1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3: Giga 1/8th Scale Die-Cast Model

Being somewhat of die-cast model collectors ourselves, we couldn't bypass the chance to tell you about this giga-sized, 1/8th scale replica of the 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III from 'Icon Models' that will be produced in a limited run of 1,000 units each priced at a hefty $1,295 AUD - that's about €700 or US$925. For non-Australian readers, the GTHO Phase II Falcon is one of the most iconic muscle cars from the land 'Down Under' reputed at its time to be the fastest production saloon in the world.

The actual '71 Falcon XY GTHO Phase III was powered by a modified 351 Cleveland V8 engine that produced somewhere around 380HP. Mated to a 4 speed manual-gearbox, the rear-wheel drive Falcon was said to reach 60mph (96km/h) in 6.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds while its top speed was close to 230km/h (143mph). Only a mere 300 examples of the GTHO Phase III were built and fewer than 100 survive today. The past few years, prices for the much sought after Ford have skyrocketed to as high as AUD$800,000.

As for the die-cast version of the Aussie muscle car, the 60cm or 23.6-in. long 1/8th scale replica looks the part from the photos featuring many realistic details, but we'd like to see one up close before spending a grand on a die-cast model. According to the maker, the Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3 will be available during the thrid quarter of the year.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

JDM Toyota Land Cruiser Receives new 318HP 4.6-liter V8 engine

Toyota has announced that its Japanese domestic market (JDM for short) Land Cruiser V8 has received a new engine and transmission transplant. Beginning from May 6, 2009, the Land Cruiser will be offered with a newly-developed 4.6-liter V8 Dual VVT-i gasoline engine that produces 318-horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460Nm or 339.3-lbs/ft of maximum torque at 3,400 rpm versus the previous 4.7-liter V8's 288HP and 445Nm or 328-lb/ft respectively. The 4.6L V8 is mated to an also new 6-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous 5-speed auto.

Since Europe, Australia and several other markets around the world get the same 4.7-liter V8 engine as the Japanese-spec model, we suspect that it's only a matter of time before Toyota announces the change to the 318HP 4.6-liter V8 and the six-speed auto transmission.

New powerplant aside, the JDM Land Cruiser's range is also enhanced with the addition of a new trim level called ZX.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Report: Aussie Editor Says Recession will Kill GM's Holden Unit

As speculation grows on whether or not General Motors will be filling for bankruptcy, questions arise on the future of the company's subsidiaries such as the firm's Australian unit, Holden. In a report on the future of Australia's automobile industry from AAP that was hosted on several news sites, Clive Matthew-Wilson, Editor of the car buyers Dog & Lemon Guide, claims that Holden will most likely be the first carmaker from Down-Under to bite the dust due to the recession. "It's not a matter of whether they close down, but when they close down," said Matthew -Wilson referring to Holden, Ford and Toyota Australia.

On May 4, Holden slashed the Commodore's production of its in half at its in Elizabeth plant in South Australia in response to slow sales and a shift in Australian buyers taste to smaller vehicles. Matthew -Wilson told AAP that this move 'signaled the beginning of end for Holden'.

"Globally, there's a glut of new cars at bargain prices, yet Australia, which produces a small number of high cost cars, is trying to compete with countries like China, which produces ten million cars a year and pays its car workers as little as one dollar per hour. The Australian government can throw $6 billion or $600 billion at these car plants, but they still won't be economically feasible," he said.

In concern of Holden, we'd also add that, even if the future of the Australian auto industry as a whole wasn't so pessimistic as portrayed by Matthew-Wilson, with the reorganizing - bankruptcy -call it whatever you want of GM that is already trying to get rid of many brands like Hummer and Saab, Holden's outlook would still be seen challenging.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Toyota Panasonic F1 Driver Timo Glock gets on Two Wheels with HiLux

A little bit of fun -especially when it concerns promotional activities- never hurt anyone. As part of a series of events in the lead-up to this Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, Panasonic Toyota Racing pilot Timo Glock took a few lessons from Toyota's Hilux Heroes stunt drivers and managed to drive a near-standard Hilux V6 for 60 meters (around 200 feet) on two wheels. The 27-year-old German then moved on to doughnuts and formation driving where he entertained a large group of invited members of the press.

The Toyota Hilux Heroes team performs nationally at leading metro, regional and rural shows in slightly modified versions of the 4x2 V6-powered Toyota Hilux. The team is made up of leading professional Australian drivers including Guinness World Record holder, Lawrence 'The Legend' Ryan and Jack Monkhouse.

"This was a lot of fun," said Glock on his two-wheel stunt driving cameo. "Although, I think it would be a little hard to drive a Formula 1 car on two wheels."

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com