Up Close: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

I've heard the term sport truck before, but this one definitely has more sport than most. The G8's aggressive front end, combined with long, clean flanks and a jacked-up rear end, make for a compelling presence. The cab is shorter than I expected, really exaggerating the length of the cargo box. Honestly, I can't tell if the profile is awkward or if it's just that I'm looking at an animal that's altogether unfamiliar to the eye.

The rear window is right behind the occupants' heads — similar to a roadster, and resulting in surprisingly good rear visibility. The interior is straight out of the G8 sedan, which is to say of decent quality and design, but a little foreign compared to the average North American-built GM car.

Everyone's wondering aloud who the buyer for this model would be, and some have suggested that it's the casual pickup truck buyer who wants to pay less for gas. I don't think someone who wants to pay less for gas is going to go buy a new car — especially not this one, seeing as its starting price will be around that of the G8 GT, which is almost $30,000. Then there's the fact that it's powered by the GT's 361-hp V-8, which delivers 15/24 mpg city/highway in the sedan. Pontiac says the sport truck’s fuel economy estimates should be similar because its standard soft tonneau cover eliminates any aerodynamics penalty. There's currently no plan for a V-6 version of the truck, but Pontiac says there's no reason it couldn't be done if it's demanded. Maybe pickup truck fans will be drawn to the base GT's 17/25 mpg. Or maybe buyers will be more interested in sport than in truck.

Related:
2008 New York Auto Show: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sports Truck

Comments

[Tom]

Can you spell "E L C A M I N O" ?

[crazyp]

Nice car / truck or whatever it is. But I just don't see this thing selling at all. Probably forget about it in 5yrs anyways.

[adam]

The instrument panel is so bland. The 2004-2008 model Grand Prix's had a better layout I think. Looks like they just took whatever they had an overload of stock and used it.
I was look at pictures of the Aussi verssion, and I thought that version was alot nicer looking.

[Joe]

I drove El Caminos for 20 years and loved them. I am so happy to see them produced again I am beside myself. They are so practical for so many things. Most cars you see only have 1 or 2 people in them any way and now they can haul some things in comfort. Thank you Pontiac!!!! El Caminos rule!!

[Brendon]

You guys in the States will love this !! Thats if you are a surfer,own a dirt bike, are a tradesman or just want to get fu#king loose. !! The machine will have serious nuts and room only for your chick , mate or dog. !! There are thousands of these in Australia and most blokes would kill for one !BB