The Motor Report Auto News Blog

It appears that Ford Australia is not the only colonial outpost of the big American manufacturers to be given the red light for developing future large rear-wheel-drive sedan platforms.

Automotive News is reporting that a GM source has indicated that a similar program led by Holden has been shelved. Under the plan, Holden would have had the starring role in developing large rear-wheel-drive platforms for the likes of Chevrolet and Buick, including the 2011 Chevrolet Impala (artists rendering above), development of which will now be scrapped. The 2011 Impala was to be based on the VE Commodores platform.
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When we saw Holden’s stunning Coupe 60 concept at the Melbourne Motor Show in February, the first thought that came to mind was ‘New Monaro’. As it turns out, Holden have not shown a lot of interest in confirming a possible return of the Monaro, preferring to take the line that the Coupe 60 was a 60th Anniversary present from Holden to its fans.

However, whispers around the net are starting to gain momentum and it is now being claimed that a production version of the Coupe 60 could see the light of day. We may not see another Monaro but according to Edmunds, a production version of the Coupe 60 could become the Pontiac G8 GXP Coupe, a flagship model that would bang heads with the likes of the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR, Dodge Challenger SRT8 and the Camaro SS.
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In addition to confirming the Pontiac ‘Sports Truck’, GM also confirmed that there is a Pontiac G8 GXP on the way. A hi-po version of the Pontiac G8 GT, the GXP will be getting the LS3 6.2-litre V8 currently found in the Corvette and rumoured to be set for an appearance in our home grown HSV range.

The LS3 being used in the GXP will be detuned yet still manage a handy 300kW/402hp and 546Nm. The GXP will be available with GM’s 6L80 Automatic transmission but will also be available with an optional 6-speed Tremec manual gearbox, making this the G8 of choice for those who like to change their own gears.
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“The best Pontiac ever…” According to Edmunds Insideline thats the goss on our home grown muscle sedan, the VE Commodore SS, dressed in Pontiac drag.

“Forget for a moment that in every performance categorythe G8 GT walks all over the Charger R/T. Go ahead and overlook the G8’s more aggressive decoration and attractively sinister countenance. Just concentrate your mind on this: The Pontiac is cheaper. Its $29,995 base price is $1,460 under the cost of a Charger R/T, and the as-tested price of this red G8 GT is a thick $3,810 less than the as-tested price of this Charger R/T.”

The G8 GT’s $32,745 price is a flat raging bargain. And we Americans love bargains — even when the car is built in Australia.

Their video, complete with plenty of tyre smoke follows.