Vauxhall's VXR8 Sport Saloon Wins MPG Marathon Award, No Really

In an eco-marathon, you normally expect the winner to be a hybrid, a diesel or some other super-frugal -and usually underpowered- car. Well, in the Fleet World MPG Marathon the champion had no less than 431-horses kicking and screaming to be unleashed under its bonnet.

You read that correctly: the LS3 6.2-liter V8-powered VXR8 - essentially a Holden HSV rebadged as a Vauxhall for the UK market- won the two-day, 350-mile economy trial.

How did this happen? There's a simple explanation: this award wasn't given to the most fuel efficient vehicle in absolute numbers, but to the one that recorded the highest percent improvement over the official fuel consumption figures.

Read more »

2011 AIMS: New HSV Black Edition Versions of Commodore Based Sedan, Station and Ute Models

General Motor’s Holden Special Vehicles unit in Australia is following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division as well as more recently, Porsche, with the presentation of a black-themed and named special edition series based on the E Series 3 range launched last September.

Making its world debut at the 2011 Australian motorshow in Melbourne, the SV Black Edition package is offered in the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, which are the sports versions of the Commodore sedan, ute, and station wagon models respectively.

Read more »

Face-Off: Transform Your Pontiac G8 into a Holden Commodore or HSV GTS

Like they say, there's nothing like the original. However, if you want our opinion, in the case of the Holden Commodore we prefer the twin nostril fascia of its Americanized sibling, the Pontiac G8. The HSV GTS is another story as Holden's officially designated performance division has done wonders on the Commodore's appearance. Either way, if you happen to own a Pontiac G8 and dig the original look of its 'down-under' comrade or the kick-ass sporty looks of the HSV model, an Australian company called JHP Vehicle Enhancements will ship you a complete kit to perform the conversion. Prices start off from $1,990 US for the Commodore package and from $3,880 for the HSV GTS kit. Check out the details after the jump.

GENUINE HSV VE GTS FRONT CONVERSION KIT

The HSV GTS front conversion kit includes:

• Hood, Hood Latch/Catch, Hood Insulator,
  
• Front bumper fascia extension,
  
• Upper grille radiator, Front bar fascia, Front bar absorber,
  
• Front fog lamp bezel x 2 (Left hand side and right hand side),
  
• Front fog lamps x 2, Lower RAD Grille (black) & badge,
  
• Front fog lamp wiring harness,
  
• Hood header panel,
  
• Bumper mesh.

GENUINE GM VE FRONT CONVERSION KIT

The VE front conversion kit includes:

• Hood, Hood Latch/Catch, Hood Insulator,
  
• Front bumper fascia extension,
  
• Upper grille radiator, Front bar fascia, Front bar absorber,
  
• Front fog lamp bezel x 2 (Left hand side and right hand side),
  
• Front fog lamps x 2, Lower RAD Grille (black) & badge,
  
• Front fog lamp wiring harness.

RELATED POSTS:

• Face-Off: See How Cars Would Look Like With Fascias From Other Brands

Via: Autofiends , Link: JHP

HSV W427 503HP Commodore Enters Production – 38 High Res Photos / Wallpapers

The “Lion King” of all Holdens, the Commodore based HSV W427 is now available for order in Australia and New Zealand. But good luck trying to get one as all 90 cars being built in 2008 have been pre-sold. Overall, HSV will build no more than 427 W27s with prices (not including the new Luxury Car Tax regime) set at $155,500 AUD.

Designed as Australia’s answer to the BMW M5, the HSV W427 is equipped with the Corvette Z06’s 7.0-liter or 427.ci LS7 V8 engine developing a thundering 503Hp (375kW) and 640Nm of torque. Even though production has started, HSV has yet to release any official performance figures but we pretty sure that Holden’s four-door muscle car won’t leave anyone disappointed. -Photos after the jump