That image above is supposedly of the next generation of HSV's most powerful ute — the Holden Ute-based Maloo — and it appears to have found its way onto the internet weeks ahead of the official debut at the Sydney Motor Show in October. Like the Maloo's lower-powered Holden Ute brother, the HSV Maloo looks to be straying further from its traditional appeal as a workhorse, and appealing more as a sports coupe or a lifestyle vehicle. In fact, I'm not entirely sure you could even carry anything in the back of that there car with what appears to be a tonneau-covered truck bed. We'll let the folks at Drive.com.au give you the rest of the specs they've gleaned:
"The all-new E-Series Maloo will draw its power from the same 307kW/550Nm 6.0-litre V8 as HSV's E-Series sedan range, giving it more power and torque (up 10kW and 20Nm) than the last-generation (VZ) model that last year entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world's fastest ute (271.44km/h).
In fact, the Maloo could be Australia's first sub-5sec Ute - the model it replaces was capable of 0-100km/h in 5.1sec - though to do this it would need to overcome a weight increase, potentially of up to 150kg heavier if Commodore Ute figures are any indication. "
OK, for serious, I'm totally having a truck-cargasm at the thought of getting a sub-five second El Camino stateside. [via Drive.com.au]