By What do we know so far about 2019 Chevy El Camino? Rumors only. But, these are louder and louder. Also, General Motors needs a reinforcement to be more competitive on the market. But, how can a sporty truck built on a unibody platform help? We still don’t know, but the GM could definitely add it to increase the offer and overall presence on the truck market.
To be honest, we see no perspective for such a vehicle. Pickups are working mules. The utility comes first. That is why companies are not prioritizing sports and luxury trucks. The success and future of 2019 Chevy El Camino and similar models, such as Ford Ranchero, or Lexus Pickup Truck, is not bright. Also, the current focus is on crossovers and SUVs. So, all in all, it is unlikely that Chevrolet is going to return El Camino.
2019 Chevy El Camino Rumors
The 2019 Chevy El Camino would definitely add some versatility to the existing lineup. Chevrolet is producing a mid-size Colorado and a full-size Silverado. The new El Camino would take a position under the smaller model. Also, these two existing vehicles are built on a body-on-frame platform. The popularity of the Chevrolet El Camino came when trucks could use a unibody concept. Nowadays, that is impossible. Working trucks need BoF. These are more rigid, stronger platforms, that deliver better performance off the road and in tough conditions. Everything El Camino with unibody architecture can’t offer.
On the other hand, the lighter concept of 2019 Chevy El Camino promises better handling and maneuvering. Also, the pickup would be lighter, and that leads to better fuel economy.
2019 Chevy El Camino SS
When we are already speculating about the comeback, we must mention the most interesting model. If it returns as well, it will be 2019 Chevy El Camino SS. This stands for Super Sport, and very few Chevrolets got this badge. From its first appearance, Chevrolet El Camino SS was a performance-oriented model. Although we cannot claim which drivetrain it is going to use (as for the base truck), Super Sport version will pump out massive output. It is not going to be just more powerful than the standard version. The SS also brings many upgrades around the pickup.
Currently, only Camaro is using a Super Sport upgrades. A 6.2-liter engine producing 445 hp is part of this suite. In the past, we could also see Chevy Chevelle, Impala, Malibu, or Cobalt with such package. Now, the return of the 2019 Chevy El Camino could popularize the Super Sport division once again.
Competition
Another advantage of the 2019 Chevy El Camino is the lack of competition. There is no other sporty truck built on a unibody platform in the market. That means the clear path for El Camino, which will test how many buyers of such pickups are there in the US. Whatsoever, Ram is considering few moves, that will lead to unibody truck. Honda Ridgeline is the only pickup with such configuration. They are doing just fine, but this model can’t compete with Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. Recently, we can hear that El Camino’s archrival Ford Ranchero could also make a comeback. But as for Chevy’s unibody vehicle, everything based on rumors for the Ranchero.
Unibody vs Body-on-Frame
Body-on-frame architecture is mostly used for big SUVs and trucks. Mostly. Ladder frame is the crucial part here, and it adds flexibility to wheels. So, BoF platform is more suitable for an off-road drive. Also, it is more resistant. If you need to tow and haul a lot, this version is much better than the other one.
However, the percentage of unibody architectures is far higher nowadays. The first advantage of this type of construction is lighter overall weight.
Furthermore, it brings better fuel economy. Next – handling and maneuvering are easier. Finally – safety is on the higher level. One piece is soaking energy from the crush, while the body-on-frame absorbs with either frame or shell.
However, in the truck industry, body-on-frame dominates because of its durability and towing advantages. So, it is always a surprise to hear that a model will use it. Well, Honda is building Ridgeline for a while on this platform. In the past, we had some other trucks as well.
2019 Chevy El Camino Concept Rendering
Few images leaked on the internet showing 2019 Chevy El Camino based on the Chevrolet Camaro. Well, there is a sense in this. These unibody trucks in the past were cars with a bed. If we cut off the back of the Camaro, and install the small box, we could get El Camino. Also, we mentioned a high-output SS version. Chevy Camaro can offer a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 unit that produces 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The same drivetrain could be used as the source of power for performance-oriented off-road Chevy Silverado ZR2. The truck should compete Ford F-150 Raptor, and the new Ram Rebel TRX with 707 hp rated Hellcat engine. If it is good for such truck, then 2019 Chevy El Camino can carry it too.
Would really love to one with the big block SS