Chevrolet Kodiak
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chevrolet Kodiak | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | GMC Topkick |
| Class | Medium-duty Truck |
The Chevrolet Kodiak (and similar GMC Topkick and Isuzu H-Series) is a line of medium-duty trucks from General Motors. It is commonly used as a basis for work trucks, cargo haulers, dump trucks, and similar vehicles which require powerful torque, high GVWR, and high towing capacity. There are aftermarket coachbuilders that build them as pickup trucks and commercial trucks for consumers. The primary competition for the Kodiak/Topkick line is the Ford Super Duty line, though the International CXT competes with it in the consumer world.
It was announced on December 20, 2007 that GM's medium-duty truck business, whose products include the Kodiak and Topkick, was being sold to Navistar International [1].
An updated Kodiak C4500 was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in 2006. It is clearly aimed at the International RXT, also introduced there, with a DVD-based navigation system and powerful audio system. Pricing begins at $70,000. The two share a number of similarities, such as the options allowed in their premium packages, although the C4500 has higher horsepower (300hp versus 230hp) and the RXT is a 4x2 drive vehicle with a higher towing capacity at 16,000 lbs.
[edit] Ultimate
A conversion of the commercial GMC Topkick called the Ultimate Class IV Topkick Pickup crewcab pickup truck was developed by General Motors and Monroe Truck Equipment(MTE). This special version features an 8 foot steel dually pickup box and tailgate with custom composite side panels and protective Rhino interior lining.
[edit] Movies
A modified GMC TopKick C4500 (as stated on the official film website and the HD DVD Two-Disc Special Edition) is featured in the 2007 Transformers film as the vehicle mode of the Autobot Ironhide. MTE has announced it will produce a version of this truck for consumers [2].
