Jalopnik: 2008 australian international motor show

Special Ford Falcon GT Celebrates FPV's 5th Anniversary

Mark Arnold — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:20:00 EDT

The special-anniversary-edition Aussie muscle keeps rolling out at the Australian International Motor Show. First it was the HSV 20th Anniversary GTS and now we have this, a special FPV Ford Falcon GT that commemorates the five years of Ford Performance Vehicles. The 5.4-liter V8 still delivers the same ground-pounding 422 HP through a Tremec 6-speed manual or ZF 6-speed automatic as used in standard FPV GTs. However, you can now reign it in with special Brembo six-piston front / four-piston rear calipers surrounded by new 19" rims. FPV is only making 200 5th Anniversary editions, in your choice of black with silver accents, or silver with black accents. We just wish Ford's American lineup would develop an Aussie accent in addition to its new European twang. Press release after the jump.

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today celebrated its fifth year of production with the release of the FPV 5th Anniversary model at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

"In only five short years, FPV has grown to become an icon in Australian performance motoring," said FPV General Manager Rod Barrett.

"In recognition of this milestone we are launching a vehicle which will ensure this tradition continues."

With only 200 units available, the FPV 5th Anniversary will join an iconic stable of collector's vehicles, including the 40th Anniversary GT and the Cobra.

Featuring a new 19-inch multi-spoke Alloy wheel design in Alpine Silver, the FPV 5th Anniversary is also equipped with a premium 6-piston Brembo brake package.

Available in Lightning Strike or Silhouette with a unique 5th Anniversary striping package, the 5th Anniversary also features an original rear decal.

The traditional sports seats are finished in Nudo Leather as standard with a 5th Anniversary logo embossed into the front headrests.

Unique 5th Anniversary floor mats also feature along with an exclusive build badge number mounted on the centre console.

The FPV 5th Anniversary features all the luxuries expected from an FPV, including dual-zone temperature control air conditioning, a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control mounted switches, power front and rear windows, alloy pedal covers and a premium audio system with six-disc in-dash CD with iPod** integration.

The FPV 5th Anniversary offers over $9,600^ worth of additional features for a premium of only $5,300 over the Recommended Retail Price of an FPV GT sedan.

The Recommended Retail Price for the FPV 5th Anniversary is $71,890*

[via CarAdvice.com.au]

HSV Senator Signature SV08 Has The Floor

Mark Arnold — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Unveiled alongside the 40th Anniversary GTS, the HSV Senator Signature SV08 is a limited edition of the more luxury-oriented version of the Holden Commodore. It's a bit more exclusive, with just 20 equipped with a manual transmission and 30 automatics. It's also a bit more expensive, with a price tag equivalent to just over $57,000 in Ameros. For that, you get additional chrome accenting on the side mirrors and door handles, and 20" rims standard. More importantly, you still get the same 412 HP 6.0-liter LS2 V8 as the normal HSV Senator. Too bad we can't get something like this in America badged as a Buick Park Avenue.

[HSV]

HSV 40th Anniversary GTS Unveiled in Sydney

Mark Arnold — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EDT

First used in 1968 on the HK Monaro, the GTS badge now celebrates its 40th anniversary with 100 units of this special edition HSV GTS. Though the name GTS stands for "Gran Turismo Sportivo," the 40th Anniversary edition is merely an appearance package available only in red or white, with black stripes and plenty of '40 years of GTS' logos all over the car. Of course, with about 425 HP ready to be sent to the rear wheels, and Magnetic Ride Control to keep you planted, the GTS is nothing to scoff at. It's certainly better than the standard Holden Commodore on which it's based, or the Pontiac G8 GT.

[HSV]

Elfin Type 5 Clubman Goes From Zero To Sydney In 3.7 Seconds

Mark Arnold — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Down under in Sydney at the Australian International Motor Show, the new Elfin Type 5 Clubman has been revealed. The latest offering from Australia's own hardcore roadster builders, the Type 5 follows on the heels of the popular MS8 models. The new car is powered by GM's 260 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-banger. It's the same setup found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline, but the Elfin weighs significantly less at about 1600 pounds. That may not be as light as a Secma, but it's enough to allow for 0-62 MPH jolts in just 3.7 seconds. Even better, they say it's affordable.

Whether or not the Type 5 is a bargain depends on how you look at it. In the Australian market, prices should be about that of commonplace Japanese sportscars like the Mazda RX-8. So if performance is your highest priority, the Elfin has plenty of bang for the buck. Obviously though, an RX-8 is going to be much more comfortable, as a hardcore roadster like the Type 5 is...well, hardcore. As is usually the case though, we won't have to worry about this conundrum over here in America, because it won't ever be coming here. Looks like you'll have to just build a Caterham. [via MotorAuthority]