Left Lane News reports, "Pontiac will be adding a Sport Truck variant to its G8 lineup for the 2010 model year, the company announced Friday. A pre-production version of the car-based pickup will be on display next week at the New York Auto Show."  Built on the same platform as the G8 sedan, the "sport truck" sits low to the ground with a car-like front end, but a 74-inch pickup bed in back.  The vehicle "is the first car-like pickup truck to be sold in the United States in decades," calling up memories of the Chevy El Caminos of the 70's and ‘80s.

The Sport Truck is actually a re-badged vehicle already on sale in Australia.  GM's Australian unit, Holden, has sold the truck as the Commodore Ute for several years.  Australia's Sydney Morning Herald says "the move cements Holden's position as a key cog in the broader General Motors world."

Car Domain notes, however, that "GM wants your help in choosing a name" for the sport truck.  Motor Trend explains, "GM is holding an online contest...to pick a name. The winning name will be announced on April 15."  The winner of the contest "will win one of the new vehicles, but they'll have to wait a while, as it won't be available in the U.S. until later in 2009."  Readers can enter at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar. 

Jalopnik offers extensive photos, saying "our prayers to the General have been answered -- the El Camino is back!"

With its big V8, the vehicle is seen as part of an effort to re-build Pontiac's image as GM's performance brand.

Research what Pontiac has on the market now with U.S. News' rankings and reviews.

Find this story interesting? If so, please click "Buzz up" to let us know.