Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet.

The VXR8 undercuts the competition, such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, but truth be said, it was always a little rough around the edges. Some consider that a perk, others a drawback. Nevertheless, the VXR8 was mildly revised for the 2012 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, new wing vents and rear spoiler.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument cluster and full leather trim is standard. Other amenities include HSV Performance Seats and an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is a fancy name for a smarter onboard computer. EDI can record such data as G-forces, engine parameters and lap times, which can be later analyzed by owners using special software provided with the car.

In order to deliver performance that’s worth recording, the VXR8 comes with a fourth generation GM-sourced LS3 engine, delivering 431 ponies and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either through a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. A limited slip differential comes as standard.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To improve handling, engineers fitted the VXR8 for the first time with electronically controlled dampers. The system is called Magnetic Ride Control and it’s based on technology borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

The VXR8 can be ordered in the UK through six dealers at the moment, but it will be available in a total of 34 locations later on.

By Csaba Daradics

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Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet.

The VXR8 undercuts the competition, such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, but truth be said, it was always a little rough around the edges. Some consider that a perk, others a drawback. Nevertheless, the VXR8 was mildly revised for the 2012 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, new wing vents and rear spoiler.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument cluster and full leather trim is standard. Other amenities include HSV Performance Seats and an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is a fancy name for a smarter onboard computer. EDI can record such data as G-forces, engine parameters and lap times, which can be later analyzed by owners using special software provided with the car.

In order to deliver performance that’s worth recording, the VXR8 comes with a fourth generation GM-sourced LS3 engine, delivering 431 ponies and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either through a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. A limited slip differential comes as standard.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To improve handling, engineers fitted the VXR8 for the first time with electronically controlled dampers. The system is called Magnetic Ride Control and it’s based on technology borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

The VXR8 can be ordered in the UK through six dealers at the moment, but it will be available in a total of 34 locations later on.

By Csaba Daradics

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Walkinshaw Performance Series II Commodore eats Ferraris for Breakfast

For the Australian car buff, Tom Walkinshaw needs no introduction. Here is the man who founded HSV and was responsible for the epic VL Commodore based HSV SS Group A in late '80s. Though no longer working for Holden, 'Walky' continues to turn out some of the most powerful and ballsiest vehicles Australia has ever seen through the performance company named after him.

At the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Walkinshaw Performance took the wraps off its latest model: the WP Series II Supercar. The Holden Commodore Series II SS derived super saloon is fitted with an Edelbrock WP 230 supercharger, boosting power to 617-horsepower (460 kw) and torque to 780 Nm (575 lb ft).

To reign in this beast, six piston brake rotors have been added along with a upgraded and recalibrated suspension package co-developed with Bilstein. The final touch is a unique audio system upgrade by Rockford Fosgate.

Walkinshaw Performance CEO Craig Wilson is extremely satisfied with the Series II Supercar:

"We're celebrating the release of the WP Series II Supercar by producing just 23 examples, finished in Panorama Silver, the same colour which adorned the original 'Walky' when it debuted at the Sydney Motor show 23 years ago". he said.

The whole package, including the AU$47,790 (US$46,930) manual Commodore SS base car, will start from AU$99,990 (US$98,810). This means the Walkinshaw modifications alone cost around AU$52,200 (US$51,880), including parts and labor.

By Tristan Hankins

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Holden Statesman HQ Fans [All five of us] Rejoice; First Ever Scale Model Released by Trax

I'm pretty sure most of you outside Australia are wondering a) what the heck a Statesman HQ is and b) why should you care that there's a die-cast model. Well, let me try to provide answers for these two questions:

A) The Statesman HQ was a luxury long-wheelbase model for the masses produced by GM's Holden from 1971 through 1974, and B) Apparently, most readers need not care but for the other four viewers I was referring to in the title, as far as I know, this is the first time that a scale model of the specific car has been built. For more history on the Statesman and details on the scale model, hit the jump.

Now, if you ask why the fixation with the HQ, that's because the original Statesman de Ville is the first car I recall my father owning. I assume every petrol head will have a similar memory [and obsession...] from their childhood.

Memories aside, the first-ever Statesman was based on Holden's HQ series of 1971 boasting more a dramatic look with a unique twin-headlamp fascia and subtle tail fins as well as a longer wheelbase.

However, it was never referred to as a Holden as GM marketed it as a separate marque even adding exclusive Cadillac-esque badges. The same goes for the HQ's successors, the HJ, HX, HZ and WB Statesmans, all of which were heavily based on the first model. The Commodore-based Statesmans from 1990 and up until September when GM's Australian subsidiary ditched the name altogether, were marketed as Holdens.

Powertrain options in the day included 202 c.i. (3.3-liter) and 253 c.i. (4.2-liter) six-cylinder and 308 c.i. (5.0-liter) and 350 c.i. (5.7-liter) V8 engines with the oh-so glorious three-speed Trimatic and 400 Turbohydramatic automatic transmissions delivering ponies to the rear wheels.

Interestingly, the Statesman HQ was also offered as the Chevrolet Constantia in South Africa (Chevrolet 350 in other markets) and even as the Isuzu Statesman De Ville in Japan.

As far as the scale model is concerned, it is made by Trax which offers two 1:43 variants in the Opal Series, one finished in glacier white with a black vinyl roof and black interior, the other in a nutmeg metallic shade with a saddle vinyl roof and matching interior. Trax said it will produce 2,000 examples of each model, with pricing set at AUD$59,95 a piece. And yes, my order has already been placed...

Link: Trax

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HSV Commodore Range gets Minor Updates and 20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Ute

Holden Special Vehicles has taken the wraps off an updated version of its Commodore derived performance range along with a special edition of the Malooo R8 ute. HSV is the performance arm of Australian automaker Holden, known in the States through the now defunct Pontiac G8 and the Chevy Caprice police car that was revealed earlier this year.

Dubbed the E3 series, this minor facelift introduces two new options and a redesigned dashboard / instrument cluster to the HSV range which includes the , Maloo R8 ute, ClubSport R8 sedan, ClubSport R8 Tourer (SW), GTS, Senator Signature, and Grange.

An in-dash touch screen can be used to display real-time performance data, satellite navigation and radio controls, while rear park assist with reversing camera and iPod connectivity will also come standard.

Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) can be optioned for the first time on all models except for the Clubsport R8 Tourer, while Side Blind Zone Alert is optionally available across the range.

HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding states:"Our E3 range is an example of HSV's passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to [its] vehicles."

In addition, HSV introduced a new limited edition "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maloo nameplate. Holden has raided its parts bin to give the Maloo hood scoops, 20-inch wheels from the GTS and a bi-modal exhaust system. Prices for the 20 Years of Maloo R8 will begin at AU$67,900 (about US$63,300) for the manual, with production limited to 100 units.

The HSV E3 series will go on sale in September, with the "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute following in October.

By Tristan Hankins

Holden Specialty Vehicles Releases new Caprice-Based Grange flagship with 436-hp V8

Holden just announced that its high-performance Special Vehicles division, otherwise known as HSV, is about to release an updated version of its Grange flagship. The car is based on the Commodore's long-wheelbase platform, which can be found under the Statesman/Caprice and upcoming Chevrolet Caprice police car. Being an HSV vehicle, the Grange is tasked with being something like Holden's version of the S-Class AMG (in theory); it's a large, fast tanker on four wheels.

When it goes on sale later this month, the new Holden Caprice-based WM3 Grange will do its part to meet the standards set back when the nameplate first debuted in 1997: be big, luxurious, fast, and Australian.

HSV's managing director Phil Harding says, "The Grange buyer traditionally wants the most luxurious, and technologically advanced Australian-made performance car there is. Grange has always fitted that description well, but the new styling, increased power and extra technology makes WM3 a compelling proposition for a luxury car buyer that is passionate about driving."

Power is sourced from HSV's 325 kW / 436 hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8, which also does motivational duties in the HSV GTS. Like some push? The Grange pounds ground with 550 Nm / 406 lb-ft of torque. Other than that, we might as well mention that a "'hi-flow' intermediate exhaust with bi-modal rear mufflers" is plugged into the engine, too. Guess that's just fancy Holden-speak for an active exhaust system.

Outside, unlike Ford's new Falcon GT, the new model will get refreshed front and rear fascias, bumper-mounted daytime running lights, and "shockwave" exhaust outlets all in the name of showing that it means business.

Inside, we (we being my Australian brethren) get the option of premium leather in Onyx Black or Light Urban. Unfortunately, the bland dash is still there; within that bland dash, though, is some neat new technology.

For the crazy touchscreen tech talk, I'll let Tim Jackson (HSV marketing general manager) take it away: "EDI [Enhanced Driver Interface] is for the driving enthusiast. For the first time our customers will have real-time information including G force, power, torque, accelerator and brake position, and stability control data – all at the driver's fingertips. For the real enthusiast they can even download their data to a USB memory stick and analyse it on their laptop."

Other news is that the engine will be able to run on liquid propane or gasoline, giving future Holden consumers even more fuel options (after the new Commodore's growing FlexFuel capability). HSV has yet to release fuel economy stats for the bigger car, but you can expect them to be similar to the GTS if running on good ol' gasoline.

By Phil Alex