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."

SEMA 2009: Pinkee's Rod Shop 1977 Pontiac Firebird

The Firebird is having somewhat of a renaissance since Pontiac hit the graveyard and folks are turning new Camaros into Trans Ams. But the old 70's body style 'birds have always been a hit with the crowd that maybe still to this day watches Smokey and the Bandit over and over.

This fine example of a 1977 Pontiac Firebird was in attendance at SEMA, and it was built by Pinkee's Rod Shop in Windsor, Colorado. It features many aspects of a retro rod, which was quite a popular theme at SEMA.

Pictured: Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept

Car and Driver is the first to snap some real life pictures of the Ligenfelter 455 T/A Concept, and it's a keeper. Lingenfelter isn't the first to take the looks of the Firebird Trans-Am and apply them to a Camaro body, but they have arguably done the best job.

It is likely that after the show is over, Lingenfelter could offer the body and engine package for light production or sale by kit. The engine is the real deal, a 455 CID/7.5-liter V8 that packs 11.5:1 compression, ported and polished LS7 heads, a new intake and a forged crankshaft. Altogether that adds up to 655 horses and 610 lb-ft. of torque.

LCCC Fall Tour 2009 Sam's Joint - Red Brick Inn

It was a beautiful, if cold, day for our final driving tour. With the sun shining, we met at Bob and Vickie's home, surrounded by gorgeous trees and acres of green grass. We all entered Bob's garage to hear the plans for the tour.


This is the "work" room in Bob's garage that is a nice place to gather with a good fire going in the furnace and friends all around. What a great group of people!


Stuart gathered us all up for the meeting. There was an envelope passed for donations for Habitat for Humanity. The collection was deemed a success! A big thanks to Stuart and Suzanne for remembering we need to help others.

Who will volunteer for the kick off road rally in the spring of 2010? Janie, put your hand down!!!

And then, we must follow closely so no one gets lost!

Ok, Stuart. We are ready. Carol is cold, but we are ready!!

Bob is driving his Pontiac GTO. Restored to perfection. Who would expect less from Bob?

Bill and Cathy have their yellow '57 ready to roll. Is that Paul and Rosies red '57? I think so! Lookin' good, guys.
Hot little 340 belonging to Weldon and Lois! Lines clean and paint bright!! Thanks for joining the group today!
Good lookin' Chevy truck! Ron and Jane brought this awesome truck. Very clean!!

Well maintained and definitely red, they are ready to rumble!! Tom and Kathy, thanks for joining us!!

Jim and Beth brought one of their many hot Plymouths to take the tour. Great looking car, Jim!

This gorgeous Packard was driven by Len and Judy. He takes this car everywhere. No worries from Len about whether it will make it. It is fully restored and runs like new.

What a nice looking Vette. Yellow is my favorite color, next to red. Now why do I like red so much.....John's son Brian brought this Vette. Somehow I missed John's restored silver Vette. I will get it next time, John!!

Here is the group, all lined up and ready to roll. Like always, some of the cars have appeared on these pages before, so I didn't photograph them at this event. Don't get your skivvies in a knot. You can find your car by clicking on the sidebar! I love them all!!

We gather at the Red Brick Inn, a former stage coach stop, which is owned by Sam's Joint. It is located in Plainwell, on 10, but you can have a nice ride by taking Division south and keep going. Just a few miles south of Martin, it will be found on the left, nestled into the trees. Great food, but, of course, all Sam's Joints have great food. Janie and I had the ribs. Three pounds of ribs plus fries and cole slaw for $19.95, which was the "Special of the day" and is enough for three people!




The bear greeted us at the door. Never bit anyone, either. We had a great waitress. Kept all the meals straight even with 30 people!
Gather up and sit down. Plenty of room for everyone guys. Don't push, don't shove!!

I'll just sit here next to Jane, says Brad. He has a dark red Vette, just purchased last year. How much do you like Lake Michigan sand, Brad!!??

That was a great day. Great people and great fun. Thanks to Bob and Vicky for putting this on. The colors were not peak, but the route was. There was color and a gaggle of sandhill cranes in a field. Or is that a flock, or herd, or.....

Mike's Show-N-Shine loves comments.. So make sure you leave one by clicking on the "comments" button below. If you would like to get a reminder each time I write a new post, please look in the sidebar and sign up your email address.

Thanks for reading. Mustang Mike

Jim Wanger and Big 3 Performance team up for restomod Pontiac GTO

Jim Wangers is a name familiar to those that worship the GTO. He was Pontiac's chief marketing manager when the GTO was first released in 1964. And now his name and endorsement are behind a new restomod based on the 1969 Pontiac GTO.

Appearance wise, changes are minor as they should be with such iconic styling. Wider hood scoops and a Trans-Am style ducktail spoiler round it out. Inside, a custom dash and audio system join embroidered Recaro seats and GPS navigation. Holding it all up is a custom chassis fitted with Corvette parts and a Ford 9 inch rear.

The good stuff is naturally under the hood. 505 cubic inches of Pontiac V8 churn out an estimated 700 horsepower and is backed up by a six speed sourced from the Dodge Viper. Cost of the build is expected to be around $130,000. Combining a mostly stock appearance with loads of modern power sounds like a recipe for success to us, at any price.

Video: New Trans Am makes an entrance in Dayton

Of all the models that Pontiac sold over the years, the Firebird was arguably the most loved. Though it was little more than a Camaro with different badges and bumpers, many liked the distinct look.

It's no surprise then that the Firebird is destined to live on even though Pontiac is now dead. Kevin Morgan's Phoenix TA is going to keep doing what GM wouldn't do, and that's make the car available for the buying public.

Here at the 25th Anniversary Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio, the very first "new" Firebird was driven off a trailer for hundreds of screaming fans. The car is fittingly painted up in a classic gold and black scheme.

Phoenix Trans-Am conversion kit coming for Camaro

Pontiac is dead, but that doesn't mean that Trans-Am fans can't get the car that they dreamed of the last few years since it was announced that the Camaro would rise from the dead.

Trans Am depot will be offering body kits that transform a standard Camaro into a Trans Am. Since they were always basically Camaros with body kits anyway, this should easily appease the masses and allow some folks to differentiate themselves from the masses.

Press Release

Phoenix T/A

Like its mythical namesake that rose from the ashes to a new life, the Trans Am of yesteryear has been born again... the Phoenix T/A. If it is true that good things come to those who wait, then we have surely been rewarded for our patience.

Trans Am Depot is pleased to announce our partnership with designer Kevin Morgan in turning a three-year dream into reality. We, like many of you, have lusted over Kevin's retro interpretation of the '77 - '78 Trans Am based on the 2010 Camaro platform. We began early last year discussing the idea of how we might work together to bring this vision to life.

Phoenix T/A Currently, we are completing a one-off Kevin Morgan "Trans Am" Concept, which we intend to unveil at the 2009 Trans Am Nationals. The concept will be followed by the first production conversion later this year. It will vary from the concept car but will be an exact version of the conversion kits we will hope to be offering this fall. We are working closely with a Detroit auto design firm to bring this kit to market. We will be offering everything from the body conversion only to the limited Phoenix Edition. The kits will be available as an installed conversion only. Order details, pricing and delivery information will be coming soon. If you are interested in having a conversion performed on your Camaro or purchasing a turn-key conversion from Trans Am Depot, please fill out the customer form below.
The Phoenix conversion will include:

Exterior

1' - 1.5' Lowering Kit w/sway bar handling upgrade
Wheels & Tires
Front: 20x9.5x120 CB-66.9 Gold or Silver Machined Face Snowflake Wheels. PIRELLI PZERO 275/45ZR20
Rear: 20x11.5x120 CB-66.9 Gold or Silver Machined Face Snowflake Wheels. PIRELLI PZERO 305/35ZR20
Hood
Shaker Scoop
Fender Extractors
Exhaust Conversion w/ splitter tips
Rear Fascia Clip w/tail lamp lenses and bulbs
Rear Spoiler
TA Graphic Package


Interior

Embroded Head Rest and Console Lid - KM Graphic Punch
Turned Aluminum Door Panel
Turned Aluminum Dash Inserts
Turned Aluminum Instrument Cluster
Door Panel Badges
T/A SN Badge and Designation

The fastest car in Europe, a 252 MPH Pontiac Trans Am

One would imagine that the fastest car in Europe would be some form of super car, an exotic such as a Lambo or Ferrari. But one would be wrong, as the car that lays claim to that title is actually a 1987 Trans Am.



Not your average Trans Am, of course. This one is complete with 1400 horsepower, and the goods to back up all that power. The 8.9 litre V8 has officially been clocked at a startling 407 kph, or 252 miles per hour.



Needless to say, there isn't much that is stock about this car. Built by Polly Motorsport of Norway, there's a wealth of expertise under the normal looking skin. And the best part is that the car is allegedly street legal!



Check out the video here.



Subject: Fastest street legal official road car in Europe!



A 1987 Trans Am fastest official street legal road car in Europe!



Paul brought his Pontiac to the Papenburg car testing track, one of the newest and most advanced test tracks in the world. Mercedes where testing their new AMG sports models the same day as Pal was going for his personal speed record. Some engineers from AMG team criticized the optimistic Norwegian team for bringing an 80's trimmed American car to this super test track for the advanced European supercars. But what they didn't quite comprehend is that Pal Arvil Blytt and his Polly motorsport team from Norway works at a motor tuner garage in Godvik Norway and most important of all nothing more than the shell of this car resembles the stock Pontiac. With a brisk 8.9L V8 producing a whopping 1407 HP, Pal was soon doing AMG top speeds of 300km/h in his warming laps. After driving a couple of rounds around the track, Paul felt ready to see what his road machine would do! And after pressing the pedal to the metal the ARP technician Christoph Tharrey came over with his laptop computer with a big grin. Here we have the official numbers: 407.134 km/h



You may say well the 9FF team drove 409km/h in an extremely rebuilt Porsche 911 at the same track; this speed was recorded with their own equipment and therefore can be fixed and therefore is not recorded as an official speed record. Bugatti Veyron 407km/h is also recorded with their own equipment.



As the Papenburg track is to small for the Pontiac to reach its potential top speed of 435km/h and Volkswagen's test track costs 25.000 Euro an hour to rent. Paul is bringing his road legal car to the US in 2009 to challenge Shelby supercars official record of 412km/h.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP priced at $39,995, ST dead?

Nothing like a little good news offset by some bad news in the same day. On a positive note, Pontiac has announced that it's BMW-like G8 GXP will start out at a very reasonable $39,995.



That price includes a $1700 gas guzzler tax and $685 destination fee in the base automatic equipped sedan. The six speed manual will cost an additional $695, and seriously, who wouldn't opt to row their own?



Fuel economy is of course not stellar, coming in at 13mpg city and 20mpg on the highway. But of course there is a price to pay for all that pavement scorching fun, especially as you repeatedly outrun more expensive and exotic cars in stoplight mayhem. All with three passengers comfortably in tow.



And, now for the bad news. Much to the chagrin of El Camino lovers everywhere, the G8 ST will likely live a short life. There have been several rumors coming out of Detroit, along with hints that GM would kill Pontiac altogether. There has also been speculation that it would indeed live on, but only with around half of it's current lineup.



Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, has stated that the G8 sport trucks lifespan could be short, saying "We would be foolish if we didn't take a second look at whether or not that is the right thing to do."



In a separate article, Docherty goes even further and suggests Pontiac's lineup could be pared down from six vehicles to a single nameplate. According to Docherty, "We are not going to spend tons of money on product development" for Pontiac and that the Pontiac Torrent will be dropped for 2009.



So what will Pontiac be selling? According to Docherty, the G8 is the most likely candidate for GM's performance brand, and that the ideal future for Pontiac would be "very focused, very specialty or niche."

MT's first test 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Your bargain priced BMW M5 has almost arrived, and Motor Trend has just taken it out for a first drive. It's amazing that anyone and everyone that has had a chance to drive the GXP compares the $40K car to the previous generation $70K M5, but the proof is in the pudding.



By now, you know the G8 is based on GM global rear-drive-chassis architecture born and bred in Australia. The base V-6 and 361-horse V-8 GT versions are currently on sale and playing to solid reviews. The GXP is the only version you can get with a six speed stick, currently. The G8 wasn't designed or built in Detroit, but it's a true Pontiac, and variations on this theme are sold as Holdens, Daewoos, Opels, Vauxhalls-even Buicks in China and Chevys in the Middle East.



Under the hood is the latest version of the venerable Chevy small block, the LS3. Measuring out at 4.2 liters, it grunts out 415 horsepower and as much torque. Only the ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-v's supercharged version put out more power from the factory right now. The GXP even runs on regular gas, but it will carry a gas guzzler tax with it.



With all the added power additional upgrades are a no brainer. Increased stopping power comes from Brembo brake calipers, clamping 14.0-inch rotors front and 12.8-inchers aft. The already competent GT suspension is tuned for the GXP. the biggest change is larger front and rear anti-roll bars. The shocks are stiffer, and the rear balljoints are revised. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, as is summer-rated performance rubber (all season tires are also available). Calibration of the power rack-and-pinion steering is unchanged.



Styling updates are minor. The front and rear fascias are GXP-specific. Overall the car has a stronger, more muscular look, without giving it away as anything too special in those stoplight races.



Inside you'll find bolstered seats that hold you in place for the ride. Rubber trimmed pedals and a thickly padded steering wheels wrap up the interior mods.



The GXP is slightly bigger and heavier than the previous generation M5, but beats it in performance. The previous-gen M5 ran 0-to-60 in 4.5 seconds; the manual trans G8 GXPs match that. The Bimmer grips to 0.84 g on the skidpad, the Pontiacs stick to 0.88-0.90 g. The BMW stops from 60-0 in 116 feet, the Pontiacs from 111-117.



Overall, the G8 GXP represents a great value, and a nice car all around. It is by no means a world beater, but where else will be find it's level of luxury and performance for the price?



2009 PONTIAC G8 GXP

Base price $39,900 (est)

Price as tested $41,500 (6M, est), $40,800 (6A, est)

Vehicle layout Front-engine, RWD 5-pass, 4-door sedan

Engine 6.2L/415-hp*/415-lb-ft* OHV 16-valve V-8

Transmission 6-speed manual

Curb weight (f/r dist) 3969 lb (52/48%)

Wheelbase 114.8 in

Length x width x height 196.1 x 74.8 x 57.7 in

0-60 mph 4.5 sec

Quarter mile 13.0 sec @ 109.6 mph

Braking, 60-0 mph 117 ft

Lateral acceleration 0.90 g (avg)

MT Figure Eight 26.4 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)

EPA city/hwy fuel econ Not yet rated

On sale in U.S. February 2009

*SAE certified

Pontiac G8 GXP laps Nurburgring in 8:30

The G8 GXP has garnered some serious love from the press and those lucky enough to drive it first hand. The ride has been called a "budget E39 M5" by several folks. And the comparisons may be well deserved, as Der Auto Inshiderfahvenberger is reporting that the GXP ran around the 'Ring in 8:30 -- a mere two seconds off the E39M5's time.



The run was supposedly set by one of the GXP's development engineers – not a professional driver – but as always, we're wary of any development mule setting "unofficial" lap times, particularly when a roll cage is fitted, aiding in chassis rigidity. Regardless, it's hard to argue with a four-door sedan coming in under $40-large and delivering this level of performance.

Holden Commodore conversion for Pontiac G8

General Motors has been the perpetrator of several fortunate and unfortunate badge engineering jobs over the years, and the G8 -- based off the Holden Commodore -- is the most recent example. The Aussie sedan was partially developed with American sales in mind and because of that, it doesn't take much to give your spiffy new G8 a nose job inspired by the Land Down Under. Australian firm JHP Vehicle Enhancements will sell you an entire body kit to change your G8 into a Holden for a mere, um, $4,000 if you choose to go all out in an attempt to replicate the HSV model. That's a sizable chunk of change, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Since we're less concerned with appearances, we'd just put the extra scratch towards upgrading to the GXP.

Pontiac G8 ST Concept

Pontiac's G8 will most likely not be used for hauling feed on the old cattle ranch. The concept is more utility with sport, like the El Camino of old. GM was thinking more about hauling ass than anything when designing it's concept G8 ST for SEMA.



the concept has been dolled up with goodies that may make it to the GM Accessories catalog once the G8 ST goes on sale in late 2009. The most visible enhancements are on the outside. The paint is called Liquid Hot, and custom 20-inch wheels handsomely stuff the fenders.



Making the car look more menacing is a reduced ride height, too. Inside, interior tweaks dress up the seats, the steering wheel and the shift knob with red inserts, and GM Accessories is contemplating making the custom interior trim kit and hard tonneau cover on the SEMA car available for purchase.