2010 Pontiac G8 ST To Be Priced From $30,000

While it's still nearly a year away from going on sale in the 'States, GM has now hinted at a starting price for the Commodore-based Pontiac G8 ST "pickup truck" (it's a bloody ute, for cryin' out loud).

GM communications manager Jim Hopson said in a recent interview that GM "expects G8 ST pricing will start in the low 30 [thousands]", putting the load-lugger in the same price bracket as its passenger-carrying sedan stablemate, which retails from USD$28,800.

At the equivalent of about AUD$44,400, the G8 ST is on a par with its Australian cousin, the SS Ute, with which it shares the same 6.0-litre 270kW V8 and six-speed automatic gearbox.

Currently the slushbox-equipped V8 is the only option, however should a V6 and the six-speed manual be made available (which shouldn't require much on Pontiac's part) the price for the ST could drop into the low-to-mid USD$20,000s.

Production of the Pontiac G8 ST is expected commence in Australia in July 2009, with sales beginning in North America later that year.