8 family.
The G8 GXP exhibits strong Pontiac design cues with a unique front fascia with a lower splitter. A distinctive rear fascia diffuser also contributes to its sporty look. The dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance are all unmistakably Pontiac traits.
New York’s International Motor Show runs from the 21-30 March 2008 at the Jacob Javits Convention Centre.
* Estimated power and torque figures pending final SAE certification.