[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

The Ute, along with all the VE cars were built in mind for export to everywhere, including the US and Europe.
The GTO/Monaro was not. They had to put the gas tank in the trunk and bigger bumpers.
Acctually, if there was ANY of teh old VZ Holden cars that couldhave made it to the US with the least amount of modifications, it was the Ute. The Ute already had the gas tank relocated for US rear crash standards, and all it needed was the new 5mph bumpers. Only problem that held it back was the 25% tariff on trucks imported into the US.



The SSR was priced over 40k. It was also a novelty, and designed to sell at very low numbers. It was built in a non-GM plant, by ASC the same people who made the convertable third gens.
The SSR was useless as a truck, and lacked the performance. On top of that, dealers were marking it up beyond Corvette prices. It sold a few thousand units a year, probably what the Ute would.

The Ute offers a better package. It has a usefull bed, not one that is coverd in fabric. It has a lower stance, better handling, and is much lighter then the SSR.

The G8 ST will sell the few thousand units theybring to teh US. It will be more usefull then a standard coupe, and still give the performance to those looking for it.

Yeah, I knew the SSR was a kind of a bad example but it seems like the Ute would draw a similar crowd (although not the same because of the aforementioned price scheme). I just don't know if the sales numbers will be there so GM can make a decent profit.