Technically speaking, the Cadillac EXT is neither pickup nor SUV, but a Sport Utility Truck; an SUT if you will. Like its cousin, the Chevrolet Avalanche, the EXT has a "midgate" behind the rear seats. Fold it into the cab, fold the rear seats out of the way, and presto -- you have a two-seat pickup with a 9-ft bed.

The EXT and Avalanche are based on GM's all-new full-size pickup/SUV platform.

To make this thing a Cadillac, it has been infused with lots of luxury, technology, bling, and power. The latter courtesy of the 6.2-litre V8 it shares with its Escalade SUV brethren. This new, all-aluminum V8 features variable valve timing, and makes 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. It's hooked up to GM's new 6-speed automatic transmission, which features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio, including two overdrive gears to advance fuel economy.

Available luxury items include heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, touch-screen navigation, a DVD player with an 8-inch screen, and a Bose 5.1 Digital Sound System.

Notable new technologies include the "Gen 7" OnStar system (where OnStar advisors talk you through your route), head curtain side airbags with rollover protection for all seating rows, and articulating running boards.

Bling plus functionality

Introverts and environmentalists need not apply