Reports surfaced last year suggesting General Motors had abandoned its small Chevrolet pickup project. However, recent renderings shared by GM Design offer an enticing look at what might have been, fueling speculation about a potential competitor to the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
These renderings, which often feature sketches and CAD creations by GM designers, were recently posted on the General Motors Design Instagram page. The design, brought to life by David Acosta, a creative designer at GM for the past eight years, showcases familiar Chevrolet styling cues.
The design stands out, presenting a more imposing aesthetic as compared to the Ford Maverick. For example, the truck sports striking LED daytime running lights, giving it a strong presence. The design includes a central black element connecting the headlights, along with a blacked-out bumper positioned lower on the fascia. The lack of a traditional grille hints at a design that could be particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle (EV), which doesn’t require the same cooling demands as a combustion-engine truck.
Further design features include a dual-cab design with curved and flat fender flares. These flares, along with large wheels and a large bed, complete the design. Should GM decide to pursue a small pickup, it could capitalize on the growing market for lifestyle-focused trucks similar to the Maverick and Santa Cruz. Ram is also entering the small truck market with a planned launch in 2028, adding more fuel to the fire that GM may want to re-enter this market.
