HSV W427 goes 270km/h
15 Sep, 2008
128 Comments 
Has this been achieved, we think not entirely as the W427 still looks very much like a regular HSV with a few enhancements, including a very subtle rear spoiler, made in hand-laid carbon-fibre that takes one day to lay up and two days to clear-coat finish to mirror smoothness, very nice but almost too understated for an HSV!
The biggest design statement is probably the wheels, their ‘castellated’ design graphic is repeated in the W427 badging and is the work of a former Wheels Young Designer of the Year, Adam Dean Smith.
They are certainly very distinctive and a definite statement as far as the W427 goes.
So to the business end of the W427, let’s get it on the road and see how it drives.
Our initial route, in a convoy of four cars, led by a yet to be released HSV Tourer, was through the suburbs of Melbourne heading towards some less trafficked outer suburban roads and then onto a series of country roads that would eventually take us to the Lang Lang Proving Ground.
Sitting behind the wheel of the most powerful locally built car ever with Program Manager Graeme Dusting riding shotgun I have to say the initial impressions are of surprising driveability and total lack of temperament.
This could have been a car all full of menace with a ride to rattle your fillings and brakes, steering and clutch to match, but instead this is a car with sophistication, that goes like a race car but has a docile and well-mannered side that means you could live with it every day if that’s what you chose to do.
We suspect, indeed HSV say so, that more than a few owners will simply take delivery of their W427 and park it in the garage in the hope that a decade down the track it will be worth a lot more than the $155,000 they paid out.
Equally we believe a lot of owners will enjoy these cars for what they are, something close to their revered Holden V8 Supercar, and will drive them both on a daily basis and on track-days.
Slipping the lever of the six-speed Tremec TR6060 transmission into first and letting out the surprisingly light clutch, thanks to HSV’s revised actuator system, produces an effect that may not have been expected – ease of operation. This is a car you could actually drive in stop-start traffic, in fact we did just that and didn’t end up with sore leg nor any other discomfort.
Incidentally there is no automatic version, the W427 produces just too much power, but the manual box has two overdrive gears and slots through the cogs with a minimum of fuss.
As the traffic began to clear, and we did need to keep up with the convoy (well that was my excuse) the throttle pedal got a substantial prod and the W427 lept into life with all the urgency of a racecar.
Power delivery is very linear from the mid-range and there is no sudden peak in the torque curve, making it all feel very controllable without the risk of any sudden traction-breaking surge.
At the same time there is the NOISE! Oh yes, the noise, now I’ve driven the new Mercedes-Benz C63 and I have to say nothing sounds more like a V8 race car than that, but this comes damn close.
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September 15th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I just want one, or two?
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September 15th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Still a taxi, same poor quality thats in a Commodore as I always say start with crap don`t matter wat u add to it, its still crap
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September 15th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Hey where is Evan Green when you need him?
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September 15th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
What a true road going “supercar” and it’s made right here in Australia.
We should all be very lucky and proud we can still buy these cars here.
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September 15th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
With such a large lump of an engine producing 500hp, I was expecting closer to 300 than that.
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September 15th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Still buy these cars? Who is going to buy a $155K Commodore? Only a bogan with more $ than brains. Buy an SS build a 454ci LSX and it will blow the pants off this over-priced chump of a car (if you really need a fast Commodore).
I feel sorry for those buying these thinking they will become classics. Please 1971 is over bogans, these things will never be held in the same regard as the muscle cars of the late 60’s early 70’s. Anyone thinking that is kidding themselves.
At the end of the day a piddly little EVO IV can still run rings around this overpriced Commodore on the track.
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September 15th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I meant to say EVO IX, but hey even an EVO IV would shit all over it too lol.
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Australian engineering is alive and well? yes sirree we really know how to bolt American crate engines into an opel donar chassis…
Maybe he meant Australian Marketing is alive and well..
Anyone else notice some desperation creaping into this car?
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:20 am
umm….SamR, Evan Green died in 1996
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:23 am
………and just in case, Peter Brock was killed in 2006
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Get your facts right DanMan, there is not a single piece of opel donar chassis in this car you idiot. And get used to seeing more stuff from america next all new falcon will be sourced from there…
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:47 am
DanMan - holden stopped using the opel omega donor chasis in the VZ you dunce, the VE was 100% engineered here in australia, where have you been for the last few years?
HSV have gone out their and built a very profitable car for themselves which IS selling because there IS people who want to buy it, yet you dickheads still find a way to criticise it? You really all need to get a life
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:50 am
You can love them or hate them but why would’nt holden power their cars with American grunt? Chevrolet have been making the “Small Block” and that is what the LS2/LS3/LS7 etc. are for 50 years now. The LS7 may be 7l too the LS2 6l but dimensionally they are the same size and the LS7 is only 8kg heavier. Chev know what they are doing when it comes too building a V8 and I don’t blame holden/HSV for sourcing their engines from there!
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September 16th, 2008 at 9:11 am
This is directed to those usual suspects complaining about anything Holden. Jealousy is a curse, get over it. At least V8 power is raw power not artificial bolt on power.
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September 16th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Come on guys even when HSV & FPV come up with these great cars (by the way shit on any 70’s built cars) you still bag them is this because you dont have the funds to purchase such great cars or would you prefer modern oz muscle cars be extinct and live on the memory of the 70’s
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September 16th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Paying that much money for a car that rattles what a joke
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September 16th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I think we can see this car being forgotten as quickly as the VX300 or GTS Coupe they really should have made it like the 2004 Ram Air 6 GTO that thing just looked brilliant.
This new 427 looks like an omega with a plastic bodykit.
I wonder if you guys will prefer to see what Vauxhall will do to create something similar.
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September 16th, 2008 at 10:52 am
E55’s have been doing this for sometime
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September 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Good to see that Greg Murphy actually does something these days. Other than just turning up to the race track to collect his pay check.
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September 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Frosty, John and Richo its good to hear a voice of people with an education and who actually are knowledgeable enough to realise that this is a great step for the Australian car manufacturing industry.
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September 16th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I just cant see what the heck is so great about this car? Sure its fast, but $155k for a Holden Commodore? It doesn’t even look good for a start, has an ancient push rod engine and street cred that only appeals to bogans. For that sort of money you could easily get yourself something german with better technology, built quality and badge cred. But hey, anyone who buys this car most likely has enuff money to buy some other european exotic as well so this hsv is probably just for braggin rights with his bogan maaaates and to satisfy his equally bogan self esteem.
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September 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I like the look of the VE Holdens, but this…
Engine, speed, price, handling aside it doesn’t look good at all. The front is a mess and the back it’s much better.
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September 16th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
For $150K I would buy a GTR, if I needed a 4 door a M3 Sedan or C63 with a flash tune. I could even get a wagon
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September 16th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Mick Says:
September 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Frosty, John and Richo its good to hear a voice of people with an education and who actually are knowledgeable enough to realise that this is a great step for the Australian car manufacturing industry.
Wow i only like people that agree with my point of veiw.It re-enforces the idea that i am right-minded.
whatever guys… an OPINION i have is that HSV/FPV fans are the most insecure of all car followers.. why else do they get so angry when threatened? My god guys.. they are only metal and rubber.. and marketing like this article.. not very important to attack other people is it..
sorry my facts where slighty wrong on the opel chassis. everything else and the gist of my previous post stands..
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September 16th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Is there a 1/4 mile time for this car?
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September 16th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
DanMan your comments where slightly wrong, they where completely wrong, hence my comments.
Also whats with this “pushrod engines are ancient” stuff? You do realise that overhead cams have been around since the 1920’s? Hardly ground breaking technology. Fact is GM use to make DOHC V8’s, infact the C4 corvette had DOHC, but what GM found was that yes they could give a DOHC V8 of 5.0ltr capacity the same power as a pushrod V8 of 5.7ltr capacity, but whats the point? Yes on paper the engine is more efficient, however it didn’t use any less fuel, it was SIGNIFICANTLY heavier and more bulky then the pushrod motor, as well as more expensive and complex to manufacture and repair. So, whats the point? Hence why GM shifted back to pushrod V8’s.
And also, just because an engine has DOHC doens’t mean its a “high tech” motor, their is alot more to an engine then then way it actuates its valves! By that logic then the old Holden family II four cylinder is more high tech then the current commodores 6.0ltr V8 because it has DOHC, something we know is completely not the case.
But narrow minded people cannot see past the old “pushrod, must be ancient, ra ra ra” crap and fail to comprehend that where the cams are is not the most important thing about an engine.
Oh and Mercedes benz’s flagship V8 is a 6.2ltr V8 (although they call it a 6.3ltr for “historical” purposes) so its not like GM are the only manufacturer who uses big cube engines!
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September 16th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
oh i give up trying to TALK to people about HSV’s. there is no point. the same old cliches get trotted out. OHC this, read wheel drive that, blah, blah, blah.
Anyway it’s kinda sad because GM will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the 4th quarter (google gm death watch) and this this will all go away… So making stupid cost cutt, large margin, 34% chinese sourced,under engineered (25% OF SERVICE DEPT INCOME IS WARRANTY), over marketted,parts bin,poor handling death trap products like this will end.
should free up alot of internet bandwith…
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September 16th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I grew up in Adelaide in the 70’s 80s and have sat at the kitchen table with many a bogan (Adelaide is where most of them reside) talking about the same stuff that is on this blog. Some bogans made it big and can afford HSV / FPV, but most are still doing up their Torana, and it gunna be a drag car. Thank god I got out of Adelaide.
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September 16th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Well played that man… sorry That SALESMAN.
I have a wide veiw of cars and all things automotive.. happy to live and let live, as it were.
But These right brained occoltist’s that blindly follow a company whose greatest achievement is marketing a silly V8 with the worst build quality in Australia.. Well, if cars are a religion, they are the Taliban..
*runs to his underground bunker*
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September 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
The Salesman,
Your post adds no value to the forum, is very derogatory and apart from that is totally wrong as well!
Get run out of town for dodgy practices did you? Take your grudges eslewhere!
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
@ Bret.
Yes I was run out for dodgy practices. I was welding a bunch of crappy parts together, charging a stupid price and calling it a super car. I am not rubbishing the product, nor would I rubbish any product. I just don’t like it.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Did/nt Murphy crash it?
Cheers
F-0
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
SALESMAN -
Re Adelaide
“Salisbury types” lol
I tell ya its the water pucking with there brain in S/Aust.
Should be a inquiry about it.
Still, heaps of very very pretty girls in S/Aust., so all is forgiven
Cheers
F-0
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
What the F*CK!!!!!!!!!
it looks exactly the same as an R8.
Big woop its more powerful. I guarantee most people, Especially women wouldn’t be able to spot the difference if their life depended on it.
This is a much bigger flaw than you might think. Because if the only chicks that will recognise the car are bogans from melton, then what a waste of 155K.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Frugal, no it wasn’t Murph. It was Tander while doing a run at Oran Park for a popular auto magazine.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
^^^ with that all said. i like the look of it, probably has something to do with the fact i like the look of the R8.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Buying a Falcodore for over $100 000? Umm, no thanks - however fast it goes, it is still just a bogan sedan.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
How the hell can an extra 800cc be worth an double the price of a 6.2l HSV. The FPV boys will just put out something faster and more powerful for under $100k and the resale value on these overpriced commies will plummet.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
yeah yeah the resale will plumet bla bla, just like how a 1996 HSV GTS-R in original and good condition recently sold at auction for over $200,000.
The anti-holden people on this page can’t explain away that one can ya’s! Seriously get a life, just because you don’t like them doesn’t mean other people can’t! I get so frustrated at people on here that just because they don’t like a certain make of car then everyone else who does must be bogans. How about you all go get a life instead of getting your jollies off insulting people on the internet just because you don’t like the kind of cars that they like.
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Then you get people like DanMan who runs around calling holden and ford fans overly sensitive and they are like the Taliban because they can’t handle hearing other peoples opinions, but then chucks the most almightly sooks when people turn around and have a go at his comments! Contradicting yourself much? How about just making yourself out to be a hypocritical tool? Yep, both!
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September 16th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Just like the VX300 eh…
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September 16th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Anyone here taken my advice and Googled ‘gm death watch’?
Anyone hear blog on ‘jalopnik’ or ‘detroit free press’ or ‘the truth about cars’?
Anyone here actually driven an America Car in like say.. America?
Anyone here actually like sold HSV and FPV and had to put up with the silly general public wanting to kill you on a test drive…
I’m kinda guessing no… *meh*
I’m going for a drive.. which of the 40 keys on my desk are closest?
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September 16th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
For the same price you can get a GTR.
Its got better handling, weight distribution, smaller more fuel efficient engine and AWD with all the sensors. Goes up to 290km/h as well.
And the GTR kills the Carerra GT, McLaren SLR and Porsche 911 turbo, at 1/3 of the price. THAT will become a classic in years to come. Everybody in the world will remember what the GTR has done in the supercar world.
The W427 is just a showcase of what HSV can do, and it’s definitely not the engine =P
IF I has $150k to spare, I’d definitely go for the GTR.
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September 16th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I have to say that 270 in an Aussie 4 door sounds like fun! Congrats Holden on making it happen. It alsways seems like HSV seem to have an imagination, and FPV seem to always lag slightly behind in this area. I hope for my side (Ford/FPV) that when the GTHO (or whatever it becomes) comes along that it can break the mould a little more (like the 427) and see another beautiful Aussie machine!
I say Ford and Holden go out there and make desireable machines like these. Stop under engineering your products for the masses, and bring back some passion in your creations. Great first step, lets see some more!!
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September 16th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Hi, Im currently selling our GTSR. It has under 8,000 kms. Still smells like new, and looks like new. All the carbon fiber is perfect. There is nothing else really to say other than its ‘like new’. Offers over $120,000. Also have a VN Group A selling too.
Thanks.
Richo, I dont think so..
This guy never sold his in 2 months…
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September 16th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Pity the car was restricted. Before this trend I remember they could crack 265 with the GTS or the CSV. I wouldnt mind seeing how an unrestricted one would go.
How did it pull from 250 onwards?
What was the story with the two wagons in the photos?
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September 16th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
DanMan - what the hell are you on about now? Your making stuff all sense buddy. My point was you accuse holden fans of not being able to handle other peoples opinion, but your the one breaking into hysterics because we refuse to agree with you! Bloody idiot…
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September 16th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Na not really. I just thought i would search the net, do some cut and paste and present some ‘facts’ to justify the opinions I brought up. Referencing i think it’s called..
You should visit here.. the weather’s great..
I’m not quite schizophrenic but i will be two people today.. Hahaha.
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September 16th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
what is DanMan on about.
i actually want to understand what your saying. why are you advertising cars? i seem to be missing a couple pieces of the puzzle or your just off your face. also your gay
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September 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
If this car makes the owner feel good well its a job well done to HSV. Now if they have sold 100 of these W427’s, I think it makes some of these bloggers look pretty stupid( as far as not selling). Those who say it too much money are simply jealous that they can’t afford a car like this or any car that matter!
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September 16th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
^Frenchie. I’m pretty sure that if they Sell 100 but build 427, that would qualify as an epic fail. Not that i don’t think they’ll sell. just being a smart-arse.
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Mr Brooksy,
the only part where Holdens imagination extends further than fords is in the way that holden are more focused on building cars for “fans”
honestly, great imagination whoever sat down at the meeting and said lets make it go faster. Pfffttt!
not trying to take anything away from this vehicle, but its not really sliced bread all over again is it???
as ive said once and ill say it again,
“holden only build vehicles for fans”
thats their number one requirement when designing a new vehicle. they always throw all the tricks at a car that sound cool rather than putting some decent engineering into it.
now ive gotten that out……..
i would still love to give this a whirl though :)
BTYF,
im also pretty sure that if demand is greater than supply, that it means it isnt an “epic failure”.
if you read carefully you will see that they have only been able to manufacture 90 so far due to a great demand for the 7.0L engine they are using in it.
its not like the whole 427 are sitting there waiting for buyers.
100 made, 100 purchased doesnt mean failure
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
All this abt bogans / hsv vs fpv / weird insults is all beside the point. What Brooksy said is bang-on: its abt the imagination to build something different - a different take on an existing product and seeing where it can go. Admittedly they can improve upon it in a lot of ways but you have to agree this has caught the imagination of the masses. Much like FPV w their F6
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
also people are saying “ahh its just a big engine” but its more then that, it has some brand new brakes on it that are apparently supreme and the handling setup on the car has been widely acclaimed as excellent. So its not just an engine.
Andrew M, i’ve said it to you before and i’ll say it again, what the hell is wrong with building cars for fans? Who else are you going to build your cars for? Your hardly going to go out and design a car for someone you know isn’t going to buy it now are you? Your going to build a car for the sort of people you know will buy them! Thats just common bloody sense mate and its what every other manufacturer on the planet does! You really can be daft sometimes mate…
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Look I can understand people paying around 50-60k on a Falcon or a Commodore, I mean I personally wouldn`t but they have good performance for the dollars. But to pay anything more than that for one is just stupidity it really is. At the end of the day they really are no better refined or have better quality than the base model and they are generally poor, but to pay 155k makes sense only to I guess someone trying to make money off it in the future and maybe they will and maybe they won`t, I guess time will tell.
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Only a fool would spend a 155k on a Commodore. It could have 77Litres and it would still be not worth it. Get an evo and spend 50k on it, bye bye :)
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Evan Green is dead.Nobody told me damn.
Gee I am sick of elitist idiots putting shit on Aussie product.
Why don’t u migrate to Japan or whereever if they would have u.Lol
Shit U might have to get off your arse and do some work.LOL.
Whats with DANMAN the Oxford educated mechanic.LOL.
Suppose Salesman sells Toyotas.LOL.
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September 16th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Richo,
where did i say there was anything wrong with building for fans???
i said holden places fan appeal over engineering.
i didnt say there was anything wrong with that, and who can knock it from a marketing point of view because it obviously works for them.
not everyone who owns/buys a vehicle is a “Fan”.
you really can get “edgy” sometimes mate…..
the buying public is made up of commuters, fans, enthusists, etc etc.
as a black and white example,
toyota build cars for commuters, and holden build cars for fans.
if you think about it for one minute before you jump the gun and get on the defence,
the black and white example of toyota and holden proves that not every manufacturer on the planet builds cars for the same audience.
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September 16th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Richo,
and if you missed the bit before, here it is again.
i can appreciate what holden offers, and respect what they have achieved.
i love the aussie product whether it be ford or holden, but for me its just certain things that edge me to be more comfortable with purchasing a falcon, from the better seats to the glove box that doesnt need 2 hands on it to close. the main winner with me as far as the falcon goes is the interior. since thats the place where i have to be when im in command of the damned thing, i wanna make sure its comfortable and enjoyable. (and then there is the obvious one of the awesome I6 engine)
if for some reason ford never existed, i would find my self easily chosing a holden over the remaining oposition.
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September 16th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I admire the engineering thats gone into this car, am proud of what aussies can do on relatively small budgets but something about the front looks off to me, dunno maybe too many square shapes or something? not sure.
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September 16th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
ummm, has anyone seen the COLOUR of the interior? I don’t care how fast or how much….i could not drive a car that had that interior….
ughh
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September 16th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I like the way every bloke that thinks he’s above the average Aussie goes on and on about how only bogans drive Commodores and Falcons. If any of you have ever been to Europe (which, I doubt most of you have) you’ll find the EXACT same fight between BMW and Mercedes fans. But seriously, Australian cars will never be worth any REAL money. I mean come on! Our engineering is nothing compared to Europe really. Wait, how many XY Falcons have been sold for over a million dollars now???
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Look I don`t believe everyone who drives a Commodore or Falcon is a bogan, hey I drive one and I don`t consider my self to be one but hell there are some out there driving them and commenting on here. I`m happy enough with my BA RTV ute on gas its cheap it does the job, hey its far from perfect but what dissapoints me about Falcons and Commodores is the quality of my ute is the same as the quality in the sedan and I know, I had a BA XR6 turbo ute which was a disaster and made Ford take it back but they did only if I did a trade on what ever I wanted so I thought yeah the sedan will be better quality but guess what? it really wasn`t. So my negative comments about aussie built cars come from experience and from friends and family who have owned Falcons and Commodores. If the ute wasn`t so cheap to run I probably would not have bought another Aussie built car but hey its used for buisness and for that its good enough.
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
again…..has ANYONE seen that interior???
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Not bad at all…but still it is just a Commodore
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I think its a good car but thay are ripping there loyal customers off i mean can you honesty say this car is worth more than the cost of 2 R8s i mean its only a few tenths quicker and the fpv falcon is almost as quick for 70k I think if you fatter better rubber on the ford it would be quicker for less than half the price go figuer
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September 16th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Evman
Actually an XY GTHO Phase 3 was bought at auction for $800,000 a year ago. Not the million but getting there.
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September 16th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Wow no-one got my Evan Green reference, I must be old.
Read up about the 1972 Supercar Scare
The car above is very much like the GTHO of 1972, excessively fast and in today’s context excessively thirsty.
It’s a 427 for God’s sake!!
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September 16th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
SamR - I got it, I ignored it.
Andrew M - i personally don’t believe that holden skimp on engineering as you say, i think you will find that the engineering team at Holden are as passionate about their products as any manufacturer anywhere in the world. Holden do a tremendous amount with the resources they are provided by GM. Compare basically all commodores from the VB to the VZ against their counterparts from opel on which they where all based, in EVERY instance the Commodore is far superior to the opel offering, not a bad effort given that the engineering budget provided to Holden has always been much smaller then what GM has given to Opel.
Yes Holden had 1 billion to develop the VE, but what alot of people to get is that alot of that had to go into the upgrade of the manufacturing facilities at Holden, not all of it was spent on the development of the car! And besides, 1 billion is actually not all that much more then what ford australia spent on the AU Falcon! and look how well that turned out for Ford… So clearly Holden spent their money alot better then Ford did with that car!
And besides, when your talking about developing a car from the ground up, not a major upgrade, not a new car on an existing platform, but a WHOLE NEW CAR platform and all, $1 billion is actually not all that much compared to what other manufacturers spend! It sounds like alot, but its actually not, merceedes spent $2 billion on the previous C-class!
So Andrew M, i respectfully dissagree, i think holden’s engineers do a fine job given the resources they are provided with!
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September 17th, 2008 at 12:01 am
and yes Holden could have spent the money on just a full update of the VZ platform like ford did updating the BF to make the FG, and as they already would have had a donor platform, like Ford, they perhaps would have been able to make their engineering dollar stretch further and provide some of the niceties that the FG has, But with the VE holden went out on a limb and provided themselfs with a future, an engineering base that was all new and could sustain them for many years to come. Ford on the other hand have a car that is very good now, but is not a sustainable business proposition in the long run. No exports, no basis to engineer new models (such as the VE spawning the comaro), basically no future.
So, from a business point of view, Holden is clearly superior, they just are! Thats something that NONE of the anti-holden blokes can never take away from them (how long have they made Australia’s best selling car for now?)
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September 17th, 2008 at 12:05 am
and yes Andrew i can get edgy, but i just get frustrated when i put time and effort into giving measure responses based on real information, only to get flamed down by the anti-holden crowd based solely on ignorance and eliteism.
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September 17th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Ive said it before and many also.
For $155K, I would buy about two dozen cars before I even look at this…. thats if I even look at this.
Buy an SS, spend $10K on it and you get similar results, yet better looking doesnt offend as the “styling” on this.
A modifed STi and an EVO IX for $155K would be much ideal also.
How about that monster from Nissan?…. and that killer from BMW…..
$155K for a “Holden” is not even worth thinking over.
Just buy an SS and donate the rest to charity.
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September 17th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Richo I agree with the future Holden has carved is better etc. But be careful. The Corolla and Commy dice for the outright sales wins per month. Careful in making unreaserched claims! So it would seem that the Commy has only been the sales winner for short stints.
If you mean, Large car segment (say so), then thats another story!
Whats wrong with Holden building cars for fans anyway? You’d have to be stupid not too if it sells them wouldnt you? Thats how you KEEP loyal customers isnt it? I dont understand the logic (or lack thereof) in people complianing about Ford/Holden building cars that certain Aussies want. If you dont build them, what do you end up building… SangYongs?!
FPV please build the GTHO, or an insane F6!!!!
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September 17th, 2008 at 9:36 am
LOL at the assclowns who never even read the article. THe W427 is speed limited to 270km/h
In contrast, the old Aussie V8 in the VT Clubsport hit 256km/h at the hands of the Wheels journos back in the day.
Gotta lauch at the idiots comparing this to the GTR. All of you’s would never even own a GTR, so why the big sook?
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September 17th, 2008 at 10:17 am
ChrisGT, I realise that the W427 is limited to 270km/h, but what is its actual top speed?
And you’re saying that old aussie V8 hit 256km/h back in the days. No disrespect for what the engineers has done but the difference between say 300km/h for W427 to 256km/h isn’t much. I realise that it’s harder to hit higher speed because the drag increases exponentially, but still, better aerodynamics could do the job.
The only reason I would compare it to the GTR is because it’s the same price range ($155k). And I never said I could buy one, but if I was given 155k to spend on a car, I would spend it on a true supercar killer.
I’m just saying that what Holden has done is a huge leap over its engineering, but it’s still short of the guys in Europe and Japan for that matter.
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September 17th, 2008 at 10:45 am
…
Look at the base HSV had to work with? It was a four door, family car and with all things considered, I recon they did pretty well. Remember, this thing could easily tow a boat from Perth to Sydney, with a wife and three kids with a boot load full of luggage with ease.
While the GTR is the better sports car, the W427 is easier to life with in ‘real life’ duties. Not every one cuts 200 laps around a race track, day in day out.
By the way my previous comments weren’t aimed at directly at you.
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September 17th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Hi everyone.. Thanks for the insults yesterday..
The point I was trying to make was, well kinda lost. Does anyone in this thread actually have indusrty experience to back up there opinions.. It is just made up or does the fact they suscribe to wheels and own two cars make them an expert?
I cut and pasted an ad I found showing a GTSR for sale way less than Richo said… I guess the format of this website makes it very hard to get a point across.. The internet equivelent of road rage happens here…
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September 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Realcars, No I do not sell Toyotas. I do run several new car franchises though hence the name, and i have been in the motor game for a long time. Why is it people on this blog have a desire to have others come around to their way of thinking. Get over it. Here is a fact, GM is dying. Making cars for fans are they, well they need to sell crap loads of them if they are to survive so wouldn’t they want everyone want to own one ?
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September 17th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Evman your right,I wonder how many HOs sold for over the million mark too.Just because they weren’t sold at action doesnt mean they dont get sold privately,one here in the West was offered 1.3 mill at the GT Nationals last year,he refused the offer.
I dont get why anyone wants to do 270 clicks in this country,I would prefer to have different rear end gears so I can get to 100 faster than a top speed,thats much more impressive, low down grunt………..yes please!
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September 17th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
The Salesman…
The entire world wide auto industry is dieing, not just GM. Open the other eye.
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September 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
@ GhisGT,
India, China, Korea all thriving.
GM, Ford dying.
Google it
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September 17th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hey SamR, refer blog#9.
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September 17th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
GM & ford have a pressence in India, China & Korea!
Clearly the “Salesperson” doesn’t sell them so he’ll talk them down.
You are showing the same lack of balance in some of your comments as the SpammerDog Dingo.
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September 17th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Bret et all.
The salesman and i have very similar industry experience so i will back him %100. GM and Ford seem to make cars (and particularly HSV/FPV) that reflect the values of a past Australian society. not the current or the future. The forward looking,tech savy, Japanese dominate this country sales wise and will for about the next ten years.. ever wonder why that is.. really thought about why..?
A clue.. It’s keeping most people happy, most of the time..
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September 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
‘Whats with DANMAN the Oxford educated mechanic.LOL.’
Lol. ‘my gosh old chap, perish the thought.. I am an eton man through and though. still chin up, bally ho.’
/said in the voice of John Cleese.
I think that was a backhanded compliment, Realcars.
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September 17th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Bret, do you really think i did not know. Do i have to explain to you how importing and exporting work and the who’s who and where they come from and where they go of all brands in the world. Where do Holden source most of their products from? Yes they have a presence, TATA has a presence in Australia, so does Ssangyong, and Proton, and soon GWM (great wall motors) and Chery, hell, even Skoda is back. Got anything else champ?
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September 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
The Salesman,
What makes you think that you have anymore knowledge than, and can “explain” anything to anyone in particular?
Bottom line is your posts reek of pro-korean and anti Ford/Holden because it supports your own personall commercial activities.
Have opinions and quote facts by all means, but don’t confuse the two.
No wonder you’re at the bottom of the food chain - sales. Heck even if you’re management, you’re still “sales”. I guess not everyone is bright enough to learn the skills needed to get a real job!
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September 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Bret (with one T?)
ohhh so bitchy. What the hell is pro korean (i’m procreati’n haha) would you buy a Korean mobile phone or an American one? A korean 60″ LCD TV or an American one?
Also if he is a sales manager he is on a higher income and has more ‘real world’ power than you will ever have in your, maybe i’m guessing manafacturing (night shelf stacker?) job. Good day to you sir..
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September 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Thanks Bret,
Yes I have to be more knowledgeable than most because I live in sales everyday and must know as must as possible so I can give the correct information to prospective buyers. I am not pro or con to any brand in particular. The Koreans and the Chinese are becoming the worlds factory for more brands than just their own. Sales is one of the oldest professions in the world and I pride myself on my ability to meet my clients at any level. My customer satisfaction has seen me awarded many over seas trips and incentives. I could never earn as much money as I do in a REAL JOB. I am not just a salesman (Manager) I am also a husband, a father to two boys, a son a brother an uncle a neighbor and a human just like you. Plus sales moved up from the bottom of the food chain when terrorism became a business. LOL
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September 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Well..
Thats probably the best post ever put on this site…
Never get into an argument with a really good salesperson. We have the levers to your mind and are so good with understanding the human condition we can really mess with your head. You wont like us when we are angry!
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September 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Pro korean i thought most holdens were korean
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September 17th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Agree Bret. These guys run down Holden and Ford then wonder why they get a spray.
Only companies that design a local product.
If a so called “Bogan” wants to spend 155k on the ultimate Commodore good luck to him.
Yes,lets all become importers that will certainly see Australia prosper. An economy of tertiary service industries fantastic.
High tech manufacturing defines a first world economy.
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September 17th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
What like walking around the corner to pretend to ask the boss if u can offer more for a trade.LOL.
I thought Dan the Man was an Oxford Educated mechanic.LOL.
Yeah and good salesmen are usually arseholes too.LOL
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September 17th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
‘I thought Dan the Man was an Oxford Educated mechanic.LOL.’
I think there’s a compliment in there somewhere.. Is that because i can Articulate my knowledge and point of veiw about cars really well…?
Oh yeah, people that really help you purchase consumer products that satisfy your needs and wants, saving you money in the long and short term, are ‘arseholes’?
Hmmm i guess both are very usefull and under appreciated!
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September 17th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Sound like some one has been screwed before. Still a little raw is it mate? Well better luck next time.
Leaver pulled, now stand back for the spray, here it comes.
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Actually I quite enjoy dealing with smart arse salesman.LOL
It’s fun winding them up.
As if anyone with half a brain relies on the advice of a Salesman, Dan the Man.LOL.
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Richo,
BM just nailed my whole point right from the start.
when i knocked brooksy for saying “great imagination holden”,
i mean in the way as BM words it…….
QUOTE……..
“I dont get why anyone wants to do 270 clicks in this country,I would prefer to have different rear end gears so I can get to 100 faster than a top speed,thats much more impressive”.
and on the other stuff, i give up.
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I have met a million people like you, I know just who you are, you can be led with out even knowing it. Do me a favor and rent a movie called Suckers. I think we are all more interested in talking about the cars than reading your slander, don’t be mad because you don’t understand all that is being said here. And take some of your own advice.
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Yeah or if you understand the dialogue go for something cerebral (not an x-men) and get Glengarry Glen Ross!
Best sales movie ever and an incredible cast.
Oh yeah as you may have noticed, you cant really wind me up. ‘you aint got the time or the skills to shine me on,not in the real world and not on the net’
Meh.
Didn’t this start about something to do with commodores?
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Done a good job of it thus far.LOL
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
So Dan the Man and Salesman are both insecure Salesmen.LOL
How does it feel to be part of a profession?LOL that contributes nothing to the greater good?
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September 17th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Well i’m off for the night..
which of the 39 cars should i drive home tonight?
descisions, descisions!!
Hmmmm. What i do every day, you do once every 4 years. thats gotta suck.
over and out!
(until tom.)
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September 17th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Realcars, you have been smashed, give up, smoke another cigarette, roll over your fat missus and then dream of a life that could have been. What do you do that contributes to the greater good? Do you work for green peace? We all have make money some how, and i bet they make a bucket load more than you. We all know who is insecure here. People like you are not wanted on this site, please go to wheels where you can mingle with your kind. BOGANS!!!!!!!
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September 17th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Don’t think so Motor Head.
A couple of idiot salesman enter a COMMODORE thread with derogatory rubbish about Holden and I show then up for what they are.
U sound like a real rocket Scientist Motor Head!
I bet I’m up there with them as far as income and actually produce something rather than inane comments about an Australian Icon and don’t have to sell my soul to do so.LOL
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September 17th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
The only thing you have shown is that you don’t like it when someone tells the truth about Holden. I don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that. Almost all of your Holden’s or Holden parts come from overseas, their is nothing Aussie about it worth bragging about. Are you going to show up everyone who has rubbished this car on this blog. You have alot of work ahead of you.
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September 17th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Real class acts those salesman guys advocating movies that deal with ripping consumers off. Delightful.
Hope I don’t get one of these wankers when I buy my next new Falcon ute!LOL.
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September 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
The dynamic sales duet went further than rubbishing just this model.
I respect REAL Salesmen but not these pair of conceited pricks.LOL.
Apparently they are that “SMART” they can “play” with our minds don’t u know?LOL.
They don’t have any qualms about heaping shit on some poor bugger packing shelves either in their state of delusional grandeur.LOL
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September 17th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. I have read all that has been said, i don’t blame these guys for defending themselves. So i am giving a shout out and three cheers to Danman and Salesamn, well done guys, you deserve all the awards you can get if you have to deal with people like Mr. Realcars everyday.
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September 17th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Just hope they don’t play with your mind Motor Head or are u one of them too?LOL
By the sound of it it wouldn’t take much effort on their part.LOL.
Anyway I am off to roll my fat wife over and no doubt Motor Head you will be off to play with your hand as usual I suspect.
Remember Motorhead if u sit on it long enough u can pretend it’s someone else. How’s that for a tip for nothing Motor Head?LOL
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September 18th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I’m laughing at the amount of people here who argue that this is a bogan’s car. I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve never met a bogan with $150k to spend on a car. A lot of this is spawned by jealousy. Frustration at going into your own garage and climbing into a boring Toyota everday. Don’t project your inadequacies onto motoring enthusiasts.
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September 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I have been selling prestige cars for over 13 years and there are alot of good honest people in this industry dealing with the general public on a daily basis and really trying to satisfy their needs and desires working long hours with often small returns, it is a more competitative market than ever before and we are i believe working harder than ever to earn a living, i guess like most indutries in the current climate “except mining ” so i guess what im saying is how about taking it a bit easy on us we are just trying to make a living like everyone. Cheers.
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September 18th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Well said BOGGY.
Selling any kind of top end consumer durable can really change your idea’s of materialistic value. As recently as today I helped a couple get out of a really dangerous 90’s car that was quite unroadworthy Into A nice safe new small SUV. At delivery it was like they were picking up a Ferrari they were so happy.That feels good.. There is long hours and hard work in this job but sometimes it is very satisfying… All for the princly sum of $50 commision….
(dont feel sorry for me, some comm’s are awesome!)
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September 18th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
You will never change the opinion of the Bret’s and Realcars of the world. Well said Boggy. This can be a tiresome job with different outcomes on profit every time. But every day after work I still go to my two story home on the lake, drink a few beers, play with my kids and maybe tonight I will fire up the BBQ. It is a hard enough life, for us.
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September 18th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
The Salesman,
Mate I haven’t been involved in this ongoing argument, why the BS above? I’ve deliberately stayed out, but you want to drag me back in.
All I pointed out was the shallowness of your posts that support your product, whilst openly attempting to run down some others.
You make the claim that Ford & GM are dying, yet then go on to quote countries that both have manufacturing interests in (as opposed to your narrow focus reply on “sales”).
When you get “caught out” you shpuld just cop it sweet and move on, but no, you and the semi-literate DanMan come out both barrels with the abuse.
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September 18th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
155k for a Holden dunny door i don’t think so what a waist of money give me a Ferrari any day for that kind of dollars
But i know some fools will pay that!
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September 19th, 2008 at 12:27 am
For those wanting to know what this car will really do, suggestions from those who should know is about 330km/h, unrestrained! Unless you disable the fuel cutout you’ll never, never know!
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September 19th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Bret, You said
Bottom line is your posts reek of pro-korean and anti Ford/Holden because it supports your own personall commercial activities
and
No wonder you’re at the bottom of the food chain - sales. Heck even if you’re management, you’re still “sales”. I guess not everyone is bright enough to learn the skills needed to get a real job!
You call this staying out of an augment. Nothing I have said has contradicted the other. GM and Ford dying is a statement of fact, Most of Holden’s products come from Korea (fact) More to the point Commodore as we know it will cease to exist as an Australian (mostly) built car, am I happy about that, no, not really. I do have an opinion on all things automotive, if you don’t like it, fine. Don’t attack me directly unless you seek a response.
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September 19th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Oh no i am posting after salesperson… again.
hehe Bret, question, do you work for IBM?
I have to be wrong with this guess but if i am right, my god it would be funny.
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September 20th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
$155 k for a crummerdore you got to be joking , piece of junk , worth bugger all in 3 years .
morons, fuel efficient cars are the future ,not dino’s
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September 20th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Great car, shame about the money grab…
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September 20th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I am a gay, and i am on love with The Salesman.
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September 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 am
I am not gay, but i slept with a bloke that was once……
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September 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
OMG i just read what that ghoster said hehehe.
DanMan Says:
September 20th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
my god didn’t someone have a boring saturday night…
Hmmm who else posted comments around the same time?? let me see..
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September 27th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I admitt the newest HSV the w427 is an icon to holden fans, this car also sets a new performance benchmark. BUT it should be ALOT quicker I mean 270km/h is that all??? the old 6 litre maloo broke that record with mark skaife as the driver. so shouldnt a car with an extra 1 litre of cubic centremeters and another 75kw on the maloo. BUT now holden has limited all hsvs and holdens to 250km/h WTF is with that. BUT YES THE VE IS A VERY NICE CAR. W427 RULES JUST GET THAT THING ON A STRAIGHT!!! OHH AND GIVE IT TO ME.
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September 29th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Josh18,
BOGAN!!!!!!
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September 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I’m more impressed that Aussies have 150k to spend.
It’s there money, They will buy them, And they will enjoy them, All others that sook and moan can’t afford them and it’s jealousy that drives there dislikes.
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October 18th, 2008 at 8:49 am
$155,000 for a Holden!!!! Ya got to be kidding me. Just an over-rated Commodore with extra plastic stuck on it
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November 8th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Neal or bod ? That is one silly comment.
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