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Well atleast their HSV.... Holden Special Vehicles make it to Singapore Aussie V8 power is set to hit our roads. The first-ever HSV showroom opens this weekend..... http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/...127-249565.html from asiaone......

is HSV in Singapore guys??? saw the showroon Advertisement in today 27 Nov Saturday Special front page!!! 6.2L V8

Many of us know what a muscle car is. But do we really know the factors that place a certain car in the muscle car category? Initially I thought that I knew so much about muscle cars but after reading a certain book about these cars, I became more knowledgeable and some of the so called facts that I previously thought were true are actually not. And now I would like to share them with you. 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible There are many varying opinions on what qualifies as a muscle car but before I touch on that let us see what does not qualify as a muscle car. First of all, it is not a piece of Italian exotic, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc, nor it is a German performance car (Porsche, etc.). Even a British make sports car would not fit the bill (although there were muscle cars from other countries later on). All the abovementioned cars are too complex, specialised or efficient. Sports cars are not really considered as a muscle car. So, what really qualifies as a muscle car? It is essentially a North American phenomenon; in other words, in the beginning, it should be American made. The basic concept of a muscle car is taking a mid-sized American 2-door car and put in a large displacement V8 engine. The car itself should not be complex, upmarket or fancy. And usually, it should have a rear seating arrangement. 1966 Dodge Charger The muscle car concept is as simple as that. Furthermore in the beginning, the people who are interested in muscle cars are usually young and men. They are not interested in technical sophistication, excellent handling and even top speed. 1970 Dodge Challenger To the American youth of that time who were raised on drag racing, traffic lights street racing and hot-rodding, the most important factors to them were the size of the engine, horsepower and acceleration. In other words, all that they care about is straight line speed. 1958 Ford Thunderbird And when the big 3 American car manufacturers realised about this increasing trend among the youth, the companies started a power race to offer big engine displacements, huge horsepower and lesser seconds over the standing quarter. 1957 Chrysler 300C Before the era of muscle cars, the usage of V8 engines was already pretty rife during the 1950s. Companies like Ford and Chrysler all had their cars fitted with their V8 engines, for example the Ford Thunderbird and Chrysler 300. Their size were too big to place them in the muscle car category. Anyway, at that time the term muscle car has not been known or created. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Although at that time these cars were not considered as muscle cars but they had one thing in common; they were built for powerful performance and this is one of the factors that the American youth of that time desired for a mid-sized, lighter-shelled car with big, powerful engines. 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Conventionally, many would say or argue that the 1965 Pontiac GTO (top most picture) was the first true muscle car. 2-door mid-sized American car, huge V8 engine and it sits four people; all fits into the muscle car category. It also began a new car class that offered an affordable and stunning performance package. 1964 Ford Mustang The plan and idea for the GTO nearly did not happen. It came about when in 1963, General Motors would not produce overtly sporty cars and Pontiac was restricted with a standard 300 cu inch (4.8 litre) engine for their intermediate sized cars. And this upset some of their managers and engineers as Pontiac has always been a performance car marque and these same people are also fans of fast cars. 1968 Ford Torino GT FastBack These same people (one of them was John DeLorean who founded the DeLorean company) also felt that the only way to sell cars was by producing image-building cars and eventually the GTO plan went ahead. Before I continue, let me add that GM made all sorts of parts (engine, chassis, etc.) for NASCAR racing and they were road legal at that time. These parts were, at times, used for their production models. Pontiac fitted a 6.375 litre V8 engine together with a mix-and-match of existing parts and assembled them on the production line. This resulted in the GTO, made for truly affordable performance and the GTO fits into the muscle car concept, huge V8 engine in a smaller-sized car and it also started the trend. Other automakers soon followed with their own versions of this new car trend. Ford had its Mustang and Torino models, Dodge came out with the Charger and Challenger and Chevy had its Camaro and Chevelle models. Some people would argue that some of the models I mentioned above are in the pony car category but some of the pony car models are qualified to be in the muscle car category due to the dealer options available for those pony cars (huge V8 engines, etc.). As long as it fits the muscle car bill, many would regard it as one. 1968 Holden Monaro Earlier on I did mention about muscle cars manufactured outside of America. Cars like the Australian Ford Falcon and Holden Monaro fits the muscle category. But sadly, some muscle car purists do not consider these cars to be a muscle car due to them not being American made. 1972 Ford Falcon XA GT After the decline of the muscle car era during the 1970s (due to the oil crisis) there have been a resurgence in the muscle car category. Models like the Mustang, Charger and Camaro still remains till today and as long as the demand is there, we will get to see more of these cars. Photo credit: Car Gurus, Net Car Show, wallpapersweb.com and chromjuwelen.com

Rented one recently. Here's a quick FR on it: Styling: Everything identical to the Chevy Cruze. Nice exterior & interior styling for a B&B car. Dash controls are comprehensive and display looks impressive on first impressions. Reasonable roominess both in front and back. Boot can swallow a large 29" suitcase easily wif probably room for 2 more cabin bags. Driving Impressions: Steering could do wif abit more feel. Quite at idling but engine is quite vocal (and not the nice type) and coarse when revved; which is something one has to do quite often since the 1.8L engine is hopelessly underpowered. I can't imagine how the SGP-spec 1.6L auto can even move.... Ride quality is pretty firm (almost conti-like) and NVH is reasonable. Car was shod wif standard-issue 15" Kumho Solus and as expected, handling ain't exactly the sharpest. Built Quality: Looks nicely put together....until you shut the doors, that is. Typical tin-can, hollow sounding doors lets it down. Otherwise the touch points on the interior seems ok. Conclusion: The 'New Chevy" seems to be on the right path to recovery. Makes the Aveo, Optra and whatever stuff they used to make look prehistoric. But the weakest link is still the engine. The 1.8L simply doesn't cut it in this package. Read somewhere that GM is developing a new 1.4L Turbo for it, thank goodness. Since the new Astra runs on the same platform as the Cruze, there's hope yet. At least GM Korea improved on their styling but it's still no Peter Schreyer masterpiece. Overall, nice but there are still better B&B cars out there.

Pardon the Phone Camera pic. I tried not to get too close to keep myself discreet. Most likely Aussie high comm's car.

I was watching the race held late year in Bathurst (a small town in Australia which holds an annual race) last friday on SCV. Wow, a Holden beat the Ferraris and Porshces in the race..... got the video tape of it, if you are interested please lemme know..... http://www.bathurst24hr.com/

Did this one yesterday. Was in pretty good condition, with the usual swirls and a few bird bomb marks. Less than 2 years old, but already done 70k kms. My Metabo rotary kept cutting out because of the heat (I think) so I did most of the first step with the Makita which didn't even break a sweat. :? SSR2.5 with Green Edge pad SSR2 w/ W-8006 (RO) FPII w/ W-8006 NXT Paste Natty's Blue Used the new Polylack twins on the glass. I'm waiting for a black car (possibly 2 weeks time) to use them on paint. No before pics. After pics aren't great either, I guess you'll have to trust me that the swirls are gone. Wasn't enough sunlight when I was done. Interior got a quick wipedown with Simple Green then dressed trim with 303. Leather got Z9/Z10.

Holden Special Vehicles took centre stage at the Sydney International Motor Show today with the unveiling of a classy all wheel drive coupe that showcases Australian performance engineering prowess. The 'all paw' HSV Coupe 4 is evolved from Australia's favourite sports car, the Holden Monaro, which made its own high-profile debut at the Sydney Motor Show two years ago. The first all wheel drive (AWD) sports coupe to be produced in this country, the Coupe 4 is the dynamic result of a creative collaboration between HSV and Holden powertrain, chassis engineering and design specialists. No futuristic concept, the HSV Coupe 4 goes on sale in June 2004. It will be priced under $95,000. Holden Special Vehicles Managing Director, John Crennan, said technologically advanced vehicles such as the HSV Coupe 4 and the Avalanche AWD wagon, also unveiled in Sydney, signposted the new directions being taken by his company and Holden as they accepted the challenge of automotive change. "For the astute driving enthusiast, the HSV Coupe 4 is a sports performance dream come true. It's the first of the Lion clan to show the sensational results that can be achieved when you apply advanced, home grown, all wheel drive technology to a low ride height, high performance vehicle. Believe me, it's an exhilarating driving experience," he said. "The Coupe 4 gives us entry into a new performance vehicle category. We are confident that it will appeal to people who have traditionally chosen European marques and be responsible for bringing many first-time buyers to the HSV brand. "Our current plans are to produce just 100 examples next year, which makes this a rather exclusive machine. Mind you, we will be happy to build more if that's required." Mr Crennon said. The Coupe 4 is equipped with an HSV-enhanced, 27OkW 5.7 litre LS1 V8, matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. Power is transferred to the tarmac through all four wheels via a traction control-based HSV Quad Drive permanent all wheel drive system, which is calibrated to provide exceptional grip in wide range of surface conditions. "While the Coupe 4 packs plenty of punch with 27OkW, it is proof that performance is not rnerely to do with outright kilowatts - it's about getting the available power to the ground. During testing, the Coupe registered a nought to 100 acceleration time of 6.6 seconds - on gravel. Given this degree of traction, the Coupe 4 is able to handle most driving situations in a controlled and confidence-inspiring manner." Mr Crennan said. The HSV Coupe 4 is equipped with a HSV Performance braking system comprising 336x32mm ventilated and grooved front discs and 315x18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs. Its 19x8 inch alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero directional tyres, and HSV's unique AWD 'low ride' sports series suspension set-up delivers a flat, supple ride quality that complements its prodigious inherent handling abilities. A torque split of 38 per cent front and 62 per cent rear gives the Coupe 4 a sporty rear-drive bias. With plenty of basic evidence as to ifs sports capability - a wider than average stance, flared arches over 19-inch wheels, large air intake and a quartet of big bore exhaust outlets - the Coupe 4 design treatment is more Euro-chic than aggressive. Incorporated info the well-balanced styling package are a unique grille, Senotor- style front facia with mesh inserts, black bezel headlamps and High Intensity Discharge driving lamps, smoothly integrated wheel arch extensions, 19-inch alloys* with HSV-embossed red front disc calipers, sculpted side skirts and technical mesh rear inserts. Exterior finishes - Phantom Black, Sting Red and Quicksilver - can be colour-co-ordinated with a choice of plush fabric or leather-trimmed interiors in Anthracite and Ochre. The comprehensive HSV Coupe 4 standard equipment listing includes LED interior effect lighting, rear park assist, eight-way electrically adjustable front sports seats with active head restraints, the driver's seat with three memory settings, driver, passenger and side impact airbags, leather-bound sports profile steering wheel, specific instrument cluster, premium 200watt sound system with 6 disc CD changer and subwoofers, dual zone climate control air conditioning, satin chrome accents and alloy pedals. Buyers may also opt for such extra features as satellite navigation, a tyre pressure monitoring system, tailored sunroof and the 24-hour Holden Assist service. Connectivity and Flexibility While Holden's new all-wheel drive system has been applied to high-ride crossover wagon and four door utility models, the Coupe 4 represents ifs first application to a vehicle of normal ride height. It is further evidence of the unmatched levels of efficiency and flexibility being achieved by Holden's vehicle manufacturing operation in Elizabeth, South Australia. To accommodate its all wheel drive powertrain componentry, increased track and larger wheels, the HSV Coupe 4 requires extensive sheet metal and chassis system modifications. These modifications will be carried out on a new, dedicated production line at Elizabeth before the vehicles are transferred to the Holden Special Vehicles facility in Clayton, Victoria, to be hand-finished- HSV Coupe 4 production is scheduled to begin in May 2004. *Show car has GTS wheels. Production model will have Coupe 4 specific wheels in Chrome Shadow. Colour Selection Phantom Black, Sting Red, Quicksilver On Sale June 2004 HSV Coupe 4 Feature & Specification Highlights HSV 5.7 litre LS1 V8 (27OkW @ 57OOrpm, 475Nm @ 4000rpm) Revised HSV inlet with new zip tube inc. HSV logo and lower airbox HSV modified exhaust system with 'High Flow' twin exit billet aluminium tips. Dual stainless steel extractors (41 mm primaries, 63mm secondaries) HSV Quad Drive Full time all wheel drive, with ABD and EBD and 38% front, 62% rear torque split ABD Automatic broke differential EBD Electronic broke force distribution Performance: Acceleration 0-1 00 km/h 6.1 sec 0-400m 14.3 sec Acceleration 0-100km/h unsealed surface 6.6 sec 0-400m 14.8sec Transmission HSV performance calibrated 4L65 4-speed electronic automatic Dynamics HSV multi-link, independent rear suspension Strut brace HSV AWD 'Low Ride' Sport series suspension Performance Braking System: 336 x 32mm ventilated and grooved front discs, HSV embossed twin piston front calipers in HRT red. 315 x 18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs Anti Lock Braking System HSV 19x8inch alloy wheels in Chrome Shadow (x5) Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR19 directional tyres Xenon High Intensity (HID) driving lamps Features Driver, passenger and side impact airbags HSV DNA Data Dot theft deterrent system with individual vehicle ID HSV 'ESS' Embedded security system and immobiliser Rear park assist LED interior effect lighting Centre-mounted binnacle with oil pressure, voltmeter gauges Dual zone climate control air conditioning Alloy driving pedals Leather and satin chrome handbrake and auto shift levers Selected Options and Accessories Holden Assist Satellite Navigation System Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Glass panel sunroof with push button slide and tilt functions incorporating triple memory Weight and Measures COUPE 4 Fuel Tank (Litres) 75 Wheel Base (mm) 2788 Track (mm) Front: 1610 Rear: 1615 Exterior Dimensions (mm) Length: 4789 Width: 1840 Height: 1397 Ground Clearance (mm) 100 Interior Dimensions (mm) Front.* Leg: 1072 Shoulder: 1515 Head: 946 Hip: 14 72

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_holden_cv8-r-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_holden_cv8-r-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_holden_cv8-r-3.jpg Added Value Features: Unique 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels Front and rear lamps with silver vision globes Bright chrome exterior badging Special exterior paint finish - Turbine Mica Light Shale leather interior Unique instrument cluster with white dials Leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and transmission selector Limited Edition: 350 units