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GM’s plans for a small pickup appear to be on ICE for now, however is that the proper transfer? We wield our digital pen to think about what a Maverick competitor may resemble
by Josh Byrnes
7 hours in the past
With the brand new Maverick proving to be a runaway success story for Ford, promoting 94,058 items of the compact-sized pickup in 2023 and persevering with its momentum in 2024 with 25,705 items shifted, marking a rise of 84.7% over the identical interval in 2023, one has to surprise why GM hasn’t entered the section.
Curiously, GM did discover coming into the market, albeit in a unique, extra electrified path. Nonetheless, it appears this plan has been shelved. In keeping with a current report from Autoweek, Normal Motors has deserted a compact electrical pickup program that may have competed instantly with Ford’s Maverick. This resolution isn’t shocking, given the rumors circulating about points with GM’s Ultium battery platform, softening EV demand, and delays in introducing new merchandise to dealerships.
Because of this, GM CEO Mary Barra has indicated the automaker will pivot in its technique, specializing in plug-in hybrid powertrains within the close to time period reasonably than the unique plan to transition instantly from inside combustion to totally electrical propulsion methods.
Extra: What If GM Made A New Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Sports Wagon For Us?
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Plugged in, however nonetheless on ICE
However does this mean GM’s small pickup program is useless within the water? It doesn’t should be. One look over to Dearborn and seeing Ford’s excellent success with the Maverick is sufficient to inform anybody that they’d be mad to not develop a small truck.
A better guess could be to develop a platform that’s each PHEV and full battery-electric succesful – if the demand for EVs had been to speed up once more quickly. Simply take a look at Stallantis and what they’re doing with the extremely versatile STLA Large platform for the brand new Dodge Charger with both EV and Hurricane inline-six choices incoming.
We will look to China for what PHEV powertrain is likely to be provided. In that market, the brand new Chevrolet Equinox makes use of a 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder combustion engine with 170 hp (127 kW) and a 188 hp (140 kW) electrical motor in tandem, alongside a lithium iron phosphate battery pack for electron storage duties.
Diminutively distinctive
Relating to emotional enchantment, GM may smash Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz proper out of the sector with a design that blends utility with glorious aesthetics. GM Design just lately showcased a few improbable sketches of how the EV model may look, and we’ve expanded on that additional.
Drawing from its wealthy heritage of pickup vehicles, we’ve got translated Chevrolet’s paintings right into a extra production-intent proposition. Placing a steadiness between the conservative Blue Oval and expressive South Korean choices, the entrance wears a daring shark-nosed face with a big contrasting grille, low-mount headlamps and skinny higher DRLs.
The slender hood virtually seems like a fist-punch with its chamfered edges and onerous creases, and the way in which the entrance fenders taper down and out harks again to Chevrolet vehicles of a bygone period (refined SSR vibes, anyone?). Clean haunches, scalloped cladding and a contrasting floating roof, are key highlights, as is the unibody one-piece aspect stamping. The rear additionally sports activities a skinny, full-width LED lightbar and built-in nook steps that type a part of the contrasting bumper.
Fashion meets performance
One intriguing function proposed by GM Design is a “flip-down mid-gate” setup, offering prolonged cupboard space whereas sustaining the truck’s compact footprint, an amazing thought in case you like that open-air motoring really feel.
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Elsewhere inside, it will ideally be a geometrically-influenced affair with straight strains, chamfered edges and soft-touch furnishings in key contact factors – assume Hummer EV, however on a finances. A multi-tiered sprint blends expertise with utility (sorry, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto of us) with a big OLED infotainment show, complimented by open storage trays and vertical air flow parts.
So, that’s our wishful pondering. Ought to GM convey a small truck to fruition? We’d love to listen to your views within the feedback under.
Be aware: The illustrations on this story are usually not associated to nor endorsed by GM.
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