Filed under: Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, GM, Holden, Australia, HSV
Baby got back: HSV launches ClubSport R8 Tourer
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ClubSport R8 Tourer
HSV's ClubSport R8 Tourer has officially arrived, giving our friends from Down Under the means to haul stuff, ass and any combination thereof as long as they part with $65K AUD. The super-duper Commodore SportWagon has got LS3 V8 power with 425 horses and 405 lb-ft of torque ready to transfer its rear tires to the ozone layer. To further underscore the undeniable awesomeness of this package, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. An automatic is available as an option, as are 20-inch wheels and a full-leather interior. Chances of us seeing this here? Essentially zero, since Pontiac is getting the Ute (G8 ST) instead of the wagon. That's just a shame. Sure, it's no Wagon Queen Family Truckster, but a hypothetical Pontiac G8 Safari GXP would deliver raucous fun for the whole family.
Gallery: HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer
[Source: HSV]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 11:33AM (9/02/2008)
Yet we still have no G8 Wagon..... Wonderful.
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Stephen 12:25PM (9/02/2008)
Yes, somehow Pontiac thinks more people would buy a useless car/pickup combination than a cool, sporty wagon that could haul as much as the Ute, hold more people, and looks a LOT better.
And we wonder why GM is in such a bind...
PJ 9:08PM (9/02/2008)
This would have neatly filled the hole left by the Dodge Magnum--albeit a small hole, which is presumably why Chryslerberus canceled it. Either way, it'd surely reach a wider audience than a car-based, two-passenger, automatic-only, RWD-only, can't-tow-or-go-off-road pickup.
Serge 11:41AM (9/02/2008)
I dont know why everybody sees this as a big problem. This thing doesn't look all that good as a wagon. Besides hopefully we'll get a CTS-V Wagon... now that's thing is going to be sweet :)
I do hope we get a full leather option on the G8 GXP and the Camaro Z/28 when they get there... I'll probably get the Z/28 with all leather instead of a CTC-V :)
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Rafael Illan 11:55AM (9/02/2008)
im pretty sure i would be able to afford the Pontiac g8 wagon(if it becomes availible).The fire breathing CTS-V wagon(if GM builds it) on the other hand is a bit more out of reach financially, if you know what i mean..
why not the LS2LS7? 11:44AM (9/02/2008)
Not real hyped on the super rising beltline.
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Franz 11:49AM (9/02/2008)
Not bad looking... kinda has a little Audi thing going on.
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jgp 11:49AM (9/02/2008)
*drool*
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Rafael Illan 11:56AM (9/02/2008)
i have always wondered why many N.American buyers hate station wagons?
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Torrent 12:13PM (9/02/2008)
Well count me out because I love em.
garlinski 12:02PM (9/02/2008)
Ponitac: PLEASE!!!!
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devil666 12:11PM (9/02/2008)
its great to read all the comments on this website! on the Australian CarAdvice post the users have done nothing but bitch about the 99c/L petrol price cap Holden is offering (nothing but criticism), and greenhouse emissions of this V8.
nice to see appreciation for some hot machinery!
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philrocka 12:12PM (9/02/2008)
Pontiac needs to sell this here. Station wagons are going to take alot of the old SUV buyers and with style like this I couldn't see it failing. A V6 would have to be offered obviously.
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mike 12:15PM (9/02/2008)
OK Picture this, this very same car as a Pontiac with Run Flat tires (which will eliminate the need for a spear tire and the ENTIRE UNIT that holds it in place, 150 Lbs-200 Lbs), smaller fuel tank and maybe a few weight savings ant this car would sell like hot cake. It would get better MPG because weight loss, go faster and sell better. Make no mistake, Dodge Magnum was a poor car, it had cheap interior and wasn’t all that, they should have improved it rather than kill it, but it’s too late now. It think a nice, decently priced wagon can be so in USA.
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mike 12:18PM (9/02/2008)
This car in USA would be perfect with mild hybrid system. Only the do not have to tell consumer that this is a hybrid, just advertice MPGs.
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Gardiner Westbound 12:19PM (9/02/2008)
BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and VW wagons sell well in Canada. I'm sure this one would too.
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MikeofLA 12:19PM (9/02/2008)
I say they Pontify it... Pontification... ahh, whatever... Bring it here as a Pontiac. Help the demise of the SUV.
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mike 12:21PM (9/02/2008)
@Rafael
No one hates station Wagons, it's just that there are no GOOD, AFFORDABLE wagons avaliable for sale, Look Audi,MB,BMW,VOLVO all are Luxury, even VW's are not all that cheap, plus VW makes bad cars (quality) i can asure you if Honda can bring a Wagon Accord that costs the same as Sedan, it will sell
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el dorko 12:55PM (9/02/2008)
this is why my 05 legacy gt wagon (manual) is holding its value so well. 300hp, awd and decent fuel economy. Who needs an suv?
LoneWolf 4:04PM (9/02/2008)
I'm disappointed that noone builds a car like an 95' Roadmaster LT1 Station Wagon anymore :(