Autoblog

Since last summer, rumors have swirled in Australia regarding a potential "flagship" HSV GTSR. The original scuttlebutt had GM's Aussie performance division dropping the Corvette Z06's LS7 V8 into one of its fully-tricked, Commodore-based sedans. That never panned out. In the interim, we've seen the introduction of the blown, 620-horsepower, 6.2-liter LS9 V8 in the Corvette ZR1, as well as its less-caffeinated brother, the 550-horsepower LSA, in the Cadillac CTS-V. As such, the time is nigh to commence Round 2 of the HSV GTSR rumormongering. Australia's Motor magazine (no website? come on, guys) steps up to the plate with its March 2008 issue cover shot, a Photoshop of an HSV sedan sporting the ZR1's hood window, with a claim that the LS9 is headed Down Under. Whether the rumor's even remotely valid is anyone's guess, and it's likely to go on for months. You see, something like the mythical GTSR would be a pretty major reveal, worthy of a big stage like the Sydney Motor Show. That doesn't take place until October, so there's plenty of time for this one to get whipped into a frenzy. Thanks to Autoblog (and Motor mag) reader Zayed B. for the photo!

UPDATE: I'm reminded in the comments that the Melbourne Motor Show is less than three weeks away, so perhaps we'll get more word on whether there's a Super HSV in the works sooner rather than later.

[Source: Motor]

Back in February, we told you about the facelifted Escape that was going to appear in non-US markets, using the Australian version as an example. (The next US Escape is going to have more of a family resemblance to the new Explorer and Sport Trac along with a horizontal three-bar grille.)

Yesterday, Ford caused a stir in Japan when it introduced three new models to the market there: Mustang, Explorer Sport Trac and Escape. The 'Stang and Sport Trac aren't any different from the ones we have here, so we won't discuss them. The Escape, however, is the refreshed version, and Ford's Japan site is updated with new photos. (Note that the car shown in the publicity shots here isn't a true JDM model -- the Japanese Escapes have the little parking mirror on the front fender that is required on all SUVs.)

Technical details were pretty much covered in the February story, but to reiterate, there are two engine choices: XLT gets the 2.3L VVT 4-cylinder with 157 horsepower, while XLT Sport and Limited models get the 203-horse 3.0L V6. The Japanese site does give us a good look at the interior upgrades, which are actually quite nice and do a good job of modernizing the aging cabin.

(Rear, interior shots after the jump)

[Source: Motor Magazine (translated)]