2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: The Ghost of the El Camino Returns

Pontiac has revealed details of its 2010 G8 Sport Truck, which is based on a light-duty sports truck from GM Australian division Holden. The G8 Sport Truck, which is a working title as Pontiac is soon to announce the winner of a contest to name the sport truck, which shares clear ties to the classic Chevrolet El Camino.

The low-to-the-ground G8 Sport Truck occupies the same curious market segment as the El Camino and Ford Ranchero used to. GM's last attempt at making a light truck sports car was the Chevrolet SSR, which was stylish and exciting but mostly useless as a truck, and as a true sports car.

Look for the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck to be more capable than the SSR, with a usable bed, slightly more ground clearance and enough power on tap to actually get some work done. Still, with gas skyrocketing as we speak, consumers who need a truck for its utility will look elsewhere, leaving the G8 Sport Truck stuck between segments just as its predecessors were.

PONTIAC INTRODUCES SEGMENT-BENDING G8 SPORT TRUCK

[Press Release]

The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the sporty handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.

Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. The G8 sport truck significantly stretches Pontiac's commitment to style and performance and is expected to arrive in dealers' showrooms in late 2009.

"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "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."

Consumer named

Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer. Beginning today (March 15, 2008), consumers can visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas. "As an important part of the G8 family, we know that 'sport truck' doesn't fully describe the vehicle's ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck," said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal." The winning entry will be announced April 15.

Design

The G8 sport truck maintains the same sporty exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels and give it a wide, confident stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle's performance pedigree.

The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.

Performance

The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch (1878 mm) cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of cargo space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Structure

The G8 sport truck is based on the same rear-wheel-drive architecture as the G8 performance sedan. However, the sport truck's body structure was reinforced in key areas to support its cargo and towing duties. More than 60 new components were added to strengthen the structure. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer.

Suspension and wheels

A four-wheel independent suspension with electronic stability control delivers confident handling, whether loaded with weekend home-improvement supplies or towing a pair of personal watercraft to the lake.

The steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quick, direct feel. The sport truck's front stabilizer bar is one mm larger than the sedan, and the rear suspension has been enhanced to support payloads without adversely affecting handling.

The G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.

Brakes and steering

The sport truck shares the G8 GT's four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.

Comfort and convenience

Given its heritage, it's not surprising that the G8 sport truck offers many of the same creature comforts as the G8 GT, such as:

Air conditioning with electronic dual-zone climate control
Cruise control
Driver Information Center
Bluetooth connectivity
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with DIC and radio controls
Power windows/locks/mirrors
Remote keyless entry and remote start
Theft-deterrent alarm system


Fully-bolstered, four-way adjustable cloth seats are standard. Heated, six-way leather seats are available. They can be customized with two-tone, black-and-red inserts and a coordinating gauge cluster.

Behind the seats is a surprisingly large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.

Sound system

The G8 sport truck's 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/six-disc CD changer has an MP3 input and five speakers. The 6.5-inch audio display controls both the sound and climate control systems.

Safety and security

A full list of safety features are standard, including:

StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
Head-curtain side air bags
Side thorax air bags
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Safety belt pretensioners
OnStar

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2010 E63 AMG Gets SL63 AMG Motor, Completely Reworked Suspension

Want a recipe for a super-exciting four door sport sedan? Drop in a handbuilt AMG powerplant from your most expensive sports car into the otherwise-tame 4 door E-Class, boost the suspension and slow-down-and-stop, add some bling and call it a day. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG gets the same powerplant as AMG's own SL63, and on-road experience in the latter car shows this motor is truly breathtaking.

Say what you will about the new 2010 E-Class's styling, but in AMG trim the rather ordinary new E gets its chance to look good for the cameras, if you manage to catch one on the road going slowly enough to get a good look.

The E63 AMG is more than a new body and a big motor, and seems to have received the little touches that will allow it to finally compete with the best from BMW and Audi in the driving dynamics department. The E AMG no longer uses a torque converter psuedo-manual, canning that outdated technology in favor of a 7-speed automanual featuring a wet-sump clutch constantly submerged in an oil bath for smooth shifts and protection against wear.

The E63 suspension system is completely revised, with a new steel-springed strut setup up front and an AMG-specific air suspension out back, with all the expected launch and stability controls and other annoyances. Thankfully, the nannies can be sent home for the most part when the 2010 E63 AMG is put into sport mode.

Deliveries for the latest and greatest E-Class begin this August in Europe, with a US release date quick to follow in November 2009. Base price info has not yet been released, but expect something in the $70,000-$85,000 range.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Specifications

Chassis
Wheels	Available forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
Tires Front	255/35 R 19
Tires Rear	285/30 R 19
Suspension	AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with steel-spring front struts, rear air AMG air suspension
Drivetrain
Layout	Front Engine, RWD
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission
Differential	Electronic locking LSD with ESP selectable suspension characteristics
Engine
Type:	Handbuilt AMG V8 introduced on SL63 AMG Roadster
Displacement	6.2 liters
Induction	Naturally aspirated
Horsepower	525 bhp
Torque	465 lb-ft. (630 Nm)
Performance
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	4.5 seconds
Top Speed	155 mph, electronically limited

Base Price: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: Unreleased, rumored $80,000.

The E 63 AMG – the new generation of dynamic, sports saloon with day-to-day suitability

Official Mercedes-Benz Press Release

Affalterbach – AMG is kicking off the new 2009 motoring season with a new dynamism: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is presenting the new E 63 AMG. This dynamic sports saloon with day-to-day suitability impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and a technology transfer from the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster.

The new E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class models with a completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. At the same time Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption by almost 12 percent for the new E 63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E 63 AMG further consolidates the brand's leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops a power output of 525 hp and a torque figure of 630 Nm, matching the outstanding figures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. It dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, the throttle-blipping and RACE START functions, the resulting, direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The newly composed AMG V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost 12 percent

Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly improved. It now returns 22.4 mpg, 2.6 mpg more than then previous car (NEDC combined consumption, provisional figure), and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 500 hp. This progress has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures. These include on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun, both of which are standard in the new E 63 AMG. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears decidedly smoothly, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic throttle-blipping and RACE START function: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle

Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG. This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56 mm wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensure significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®

For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety. The ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360 mm, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior

The decidedly dynamic design of the E 63 AMG is fully in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by 17 mm wider wings bearing "6.3 AMG" lettering, the new AMG front apron with large air intake apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights using LED technology. In conjunction with the standard Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E 63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the centre console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade nappa leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.

Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras

Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO: the E 63 AMG can be dynamically enhanced with the Performance Package. This includes the following:

* Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
* AMG Performance suspension with a stiffer set-up
* AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
* AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid
* AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design

Optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are also individually available:

* Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19
tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
* AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
* AMG Exterior Carbon package
* AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
* AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior
* Illuminated AMG door entry sills
* AMG floor mats

Active and passive safety at a new level

The top AMG model in the E-Class range traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic braking function which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG will commence in August 2009. UK specifications are still to be confirmed.