I forgot humor does not compute with you, Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

I just remember reading about those trucks in one of the auto rags and they at least had a zu t-case.

With GM being in-on the ôco-developmentö from the beginning, and Isuzu seemingly forever unable to import their own version (the D-MAX, complete with its very own engine choices - which are arguably superior in every way), it sure sounds like a bad case of ôShut-up and eat the crumbs that we toss you!ö to me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />



I guess we can only hope that the styling of this new pick-up is based more the D-MAXà

IMO, Isuzu absolutely nailed the shape of their version. --- Personally, I would really hate to see the same æeyebrowÆ angled wheel arches that are on the Colorado.


Assuming that Isuzu manages to get the 3.0 diesel US certified, perhaps weÆll finally have at least the majority of a D-MAX available here in the States.

And who knowsà Maybe if the pick-up is successful enough, a domestically developed and produced SUV variant will follow.


Now thereÆs something to keep our fingers crossed about!


[* Doing my best to remain optimistic *]


Cheers! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Smiley

Boy ain't that the truth. Tell you what though, when I'm ready to buy new I like this 3.0 litre intercooled turbo....

Yeah, but GM went to Isuzu because they make one of, if not, the best diesel engines on the planet. The Duramax (Isuzu) has enjoyed tremendous success in the Chevy pick-up trucks. Any vehicle is only as good as it's engine. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Here's the official press releases from Isuzu, along with a thought.

Jan 31: ISUZU MOTORS AMERICA ANNOUNCES i-SERIES PICKUP
http://www.isuzunewsbureau.com/download.php?id=221&type=file

Jan 31: ISUZUÆS ANNOUNCEMENTS AT THE NADA CONVENTION (Too long to re-post here)
http://www.isuzunewsbureau.com/download.php?id=220&type=file

And why did they go with the GMC Canyon? Might be another reason:
General Motors
Highest seller in '04: Sierra pickup (213,756) Base price: $19,790
Lowest seller in '04: Canyon pickup (27,193) Base price: $15,080

Thought: We'll help their sales on their slowest pickup.

Some other interesting news I saw: GMC is dropping Quadrasteer, much like Honda did years ago. They found it was too expensive an option and aimed at a very small niche market: People who use big trucks to actually tow heavy loads on a regular basis. In reverse. (It was wasn't that much more helpful in forward, although you could take tighter corners). It was about a 5 grand option they tried dropping the price by about half, but people still didn't want it.

The i-series press release in it's entirity:
ISUZU MOTORS AMERICA ANNOUNCES i-SERIES PICKUP
CERRITOS, Calif. ù Isuzu Motors America, Inc., announced today that it will be adding the i- Series pickup to its lineup of sport utility vehicles for the 2006 model year. The i-Series will come in two models. The i-280 4x2 Extended Cab will be equipped with a 2.8- liter inline four-cylinder engine, with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The i-350 4x4 Crew Cab will be equipped with a 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission.

Both models will be backed by IsuzuÆs 7-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 7- year/75,000-mile roadside assistance. Production of the two models is expected to begin in June 2005. Pricing has not been announced. Isuzu Motors America currently offers the Ascender sport utility vehicle in both a 5-Passenger and a 7-Passenger version.

As long as I'm on a "vehicle options going away" tangent, here's another.

I liked both the sliding roof, and the cargo area with floor drains. Drains, especially, are cheap options that make UTILITY vehicles much more utilitarian. And the kids like the open top over their head (The XUV or my 1993 Amigo) more than the rodeo's hard top. (I like the Rodeo's power but am a sucker for kids).

What were they thinking, mamking a utilitarian utility vehicle instead of a big station wagon? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The details:
-----------------------------------------
General Motors has decided to kill the GMC Envoy XUV, an SUV with a power-operated sliding roof over the cargo area. The roof enables the XUV to carry tall cargo, such as a grandfather clock. The plant started production of the seven-passenger Envoy XL Denali last week.

GM had high expectations for the XUV because of its versatility and novelty. The company was expecting the XUV to account for one-third of Envoy sales. Last year, that would have been about 45,000 of the Envoy's 134,897 total. But the five-passenger SUV's best year was 2003, when 13,873 units were produced. Only 12,390 units were assembled in 2004. This year, through Friday, Feb. 18, about 700 were assembled. GM does not break out GMC Envoy XUV sales numbers.

"Pet owners absolutely love it, as do antique dealers and contractors, because it is so functional," Bunnell said. But he said families prefer seven seats.

Pet owners like the XUV's cargo area because it can be washed out with a garden hose. Drains are built into the floor.

I must live in a very unusually part of the country <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />. The vast majority ( but not 100% )of contractors I know around these parts don't drive SUV's, and the ones that have 4WD seem to drive two brands of pickup trucks. Both of which have diesels and solid front axles.

IÆm a bit surprised to hear that the sales of GMÆs D-Max variants are so slowà It seems like IÆm seeing them everywhere I turn around (and I live in a small town). --- In addition to countless private owners, even some of the local exterminators have started to upgrade their fleets to include several Colorados/Canyons lately.




Anyway, here are some thoughts that IÆve been having about the ônewö Isuzuà




VS.



^^^ I sincerely hope that the rounded fenders of the D-Max make it onto the US version! --- ThereÆs just something about that Spock 'raised-eyebrow' wheel opening treatment on the Chevy/GMC thatÆs never worked for me.



Breaking it downà




^^^ You have to admit ità ThatÆs one solid-looking frame.





^^^ At first I was really hoping they would offer the Isuzu Diesel (or at least the 3.5 DI), but after seeing it, IÆm kinda liking the Alternator Placement on the GM Inline-5!





^^^ If this is the new G-80 that I saw demonstrated in a GMC Infomercial a while back, itÆs practically (if not 100% full-on) an Automatic Locking Dif - rather than the old familiar G-80 Limited Slip. --- The new-and-improved model will kick-in and provide traction even with one rear tire completely off the ground.



I guess IÆll just have to wait and see one for myself, in-person, before I can honestly & fairly decide what I think. [ -shrug- ]




Oh, and while IÆm at ità

Is it just ME, or does anyone else see IsuzuÆs influence here as wellà




VS.



^^^ The lines may be softer and rounder, and the appointments more plush and luxurious - but somehow, personally, IÆm still seeing a lot of the PantherÆs DNA.


Cheers! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Smiley

How will future generations learn about alternater replacement with this model? This could end the "tow-buddy" that's so necessary in the wetter areas. Why can't we be friends?
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Yesterday I had to run an errand and take a bit of a road trip. I got to see one of the new Isuzu's here in the UK. (We moved here for a couple of years) It was the DMax, which they've renamed the Rodeo for here and Austrailia. (Which was what the older pickups where called in Japan originally) Here's the Isuzu UK site:
http://www.isuzu.co.uk/index.htm

Now, what REALLY surprised me. Chevrolet's name just debuted here as a car maker (marketing rebadged Daewoos of all things!) And shortly after seeing the Isuzu Rodeo (DMAX) I see a DMax drive by with a Chevy badge on it! So I had to check it out, and in some countries Chevrolet is selling a rebadged DMax! Here's a chevy site I found one on, this is Ecuador's:
http://www.chevrolet.com.ec/content...howroom/trim_pages/DMAX_Cabina_Doble.htm

Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll get to see the Chevy one again to get any pictures. But I have to go by the lot that had the Isuzu Rodeo Pickup again and I'll try to remember my camera.