The Chevrolet MTX Kodiak - Somehow Not Noticed at SEMA

The term ‘tuner’ usually conjures up images of vehicular mounted spoilers, ground effects, and audio systems that are, for lack of a better term, ludicrous in both their size and execution.

For the GMT 560’s third appearance at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, NV, those same levels have been applied to a vehicle whose size and purpose is easily just as ludicrous. And, for reasons unknown, the pimped-out behemoth has been relatively ignored during press coverage of the show.

A partnership between GM Fleet & Commercial Group (FCO), Monroe Truck Equipment, and MTX Audio started with the 2005 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500 Crew cab. It was then installed with the oft-popular composite pickup bed by Monroe, along with their uplevel seat package, and air suspension for the front seats, cab, and rear springs.



In addition to body colored grille and headlamp surrounds, the Kodiak is treated to a graphics package that could be described as Salvador Dali's interpretation of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. The truck also sports Alcoa rims, Monroe’s chrome bully bar with four 8-inch KC driving lights, polished stainless steel running boards, and a custom quad exhaust system.

MTX's handicraft was applied to the Kodiak;'s cavernous interior to ensure that both front and rear passengers are treated to a first-rate multimedia experience.

The archaic GM stock radio was ripped out with a Kenwood DVD/CD/MP3 receiver, with a flip-out LCD display. The receiver also displays navigation data, and thanks to Delphi componentry, receives XM satellite radio broadcasts. Rear seat occupants are treated to two 6.5-inch wide-screen LCD monitors in the headrests and one 7-inch wide screen monitor in the center console.

A variety of MTX Thunder Axe speakers are used throughout the truck, with a 3-way system in front door panelss, and seperates in the rear. A 15" Jackhammer Thunder 8500 subwoofer is mounted in the customized center console. Two amplifiers for the subwoofer, and two amplifiers for all door speakers crank out a total of 2,000 watts of power at 4 ohms.

Unlike other GM concepts at SEMA, this truck is very much unlikely to roll as equipped from Flint Assembly anytime in the future. Yet be prepared: with the help of aftermarket accessories, this sort of tricked-out 560 may very well be the next 'in' vehicle for athletes, rappers, and urban cowboys...