German Car Zone

hey guys, i don't know where to put this thread, so i stick it in the General Discussion area cause there isn't a section for Aussie performance cars.
I don't know how much you guys know about them, so i will give you guys some basic info. i think aussie performance cars are right in the middle of the sophisticated euro performance machines and the american hotrods in terms of performance, handling and technology.

The HSV GTS and the Ford FPV Falcons are the top Aussie performance sedans currently on offer. Alot of people often say they are ancient pieces of poor engineering, but i think they are decent cars. They are not as old tech as people think. Although they dont' have AMG grade power, they have enough to put a smile on any driver's face. The GTS runs a 6.0 Gen 4 LS2 v8engine with 307kw. while the Falcon GT has a 5.4 DOHC V8 with 290kw. Both cars are up to date in the chassie department as well. They don't have live rear axial in those american performance cars. Instead they have proper multi link rear suspensions. The GTS even offers adjustable electro-magnetic dampers (similar to those in the new TT)as standard equipment.

Naturally they have very good brakes to match their engine performance. The HSV GTS has 4 pot AP calipers all round, the Falcon has 6pot Brembo front, and 4 pot Brembo rear. Both cars can be matched with modern 6 speed autos. The HSV uses an Aisin 6 speed, while the Ford can be orderd with ZF 6speed auto.

Not all Aussie performance cars have a V8. The Ford Typhoon has a 4.0L inline turbo 6. DOHC, with duel VVT. It pumps out 270kw and 550Nm of fun. The technical specs are the same as the Ford GT.




i will like to know what you guys think of them.

I like this


but not this



I think the styling is little to much. Sometimes less is more.

I really like some of the Australian cars. I mean those big sedans that look like real sedans and not like coupes Some, have very clean style and with some visual improvements like some very nice bumpers and stuff, look very nice!

Thanks for enlightening us about Aussie cars monster... I really appreciate it.

I feel they have a certain appeal to them, like how the SRT-8 300C would appeal to me. It's just raw power, RWD and the winding road.

Thanks for the reply guys. The 1st photo Just_me posted up is a HSV Senator, it is a luxury version of the HSV GTS, and its styling is design to target european car buyers, seems like they have done the job because you like it. The 2nd photo is a Holden Commodor SS. It uses a slightly different 6.0 V8 with 270kw. The Holden SS is the affortable performance car in the range. i have found some better photos of the car.

I agree with you mate, i find their relative simplicity appealing. If you are interested i found this mag article comparing the Ford Falcon GT, the Holden Commodor SS and teh SRT-8 300C. It is a bit long to read though

http://wheels.carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?ArticleID=2113784&TabID=501060 &Alias=wheelsau

How are the prices of some of these cars?

o yeah forgotten to mention about prices. Just for comparison, a basic BMW 320i cost $50000 AUD here, all you get is 4 wheels, some seats and a shell.
Holden SS = $45000 AUD
Holden SS-V = $52000 AUD (the v has 19 inch wheels, leather interior, satnav)

All HSV has the same 307kw 6.0L V8 engine but with different equipment and trim levels

HSV Clubsport R8 = $62000 AUD
HSV GTS = $74000 AUD
HSV Senator = $76000 AUD

The Ford Falcon GT cost between $62000 to mid $70000 AUD while the Typhoon starts at $59000 AUD.

Personally the Typhoon is my favouriate. It accelerates just as quickly as the V8 cars. 0-100km/h in mid 5 secs, better overtaking ability, and it handles better because the engine is lighter.

Damn those muscle cars are cheap! Don't get me wrong, German cars are still my favourite, but if I'm on a budget and I want a fast car... I'll definitely will go for one of those! Petrol's cheap in Australia, yeah?

BTW, my dad and I test drove the 300C SRT-8... Man it was quick.

I would love to test drive a STR-8 as well. saw a few of them on the streets, they look very mean indeed.

Petrol prices went onto record high last year, hitting around $1.70 per L, now it has dropped back to around $1.20 per L.

These type of cars used to be popular in the late 1990s, now everyone wants a budget prestige car, so they aren't as common now. If you are really on a budget but you still want the same level of performance. you can choose to buy a ute. these things have the same engine, but with not much weight at the back. They have a longer wheelbase as well. so they are very easy to do a control drift. Some people think these uts are 2 door coupe with a massive boot. This Ford Pursuit ute starts at $54000 AUD