---
title: "GMC’s Lost Modern Jimmy SUV Would’ve Had a V8: Report"
description: "GM was reportedly working on a GMC Jimmy revival that would have offered an optional V8 engine, to rival the Ford Bronco."
date: "2023-08-27"
modified: "2023-08-27"
authors:
  - name: "Nico DeMattia"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/gmcs-lost-modern-jimmy-suv-wouldve-had-a-v8-report"
categories:
  - "GMC News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "GMC"
  - "suv/crossover"
---

# GMC’s Lost Modern Jimmy SUV Would’ve Had a V8: Report

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/11/Canyon-AT4X-Price-Hero.jpg>)
*GMC*

GM fans may have been robbed of potentially one of the coolest SUVs on the market. According to *[GM Authority,](<https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/08/gmc-jimmy-v8-engine-plans/>)* back in 2017 there were plans to make a [GMC](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/gmc-news>) Jimmy, something that would rival today's Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. Not only that, though, it would have come with a V8 option.

Sources close to *GM Authority* claim that a reborn GMC Jimmy was to be built on a modified version of the Chevy Colorado's and GMC Canyon's 31xx chassis, dubbed the 32xx. Since GMC was planning a V8 engine option, it required chassis modifications from the 31xx, which made it slightly unique. More importantly, those chassis changes made it too expensive for GM to build a Chevy version, so it would have been a GMC-exclusive. It also would have been completely different from the Chevy Blazer of today, which is a front-wheel-drive-based crossover.

The Jimmy's base engine reportedly would have been GM's 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder "TurboMax" engine, which would have helped it start at around $40,000. However, a V8 version would have separated itself from its competitors. Admittedly, the [Jeep Wrangler 392 ](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/40163/2021-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-392-review-the-v8-wrangler-is-just-as-rowdy-as-you-think>)currently packs a V8 engine but that didn't exist at the time. The Jimmy would have been first to bring eight cylinders to the segment. And maybe if the Jimmy V8 existed, Ford may have opted to put a V8 of its own in the Bronco Raptor, rather than its twin-turbo V6.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/09/gmc-canyon-at4x-aev-3.jpg>)
**GMC Canyon ATX4 AEV* | GMC*

Unfortunately, GM decided to scrap the GMC Jimmy, and the 32xx chassis, as automation and electrification became a larger priority. GMC did end up bringing a powerful, albeit drastically different off-roader to market—the [Hummer EV](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-gmc-hummer-ev-is-so-inefficient-it-makes-other-electric-trucks-look-thrifty>). So instead of a reasonably priced off-roader, with a V8 option and mass-market appeal, we now have a 9,000-pound electric SUV with 1,000 horsepower and a six-figure price tag that very few people can afford.

GM does offer the Chevy Colorado Bison and[ GMC Canyon AT4X](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-2024-gmc-canyon-at4x-aev-is-an-off-road-pickup-with-some-solid-upgrades>), which provide off-road capability and big power at reasonable prices but both are pickups—which aren't as practical everyday as a Jimmy would have been—and neither have V8s. I think it's safe to say that a GMC Jimmy reboot—with GM's current truck design language, off-road capability, and an optional V8 engine—would be a big hit among GM fans. If this report is true, GM faithful are going to be cursing the Hummer EV for taking the Jimmy away from them.

*Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com*

## Author
Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/ndemattia/>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-demattia-90885540/>)