btm
1st November 2007, 01:17 PM
7.0-litre V8 'Commodore' fuels HSV GTS-R rumours
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=45124&s_rid=smh:ClassiePuff
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4082/3150centpontiacg804mmtu7.jpg
Pontiac and US rapper 50 Cent have unveiled a customised version of the Commodore-based G8 GT, and it's powered by a 7.0-litre V8 rumoured for a range-topping HSV. JEZ SPINKS reports.
American brand Pontiac has added to speculation about a new HSV flagship after unveiling a customised version of its Commodore-based G8 GT with a 7.0-litre V8.
The special-edition G8 is the collaborative work of Pontiac, US rapper 50 Cent, and New York tuning company Unique Autosports and made its debut last night at the 2007 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) Show in Las Vegas.
Holden is exporting the VE Commodore to the US with both 194kW 3.6-litre V6 and 270kW 6.0-litre V8 engines, rebadged and restyled respectively as the Pontiac G8 and Pontiac G8 GT.
The Pontiac SEMA 'Commodore', however, uses an engine based heavily on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06's 371kW 7.0-litre V8, a power unit long-rumoured to be in HSV's plans for a flagship HSV sports sedan more powerful than the current 307kW 6.0-litre V8 GTS.
A specific power output isn't provided, but the engine's 'LSX 550 HP 427' badging suggests a figure in excess of 400kW.
Holden's 2002 Sydney motor show concept also used '427' badging and its engine was also based on a 7.0-litre V8 from Chevrolet. The HRT 427C was rumoured to have 420kW of power, but the car intended to rival the likes of Porsche's 911 GT2 failed to reach showrooms after Holden and HSV decided it would be too expensive to produce.
HSV followed up two years later with the GTS/R concept, which was powered by a 335kW 6.0-litre V8 and designed for track racing only.
In addition to the Pontiac special's bigger engine, 50 Cent's customised Pontiac G8 features 22-inch chrome wheels on low-profile tyres, tinted glass, dark-tinted tail-lights, stainless-steel exhaust system, and an exclusive 'Spies Hecker Torch Red' exterior paint colour. A dark graphic that mimics the Pontiac brand's 'dart' symbol runs down the middle of the car from front to rear bumper.
The interior is fitted out with black leather seats with red leather inserts, 50 Cent/Unique Autosports logos, and an 800-watt audio.
Unique Autosport boss Will Castro says he didn't need to make any major tweaks to the G8's body.
"The most interesting aspect of the project is what we didn't do to the exterior," says Castro. "We didn't add a body kit, spoilers, or lower the car. The G8 has the right stance and apprearance, so we only accented the original form with details that made it unique to 50 Cent."
The SEMA show runs for only four days until 2nd November and is a trade event not open to the public.
HSV MD Scott Grant confirmed to Drive recently that the company tests a range of technology, not all of which sees the light of day. The company, however, is neither confirming nor denying the possibility of the 7.0-litre V8 appearing in a future model.
"I wouldn't comment on [the possibility of] that [7.0-litre V8] engine going into an HSV," said company spokesperson Simon Frost.
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=45124&s_rid=smh:ClassiePuff
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4082/3150centpontiacg804mmtu7.jpg
Pontiac and US rapper 50 Cent have unveiled a customised version of the Commodore-based G8 GT, and it's powered by a 7.0-litre V8 rumoured for a range-topping HSV. JEZ SPINKS reports.
American brand Pontiac has added to speculation about a new HSV flagship after unveiling a customised version of its Commodore-based G8 GT with a 7.0-litre V8.
The special-edition G8 is the collaborative work of Pontiac, US rapper 50 Cent, and New York tuning company Unique Autosports and made its debut last night at the 2007 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) Show in Las Vegas.
Holden is exporting the VE Commodore to the US with both 194kW 3.6-litre V6 and 270kW 6.0-litre V8 engines, rebadged and restyled respectively as the Pontiac G8 and Pontiac G8 GT.
The Pontiac SEMA 'Commodore', however, uses an engine based heavily on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06's 371kW 7.0-litre V8, a power unit long-rumoured to be in HSV's plans for a flagship HSV sports sedan more powerful than the current 307kW 6.0-litre V8 GTS.
A specific power output isn't provided, but the engine's 'LSX 550 HP 427' badging suggests a figure in excess of 400kW.
Holden's 2002 Sydney motor show concept also used '427' badging and its engine was also based on a 7.0-litre V8 from Chevrolet. The HRT 427C was rumoured to have 420kW of power, but the car intended to rival the likes of Porsche's 911 GT2 failed to reach showrooms after Holden and HSV decided it would be too expensive to produce.
HSV followed up two years later with the GTS/R concept, which was powered by a 335kW 6.0-litre V8 and designed for track racing only.
In addition to the Pontiac special's bigger engine, 50 Cent's customised Pontiac G8 features 22-inch chrome wheels on low-profile tyres, tinted glass, dark-tinted tail-lights, stainless-steel exhaust system, and an exclusive 'Spies Hecker Torch Red' exterior paint colour. A dark graphic that mimics the Pontiac brand's 'dart' symbol runs down the middle of the car from front to rear bumper.
The interior is fitted out with black leather seats with red leather inserts, 50 Cent/Unique Autosports logos, and an 800-watt audio.
Unique Autosport boss Will Castro says he didn't need to make any major tweaks to the G8's body.
"The most interesting aspect of the project is what we didn't do to the exterior," says Castro. "We didn't add a body kit, spoilers, or lower the car. The G8 has the right stance and apprearance, so we only accented the original form with details that made it unique to 50 Cent."
The SEMA show runs for only four days until 2nd November and is a trade event not open to the public.
HSV MD Scott Grant confirmed to Drive recently that the company tests a range of technology, not all of which sees the light of day. The company, however, is neither confirming nor denying the possibility of the 7.0-litre V8 appearing in a future model.
"I wouldn't comment on [the possibility of] that [7.0-litre V8] engine going into an HSV," said company spokesperson Simon Frost.