Biggest Pickup on the Block Status Can Be Yours While the L.A. auto show will be General Motors' launching pad for most of its full-size SUV models, a certain Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 might
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| The monstrous heavy-Chevy Kodiak C4500 has been customized for personal use. (General Motors of Canada) |
make overindulging stars such as Ashton Kutcher think twice about buying a second International CXT. The monstrous heavy-Chevy, sold only through GM's fleet division alongside its GMC Topkick stable mate, and normally only to commercial clients, has been customized for personal use by Monroe Truck Equipment, the fabricator that builds pickup-style bed for GM. It includes a unique power tonneau cover, UltraRide Air Suspension, Eclipse touch-panel audio/video system with a DVD entertainment and navigation system, with added convenience of a backup camera. The
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| Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 might make overindulging stars such as Ashton Kutcher think twice about buying a second International CXT. (Photo: International) |
Kodiak, which makes a Silverado 3500 dually look like a child's plaything, features a 6.6-litre Duramax Turbo Diesel engine, upgraded with more power and torque for 2006, plus a new six-speed Allison 1000 automatic transmission. The big behemoth also gets a higher-rated front axle over the previous year's truck, an optional exhaust brake on 4x4 models, plus improved comfort when three are seated side-by-side in regular cab models. Of course, like the Kodiak shown, a four-door crew cab is also available, and is the most popular among personal use buyers? Why would anyone want something this large? Other than the obvious one-upmanship shown by Hollywood's finest and many of North America's mundanely materialistic rap stars who simply want to own the biggest pickup on the strip, real folks who need to pull large fifth-wheel trailers find such massive haulers ideal, offering the highway passing power and high-speed stability that regular pickup trucks don't fully provide. Hmmm... maybe for next year's stocking?