Chevrolet’s Compact Pickup Truck LUV
Revived in Rendering After 42 Years
Reflecting Chevrolet’s Latest Design
Chevrolet’s LUV was a compact pickup truck sold from 1972 to 1982. It was sold in the North American market through badge engineering of the Japanese automaker Isuzu’s pickup truck, the Paster. The first-generation model was so popular that it sold over 70,000 units a year.
Although it was discontinued after the 1982 model year, giving way to the Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck, it is still remembered by many for the bold footprints it left at the time. This LUV has recently become a hot topic after appearing in a rendering by an overseas rendering designer.
Larger Radiator Grille
Aggressive Front-End Design
This vehicle seems to reflect the latest design elements of Chevrolet’s Colorado and Silverado. The muscular and angular front body shape stands out in the new LUV in the rendering. The front grille has a dense vertical and horizontal grid pattern applied, and it is processed in black to create a contrast with the body color.
The upper lamp is thin horizontally and touches the grill. While applying an aggressively shaped bumper, the front splitter reinforces the pickup truck’s solid image. The bonnet continues in a straight line with a sense of volume. In addition, the front part that falls close to the vertical forms a boxy shape.
Modern Interpretation of Past Design
Emphasizing Masculine Robustness
The grille size has been expanded while maintaining some of the past designs, such as the headlamps that are in contact with the grille and the right-angled radiator grille. In addition, the headlamps are set sharply, highlighting the modern design changes. On the side, the body ground clearance has been raised, and the plastic cladding has been newly placed.
Black molding is applied along the side window line. The shape of the A-pillar that rises sharply, the roof line that maintains a sense of height, and the C-pillar that drops sharply toward the bed area create a boxy body line. In addition, the character line positioned high above the door handle runs horizontally, emphasizing the lengthy side proportions.
Rumors of Compact Pickup Truck Launch
Could the Chevrolet LUV Make a Comeback?
Vertical tail lamps are applied to the rear. The side of the tail lamp protrudes at an angle toward the rear quarter panel. Horizontal lines are applied to the top and bottom of the tailgate to emphasize the overall width. The bumper’s black color adds sophistication, and the round exhaust muffler tip also reveals a sporty look.
Although the model is unlikely to be revived, the design of the new LUV in the rendering is receiving favorable reviews. If the LUV is revived, it is expected to compete with the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, low-priced unibody compact pickup trucks sold as strategic models in North America. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that Chevrolet is preparing to launch a compact pickup truck, and consumers expect a lot about what it will look like.
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