Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



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Cruze hatch show car

Revised Vauxhall VXR8

UK buyers will once again be able to get their hands on the Vauxhall VXR8. Available from next March, this latest version is based on the just-launched E Series 3 GTS model from Holden’s HSV division.

Power comes from GM’s 6.2 litre LS3 V8, which also sees service in the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Corvette LT. In the VXR8, it’s rated at 425 bhp (316 kW / 431 PS) with 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) of torque, which is enough to propel the Vauxhall from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



Drive is to the rear wheels, although customers can choose whether this goes through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A mechanical limited slip differential features as standard.

The VXR8 also comes with some trick chassis technology. Magnetic Ride Control has been borrowed from the Corvette ZR1, and it allows for continuously adjustable suspension via magnetic particles in the dampers. Launch Control meanwhile does pretty much as the name suggests. Engaged when the Electronic Stability Control’s Competition Mode is selected, it governs how much torque is delivered to the rear wheels for maximum traction when accelerating away from standstill.



Inside the cabin, the 2011 VXR8 is equipped with leather-trimmed HSV performance seats, which have eight-way electric adjustment. Those of an enthusiastic nature can monitor their progress via the Enhanced Driver Interface. This displays things like G-force, how much the car is drifting and lap times on the dashboard’s five-inch screen. The data can then be downloaded later to let the driver bore their friends with endless analysis and bragging. Handy for track days, though.

Only six dealers have been chosen to sell the VXR8 in the UK, although a further 28 have been authorised to service it. The on the road price, including VAT at 20%, has been set at £49,500 and orders can be placed from later this month.



That’s certainly a lot for a Vauxhall, and it’ll doubtless put some badge snobs off. But that would be missing the point. Similarly-sized V8 sports saloons from the premium manufacturers are much more expensive, with the Jaguar XFR and Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon costing £62,600 and £71,900 respectively. The smaller BMW M3 Saloon is currently listed at £51,805, and it's probably more of a natural competitor to the VXR8 on price and performance, if not on size.

2011 Holden VE Series II Commodore

A fountain of tears was shed when the Pontiac G8 sedan bit 'the dust along with their parents' brand, the poncho-market Holden Commodore was one of our best races -.. Especially in its delicious appearance LS3 GXP powered with a six-speed stick as You know, Holden are now ready for export Zeta-based sedans in the U.S. as a new long-wheelbase Chevy Caprice police car, but the civilian versions are not part of the program. This brings us to the latest Scuttlebutt by Drive.com.au, after which a new export agreement for sending standard pitch Holden VE Commodore returns to the United States could be on the horizon like a Chevrolet published reports.

Drive prices of General Motors engineer Al Heiser Oppen to confirm that negotiations are taking place now, GM and a second anonymous source told the site that is a done deal. A spokesman said Holden Drive in terms of exports, the focus is currently on PPV Caprice, but added that other deals being pursued. There are good reasons for hope. The president of GM North America Mark Reuss was the head of Holden 2008 and 2009, and clearly knows how good the product.

The G8 has won much praise during his short tenure, and the lack of a legit sport sedan is a glaring gap in the otherwise comprehensive Chevy lineup. It is also important to remember that, thanks to the Pontiac G8, the majority of developing countries federalization of the Australian four-door has already been done. Probably not much to the current VE Series II sedan to get ready for an encore of the United States. Hell, if it really happened, perhaps this time GM could ute also to the introduction go. Rename the Chevy version would be a breeze after all.

Cruze hatch show car

Chevrolet’s Cruze is the best selling compact saloon in several major European markets, including Germany, Italy and the UK.



The problem is that it’s a small segment, because hatchbacks take the lion’s share of compact sales in Europe. That also explains why Chevrolet’s sister brands Vauxhall and Opel have yet to produce a saloon version of the current generation Astra, the model which shares its ‘Delta II’ platform with the Cruze.



So, perhaps realising that having just one body style is hampering sales, Chevrolet has announced it’ll be unveiling a Cruze hatchback at this month’s Paris Motor Show. Although the hatch is being referred to as a ‘show car’ (which means it’s not a concept, but it’s not quite the final production spec either), sales are due to start from the middle of 2011.

Reflecting the Cruze’s global presence, the hatchback show car has actually been designed and built by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, at its studios in Melbourne. The result is an elegant looking vehicle which - unsurprisingly - appears to share its proportions with the Astra, which is no bad thing. It could even tempt some buyers away from Vauxhall and Opel?



Australia will also become a manufacturing location for the Cruze hatch, to satisfy the local market. Like the existing saloon version (pictured below), cars sold there will be badged as Holdens and get a slightly different nose.

All images © GM Corp.

Holden HSV W427 Supercar

Holden is working on unleashing its might on Australian roads as it revealed the HSV W427 at the Melbourne Motor Show. The HSV – Holden Special Vehicles – will be the fastest standard road car to ever come out of Australia, and will probably be one of the quickest globally as well. Unconfirmed power figures put the W427 at over 370kW and 640Nm of torque. Such numbers are seen only in saloons like BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Many thanks to Corvette’s 7.0-litre LS7 power plant.

To better utilize the power, a limited slip diff will be used in conjunction with a new high-strength 6-speed manual shifter.

The car receives GM product’s Magnetic Ride suspension which helps adapt the car to current road conditions for optimum handling. A number of exterior enhancements such as carbon fiber rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels and a new front fascia.

What a tribute Australia’s original “muscle car” which turned 20 years old today.

Press Release

The car to be known in its final development stages as the W427 is finished in the same Panorama Silver paint scheme as the original Group A SS VL Commodore, released at the Melbourne Motor Show of 1988, exactly 20 years ago.
HSV Managing Director, Scott Grant, said the W427 was a tribute to how far the company has come in just twenty years. To be able to produce a vehicle of these proportions is truly remarkable, Scott Grant said.
The W427 will be quite possibly the fastest road registrable Supercar ever produced in Australia and among the quickest anywhere around the world, he said. While power output figures are still to be confirmed, the W427 is likely to produce in excess of 370kW of power and 640NM of torque.

It will also be one of the safest cars HSV has ever put on the road, Scott Grant said. A new six piston front braking system will provide a 50% increase in pad area, while the W427 also receives a revised ESP calibration, six air bags, improved handling and new Magnetic Ride Control settings.

The W427 receives a bimodal active exhaust system to improve noise quality and back pressure management.

Styling and design highlights include an all new front fascia, a three piece carbon fibre rear spoiler, 20 inch machined faced alloy wheel, unique exhaust tips and red leather interior.
Scott Grant said HSV would be introducing a unique customer relations program to accompany the launch of the new vehicle. The W427 will only be produced in limited numbers and we want to reflect that exclusivity in how we connect with our Supercar customers, Scott Grant said. This program will see the LS7 engine being fitted at Clayton, along with the dry sump system and a range of other engineering features. We are looking at opportunities to allow owners to visit HSV and view the unique manufacturing process that goes into building this car.
The W427 will go into production in the middle of the year and will be available for sale in dealerships in the third quarter of 2008. Make no mistake, while the specifications of the car unveiled on the stand today at the Motorshow may change slightly between now and when production begins, this car is destined to make as big an impact as the original Walkinshaw twenty years ago.

W427 key highlights*
Exterior
• All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427
• All new three piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre
• All new 20 inch wheel
Interior
• HSV performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo, steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather

Powertrain
? 7.0 Litre, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration
? 370kW @ 6500 rpm
? 640Nm @ 5000 rpm
? Over radiator style cold air induction system with high flow air filter
? Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump
? Hand fabricated aluminium oil reservoir, with internal baffles for high G loading
? Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler
? Ceramic coated, high flow four into one extractors
? High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3 into 2 3⁄4 )
? Active bi-modal rear mufflers for exhaust back pressure management to improve noise quality
? High strength limited slip differential
? New high strength six speed manual gear box (TR6060)
? GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads

Suspension
? New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS
? Revised ride height 20mm lower than GTS
? New stiffer rear suspension bushing
? All new MRC calibration

Brakes
? New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)
? Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm compared to 365 x 32mm one piece on GTS)
? High friction pad material