Range Rover

Press Release

Australia’s high performance car manufacturer Holden Special Vehicles is pleased to announce the launch of its new E Series 3, featuring a host of Australian production car firsts, and interior upgrades to the HSV range.

• HSV’s new Enhanced Driver Interface, which streams vehicle performance data directly to the new touch screen display.
• Liquid Propane Injection is the first system of its kind on an Australian production car, and is available as an option on all models, except for the Clubsport R8 Tourer.
• HSV’s new Side Blind Zone Alert will be available as an option on every model in the E3 range – and is standard on Grange.

In addition to technological innovation, HSV has added a significant set of unique interior updates to the E Series 3, including;

• New ‘Oracle’ dash
• New model specific stainless steel ID plate on the centre console
• New twin-stitch seat trims on GTS and Senator Signature, as well as a new leather colour in Turismo Rosso.
• New binnacle gauges
• Piano black trim on the centre console and steering wheel

The final stand-out aspect of the E Series 3 range is a raft of new standard features being offered on all HSV models, specifically;

• Enhanced Driver Interface
• Reverse camera with rear park assist
• Satellite navigation
• Touchscreen radio with iPod connectivity

HSV’s Managing Director, Phil Harding, believes the new E3 range has reached a new level of sophistication and continues the company’s long history of innovation.

“Our E3 range is an example of HSV’s passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles,” he said.

“You only have to look at EDI, LPI, and SBZA to know HSV is passionate about creating and building great all-round performance cars. More and more of our customers are showing greater interest in new technology, and have expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles. The combination of new technologies, stylish interior improvements, and a continued focus on all-round performance further strengthens HSV’s position as the ultimate in Australian-made performance cars.”

HSV’s new E Series 3 will arrive in showrooms at the end of this month.

Back in February we brought you initial news of the supercar being developed by Formula 3 racing team GTA. The exotic was tipped to be powered by a mid-mounted 700hp V10, however, reports circulating around the internet now suggest that the ten-cylinder powerplant for this vaporware supercar will produce closer to 800hp and be sourced from -- wait for it -- Pontiac.

We'll take that one with an overloaded container ship's worth of salt. Last we checked, GM didn't have a V10 in its parts bin, and the mere idea of the General developing a bespoke engine just for this Spanish racing outfit's nonexistent sports car is ridiculous on its face. Now, add in the detail that this mythical powerplant would then wear the Pontiac arrowhead logo -- that's straitjacket-type stuff, people. We know the General is eager to put the excitement back into the Excitement Division, but come on. Let's be rational.

Source:autoblog

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Rhys Millen will pilot turbocharged roadster in defense of his Formula D title
Building on the success of the GTO drifting program, Pontiac unveiled on Friday their next generation drift vehicle based on the upcoming turbocharged Solstice GXP. The new Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift, which will once again be piloted by 2005 Formula Drift champion Rhys Millen, will make its official Formula D drifting debut on June 10 at Solider Field in Chicago.
The stylish design and power of the Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift car along with the talent and expertise of Millen will be a formidable combination on the Formula D circuit this year. The GXP Drift features a race-modified version of the Solstice GXP turbocharged 2.0-liter ECOtec engine, while Millen is the reigning 2005 drift Formula D champion behind the wheel of his Pontiac GTO.
“The Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift is an excellent match for the tuner market where turbocharged engines dominate,” said Carmen Smith, GM Racing program manager for drifting. “Additionally, the GXP Drift maximizes the use of GM production components and race parts available through GM Performance Parts. Not only is the engine based on the production ECOtec, the transmission is a GM production six-speed and we’ve maintained the production GXP rear differential. Of course, we’ve used many race parts from GM Performance Parts and from sponsors such as Bridgestone, Rotora, Exedy, Racing Hart, and Sparco.”
The turbocharged Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift is a two-door hard-top roadster with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed transmission. The heart of the Solstice GXP Drift is the ECOtec 2.0-liter turbo engine, producing over 500 horsepower, roughly double the horsepower of the street-legal GXP available in dealerships this fall. This competition ECOtec turbo engine, running on E85 ethanol-based fuel, uses thick-wall iron cylinder liners, a race-ported cylinder head, tubular stainless steel exhaust headers, a performance camshaft, a unique engine control system and a water to air intercooled turbocharger. It was developed by the same GM Racing engineers behind the successful ECOtec sport compact drag racing motors, which generate over 1,400 horsepower in a 2.2-liter turbocharged configuration.

Consumers got a sneak peak of the production Solstice GXP roadster convertible during the L.A. Auto Show in January. The GXP is based on the hot-selling Solstice that was launched last year as Pontiac ’s first production two-seat roadster and became almost instantly popular for its classic roadster style, crisp handling and spirited performance. The 2006 model of the Solstice is sold out and there is already a waiting list of customers for the 2007 model.
The GXP is an extension of the capabilities of Pontiac ’s original roadster while taking the performance abilities to a new level with a 47 percent boost in horsepower thanks to the turbocharged 2.0-liter ECOtec engine, the most powerful production engine in the ECOtec family. This 260-horsepower production engine is similar to the engine found in the GXP Drift vehicle which should appeal to the youth market and drifting enthusiasts. The turbocharged 2007 Solstice GXP will arrive in Pontiac showrooms this fall.
Currently second-place in points after the season-opener, Millen will aim to take over the points lead during the second drift event of 2006 on May 12-13 at Road Atlanta. Millen will then put the new Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift to the test at Soldier Field on June 10 during the third round of Formula D competition. Five rounds remain before the championships at Irwindale Speedway on Oct. 14 where the Formula D title will be awarded.
"With a powerful product like Pontiac and the experience of team RMR, this fierce combination of response and talent has helped me win events and ultimately the championship," said Millen. "The Solstice has sold like crazy in the marketplace and I can only imagine the excitement of the fans when I bring the Solstice GXP Drift to Chicago . With the added power, this new drift vehicle is sure to give me a boost against some very strong competition while fighting for our second drift title."
Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) of Huntington Beach, California, has a comprehensive history of competing and winning in various forms of motorsports, including rally and desert racing. All the experiences gained from competition are skillfully applied towards performance parts available through RMR’s retail divisions, RMR Products and R. Millen Motorsports. The full line of race proven products can be found at the company’s web site at www.rmrproducts.com.
Source: Text & photos courtesy General Motors Corporation

All season Solstice

The Pontiac Solstice has been living up to GM's expectations and has today resulted in the addition of a new model to the Solstice range, the Pontiac Solstice Coupe. The Solstice Coupe will arrive at dealerships in early 2009.

The Pontiac Solstice is based on Europe's Opel GT Roadster but has now surpassed its preceptor. The Solstice Coupe on show at the the New York International Auto Show is based on the GXP model, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW). The regular Solstice Coupe will feature a 2.4 liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine generating 173 horsepower (129 kW).

The Coupe is a multi-functional car with its detachable roof, after all summer will eventually make it up to Maine too. “The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.

EDAG had already once put a hard-top onto the Solstice too, with a less slanted roof line, but Pontiac primarily took inspiration from their own 2002 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Concept. “The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure,” said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer.

Pontiac Solstice GXP Performance Variant at LA Auto Show
EDAG Show Car No. 8 at Delhi Auto-Expo
Pontiac Solstice Coupe Leaked
Pontiac Unveils Red Bull Solstice GXP Drifting Car
Pontiac Top Tuner Solstice (CA)
Pontiac Red Bull Solstice GXP Drifting Car

General Motors has officially launched its 2009 Pontiac Vibe at an event held today in Detroit. Not surprisingly, the Vibe shares many of its mechanics with its sister car — the recently unveiled Toyota Matrix — although the exterior is unique to the Pontiac brand. Like the Matrix, the Vibe will also offer an all-wheel drive model for 2009.

The Vibe's engine choices mirror that of the Matrix; customers can choose from either a 1.8L four-cylinder rated at 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque or a 2.4L four rated at 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4L will be standard on all-wheel drive models and GT models and will be optional on the base model..

Depending on the model and powertrain options, customers will be able to choose from several transmissions. Base model cars with the 1.8L engine will come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed auto optional. AWD models will only be available with a four-speed automatic. GT models and cars equipped with the 2.4L engine will come with a five-speed manual, with a five-speed automatic optional.

Fuel economy for the 1.8L engines ranges between 25-26 city and 31-31 highway, depending on transmission is selected. The 2.4L ranges between 21 city and 28-29 highway. As expected, the AWD option decreases mileage to 20/26 city/highway.

All models will feature a MacPherson-strut front suspension design, with the base model using a solid beam rear axle and GT and AWD models using a fully independent rear suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS will be standard throughout the model range, as well as electronic stability control and traction control.

The exterior of the Vibe is "clean and purposeful," and GM claims it exemplifies the future of Pontiac’s design. Like with the Matrix, each trim level will have its own unique styling cues, with AWD models receiving a roof rack and GT models wearing a new front fascia. The interior is also all-new and has a driver-focused cockpit design. The 2009 Vibe has 49.4 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats folded down.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is expect to hit dealer showrooms in early 2008.