01-11-2006: Ultra-Luxurious, One-Of-A-Kind Auto Show Truck Is Looking For A Good Home - Or Garage
DETROIT – Got an extra $120,189 burning a hole in your pocket?
You could buy something boring, like stock, but if you really want to earn some dividends on the street, or at an upcoming Super Bowl XL party, there’s a special pickup truck that might be right up your alley – and it’s for sale.
The truck, a Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 medium-duty pickup, is specially upfitted by Monroe Truck Equipment (MTE) and will be shown for the first time ever at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit , including the Jan. 13 black-tie Charity Preview. While auto show rules prohibit actual selling on the show floor, transaction and delivery arrangements can be made offsite. Call MTE at 888-878-8777 for more information. Only serious inquiries will be entertained.
The Kodiak features a super luxury exterior finish worth $28,000, as much as a well-equipped midsize sedan; a liberal use of stainless steel and premium appointments; and a high-end entertainment system. It is truly one-of-a-kind. MTE, which is selling the vehicle, will donate a portion of the sticker price to the buyer’s designated charity.
“The buyer of this MTE-upfitted Kodiak will be making quite a statement,” said Ross Hendrix, General Motors director for commercial trucks and vans. “In fact, I think it would be safe to say that he or she would own the most extreme ride in the neighborhood.”
Both the Chevy Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium-duty trucks by MTE are attracting an increasing number of customers because of the distinctive comfort and luxury they provide, said Hendrix. Typically the upfitted trucks are available only by special order, so the NAIAS truck represents a unique opportunity for someone who can’t bear the usual 8-week wait.
The Kodiak NAIAS show vehicle delivers a truckload of premium style, beginning with three coats of White Diamond Pearlcoat custom paint with matching outside mirrors, door handles and grille. White Diamond Pearlcoat is the same paint found on Cadillacs.
Enhancing the shimmering aspect of the White Diamond Pearlcoat paint is the liberal use of stainless steel (on the tube grille, bed rails, steps to the Crew Cab and cargo box, front and rear wheel covers, and pintle plate cover) and chrome (fuel door, hood latches, front light bar and rear tube bumper).
Inside, the Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 pickup by Monroe is finished with a carbon-fiber appearance – applied to the steering wheel, door, dash trim and center console – and custom gray carpet, with matching front and rear floor mats.
Also worthy of a standing ovation is the entertainment system in Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 pickup by MTE. It features an MTX sound system that includes:
- Eclipse AVN300 touch-panel multi-source receiver with DVD navigation, video, radio and backup camera system
- Thunder Axe Separates front speakers (6.5-inch woofers and tweeters with crossover network)
- Thunder Dome Axials, 6.5-inch rear speakers
- Carbon-fiber appearance – center console/subwoofer/amplifier
- Thunderform enclosure featuring a 10-inch Thunder 4500 subwoofer and a 200-watt amplifier
Additional entertainment can be supplied by the DVD system that includes a 10-inch overhead monitor and two 7-inch headrest-mounted monitors.
Interior amenities are valued at more than $14,000.
To haul all of this luxury around, the truck is powered by a Duramax 6600 (6.6L) diesel engine that delivers 300 horsepower (224 kw) and 605 lb.-ft. (820 Nm) of torque at a very low 1600 rpm, mated to an Allison 5-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo-carrying capability and convenience are accentuated by Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 pickup by MTE’s 8-foot dually pickup box with spray-in bedliner and a retractable and extendable tonneau cover.
Whether hauling a boat, trailer or riding empty, this special Kodiak delivers a comfortable ride, thanks to the UltraRide chassis air suspension with kneel valve and the exclusive MTE cab air suspension designed for the C4500.
“As with other vehicles General Motors and Monroe Truck Equipment have developed together, the 2006 NAIAS show truck appeals to customers who want to take their transportation to the next level,” said Rick Rufenacht, vice president of marketing and sales for Monroe Truck Equipment of Monroe, Wis. “Whoever buys this truck will feel comfortable and pampered – and will definitely stand out from the crowd.”
