04 Aug A Brute Beaut
Mike Monk gives the background to a unique GMSA pick-up…
It is not often that one gets acquainted with a one-off automobile, but such an example exists in the FMM collection, namely the Chevrolet Brute pick-up. It is a concept vehicle that was created by GM South Africa back in 2014, inspired by GM’s first-generation Montana pick-up that began life in 2003. Mainly produced in Brazil and marketed throughout Latin America, the Montana was released in South Africa at the same time and was sold as the Opel Corsa Utility.
In June 2010, GM SA renamed it the Chevrolet Corsa Utility as the company prepared to phase out Opel in the country. It was available in a choice of three engine variations, namely 1,4 and 1,8 petrol engines, and a 1,7 turbodiesel. Three different trim levels were available across the range: Base, Club, and Sport. Then in 2014, inspired by the much bigger and sportier Chev Lumina pick-up, GMSA decided to create a one-off concept vehicle based on the Corsa Utility. It was named Brute.
The Brute’s design features a really aggressive front end incorporating a dramatically flared front lip, and a grille made up with attractive horizontal shutters. Wide flared wheelarches add to the effect, and should this view ever appear in your rear-view mirror, you immediately know that it is the nose of something special. The lowered body sits on a set of 19-inch five spoke alloys shod with 255/30R19 Continental tyres. The roof is painted black to complement the door handles, racy red bodyside accent stripe, exterior mirrors, load bed aerofoil, lockable load bay cover and, to complete the effect, the interior trim. Carbon-fibre detailing appears in many places.
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1 796 cc four-cylinder engine developing 147 kW at 5 200 r/min and 260 N.m of torque at 4 200. Transmission is a five-speed manual. First impression after climbing aboard is that the deep, black full-width windscreen decal narrows the view forward considerably. It’s reminiscent of the on –board camera shots in race cars, which already sets the scene. Starting up, there is an encouraging rumble from the powertrain and the Brute pulls away with ease, although the stubby gearshift is a tight fit between the body-hugging Recaro semi-racing seats.
The steering is a bit of a surprise. The small sporty wheel certainly feels right, but the contact area of the relatively huge rubberware makes steering effort surprisingly heavy, despite the power assistance. But this Brute is a muscle bakkie after all… And once the road ahead is clear, plant the right foot and it all comes together. Quick to respond to accelerator input, it is an exciting projectile. Being front-wheel drive, it requires concentrated control through corners, the rear end following obediently. Overall, it is a demanding experience but rewarding in every way, certainly a worthy sibling of the Lumina Ute.
One can only wonder what kind of public response the Brute would have received had it been fine-tuned a little more – this one-off does have some rattles and squeaks – and put into limited production. Given South African motorists’ penchant for performance machines, it could well have been a marketing winner.
This unique Chev Brute was donated to FMM in 2017 when GM exited the South African market, and the vehicle is currently on display in Hall D.
