Chief Engineer Jeff Luke Talks Sub-Colorado Sized Truck

"MooseKnuckles" (andyschenk) 11/22/2013 at 15:57 • Filed to: chevrolet, gmc, truck, colorado, montana, s10, sonoma, small truck, bueller?, MOOSEKNUCKLES

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GM Authority cornered Chief Engineer of GM's full and mid-size trucks, Jeff Luke.

In various parts of the world GM offers the Chevrolet Montana truck, which is Gamma based (think Chevy Sonic), has some modest I4 gas engines that top out around 100hp. Much like the global Colorado hardly resembles the great looking midsize truck we'll be getting next summer, the Montana would get a brawny makeover and more capable engines. This ' trucklet' is yes, unibody, and is basically a Sonic Ute. I'm not even sure if it's offered with AWD or is strictly FWD, probably the latter. But it can haul 1700lbs.

Anyways, so this guy, Jeff Luke (can we really trust a guy with two first names? I never have) said that there has been discussion in regards to offering a truck to slot under the Colorado.
If it started around $14,000 would anyone wander into one? I mean, just look at how good it looks hauling that GM Brazil crate, there could be anything inside that crate! And it has "because race car" covered in the last picture, which kind of makes me feel a tingle. Kind of a lot.
I'd say if they squared up the front end a little, just as they did with the global Colorado to the NA Colorado, and put less Chevy Spark headlights, it could be a cool midget truck. Also AWD. Put the 1.4T (140hp 150lb-ft), and 2.5 (200hp 190lb-ft)gas engine in it.

Revival of the S10-Sonoma?

area man > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 15:58

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Yeah, there's something about that front-end design that makes it look like it's riding on too-small wheels. But not bad!

Mattbob > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 15:59

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I like the idea, but hate that the front reminds me of a malibu.

MooseKnuckles > Mattbob 11/22/2013 at 16:00

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Same, but I also don't like the global Colorado front end yet very much enjoy the looks of the North American unit. Give this truck the same makeover and how do you feel?

carcrasher88 > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 16:05

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Two things:

1. The Sonic does use the Gamma platform, but the more modern Gamma II, as opposed to the Gamma I that the Montana/Tornado uses. In other words, it's based on a relatively outdated platform, by US standards.

2. It's built in Brazil, meaning it's likely a deathtrap.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 16:10

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This one's FWD only and is based on the same platform as the Agile Hatchback which is, in turn, a slightly updated version of the platform used in the Corsa sold in Brazil until a few years ago, so it's pretty outdated. I was under the impression that the Montana is on its way out, but now I'm not sure if I ever read that anywhere or just pulled it out of my ass without noticing.

Still, I'm surprised they'd even consider selling something that bad in the US...

Mattbob > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 16:10

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yeah, a makeover like that would make it way better.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 16:11

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This one's FWD only and is based on the same platform as the Agile Hatchback which is, in turn, a slightly updated version of the platform used in the Corsa sold in Brazil until a few years ago, so it's pretty outdated. I was under the impression that the Montana is on its way out, but now I'm not sure if I ever read that anywhere or just pulled it out of my ass without noticing.

Still, I'm surprised they'd even consider selling something that bad in the US...

AMC/Renauledge > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 16:26

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When the headlight is almost as big as the wheel/tire just below it, I start to get scared.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 17:00

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FWD - no thanks.

dinobot666 > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 17:12

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I think the biggest determining factor to seeing it in the US would be C.A.F.E. requirements. It's an adorable little trucklet though.

dinobot666 > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 17:12

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I think the biggest determining factor to seeing it in the US would be C.A.F.E. requirements. It's an adorable little trucklet though.

MooseKnuckles > dinobot666 11/22/2013 at 17:21

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In what regards? This thing would get around 40mpg hwy with the 1.4T

Hermann > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 11/22/2013 at 17:31

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The first Montana was based on the 2004 Corsa. The Agile New Montana are based on the 1992 Corsa... They've gone backwards.

MooseKnuckles > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 11/22/2013 at 17:32

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I'm usual RWD arrogant too (not an insult, btw) but in something like this does RWD really matter? On such a short wheelbase and lack of rear weight it could be a good thing, driveability-wise, that it is FWD. Now if this had front bias automatic AWD system...

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Hermann 11/22/2013 at 17:46

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Wow, it's actually more outdated than I originally thought... I don't think I've ever driven one, though, only a Strada and a Saveiro a few times each,

gbbts > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 18:31

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The race car has nothing to do with the street car. Its a frame chassi V8 RWD.

Chevrolet Montana is a hatchback based car, only available in Brazil with a I4 1.4L NA indirect fuel injection engine. FWD only. I don't have informations about safety ratings. But the Chevy Agile, same plataform, performed very poorly at Latin NCAP.

Not the most popular car in its category. The sales leader is the Fiat Strada, that has more options of engines and cabin configurations. Automotive media says that there's a lot of project errors because GM Brazil rushed to release the car, since they were losing sales to FIAT, VW and Ford.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 21:59

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Yeah if it was RWD you'd need to put some sand bags in the rear. I guess my arrogance really just stems from wanting a proper el camino.

Jonee > MooseKnuckles 11/22/2013 at 22:03

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If I can't get a new Ranger, I'd take a new S10.

MooseKnuckles > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 11/23/2013 at 01:13

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9 times out of 10 I'm pro rwd, but here it may not be better. I want that damn G8 ST, even if it has a stupid name

Popeyeblulto > dinobot666 02/09/2016 at 01:07

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I saw a photo of a 2016 Extended cab four wheel drive that looked pretty nice. A little better than these short box two wheel drives.

Popeyeblulto > MooseKnuckles 02/09/2016 at 01:08

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Maybe not. My 1981 Luv didn’t quite get 30 because of the gearing, or so I assumed.

MooseKnuckles > Popeyeblulto 02/09/2016 at 08:59

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What lol, 1981 is the issue in your case, in 30 years engine technology and efficiency hasn’t improved? The fuel it’s self has changed in that time.