Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Holden HSV Gen-F GTS

Here it is, folks. Right on schedule, Holden has revealed full details on its reborn range of HSV Gen-F models. The bulk of the new HSV machinery will go on sale next month, though the baddest of them all, the supercharged HSV GTS, will reportedly be delayed until September.

The GTS may well be worth the wait, however, as its 430kW supercharged V8 engine (known as the LSA, the engine makes 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque in the US-market Chevy Camaro ZL1) will make this the fastest Holden ever produced. Lower-level ClubSport models will come equipped with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 317kW of power. A ClubSport R8 sedan with a 325kW version of the engine and a ClubSport SV with a 340kW engine will also be available.

Bodystyle choices range from a sedan to a wagon and, of course, an El Camino a Ute called the Maloo, since this is Australia after all. Long-wheelbase Grange model and an upscale Senator model will be offered with slightly more toned-down exterior looks for those who'd rather blend in to the crowd. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you're welcome to scroll down below to watch a video before checking out all the details from Holden here.

Continue reading HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]

HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiagen-fholdenhsvhsv gen-fhsv gtsTue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568942/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/20568942/article-detail.xml 20568942 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holden-hsv-gts-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holden-hsv-gts-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Holden HSV range coming next month]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/next-gen-holden-hsv-range-coming-next-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/next-gen-holden-hsv-range-coming-next-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/next-gen-holden-hsv-range-coming-next-month/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Holden HSV GTS

Holden Special Vehicles has something fun planned for next month. The company plans to yank back the sheets on the next generation of its HSV range, suitably named the Gen-F, on May 15. Holden had to do some quick stepping with its nomenclature this go around, and while names like "F Series" and "F1" dovetailed nicely with the 2013 VF Commodore, HSV had so skip those for obvious legal reasons.

HSV has been trying to keep details close to the chest until the official unveil, but the Australian sleuths at carsguide.com.au have unearthed a wealth of interesting information already. According to the report, the Gen-F will be the fastest and most powerful sedan ever sold in Oz, with 575 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. That engine will be very closely related to the LSA mill found in the Chevy Camaro ZL1, which produces 580 horses in US trim.

Initial estimates put the 0-62 (0-100 kilometers per hour) run at "comfortably less" than 4.5 seconds, and top speed will reportedly be capped at 155 miles per hour. Expect high-tech wizardry in the suspension and electronics to keep the car planted, and expect a sticker price of around $95,000 in Australian dollars.

Australians can expect to see the cars hit the showroom by June 15, but reports indicate it won't be as outlandishly styled as the last-gen model seen above. Instead, expect a more subtle package for the Gen-F that lacks some of the scoops and wings seen in years past. More detail is available at the source link below for those interested in what may very well be the last super-powerful V8-powered factory Holden sedan in Australia.

Next-gen Holden HSV range coming next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiagen-fholdenholden special vehicleshsvhsv gen-fThu, 25 Apr 2013 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/next-gen-holden-hsv-range-coming-next-month/20549115/article-detail.xml 20549115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/holden-hsv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/holden-hsv-628.jpg <![CDATA[Holden could get crossover based on Chevy Cruze]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



During a discussion of the next-generation Holden Commodore and the General Motors Zeta platform, the question of an Australian-built SUV came up. Dave Leone, GM's executive chief engineer for luxury and rear-wheel-drive cars, wouldn't go any further than to say "that could be very possible," but recent events at Holden only reinforce the notion that we won't have any idea what is and isn't possible at the Aussie branch until it's actually done.

If there were such an SUV in the Holden pipeline, speculation is that it could be built on the platform for the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, and that it could send the Captiva - imported to Australia from Thailand - into retirement. That's a lot of coulds, but it's all Aussie-market watchers have as they try to figure out what Holden's going to do for the next nine years it has pledged to build cars in Oz. Alongside that Cruze, a next-generation VJ Commodore is also promised and a locally-built SUV might make sense as a third model.

Holden could get crossover based on Chevy Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachevychevy captivachevy cruzed2xxholdenholden commodorezetaSun, 21 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545328/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/20545328/article-detail.xml 20545328 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chevrolet-captiva-holden_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chevrolet-captiva-holden.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo S60 Polestar entering limited production in Australia [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Volvo S60 Polestar Concept may be entering limited production in Australia and, depending how the Aussies take to this Swedish super sports sedan, could then be made available worldwide. The news comes from Austrlia's GoAuto, which claims to have received early info from its sources inside Volvo and its tuning/motorsport arm, Polestar.

Polestar released a short teaser video this week (watch it below) of what appears to be the S60 Polestar Concept clipping the snowy apex of an ice track's turn. The only information given with the teaser were the words "Limited Edition. Soon in Australia." Unveiled last June, the S60 Polestar concept has since made the rounds at auto shows, visited Jay Leno's Garage, played on the track with its future competition, and even secured a home for itself with a buyer who reportedly is paying Volvo some $300,000 to own it.

The S60 Polestar Concept is about the meanest machine one can imagine making out of Volvo's sports sedan. Packing 508 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque from its heavily modified T6 engine, then routing those revolutions through a six-speed manual transmission to all four wheels, the S60 Polestar is said to cover the sprint to 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. A lower and wider body, brakes by Brembo, suspension bits by Ohlins and a diet to delete some weight make this car a serious issue for M3 and C63 AMG owners everywhere. GoAuto's sources say the production version's performance will be dialed back a bit from the concept's, but we'll have to wait until Volvo and Polestar make this sedan's production official to find out by how much.

Continue reading Volvo S60 Polestar entering limited production in Australia [w/video]

Volvo S60 Polestar entering limited production in Australia [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiavolvovolvo 260 polestar conceptvolvo s60volvo s60 polestarWed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536184/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/20536184/article-detail.xml 20536184 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-volvo-s60-polestar-concept-la-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-volvo-s60-polestar-concept-la-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Holden announces 500 job cuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nearly 500 employees of Holden, GM's Australian outpost, will be without jobs as the company adjusts to the high dollar, fierce competition from foreign rivals and lagging Commodore (shown above) and Cruze sales. In 2005, Holden sold 66,794 Commodore models. But that number plummeted to just 30,532 units last calendar year, prompting the automaker to lay off 170 workers just five months ago. With this latest round, about 100 jobs will be cut in its Melbourne product development facility and another 400 will be slashed at its Elizabeth plant, in South Australia, as the company slows production from 400 units to 335 units per day.

The Australian government has invested more than $2.2 billion ($2.29 billion US dollars) of its own funds to help Holden over the years, and there are future subsidies on the line, but many are questioning the investments. When Holden managing director Mike Devereux was asked about the brand's future, he was far from optimistic. "I cannot predict the future... I can't control what central banks do ... I cannot control the value of other currencies that we compete with and I cannot predict what that will do to our business.''

Holden announces 500 job cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaholdenholden australiaholden commodoreholden cruzeholden layoffmanufacturingTue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20534291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/20534291/article-detail.xml 20534291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Melbourne Motor Show cancelled, Sydney might follow suit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/melbourne-motor-show-cancelled-sydney-might-follow-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/melbourne-motor-show-cancelled-sydney-might-follow-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/melbourne-motor-show-cancelled-sydney-might-follow-suit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Australian International Motor Show logo

Organizers have cancelled the Melbourne Motor Show in the face of declining attendance and lackluster support from automakers. Australia has already seen shows in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth close their doors, and with Melbourne following suit, Sydney is the country's last major auto show left standing. According to reports, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce - the two parties behind the Melbourne expo - have plans to remake the show in the image of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but this year's efforts were crippled when Volkswagen Group pulled its participation. Likewise, neither Hyundai nor Kia had committed to attending.

Those absences left fewer than 20 brands committed to the event despite the fact that the Australian market plays host to nearly 60 makes. Melbourne has seen attendance fall from a high of 257,000 visitors in 2004 to 160,000 in 2011. Likewise, attendance at the Sydney show has slide from a peak of 320,000 in 2001 to just 135,050 last year, and organizers had already moved to consolidate the two events under a joint-venture that would see both shows operate under the Australian International Motor Show moniker. See the official press notice on the cancellation below.

Continue reading Melbourne Motor Show cancelled, Sydney might follow suit

Melbourne Motor Show cancelled, Sydney might follow suit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian international motor showmelbournemelbourne motor showmelbourne motor show cancelledsydney motor showMon, 25 Mar 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516627/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/melbourne-motor-show-cancelled-sydney-might-follow-suit/20516627/article-detail.xml 20516627 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-australian-international-motor-show-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-australian-international-motor-show-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Aussie man reports car stolen 21 times in 13 years to avoid traffic camera fines]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/02/aussie-man-reports-car-stolen-21-times-in-13-years-to-avoid-traf/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/02/aussie-man-reports-car-stolen-21-times-in-13-years-to-avoid-traf/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/02/aussie-man-reports-car-stolen-21-times-in-13-years-to-avoid-traf/#commentsFiled under: , ,

speed camera in Australia

Nobody likes paying traffic fines, but few have had the gumption to avoid them so thoroughly as Mario Hili. The 64-year-old Australian man came up with an ingenious method of fooling police into canceling any fines against him by reporting his car stolen. Logically, if the car hadn't been in his possession when cameras snapped photos of its license plate, he couldn't have been behind the wheel, and therefore whatever infraction its driver was guilty of couldn't have been his doing but that of the thief.

Except that he was lying. According to the Geelong Advertiser, Hili was caught fibbing about the frequent theft of his car after reporting it stolen for the 21st time in 13 years. To his credit, we suppose, Hili fessed up to his crimes after being caught, pleading guilty to seven counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and three counts of making a false document.

A judge convicted Hili and fined him 2,500 Australian dollars, though it's worth noting that no demerits were added to his license.

Aussie man reports car stolen 21 times in 13 years to avoid traffic camera fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafake reportmario hilired light cameraspeeding cameraSat, 02 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20483080/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/02/aussie-man-reports-car-stolen-21-times-in-13-years-to-avoid-traf/20483080/article-detail.xml 20483080 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/speed-camera-australia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/speed-camera-australia.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Australian GT Championship take on Bathurst]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/watch-the-australian-gt-championship-take-on-bathurst/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/watch-the-australian-gt-championship-take-on-bathurst/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/watch-the-australian-gt-championship-take-on-bathurst/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Australian GT Championship

The Australian GT Championship is one of the more entertaining race series going. Racers compete head to head in hardware plucked from our supercar dreams. Drivers campaign bruisers like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 911 GT3-R, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 and even the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ginetta G55. There are few other places where you can see so many excellent vehicles go fender to fender. This year, the series got started at the infamous Bathurst circuit. If you want a better picture of what the Australian GT Championship has to offer, look no further than the video below.

The first round saw Shane Van Gisbergen and Klark Quinn in their Porsche 911 GT3-R take the checkered flag followed by a four-man team in the No. 88 Ferrari 458 Italia GT4. The series heads to the Adelaide Street circuit for qualifying on February 28, with the main event going down on March 2. In the interim, feel free to check out the clip below for a better idea of what the action is all about.

Continue reading Watch the Australian GT Championship take on Bathurst

Watch the Australian GT Championship take on Bathurst originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian gt championshipbathurstgt championshipsupercarsupercar racingvideoSun, 24 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20471366/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/watch-the-australian-gt-championship-take-on-bathurst/20471366/article-detail.xml 20471366 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/australian-gt-championship-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/australian-gt-championship-628.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour race a feast of water, wrecks and yellow flags]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/race-recap-2013-liqui-moly-bathurst-12-hour-race-a-feast-of-wat/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/race-recap-2013-liqui-moly-bathurst-12-hour-race-a-feast-of-wat/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/race-recap-2013-liqui-moly-bathurst-12-hour-race-a-feast-of-wat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



For the last two years, Audi has won what's called "The ultimate Aussie endurance race," the Bathurst 12-Hour event at Mt. Panorama, reverentially known as "The Mountain." It did so with factory-backed versions of the R8 LMS Ultra and factory-backed drivers sent over for the sole purpose of taking the checkered flag at the 3.861-mile course and then taking the silverware back to Ingolstadt.

Erebus Motorsport, owned by property developer Betty Klimenko, is 18 months old. You've read about Erebus in news about the V8 Supercar season, the team engaging in some international intrigue so it could run Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGs against Holden, Ford and Nissan which also in the series. It took second in last year's Bathurt 12-hour race, and Klimenko said that this year they'd win it.

They'd have to get past Phoenix Motorsport, the Audi team that's taken two wins on the trot. Phoenix had different drivers this year, but the team still had race-winning experience and there were six other R8 LMS Ultras in the field with customer racing support, and we're still talking about Audi, a juggernaut going up against a team that, were it human, would barely be old enough to talk.

It was a crazy day on the mountain that would decide the day.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour race a feast of water, wrecks and yellow flags

Race Recap: 2013 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour race a feast of water, wrecks and yellow flags originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bathurst 12-hour raceaustraliabathurstbathurst 12 hourBernd Schneiderbetty klimenkoerebuserebus motorsportTue, 12 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/race-recap-2013-liqui-moly-bathurst-12-hour-race-a-feast-of-wat/20456869/article-detail.xml 20456869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bath1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/bath1.jpg <![CDATA[New Holden Commodore bows, presages Chevy SS [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Holden Commodore Calais - front three-quarter studio view

2014 Holden Commodore Calais - rear three-quarter studio viewHolden has unveiled its redesigned VF Commodore sedan in Australia, and it's making no secret of the fact that its prized rear-wheel-drive sedan will be exported to the USA as the long-awaited Chevrolet SS.

While the Australian arm of General Motors has held back on details concerning the car's mechanicals and engines, we at least get to gaze upon the new exterior shape and interior design. The trim level Holden went with for the debut is the luxurious, upscale Calais V model.

What we see is an evolution of the current Commodore, the design of which was already well-liked by most. The long, low and wide sedan shape is still there, but with a few more creases in the hood, new fender vents, LED daytime running lamps below projector lamp headlights, and a new rear end with an integrated lip spoiler in the deck lid. What we see is a design different enough from the current car that even if the SS looks exactly like this, we won't be getting something that looks like Pontiac G8 wearing a Bowtie (like the police cruiser Caprice does).

The interior of the new VF Commodore, however, is a much bigger leap forward for the car, upgraded with a slicker design that incorporates the latest infotainment technologies. We're talking a big nav screen (featuring the automaker's MyLink system), electronic parking brake, high-res Heads-Up display and, wait for it, power window switches moved to the doors!

The Commodore will also be available with a host of the latest driver tech, including Reverse Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Auto Park Assist. The latter actually takes semi-automated parking a step forward by not only assisting with parking of the parallel variety, but also working with 90-degree angle parks, as well.

Check out the new VF Commodore in our gallery above, and gander at what official info Holden did provide in the press release below.

Continue reading New Holden Commodore bows, presages Chevy SS [w/video]

New Holden Commodore bows, presages Chevy SS [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet ssaustraliacalais vchevrolet sscommodoregeneral motorsholdenholden vf commodore calais vssvf commodoreSun, 10 Feb 2013 00:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/10/new-holden-commodore-bows-presages-chevy-ss-w-video/20455501/article-detail.xml 20455501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[El Camino revival hopes scuttled by Aussie dollar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Holden Ute

Could Chevrolet sell a reborn El Camino in the United States? Let's ask an expert, General Motors International Operations boss Tim Lee, what he thinks. Speaking to the Aussies at CarPoint.com.au, Lee had this to say: "I think here in the US that vehicle has a tremendous amount of cache so if we could [import it] we would if it makes sense."

Great! So, we'll be getting a pickup car within the year, right? Well, not so much. Lee continues, "You tell me about what the Aussie dollar is going to do over the next 12 to 24 months and I'll tell you the export potential of cars like that." Obviously, nobody can say with certainty what the exchange rate between the US and Australia will be in two years, but as of right now, the Aussie dollar is worth a nickel more than a US dollar.

To quote Mr. Lee once again, "You can't make a business case of something like that." Indeed you cannot.

But what about the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, isn't that built in Australia? Indeed it is, and the upcoming Chevy SS performance sedan will be important from Oz as well. Thing is, Mr. Lee says the SS "will have to take a very premium price position" in order to be sold in the States, and that's apparently not in the cards for an El Camino.

Also not an option: Building the Australian Zeta-chassis machines in the US. Being that we've quoted Lee so many times already, here's one more to close out the discussion: "We will not be investing one penny to implement the Zeta architecture in the United States. I am the chief manufacturing officer of the company - that is written in stone."

El Camino revival hopes scuttled by Aussie dollar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacapricechevroletchevrolet el caminoel caminoholdenholden utessutezetaWed, 16 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/16/el-camino-revival-hopes-scuttled-by-aussie-dollar/20430250/article-detail.xml 20430250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/holden-ute_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/holden-ute.jpg <![CDATA[GM CEO promises RHD Corvette, international operations boss says otherwise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/gm-ceo-promises-rhd-corvette-international-operations-boss-says/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/gm-ceo-promises-rhd-corvette-international-operations-boss-says/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/gm-ceo-promises-rhd-corvette-international-operations-boss-says/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Affirmation, clarification, smack-down refutation - that was the order of responses when the issue of a right-hand0drive C7 Corvette came up at the Detroit Auto Show. When an Australian news outlet asked General Motors CEO Dan Akerson whether the new Stingray would get an RHD version, he answered "yes" and "soon."

That same question was put to lead Corvette engineer Tadge Juechter, and he began by stating that they've been wanting Corvette to get to Australia and "Our plan is to make this a truly global car." He then clarified Akerson's answer with "It'll be years away rather than soon.

Nevertheless, even after Juechter's curb-your-enthusiasm answer and Holden chief Mike Devereaux's sidestepping the line of fire by offering no comment, the responses led to this headline in Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper: "Finally, iconic American sportscar, the Corvette, set for Australian showrooms."

Cue Tim Lee, GM's vice president of global manufacturing, president of its international operations and "the operating guy in charge." When the same query was put to him the day after it was put to Akerson, Lee said, "I have no idea what [Akerson] said but we have no plan to put a right-hand-drive under that bonnet. The Corvette is a Chevrolet, it's not a Holden, it never will be, next question." He added that there isn't even a plan for it, much less any engineering behind it.

His journalist questioners, sniffing blood in the contradiction, wouldn't let it go. After being led back to the subject of Akerson's "Yes" and Juechter's non-denial again and again, Lee finally said "This is a non-story from my point of view. You can write what you want to write, I really don't give a [expletive]. But it is not in the mainstream plan."

So there you have... something. The Brits and Japanese will get the new Corvette because it's legal to drive left-hand drive cars in those countries. For you Aussies, the 60-year wait continues.

GM CEO promises RHD Corvette, international operations boss says otherwise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show2014 chevrolet c7 corvette2014 chevrolet corvetteaustraliac7c7 corvettechevroletcorvettedan akersondetroitdetroit 2013general motorsgmleft hand drivelhdrhdright hand driveTadge JuechterTue, 15 Jan 2013 13:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/gm-ceo-promises-rhd-corvette-international-operations-boss-says/20429277/article-detail.xml 20429277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rhdcorvettecoming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rhdcorvettecoming.jpg <![CDATA[Australians take world's largest burnout crown [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/australians-take-worlds-largest-burnout-crown-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/australians-take-worlds-largest-burnout-crown-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/australians-take-worlds-largest-burnout-crown-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,



The previous mark for the number of cars simultaneously performing a burnout, as certified by those record keepers at the Guinness Book of World Records, was 49. That mark has now been moved to 69 (even though the newscast graphic says 70, it was 69) thanks to the petrolheads ready to sacrifice tires at Australia's Summernats Car Festival in the nation's capital, Canberra.

The annual festival has always included burnout competitions, usually for one of two titles that end in "a bloodbath of rubber and smoke." According to one of the Summernats co-owners, this year's attempt effort in the Liqui-Moly Power Pit ended with about 30 tires blowing during the 30-seconds of sustained scorching needed to take the record.

You'll find a newscast of the burnout in the first video below, along with a spectator's capture of the record from beginning to end. And smoke. Lots and lots of smoke.

Continue reading Australians take world's largest burnout crown [w/video]

Australians take world's largest burnout crown [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaburnoutburnout world recordguinnessguinness book of world recordssummernatsvideovideosworld recordyoutubeSun, 06 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417778/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/06/australians-take-worlds-largest-burnout-crown-w-video/20417778/article-detail.xml 20417778 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/summernatsburnouts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/summernatsburnouts.jpg <![CDATA[Australian go-kart driver plays in traffic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/australian-go-kart-driver-plays-in-traffic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/australian-go-kart-driver-plays-in-traffic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/australian-go-kart-driver-plays-in-traffic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Go-kart recorded in city traffic in Sydney, Australia

From the files of "wouldn't it be cool if..." comes this case of mistaken vehicular identity. See, the driver of this go-kart must think that he's piloting an actual street-legal motor vehicle. That has to be the explanation as why someone would be crazy enough to take a go-kart on busy city streets. The poster of this video was on his way to Sydney, Australia's Kingsford-Smith Airport, when he spotted this very brave - or very stupid - individual. We're leaning towards the latter.

At one point, the kart driver appears to either nearly lose control of his diminutive vehicle or intentionally try to spin it, in either case, he almost careens into oncoming traffic. This video should serve as a reminder as to why we have sensible traffic laws and regulations for motor vehicles. Apparently the Sydney police agree, and are reportedly keeping an eye out for the driver. We hope this guy made it to work safely, but really, this is a little ridiculous. Fair warning: There is quite a lot of accent-tinged foul language in this one, so it might be Not Safe For Work.

Continue reading Australian go-kart driver plays in traffic

Australian go-kart driver plays in traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiadriving go-kart in trafficgo kartgo-kartgokartkartnsfwsydneyvideoMon, 17 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20403396/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/17/australian-go-kart-driver-plays-in-traffic/20403396/article-detail.xml 20403396 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/go-kart-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/go-kart-628.jpg <![CDATA[Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Apple Maps is the beautiful but flawed pile of poo that just keeps on steaming. Not long after it appeared in the company's latest operating system, people noticed that it had a habit of showing destinations in the wrong locations, like a museum located underwater, or refusing to show locations at all, like the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon and most of a few world metropolises. The CEO apologized once, was met with hilarious rejoinders, then apologized again and recommended other map solutions, and the guy in charge of Apple Maps was shown the door, which Apple was indeed able to find.

None of that has apparently helped drivers looking for the town of Mildura, in Victoria, Australia however. Apple Maps still places the hamlet in the middle of the Murray-Sunset National Park, about 44 miles southwest of its actual location. The displaced location map issue has reportedly left six drivers lost or stranded in the national park for up to 24 hours without food or water, in temperatures that can reach up to 115 degrees in the Outback with no phone reception. Six people have had to be rescued in the past two months, and now Mildura police have issued a statement calling the situation "a life threatening issue," urging caution when using Apple Maps.

Check out the Newsdesk video below for more details, and be very, very careful when you go in search of Mildura.

Continue reading Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video]

Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple mapsaustraliaaustralian outbackgpsios 6ios6ipadiphonemilduramurray sunset national parknavigationvictoriavideoTue, 11 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/20399410/article-detail.xml 20399410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mildura-victoria-apple-maps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mildura-victoria-apple-maps.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Falcon GT becomes Australia's most powerful police car ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/ford-falcon-gt-becomes-australias-most-power-police-car-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/ford-falcon-gt-becomes-australias-most-power-police-car-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/ford-falcon-gt-becomes-australias-most-power-police-car-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ford Falcon GT Police Car

The highway patrol in New South Wales, Australia has a new toy. As part of a community outreach program, it has added a Ford Falcon GT to its stable of pursuit vehicles. Though the car has been fitted with the lights, radio and speed-monitoring tech of its more common cruisers, officers intend use the car more to reach out to young motorsports fans than to run down baddies. So far, it seems to be working. Police took the sedan to the Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek, and the supercharged Falcon GT had no problem drawing a crowd.

As you may recall, the Falcon GT is the most powerful vehicle to ever roll out of Ford Australia. The four-door boasts 450 horsepower from the factory, though the pursuit model makes closer to 536 hp thanks to tweaks like a new fuel map and free-flowing exhaust. Throw in all of the law-enforcement tech, and this car has a final price tag of over $105,000 at current conversion rates.

Ford Falcon GT becomes Australia's most powerful police car ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafordford falcon gthighway patrolhighway patrol ford faclon gtnew south walesSun, 25 Nov 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/25/ford-falcon-gt-becomes-australias-most-power-police-car-ever/20387694/article-detail.xml 20387694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ford-falcon-gt-police-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ford-falcon-gt-police-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Take a closer look at Days 1 and 2 of the Targa High Country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Targa High Country 2012 - video screencap

Australia's Targa High Country has officially come to a close, with Tony Quinn and his Nissan GT-R taking the gold overall. Our friends at Targa News have whipped up a few quick videos following the competitors through the first few days of over-the-road racing. As you may recall, Jason White won last year with a dramatic sprint up Mt. Buller in his Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo. With flames licking at the the rear valance, White closed the gap on his nearest rival and took the lead. This year, a faulty front differential kept White from the podium in the RDA Brakes Modern class.

All told, three of the top five finishers sat behind the wheel of a Nissan GT-R, with second place falling to Matt and Casey Close in their Audi TT RS. Jim Richards and Barry Oliver fleshed out the top three in their Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Of course, we're fans of classics like the Ferrari 308 and FC Mazda RX-7 models bashing about. You can watch the Targa High Country prologue as well as the first and second days of competition in the videos below.

Continue reading Take a closer look at Days 1 and 2 of the Targa High Country

Take a closer look at Days 1 and 2 of the Targa High Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajason whiteroad raceroad racingtargatarga high countrytony quinnvideoTue, 13 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377101/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/20377101/article-detail.xml 20377101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-high-country-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-high-country-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus trademarks "RC 350" for new sport coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/lexus-trademarks-rc-350-for-new-sport-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/lexus-trademarks-rc-350-for-new-sport-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/lexus-trademarks-rc-350-for-new-sport-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lexus Emblem

Lexus has trademarked yet another interesting name, according to LexusEnthusiast.com, staking claim to "RC 350" in Australia. What could Lexus have in mind for the nameplate? The car may be the production interpretation of the LF-CC concept we saw at the Paris Motor Show. Given the numerals in the name, there's a good chance the two-door coupe will feature the company's 3.5-liter V6 engine currently found under the hoods of models like the IS 350 and GS 350. Beyond that, details are as scarce as hen's teeth.

As you may recall, Lexus also recently laid claim to "NX 200t" and "NX 300h." Those names are likely to be applied to a new family of crossovers powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

We've reached out to Lexus for comment on the RC 350 trademark, but have yet to hear back. We'll update this post with more information as it becomes available.

Lexus trademarks "RC 350" for new sport coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australialexuslexus rc 350patentrc 350Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/07/lexus-trademarks-rc-350-for-new-sport-coupe/20373170/article-detail.xml 20373170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lexus-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lexus-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Nissan's V8 Supercar on its inaugural track outing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Nissan and Kelly Racing recently put the new Australian V8 Supercar Altima on the track for the first time in order to do a little aerodynamic testing. Team owner and driver Todd Kelly took the machine around Calder Park despite the fact that he's currently recovering from shoulder reconstruction surgery. Kelly said the car feels good, but there's still plenty of work to do between now and next March when the sedan will see its official race debut. Though this is the first of the Altima racers to put tire to tarmac, Kelly racing is working on an additional three cars for competition.

Those should be completed by the end of the year if everything goes as planned. As you may recall, the V8 Supercars Altima benefits from a reworked Nissan VK56DE 5.6-liter V8 engine. All told, Nissan has sunk around $1.56 million into the new V8 Supercars program to become the first brand other than Ford or Holden to compete in the series in nearly 20 years. Check out the car in action below.

Continue reading Watch Nissan's V8 Supercar on its inaugural track outing

Watch Nissan's V8 Supercar on its inaugural track outing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaaustraliaaustralian v8 supercarsaustralian v8 supercars altimakelly racingnissanv8 supercarsv8 supercars altimaMon, 05 Nov 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/20370558/article-detail.xml 20370558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/altima07-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/altima07-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes E63 AMGs will race in Australia's V8 Supercar series next season, Holden debuts new Commodore race car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/mercedes-e63-amgs-will-race-in-australias-v8-supercar-series-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/mercedes-e63-amgs-will-race-in-australias-v8-supercar-series-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/mercedes-e63-amgs-will-race-in-australias-v8-supercar-series-ne/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG badge

Ford and Holden have, just the two of them, been holding down the V8 Supercars fort for years now. The introduction of the Car of the Future regulations, which puts carmaker body panels on top of a generic chassis, induced Nissan Australia to join the party in 2013 with four of its Altima sedans. Chrysler Group Australia recently said it would not be lining up. So did Mercedes-Benz Australia, but an acquisition and an international agreement between Erebus Motorsports, Stone Brothers Racing and AMG's Customer Sports Program run by HWA means E63 AMGs will be on the starting line for the first race of 2013.

SBR has been in V8SC since 1998, the entire time with Ford, and won three championships with The Blue Oval, while Erebus runs SLS AMG GT3 coupes in the Australian GT Championship. Erebus bought SBR and its two licenses and grandfathered the rights to the third license that SBR has a lease on, then worked out a deal with AMG to get factory support. That support will come via HWA, the company run by AMG co-founder Hans Werner Aufrecht, that also preps Mercedes DTM cars.

As with Nissan, which shrunk the displacement of its Nissan Motorsport VK56DE V8 from 5.6 liters to 5.0 liters to satisfy V8SC regs, the E63 AMG motor will be a 5.0-liter iteration of the 6.2-liter V8 from Erebus' SLS AMG GT3 racer. Final parity spec for the AMG engine is still being sorted out with the governing body, and even though other makers' cars have been unveiled and on the track, the AMG engine still hasn't made it to the dyno. Even so, the privately funded team has been provided the necessary millions to make it to the starting gate by Erebus owner Betty Klimenko, and SBR has proved that it knows how to build a car.

Swallowed up in all the changes coming to the sport had been Holden, but not anymore. The Holden Racing Team took the hullabaloo of the Erebus-SBR as an excuse to unveil its new matte black and gold Commodore, and you can watch the covers pulled back in the video below.

Continue reading Mercedes E63 AMGs will race in Australia's V8 Supercar series next season, Holden debuts new Commodore race car

Mercedes E63 AMGs will race in Australia's V8 Supercar series next season, Holden debuts new Commodore race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgaustraliae63 amgerebusholdenhwamercedes-benzstone brothersv8 supercarsMon, 24 Sep 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329295/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/mercedes-e63-amgs-will-race-in-australias-v8-supercar-series-ne/20329295/article-detail.xml 20329295 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mbe63amg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mbe63amg.jpg -1 2