South African tuning company LupiniPower has introduced its wild 535 hp Chevrolet SuperUte pick-up.

Based on the already impressive Chevy Ute SS, (sold as the Pontiac G8 in the US and the Holden Ute SS in Australia) the 535 hp, 590 lb-ft 6-liter supercharged V8 SuperUte is a pick-up with supercar credentials offering 4.4-second 0-60 mph acceleration, dramatic overtaking ability and elasticity. SuperUte is also more economical and greener than standard while still remaining docile, gentle and easy to drive.

Powered by a supercharged V8 similar to that found in the Corvette ZR1, SuperUte clearly is a supercar - 0-60 mph acceleration of an automatic version improves from the standard Ute's already handy 6 seconds to 4.4 seconds, while 0-100 mph flashes by in 9.9 seconds - almost four seconds faster than standard.

SuperUte reaches 125 mph in 15.5 seconds - that's over five seconds quicker than stock, boasts a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds at 113 mph and runs the standing kilometer in 22.8 seconds at 150 mph while top speed is up 25 mph to 175 mph.

SuperUte is not just all speed and power - improvements extend to bigger race-specification front disc brakes and calipers, while subtle yet effective suspension tweaks will see the Ute's already impressive handling, road holding and dynamic ability also improve without undue compromise to ride and comfort.

The TractionBar is unique SuperUte device that Lupini applies to enable the pick-up to dip well below the five-second 0-60 mph-acceleration bracket.

Another vital LupiniPower aspect is the company's standard Warranty & Service Plan in its home market to ensure customer peace of mind normally lost when factory plans are voided by such aftermarket modifications. SuperUte enjoys a 5-year Unlimited LupiniPlan Performance Warranty in South Africa.

The Lupini SuperUte comes with a striking staggered 20" wheel & tire set-up with 8.5J front and 10J wide rear alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050 ultra-high performance tires, while option boxes available to be ticked include full Bilstein suspension and a limited-slip differential for the serious track day fan. Only a limited number of SuperUtes will be offered to guarantee exclusivity.

LupiniPower's Chevrolet SuperUte sells for $91,500 (63,000 EUR) for a complete new vehicle in South Africa. An identical LupiniPower SuperLumina option is available on the Chevrolet Lumina SS sedan. The vehicle can be exported to other countries.