Holden's all-American pick-up truck

Holden is making no apologies for the American styling look of the SST concept ute it will unveil at the next week's Melbourne motor show.

It says the concept, based on the OneTonner ute, aims to find out just how much appeal such a product might hold for "boys with toys" in this part of the world.

The SST idea was borne late last year in an effort to emphasise the One Tonner's versatility and to highlight Holden's ability to quickly transform sketch into showcar.

But, as the sketch shows, the street-machine look has long been a feature of American motoring.

There might be another reason for the deliberate, all-American look. Holden Special Vehicles has reportedly been eyeing an attempt on the record for the world's fastest ute, held by Chrysler's Dodge Ram SRT-10 pick-up truck.

The big Dodge broke the record last month, recording an average speed of 250km/h (154mph) over a flying kilometre at the DaimlerChrysler proving ground near Detroit.

The record run was certified by Guinness World Records and the Sports Car Club of America.

The previous record of 238km/h (147.54mph) was set last July by the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning, before the Dodge Ram SRT-10 went into production. HSV heard about the speedster Ford and late last year reckoned its Maloo ute, based on the Commodore ute but featuring a more powerful V8 engine, could easily break the record.

General manager Chris Payne said at the time: "W'd certainly love to have a go (at breaking the record) ... but we haven't really had time to look into it yet." That was last year. Now Holden comes up with a sports/recreational concept that mirrors the street-smart look of the bigger Dodge and Ford pick-ups.

The One Tonner utility-based concept won't be Holdens only Melbourne show vehicle. The 2004 GTS is expected to take pride of place on the HSV exhibit and Holden hints there could be more surprises in store.

If it reaches production, the SST could be an important tool in Holden's export drive into the US, with which Australia has struck a free trade agreement that will end the current 25 per cent import tariff on utilities.

If offered in Australia and New Zealand, the SST One Tonner would carry Holden By Design badging and be offered within Holden's expanding light commercial range.

Powered by a 225kW version of Holden's Gen III Chevrolet V8, the SST custom pick-up features an integrated, low-slung custom step-sided composite body described by senior designer Jeff Haggarty as tough, stubby and muscular with a mildly retro feel, but contemporary in execution.

The SST concept will also feature 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys (the latter with 275/35-section tyres), four-piston Harrop brakes, a moulded lion logo on the tailgate, a heavy-duty aluminium propeller plate tray, six integrated tie-down points, a colour-keyed and Anthracite-trimmed SS-style interior and a brilliant electric blue with violet mica finish named Ego.

"In this case, we used the One Tonner as a blank canvas, if you like, to show that you can take a light commercial vehicle and do whatever imagination dictates," said Kelly Brauer, Holden sales and marketing manager for performance products.

Australia's new trade deal will further underpin the establishment of a foothold in the world's largest automotive market for local car-makers and component suppliers.

Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney said the agreement would provide increased opportunities for both countries to import and export vehicles and components.