blackSRi
17th October 2005, 03:01 PM
Article on Turbo 4's from Holden and Ford
http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,16899851%255E21822,00.html
Hatches turning up the heat
14oct05
by Jaedene Hudson
Ford and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) yesterday unveiled two hot hatches at the Australian International Motor Show.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre HSV VXR, with an estimated price below $43,000, is the first 4-cylinder from HSV, better known for producing hot V8s.
Ford's Focus XR5 Turbo is the latest version of the ST220 but renamed to fit in with the performance XR badging of the company's larger offerings, the XR6 and the XR8.
HSV sales and marketing director Chris Payne says the VXR has enormous potential in a new market segment. "It will be a totally new category for HSV but we wouldn't be looking at VXR if we were not convinced that it's capable of setting new benchmarks in the hot hatch class," he says.
The HSV VXR's four-cylinder engine produces 176kW of power and 320Nm of torque with a power to weight ratio of 6.9kg per kilowatt. The VXR powers to 100km/h in just six seconds.
"We've been aware of the phenomenal qualities of this car since the early development phase at OPC (Opel Performance Centre) in Germany. OPC is in many ways to Opel what HSV is to Holden," Payne says. "With its success overseas we thought it was time to assess the Australian public's response to the VXR."
The VXR will feature HSV styling, high-performance brakes, a close ratio six-speed gearbox, 19-inch alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats, sports tuned suspension and a sporty interior. The car will be based on Opel's OPC Astra, launched at the Geneva Motor Show this year.
"It will technically be an exchange. We have given them a large V8 [the Monaro] and they will give us the VXR. It will be specially imported for HSV," he says.
The car is the result of more than two years' intensive planning between Vauxhall and HSV, to fill one of the areas HSV has been lacking in, until now.
"We would not expect a high conversion rate from the V8-type customer, but we would expect the VXR to be the second HSV in the family, the second car, or the car for a younger family member, and those who had never considered an HSV before," Payne says.
A limited number of VXRs will be available through HSV dealers next year.
Ford vice-president of product development Trevor Worthington says his company's XR5 Turbo will be "the mainstream halo of the (Focus) range". This car is not a Ford Performance Vehicle car, but still carries the top-of-the-line Ford Focus status.
The XR5 Turbo, which will go on sale in Australia early next year, produces 166kW of power and 320Nm of torque and also comes with a six-speed manual transmission. It will come in five colours, including electric orange.
Apart from more aggressive styling, the XR5's Focus chassis has been modified and stiffened as well as being lowered by 25mm.
The front and rear springs have been stiffened and the anti-roll bar has also been increased.
"The new XR5 Turbo offers usability and versatility just as its siblings do, with additional power and performance in tribute to its rally-bred origins," says Ford marketing and sales vice-president Mark Winslow. The XR5 boasts 320mm by 28mm ventilated front discs that are fitted with large calipers and pads.
Ford president Tom Gorman says the new car may be joined by a three-door version.
"I really like the three-door. I have asked them to go back and look at it," he says.
But, he says it is unlikely a hot version of the Fiesta will ever hit Australian shores. "The Fiesta is not a big enough volume seller for us to justify having a performance version," he says.
Ford will reveal pricing and final specification closer to launch.
http://carsguide.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,5061315,00.jpg
Mainstream halo: the new XR5 Turbo sedan comes in five colours including this electric orange and pays tribute to its rally-bred origins
http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,16899851%255E21822,00.html
Hatches turning up the heat
14oct05
by Jaedene Hudson
Ford and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) yesterday unveiled two hot hatches at the Australian International Motor Show.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre HSV VXR, with an estimated price below $43,000, is the first 4-cylinder from HSV, better known for producing hot V8s.
Ford's Focus XR5 Turbo is the latest version of the ST220 but renamed to fit in with the performance XR badging of the company's larger offerings, the XR6 and the XR8.
HSV sales and marketing director Chris Payne says the VXR has enormous potential in a new market segment. "It will be a totally new category for HSV but we wouldn't be looking at VXR if we were not convinced that it's capable of setting new benchmarks in the hot hatch class," he says.
The HSV VXR's four-cylinder engine produces 176kW of power and 320Nm of torque with a power to weight ratio of 6.9kg per kilowatt. The VXR powers to 100km/h in just six seconds.
"We've been aware of the phenomenal qualities of this car since the early development phase at OPC (Opel Performance Centre) in Germany. OPC is in many ways to Opel what HSV is to Holden," Payne says. "With its success overseas we thought it was time to assess the Australian public's response to the VXR."
The VXR will feature HSV styling, high-performance brakes, a close ratio six-speed gearbox, 19-inch alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats, sports tuned suspension and a sporty interior. The car will be based on Opel's OPC Astra, launched at the Geneva Motor Show this year.
"It will technically be an exchange. We have given them a large V8 [the Monaro] and they will give us the VXR. It will be specially imported for HSV," he says.
The car is the result of more than two years' intensive planning between Vauxhall and HSV, to fill one of the areas HSV has been lacking in, until now.
"We would not expect a high conversion rate from the V8-type customer, but we would expect the VXR to be the second HSV in the family, the second car, or the car for a younger family member, and those who had never considered an HSV before," Payne says.
A limited number of VXRs will be available through HSV dealers next year.
Ford vice-president of product development Trevor Worthington says his company's XR5 Turbo will be "the mainstream halo of the (Focus) range". This car is not a Ford Performance Vehicle car, but still carries the top-of-the-line Ford Focus status.
The XR5 Turbo, which will go on sale in Australia early next year, produces 166kW of power and 320Nm of torque and also comes with a six-speed manual transmission. It will come in five colours, including electric orange.
Apart from more aggressive styling, the XR5's Focus chassis has been modified and stiffened as well as being lowered by 25mm.
The front and rear springs have been stiffened and the anti-roll bar has also been increased.
"The new XR5 Turbo offers usability and versatility just as its siblings do, with additional power and performance in tribute to its rally-bred origins," says Ford marketing and sales vice-president Mark Winslow. The XR5 boasts 320mm by 28mm ventilated front discs that are fitted with large calipers and pads.
Ford president Tom Gorman says the new car may be joined by a three-door version.
"I really like the three-door. I have asked them to go back and look at it," he says.
But, he says it is unlikely a hot version of the Fiesta will ever hit Australian shores. "The Fiesta is not a big enough volume seller for us to justify having a performance version," he says.
Ford will reveal pricing and final specification closer to launch.
http://carsguide.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,5061315,00.jpg
Mainstream halo: the new XR5 Turbo sedan comes in five colours including this electric orange and pays tribute to its rally-bred origins