There aren't many factory-spec street trucks available, as manufacturers mostly choose to design sport versions of their trucks for offroad adventures, not blacktop performance. That decision is a sensible one, given higher-riding models with big tires are typically more desirable in today's truck market.

Even so, it's good to see GM hasn't forgotten about compact-street-truck fans (though it did make them wait a few years). The Canyon V-8 is unlikely to attract more than a small following — especially in today's economic climate — but those who do buy it will likely be a dedicated bunch, just like El Camino loyalists. That's the kind of customer any automaker would love to have.