GMC May Bring Back ZRX Street Truck

Craig Cole
by Craig Cole
gmc may bring back zrx street truck

Is GMC planning to build a street-focused version of its midsize Canyon pickup?

If the documents our patent sleuths have uncovered are accurate, the answer could be a definite maybe. On August 15 of this year, General Motors filed a trademark application for the name “ZRX.” Sounds sporty, we know!

This name was actually used in the early 2000s, applied to a street-focused, limited-production version of the brand’s now-defunct Sonoma pickup. Remember those? Unfortunately, so do we.

Back in the day, ZRX models featured GM’s venerable 4.3-liter V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission routing torque to just the rear wheels. A street-tuned suspension with special shock absorbers, unique bodyside decals, bed rails and a few other add-ons helped these trucks standout from run-on-the-GMC-mill Sonomas.

If you don’t remember it, you likely do remember the S10 Xtreme, which was Chevy’s version.

SEE ALSO: 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 vs. 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 Comparison – VIDEO

Regrettably, no sketches or other artwork was included with this trademark application, just those three consonants typed out in a serif font on an otherwise blank page. What might a reborn Canyon ZRX pickup look like? Well, your guess is as good as ours, but it would almost certainly be rear-drive only, feature a lowered suspension and come with plenty of dress-up goodies, things like a tonneau cover, bed rails and, of course, the requisite decals. Regrettably, any significant performance upgrade seems unlikely, although we’ll gladly take the Silverado’s turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder. With 310-hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, it just seems like the right fit.

Pickups are big business these days as more and more drivers shift away from traditional cars. If GMC offers a street-tuned version of its capable Canyon midsize truck, it could bolster the division’s sales totals, though likely only a little. But hey, every unit counts in the annual new-vehicle delivery derby.

Do you want to see a new ZRX pickup truck on the market? Would you consider owning one if it’s reborn? Leave a comment down below.

Discuss this story on our GMC Canyon Forum

Craig Cole
Craig Cole

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

More by Craig Cole

Comments
Join the conversation
Next