All About Japan Autos

Future Products Models

The automotive press has had a week to react to GM’s introduction of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, a cross between a sport coupe and a pickup truck that calls to mind the El Caminos of the ‘70s and ‘80s. But that doesn’t mean they know what to make of it.

The Los Angeles Times notes, "Not all retro attempts have been successes…the Thunderbird, resurrected in 2001, was a notable flop, and Ford dropped it after the 2005 model year. Which way the new Pontiac will go remains to be seen." According to the Times, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz "dmits that GM did ‘zero market research’ before the U.S. introduction, making the sport truck’s launch a shot in the dark."

GM unveiled the Sport Truck last week, without a permanent name for the vehicle. Instead, The General is hosting a web-based "name this truck" contest, with a free truck for the winner.

Canada’s Globe and Mail thinks the car/truck is "very cool, though no one knows if cool alone is enough to make it a success. But give GM credit for trying."

The New York Times, however, asks "Who exactly was clamoring for a two-seat, gas-guzzling pickup with the cheapest-looking interior this side of a Motel 6?"

It may not be the last car/truck combination we see. The Chicago Tribune reports, "General Motors hinted at a car-based pickup with the GMC Denali XT concept unveiled in Chicago." Like the Sport Truck, "The Denali XT…was designed in Australia."

Research the most best vehicles in every class with U.S. News’ car rankings and reviews.