Holden based 2010 RWD Chevy SS coming to US?

We keep hearing from several sources that there will indeed be a big rear wheel drive (or right wheel drive as we like to call it) Chevy sedan coming, based on the Australian Holden. Specifically, a high-performance version of General Motors' Zeta platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 will live on as a Chevy SS model, either badged as a Caprice or an Impala. After all, Bob Lutz himself said that the Pontiac G8 platform was "Kinda too good to waste."

The following was spotted on a Pontiac G8 forum:

"My dealer had sent off pictures to GM of the cable portion of the front seats belts rubbing against the plastic on the side of the front seats. In an email sent back to the dealer, GM says that they have no plans to solve what has already been built but going forward a correction is planned. The email continues: ...a fix is planned for MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS. The fix will involve a protective sleeve that covers the buckle and section of the buckle stem that rubs on the plastic trim."

Hurst Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6

Pontiac is getting ready to head to the graveyard of automotive marquees, much like the Plymouths and Oldsmobiles of the past. It's unfortunate for several reasons, one of which is that the G8 is an excellent and underrated car. But Hurst Performance Vehicles, makers of the legendary shifters and most recently the Hurst Hemi Challenger, is going to send Pontiac out with a bang.

Hurst today announced it's plans for an H.O. version of the G6 and G8. Few details have been released regarding the car's respective performance upgrades, but each will feature Hurst's signature black/gold or white/gold paint scheme, forged alloy Hurst wheels, an exclusive Hurst shifter, supercharged engine, suspension upgrades, and a newly trimmed interior.

Hurst sought out performance icon "Doc" Watson, who developed such vehicles as the Hurst Hemi-Under-Glass and the 1972 Pontiac SSJ. Only 52 Hurst H.O. Pontiacs will be built along with ten G6 convertibles used as parade and special event vehicles. More details regarding performance upgrades will be available August 1st, but check out the press release below for more details on the two cars.

PRESS RELEASE:

Flint, Mich. (June 29, 2009) – Hurst Performance Vehicles, one of the most recognized and respected names in automobile history, announced that it has teamed up with newly appointed Hurst Director Emeritus and legendary performance visionary, "Doc" Watson, to build two new Special Edition Hurst/Pontiacs – a 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. version of the G8 and a G6 convertible. Hurst Performance President, Ron Flint, and Watson made the announcement together on Saturday at a special event held at the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan – the birthplace of GM.

Hurst Performance in Irvine, California, will hand-build only 52 examples of the 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. – a modern-day version of George Hurst's "Executive Hot Rod". These numbered cars will feature Hurst's iconic white/gold and black/gold colors along with forged alloy Hurst wheels, an exclusive Hurst shifter, supercharged engine, suspension mods and a specially trimmed interior.

Hurst will also commemorate Doc's famous Pace Cars and build ten HURST/Pontiac G6 convertibles to be used as parade and special event cars.

"Doc started all of this with George back in 1960 with Hurst Performance Research. His Hurst H.O. Pontiacs have stormed drag strips and main streets across the country for 50 years," said Hurst Chairman, Nate Shelton. "There could not be a better time to honor Doc and the legendary Pontiac marque."

Watson's contribution to the American performance landscape is unrivaled. During a 50-year career in the development, manufacturing and marketing of special vehicles, Watson brought to life more than 80 performance cars and racing vehicles, including the original Hurst Oldsmobile, the Hemi-Under-Glass and the 1972 Hurst/Pontiac SSJ. These new HURST/Pontiac's are yet another chapter in his illustrious career.

"If we combine the wisdom earned through the heritage of past Hurst vehicles with the vision of globally beneficial vehicles, we will not be living through the death of the Muscle Car," Watson explained. "Rather, we will see the birth of exciting, passion-filled performance vehicles – vehicles that will give new meaning to lean, mean, and environmentally clean machines. It's a 'new machine age,' and Hurst will be first once again."

Hurst Performance has once again partnered with the Woodhouse Automotive Family of Blair Nebraska as the exclusive Hurst Authorized Pontiac Dealer for sales and service of these exceptional vehicles.

Specifications, pricing and ordering information will be available August 1st on the Hurst website at www.hurst-performance.com.

Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details and pricing released

As controversy swirls around it, SLP (Street Legal Performance) is going ahead and launching it's newest Firehawk, based on the Pontiac G8 GT. All previous Firehawk models were based on the Firebird, a fact that has some SLP purists upset.

The car itself is a nice piece of work. To the stock V8 engine, SLP adds a supercharger that's similar to the one featured on the Corvette ZR1, a stainless exhaust system and a cold air induction system. All that's good for 500 horsepower. Other mods include new 19-inch alloys painted gun metal gray and a sport suspension package. The car's most striking design element will surely be the flat black-painted hood, grille surrounds and rear spoiler – an obvious nod to the factory muscle cars from the late '60s and early '70s.

All in all the package will add $18,995 (plus $4,995 for an upgraded brake kit) to the base price of $32,440. The package will be available through your local Pontiac dealer on April 1st.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toms River, NJ - Firehawk, arguably one of the most legendary names in the history of Pontiac Muscle Cars is again united with a vehicle worthy of that unique badge: the 2009 G8-GT based Firehawk. Produced and available at SLP Performance Parts, Inc. (SLP), and select Pontiac dealerships nationwide, Firehawk offers the all-around powertrain performance, superior handling and braking, with headturning styling and value, true to its distinctive nameplate.

Following in the footsteps of SLP's famed Firebird Firehawk is a daunting challenge. But one test drive will convince skeptics that the 2009 Supercharged Firehawk has recaptured and refined the special magic of the first generation Firehawk.

Available only on the 2009 G8 GT in any factory color, the Supercharged Firehawk's performance and curb appeal are enhanced by a positive displacement supercharger, using the same technology as the supercharger GM supplies on the new ZR-1 Corvette, and highlighted by an aggressively styled flat-black painted hood treatment, reminiscent of early Muscle Cars.

To compliment Firehawk's front-end appearance, the rear deck lid spoiler benefits from subtle but effective styling revisions, including a flat black paint finish. Helping transfer Firehawk's power-to-thepavement are Bridestone's P245/40R19 Potenza RE050A Pole Position tires* and the lightweight Firehawk 19"x8" 5-spoke alloy wheels.

*Note: These tires are required for the Firehawk alteration and are included with Pontiac's RPO Code PDX – Sport Package.

Throughout Firehawk's development process, our objective was to engineer the very highest quality performance, handling and braking improvements that would provide the performance enthusiast with a well-balanced package. Not only will Firehawk outperform its competition, it's built to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.

Depending on the driver, road surface conditions and outside air temperature, the Supercharged Firehawk will generate 0-60 mph times of 4.3 seconds and 1/4 mile times of 12.6 seconds @ 115 mph, based on preliminary testing.

Every Firehawk begins life as a Pontiac G8 GT. When Firehawk production begins on April 1, 2009, G8 GTs are shipped to SLP's Toms River, NJ facility where they will be converted into Supercharged Firehawks, dyno-tested, and available for pick up or delivery.

Firehawk Standard Content Includes:

• SLP TVS 1900 500 HP Series Supercharger Package
• SLP PowerFlo® Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• SLP Blackwing® Cold Air Induction System
• SLP Sport Suspension Package
• Flat Black Painted Hood and Grille Surrounds
• Painted Lower Fascia Grille Inserts (Body Color)
• SLP Rear Spoiler Painted Flat Black
• Firehawk 19" 5-spoke, Gun Metal Painted Alloy Wheels w/Machined Spoke Face and Firehawk Logo Center Caps
• Firehawk Badges
• Firehawk Car Cover
• Firehawk Leather (faux) Portfolio
• Firehawk Birth Certificate
• Firehawk Numbered Dash Plaque and Key Fobs (2)
• Firehawk Floor Mats
• Firehawk Embroidered Headrests

Optional Firehawk Content:

• Competition Brake Package

For more information on how to order a Firehawk, contact SLP at (810) 724-8703 or email info@slp-firehawk.com