1989 Chevy Caprice Side-Step Proves Cute Utes Can Still Be Cool

Okay, you got me. “Cute utes” are not really my thing. I’m more of a Dodge Ram SRT-10 or an HSV Maloo man myself. Yes, they’re affordable and sure if you’re on a budget and need a reliable vehicle that can carry a whole lot of work gear and tools there’s really nothing better.

So here’s a “step-side” style ute pickup based on a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. Step-side pickups have a step moulded into the body, typically between the passenger doors and rear wheel arch. They were popular in the 1950s though are somewhat rarer these days.

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BMW M5 Ute Conversion Completed – Full Image Gallery

Nearly two years ago, in December 2006 we told you about an Australian fella that had just begun transforming a previous generation BMW M5 sedan (E95) into the ultimate V8-powered Ute (see here). Now the proud owner of the Down-Under El-Camino, Stuart Appleby from New South Wales, Australia announced that the BMW M5 Ute project has finally been completed. -Continued

While the vehicle has yet to be dyno-tested, the builders are saying that the M5’s tuned 4.9-liter V8 could make as much as 460 HP. Even though the conversion of an M5 into a Ute will certainly seem like sacrilege to many gearheads, we must admit that it is a very well executed one.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: M5Boards

Cadillacamino: Based On 1974 Cadillac Coupe

After seeing the Porsche 928 and Audi TT “caminos”, this 1974 Cadillac Coupe based pickup that was built by Roger Trudeau doesn’t look so special. Though we do have to admit that we really liked the idea of the targa-bar mounted tail-lamps.

Via: Hemmings

Holden HSV Maloo R8 Ute: 2007 Sydney Show

The hottest “El-Camino” in the world is Australian and it’s made by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Officially unveiled at the Sydney Show today, the Maloo (an aboriginal word for thunder or storm) gets the same 412 Hp LS2 V8 as the Clubsport R8 with power being driven to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox or optionally, an automatic transmission. HSV’s Chief Engineer John Clark was pretty excited about his company’s latest offering characterizing the Maloo R8 as a “coupe with a damn big boot!”. Can you blame him? -Continued after the jump

The Maloo R8 is already on sale at HSV Dealerships across Australia with prices starting from $59,990 AUD or $53,940 USD. Options include automatic transmission for an extra $2,000 AUD or $ 1,800 USD and a ‘performance pack’ which consists of 20-inch wheels and GTS inspired performance seats. This pack will retail in Australia for an additional $3,750 AUD or $3,360 USD.

Unique HSV Maloo R8 features:

• Distinct sheet moulded compound (SMC) rear tailgate,
• 307kW / 412 Hp LS2 V8 engine,
• AP Racing four piston brake package,
• Group A Walkinshaw inspired side skirt,
• New glore suede HSV ‘performance’ seats,
• Remote release hard tonneau with release button on main key,
• Reverse parking sensors and
• A ‘performance pack’ option consisting of full leather ‘performance’ seats and 20 inch wheels.

‘08 Holden HSV Maloo R8 Leaked: 412 Hp V8 Engine For The Ultimate “El Camino”

The 2008 Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon that we showed you earlier today (click here) isn’t the only car running loose before its official Sydney Show premiere next week; so is the 2008 Holden HSV Maloo R8 which we first showed you about a month ago (see here). Thanks to Australian car magazine “Motor” that breached an agreement with Holden and its performance partner HSV by accidentally (?) mailing the November issue of the mag featuring the Ute to thousand of subscribers, prior to the 2007 Sydney Show opening on October 11, we have details and pics of the next generation HSV Maloo R8. -Continued after the jump

Concisely, the rear-wheel-drive HSV Maloo R8 is equipped with the same 412 Hp 6.0-litre V8 engine as the HSV Clubsport R8 and it can be combined with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Clubsport R8 also lent its front end treatment to the Maloo which sits on 19-inch alloys (20-inch rims optional). According to Motor Magazine, the HSV Maloo R8 will go on sale at the end of October with prices starting at $59,990 AUD ($53,300 USD) for the manual gearbox version and $61,990 AUD ($55,060 USD) for the six-speed auto model.

Via: Drive