LDV to bring “insane” high performance electric GST ute to Australia in 2024

Earlier this year, SAIC (the parent company off Chinese auto maker LDV) revealed a quad motor concept 4×4 ute called the GST at the Shanghai motor show.

It featured what could be best described as ‘insane’ performance figures of 746 kW (1000 hp) power, a peak torque output of 14,000 Nm and a 0-100 km/h time of around three seconds, and initially seemed destined for the North American market rather than for Australian roads.

This week, however, LDV general manager Dinesh Chinnappa said the company plans to bring the GST to Australia in the second half of next year.

With the GST, LDV look to be taking on the likes of Australia’s most popular utes (Hilux and Ranger) on performance, rugged design and, quite simply, ‘machismo’. (Which sadly seems to be a major reason why many large 4WD utes are bought, despite the lack of practicality dual-cabs provide in tray size and around-town agility, let alone fuel economy).

The GST ute is, in looks, related more to the GMC hummer EV, whilst with its large ‘froot’ (front boot) is similar to the Ford F150 Lightning.

In construction, the GST harks back to the days of the rugged off-roader utilising the stronger body on separate chassis form of construction.

As an EV, it will also offer the sorts of performance and electric features that its ICE off-road competitors can only dream of. Amongst these are the electric 4WD capability of fine controllability at crawling speeds and up to 11kW of Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality to power 240V appliances direct from the vehicle’s battery.

Other features of the concept car – which may or may not make it to production – are a yoke steering ‘wheel’, a solid state ‘1000 km’ battery, an opening barrier between the back of the cabin and tub and rear seats able to rotate 180 degrees and slide all the way to the tailgate.

As to whether the production version sports a quad-motor specification as per the concept car, we will have to wait and see.

LDV expect the new 4×4 to arrive in Australia in the latter part of 2024 with pricing and spec to be released closer to that date.

As to whether the new 4×4 will replace the eT60 dual cab or become an upmarket addition to their LCV offerings, LDV officials were reluctant to release their intentions at this stage – although they were prepared to say it will NOT be called the GST when it arrives here!