Autoblog

Melbourne 2009: Limited edition HSV Senator unveiled

Alex Nunez — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, HSV, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the HSV Senator

In conjunction with the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show, HSV has announced the release of a special-edition Senator super-sedan. A less-expensive ( $69,990 AU - about $44,600 USD) alternative to the pricier, more lavishly-equipped Senator Signatur e ($80,500 AU - about $51,300 USD) that launched in 2006, the Senator will be limited to a total of just 89 cars. Thirty of these cars get manual transmissions; the rest will have automatics.

While the new Senator makes do without features such as the Magnetic Ride Control suspension found on the Senator Signature, the important part - the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 lump underhood - remains. It's good for 317 kilowatts (425 horsepower) and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque, which should be more than enough juice to generate a cloud of tire smoke visible from the moon.

Gallery: HSV Senator

[Source: HSV]

Melbourne 2009: Limited edition HSV Senator unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Cruze

Late last year Holden, the Australian arm of General Motors, announced it would be getting a new small sedan based on the global platform underpinning the Chevy Cruze. At the time, it was assumed that the Holden would feature revised sheetmetal and possibly a new name, but now that the wraps are off, it's clear that the only things changed are the badges, grille and location of the steering wheel. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the new Cruze is a looker regardless of what brand name is affixed to the front.

Hit the jump to check out the Holden Volt.

Continue reading GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt

GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne 2009: FPV F6 E Concept tests the waters

Alex Nunez — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, FPV

Click above for a gallery of the FPV F6 E concept

The Blue Oval's FPV F6 is relentlessly awesome. Loud colors. Alice Cooper eye makeup. Blistering, turbocharged inline-six power. It drops the full musclecar ethos onto a completely modern Australian performance sedan. We love it, but it may not necessarily be for everybody. Ford Performance Vehicles knows this, and the F6's V8-powered evil twin, the FPV GT, gets an additional, more subdued "E" trim level. Darker colors. No decals. No "eye black.". It's a more conservative Aussie muscle machine.

When the Melbourne Motor Show opens its doors in a few days, the FPV stand will be home to a very production-ready-looking F6 E "concept." Don't let its rather sedate appearance fool you. Underhood, you'll still find the 415-horsepower, 416 lb-ft , 4.0-liter turbo-six. Ford's performance mavens say they're using the F6 E concept car to determine whether there's demand for a production version. We think that decision's obviously been made already. After all, why else would the PR mention things like the color selection and theoretical starting price? Face it, you lucky SOBs Down Under are getting yet another tasty entree added to your street missile buffet. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 FPV F6 E Concept

[Source: FPV]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: FPV F6 E Concept tests the waters

Melbourne 2009: FPV F6 E Concept tests the waters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne 2009: Toyota HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle)

Alex Nunez — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia

Click above for a hi-res gallery of Toyota Australia's FC-CV

Next year, Toyota Australia will begin local production of the Camry Hybrid. To celebrate this (and drum up some PR), Toyota Style Australia has created the HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle) for the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show. What is that, exactly? Well, it's essentially the recently-updated 2010 Camry Hybrid, gussied up with a custom white paint color, a modified fascia, some snazzy wheels, blue decals and accents, and leather seats that incorporate the Hybrid Synergy Drive wave logo. Strip away the assorted pieces of flair, and you get the production car that's already been unveiled, only with the steering wheel moved over to the wrong side. See more of the HC-CV in the gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota HC-CV

[Source: Toyota Australia]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: Toyota HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle)

Melbourne 2009: Toyota HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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