Jalopnik: 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]

Holden VE Commodore Wagon Revealed (Again) Ahead of Show

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:00:26 EDT

A new image of Holden's Commodore VE station wagon has emerged from the digi-ether, ahead of the new car's debut at the Australian International Motor Show next week. It's the second shot of the new, Zeta-platformed wagon we've seen; the first was a cameraphone snap taken during a product presentation. This media-ready image shows what's likely a concept version of what Aussies can expect when they head to the forecourt next year, while they're shopping for something that can carry a case of wallaby and still have room for a few bags of lollies. The production model won't likely have those 20-inch wheels, though it will likely come in high-performance SS-V trim. That is, powered by a LS2 V8 producing 362 horsepower, with an optional six-speed manual. (Thanks to Roger for the tip.) [Drive]

VW Touareg R50 Looking To Take On Porsche Cayenne?

Ray Wert — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:15:00 EDT

Volkswagen just announced plans to release the new Touareg R50 — the third in VW's series of R-labeled vehicles — at the Australian Motor Show next week. We're told it'll come with a retuned V10 TDI capable of producing more than 313 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque. Although VW hasn't yet released specific power details, they do confirm power will be increased over the regular version. The words they're using? How about "a generous increase." Yeah, that's not so descriptive, is it? In addition to a power boost the R50 also will come complete with larger wheels with road focused tyres, stiffer suspension and a new aero kit. Sorry, we guess that's all we can expect to hear until it's officially unveiled on October 11th in Sydney. Full non-descriptive press release after the jump.

In another world premiere for the Australian International Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced it will unveil its new Touareg R50 in Sydney next week (11 October). Developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Touareg R50 is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. While Volkswagen has yet to announce detailed specifications, it promises the R50 boasts "generous" increases on the 230kW of power and 750Nm of torque produced by the current V10 TDi model on which it is based. Bigger wheels and tyres and tweaked suspension complete the high-performance package. Volkswagen Individual GmbH has also designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy.
The R50 is the third model to appear under Volkswagen's sporty R label, following in the footsteps of the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36 - which was launched last month at the Frankfurt motor show. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction.

Mitsubishi Evo X to Make Show Debut in Australia

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:15:54 EDT

Following its launch in Japan this week, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, to be dubbed Lancer Evolution in the states, will make its show debut in upside-down world. The new Evo will be unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney next week, alongside the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and Lotus Exige Sport 240. Sorry, Tokyo, it's hoons for the win. [via World Car Fans]

Press Release:

Press Release

One of 2007's most anticipated cars, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, will be unveiled in final production form at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney on 11 October. The world motor show premiere of the Evolution X tops an all-star line-up of new vehicles at the Show in Sydney, including the world premieres of the Toyota LandCruiser 200 and Lotus Exige Sport 240, a preview of the Volkswagen Touareg R50 plus new production and concept models from GM Holden and Ford. The Australian International Motor Show will additionally feature the Asia-Pacific motor show premieres of the new-generation Audi A4, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Peugeot 308 and new-generation Mazda6.

The 10th generation of Mitsubishi's iconic Evo boasts aggressive new styling, an all-new turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine, advanced all-wheel drive and a new twin-clutch sequential manual transmission. With an impeccable lineage that has included nine race-, rally- and award- winning models - several of which have been sold in the Australian market - the 2008 Lancer Evolution X is the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary bloodline. Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Robert McEniry said the Evolution X remained true to the model's core value of thrilling performance, with the added advantage of all-round capability and increased user technology.

"The 2008 Lancer Evolution is a complete performance package," Mr McEniry said. "It has a powerful new engine and also inherent user technology to ensure incredible flexibility and grip, and enhanced handling and dynamics." The all-new Evo showcases cutting-edge vehicle control engineering and technology such as the famed Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system offering extraordinary levels of driver control, and the new optional automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

Also featured on the Mitsubishi stand at the Australian International Motor Show will be the full range of variants from the all-new Lancer sedan. The recently released 2008 Lancer range includes three highly specified variants - the ES, VR and VRX - all jam-packed with a host of important safety features including Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), standard across the entire range.

The Australian International Motor Show opens to the public at 5pm on Thursday 11 October at the Darling Harbour Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sydney, and runs to 21 October. Details of dates, opening times and ticket prices - along with updates on new models - are available at www.australianmotorshow.com.

Holden To Announce LS7-Powered HSV Commodore?

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EDT

Our mates over at Wheels magazine have some news for the followers of power-upgrades in Aussie muscle cars. The Australian buff book claims the Special Vehicles unit of Holden is bringing a 7.0-liter LS7-powered supercar to Sydney's Australian International Motor Show in October. There's no word yet on a name, but Wheels posits that HSV

"...could dust off the unused 427 moniker, or maybe the GTS-R badges from the 2004 concept race car. Our bet is for a combination of the two and the car to wear GTS-R 427 badging..."

All we're betting is if this news is true it greatly heightens the possibilities for dropping that 500 HP-plus LS7 engine into the 2009 Chevy Camaro, the Commodore's Zeta-platformed cousin. And don't even get us speculatin' on an LS7-powered Camino SS for 2011. – Ray Wert

HSV's King Hit! The LS7 Commodore Is Coming!!! [GMInsideNews via Supercars.net via Wheels]