Holden ‘trucking’ on
March 15, 2008 by Paul Maric
General Motors has today announced that GM Holden will export two new models to the North American market to live alongside the Pontiac G8.
Australians would know the Pontiac G8 sport truck as the Holden Ute. Also joining the sport truck will be Pontiac’s new flagship model – the G8 GXP high performance sedan. GM Holden’s chairman, Mark Reuss, had the following to say about the new export venture:
“It’s not everyday that a manufacturer announces a vehicle that creates a whole new segment in a market, but with this, the first ute export to North America in the form of the G8 sport truck, is exactly what Pontiac is doing,”
Interestingly, the G8 sport truck being exported to the US market will feature the same 6.0-litre V8 engine used for the Australian market, coupled with GM’s 6-speed automatic transmission. One of the inherent differences though is the use of “Active Fuel Technology” for the US export. Active Fuel Technology – also known as Displacement on Demand – allows cylinders to be shut down in order to increase fuel economy.
The G8 GXP being sent to the US market will feature GM’s 6.2-litre LS3 small-block V8 motor. Although Holden wouldn’t speculate on whether this engine would be introduced for the Australian market, we believe there is a good chance we’ll see the engine enter Holden’s lineup at some point in the future.
Producing exactly 300kW, the LS3 small-block pumps out 546Nm of torque and is the newest member to GM’s small-block V8 family.
Both vehicles will be shown at the New York International Motor Show which runs from March 21st – 30th.
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Wheelnut, Its already March though.
Arent they also going to up power output?
Thanks for the info – given that its March now and when I spoke to my local dealer, they knew nothing of a series II, where did you guys find this info out ?
Sorry I meant may and there is likely ot be a power increase in both Holdens and HSVs approx
wheelnut,
i think that is a bit of wishfull thinking there mate
There will be power outputs incresed Andrew M!
Duck,
and you know because????
when was the last time a second series got a power upgrade be it holden or ford???
MOTOR mag
Andrew M, Holden will be uping power because the new falcon is coming out so they will do that in the Series 2
Duck,
ill have to see it to believe it though Duck.
as i said before when was the last time a manufacturer gave a power boost mid series?
for my dollar the commy 6 will remain unchanged for VE11.
The G8 is sooooooooooooo ugly, trying to copy BMW with the grill design, good try GM Holdenwoo Ponticrap but FORD AC COBRA, GT-40 AND MUSTANGS are the real RWD muscle cars, craps all over this and I can afford all of them…
Are you new FORD AC COBRA? So, you own an AC Cobra do you?
I’m going to start building one OZ at the end of this year or start early 2009, something I have always wanted to do to fullfil one of my goals, it will be a replica but hey more satisfaction knowing you can build one…
No, I’m not new here just floating around observing and making the odd comment..
Hey We’ve got a replica. What kind of engine are you going to use in it? We have a 351 winsor
Direct Injection is well on its way for the HFV6. Does this represent the power hike that some guys are talking about?
Andrew M, I dont know about if holden are uping power output in the V6’s but i know they will in the V8’s.
Hi OZ, still deciding on which engine to put in my COBRA and as you probably know there are a few options available, can I ask how your Windsor is going and does it suit your chassis set up, I have been informed of the current Ford 5.4 litre Boss motor (as fitted to BA & BF XR8, GT, GTP & Pursuit Utes), there are a range of economic motors that can now be used.
Also suitable motors include the 5 litre Windsor (as fitted to 1998 to 2002 Falcon AU models), 4.6 litre Mustang Quad Cam (as fitted to 1996 to 2004 Mustangs) 4.6 litre Quad Cam Supercharged motor and for those seeking a low budget project.
The 5 litre Windsor motor has always been the most popular motor for Cobra’s and GT40’s as it is very compact in size and there are a large amount of after market performance parts available. It is the same motor that was used in the Ford Gulf GT40’s that won Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 and it is a development of the 289 cu in Windsor that was fitted to the winning Shelby Cobras of the early 1960’s.
The DRB Boss Cobra with a wide engine bay can accommodate all of the above noted motors, while the DRB Cobra that can be built on a much lower budget, has a narrower engine bay that can accommodate the Ford 5 litre Windsor or the LS1 V8 motors.
We used to have a carby 302 Winsor in ours but we changed it to a 351 Winsor (same carby set-up). There isn’t any noticeable differences in acceleration, but with the 351 you don’t need to change back into 3rd gear after going around a slow corner which you have to do with a 302 or it’ll stall.
We can’t use anything bigger than the 351 winsor in ours, it’s so small under there we can’t even fit a 351 Cleveland in it.
it’s carburettor is a 600 Holy double pumper. But I think now you have to use fuel injection in replicas now. What I see what many people use is the injected 302 (5 litre V8) winsor used in the EB-AU Falcons.
I think the best engine to put in a Cobra if you want to keep it a Ford would be a 5.4 Boss if it can fit. Or a Chevy big block of some kind.
Ive also heard that the new VE SS series II will come out with a new wheel design as well. Anyone heard this one ?