Aussie Homage to the Holden Torana GTR-X: A Lost Opportunity

Take a close look at this car; ain't it a beauty? Even though it was conceived precisely four decades ago, the wedge-shaped Holden Torana GTR-X is classic example of how less can be much more when it comes to design -take note Mr Jason Castriota. Believe it or not, the Torana GTR-X was actually designed by GM's Australian division to enter production in 1970. The concept was to create a low volume sports car using inexpensive tooling and parts straight off the shelf.

In particular, when Holden gave the green light for the development of the Torana GTX-R in mid-1969, the Australian automaker's engineers decided to base the sports coupe on the running gear of the production Torana GTR XU-1, a compact-sized model which had its origins in the British Vauxhall Vivas of the mid 1960s.

The two seater was fitted with the standard's Torana XU1's 186 cubic inch or 3.0-liter straight six that generated an output of 160HP at 5,200rpm and 285Nm or 210 lbs-ft of torque at 3,300rpm. Power was channeled to the rear wheels through a four speed manual transmission. Weighing in at just 1,043 kg or around 2,300 pounds, the GTR-X reportedly posted a top speed of 210km/h or 130mph during testing.

Despite its humble underpinnings, the Torana GTR-X boasted a striking and uncluttered exterior design with an elongated front end that hosted a pair of pop-up lights and a low wedge-shaped grille. The 'wedge' theme continued at the rear-end that featured an elevated tail light assembly. The body was made out of fibreglass.

The Aussie coupe's interior styling matches the simplicity of the exterior design with the most prominent features being the machined aluminium instrument panel and the high-backed sports seats.

As you can see from the brochure below, Holden was very serious about putting the Torana GTR-X into production as the company built several prototype models and even went as far as making a promotional film on the car only to pull the plug at the last minute amidst concerns on the financial viability of the project. All we can say is what a shame...

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

_______________________________________________________________

Official Brochure of Holden Torana GTR-X

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

GM updates 2009 Chevrolet Caprice for Middle Eastern Markets

What Aussies have come to know as the Holden Statesman / Caprice or otherwise, the long wheelbase (luxury) version of the Commodore - Pontiac G8, is sold in the Middle East under the Chevrolet brand. For 2009, GM has upgraded the Chevrolet Caprice with an all-new six speed automatic transmission and while they were at it, they also improved specifications across the range.

The new six-speed 6L80E automatic transmission with Active Select is available with on the SS and Royale variants with the 6.0-liter engine on that delivers 360HP at 5,700 rpm and peak torque of 530Nm at 4400 rpm. The Caprice is also offered with a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating peak power of 240HP at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 330 Nm at 2600 rpm.

The 2009 Caprice V8 SS model receives a number of additions, including high-intensity HID headlamps, remote start to cool down the interior footwell illumination As for the rest of the range, ew chrome-plated plastic interior door handles have been added to the LTZ, SS and Royale, while all models are now available with a new Switchblade Silver paint.

Furthermore, ESP now comes standard on the LTZ V6 variant, while Bluetooth connection for mobile phones is featured on all models from the LTZ upwards.

BMW 135i "tii" to take on F1 car and Holden V8 Supercar at 2009 Australian GP

A street-legal BMW 135i Coupe bearing the 'tii' livery will race against a Holden Commodore V8 Supercar and a BMW Sauber Formula 1 car at the "Ultimate Speed Comparison" event that takes place at this year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The tii-branded 135i Coupe features a number of performance and cosmetic upgrades from the BMW Performance stable, all of which are available for order. The event is more of a crowd-pleasing spectacle than anything else as the small bimmer is seriously outmatched in terms of performance from both of its race-spec rivals.

The 135i Coupe "tii" has been fitted with a full BMW Performance aerodynamic package, road holding suspension set up, cross drilled and weight saving brake package, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Carbon fibre mirror covers and carbon fibre look bonnet with integrated roof and boot sports stripes, complete the changes over the standard car.

There are no mods under the hood with the 135i retaining the stock 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 306HP that launches the car from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Piloting the BMW 135i at this year's Ultimate Speed Comparison will be motoring journalist Paul Gover. Christian Klien will be at the helm of the BMW Sauber F1 race car while Greg Murphy will take on both BMW's in his Holden Commodore V8 Supercar.

The Ultimate Speed Comparison will be held on five separate occasions during the race weekend of the Australian GP. The event is run with a timed handicap, giving each car a chance at taking line honors.

Via: Worldcarfans

Ultimate Speed Comparison times:

11.40am Thursday 26 March

4.25pm Thursday 26 March

2.15pm Friday 27 March

1.00pm Saturday 28 March

1.10pm Sunday 29 March