Australian Cars - WTF are americans thinking? - Rear Wheel Horsepower

Diesel Addiction · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 12:54 AM

I just got back from my honeymoon in Australia and really liked the cars there.

I don't understand why both Ford and GM have better looking and in some cases performing vehicles in Australia than they do here. The Holden Commodore SS-V looks far better than it's imported sister the Pontiac G8 did here in the states, and they offer it in a Ute (think El-Camino), and you can get it with a 6.2L or 6.0L.
http://www.holden.com.au/Satellite?b...&ssbinary=true

Step up from that to the HSV R8 Ute and Sedan and you have the LS3 in a really nice package.

Then there's the sporty RWD Ford Falcon sedan offered with an NA 390hp 5.4 or a 360hp inline 6 turbo. The turbo straight 6 is a much better choice with it's almost 400 ft lbs and a torque curve (plateau) that holds close to peak from 2000 to 4750 RPM that will run an impressive 13.3 @ 108 bone stock with an automatic trans and still get 20+mpg. It puts the Mustang GT to shame in performance and the fusion and other FWD sedans to shame in design and appearance. And it's available in a sleek looking Ute as well.

http://liveimages.discountnewcars.co....jpg?width=555
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ubtehD9Pk
Anyone still want a lightning when you can get a 5.4 in this and add a charger?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjXraFkpXJE&NR=1

Really makes you wonder what American car owners and builders are thinking. On top of it all if you want something practical for fuel mileage there are small turbo diesels offered in alot of cars over there, some like the Focus that are available (but only with gas engines) here in the states.

I would move to Australia in a heartbeat, mostly because of the cars and partly because of the mild climate, awesome landscape, and nice people - but moving my wife from Brooklyn to NC, away from her close knit family and 6 siblings, is the best I'm going to get.

Badkarma · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 01:34 AM

yeah the aussies are crazy and make everything badass...i know quite a few folks from and still there...if i had to move anywhere, thats where it would be

one of my buds has a new lumina over there...its a sweet ass 4 door ls1 powered car....nothing like the POS lumina we had.

Ironmancan · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 09:27 AM

I found out about the aussie car scene when I bought one. The GTO. I went to the pontiac dealer to take a look at the then new solstice but damn I hate the fit and finish of regular pontiacs. When I was leaving I happened to see the GTO. I immediatly thought here we go again. Like the ss badge they've gone and slap a gto emblem on a front wheel drive 6cyl. I opened the door and was plesantly surprised. Popped the hood and I was hooked. Went home and did a lot of homework and found out the car was built in austraiia. No wonder the car was so nice it wasn't built here, canada or mexico. Really is a shame. I took a look at the new camaro and like the mustang the interior is dismal. Drove a friends c6zo6 and I was surprised at the interior at least the vettes getting better. Took a look at the new lacross and tt taurus last saturday. Gotta admit two nice cars maybe we will start building worthy cars again.

Diesel Addiction · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 10:14 AM

I think one of the problems is that Americans are often more motivated by price than quality. Starting with the manufacturers who pinch pennies to make more money and ending with the consumer that often will pass up a well built car with a higher price to buy something cheaper in price and quality. The cars I mentioned above are not cheap after you convert their AUD$ price to USD$, even the Commodore is a decent bit more than it's American sister the G8. But they are very well built and appointed cars.

You mentioned the TT Taurus and even if it is nice when compared to the Falcon it's still a joke.

blatty86 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 10:55 AM

yeah the aussies do have some impressive cars. have u heard of the Vauxhall vxr8 Supercharged?

its pretty nasty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QHPlPDnb_8

blatty86 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 11:03 AM

and here's another, all stock except for the exhaust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY6im...eature=related

Evil35th · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 11:33 AM

I have to also agree on the Aussie's cars. They are well appointed and assembled. I heard alot about there stuff but was very skeptical about them until i had the opportunity to drive a G8 gt. it handled very well was relatively quick for its size and price was well below what i would have thought for what you get. I liked it so well i had to put one in the garage and honestly i am highly considering selling the 35th so i can get another!

Diesel Addiction · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blatty86

yeah the aussies do have some impressive cars. have u heard of the Vauxhall vxr8 Supercharged?

its pretty nasty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QHPlPDnb_8

The Holden Commodore I posted above is the standard Australian model - you can get them stripped down with a V6, an NA 6.0L LS3, or a 6.2L; the HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) Clubsport R8 is the high end Australian model available with the 6.0L supercharged LS3; the Vauxhall VXR8 is the model sent to the UK also available with the SC LS3, and the G8 was the model sent here - of course without the supercharger as an option. Good thing is that the tuning and supercharger from an HSV or Vauxhall should bolt right up.

I imagine the HSV R8 Ute with the 530hp supercharged LS3 is a fun little car/truck to drive/drift.

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