South African tuning company LupiniPower has produced a supercharged version of the Chevrolet Ute SS. The SuperUte is a 535bhp pick-up. Somehow, it also promises to be more economical and greener than the standard version.
The Chevrolet, also sold as a Pontiac in the USA and a Holden in Australia, has 362bhp as standard. The conversion uses a supercharged, 6.0-litre engine similar to that fitted to the Corvette ZR1. Performance claims include 4.4 seconds for 0-60mph (1.4 seconds less than standard) and a 175mph top speed. Quoted combined fuel economy is 23.7mpg with 227g/km CO2 emissions compared with 23mpg and 237g/km for the unmodified Ute.
To cope with the increased performance Lupini has fitted bigger brakes and improved the suspension. The 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tyres. Options include Bilstein suspension and a limited-slip differential.
In South Africa the SuperUte is backed up by a five-year LupiniPalan Performance Warranty. The price in its home market is equivalent to £58,000. No word yet on official imports into the UK.
John Lambert - 11 Nov 2010
