2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS RHD

2010 Camaro: Born Again

THE exciting new-generation Chevrolet Camaro 2SS has hit the road in Australia with"world-first" right-hand drive and full Australian Design Rule certification.

The Camaro, initially available in the range-topping 2SS variant with General Motors'LS3 6.2-litre V8 producing 318 kiloWatts, is being imported, re-engineered and sold by Performax International.

Performax International, based in Gympie, Queensland, is Australia's leading independent importer of American passenger vehicles.

Its benchmark CAD-CAD design and 3D component prototyping technology have resulted in factory-quality engineering and finish for what is understood to be the first fully-approved Camaro in a right-hand drive market.


The Camaro 2SS, with six-speed manual transmission and a comprehensive luxury package, is priced at $135,000 at current exchange rates, excluding government and on-road charges.

Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper said the Camaro is the best RHD product in the company's 20-year history and buyer interest already is strong.

"Performax International's goal with the Chevy Camaro 2SS has been not only to build it to ADR requirements, but also to provide buyers with the no-compromise driving and ownership experience they expect from a factory-new car," Mr Soper said.

"After RHD-engineering thousands of American vehicles over 20 years, we are most proud of the Camaro.

"The fit and finish quality of new components such as the the fascia, door panels, centre console, ventilation ducts, wiper cowl are outstanding.

"The coupe styling is a stunning, modern re-creation of the iconic Sixties Camaro Coke-bottle shape. It will be a standout on Australian roads."

The Camaro 2SS package includes the LS3 alloy V8 engine, matched to Tremec six-speed manual transmission, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, high-performance Brembo brakes with four-piston aluminium calipers, leather heated seats with driver's six-way power adjustment, cruise control, Bluetooth, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Boston Acoustic 245 Watt stereo system with nine speakers and auxiliary/USB input jacks, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and front, side and head-curtain airbags.

A six-speed automatic transmission version with an LS3-based L99 299 kW engine equipped with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management is also available.


Camaro: The Evolution of Muscle

THE 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS is a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st century, combining great looks and performance, advanced technology and sur- prising efficiency.

It is a product of GM's global development process, having been conceived in the United States; engineered by the global rear-wheel drive team at Holden in Aus- tralia and tested on roads around the world. It is assembled GM's Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada.

And the process has returned to Australia for the unique right-hand drive engi- neering performed independently by Performax International.

The Chevy Camaro was launched in September 1966 with a 1967 model de- signed to do sales battle with the Ford Mustang. It helped start the unforgettable muscle car era.

Cars quickly found their way on to the race track, drivers such as Mark Donohue and Sam Posey recording successes that established the Camaro as a true sports machine.


The second generation, built from 1970 to 1981, featured the iconic Z28 perfor- mance package. The car's performance potential was recognised by Australian racing drivers including Kevin Bartlett.

"KB" put his thundering Channel 9 Camaro on the Bathurst 1000 pole position in 1980 and 1981, but its most celebrated performance was a spectacular rollover on top of the mountain during the 1982 event.

(Today, Bartlett is a big fan of the 2010 Performax International Camaro."It's a great piece of gear and the right-hand drive conversion has been done absolutely without compromise," the retired touring car legend commented after a recent test drive.)

The third-generation Camaro was built between 1982 and 1992. Generation four lasted until 2002, when slowing sales and other factors at GM saw the iconic nameplate shelved.

The Camaro's revival with a fifth generation launched last March in the United States has again stimulated a sale and performance race with the Ford Mustang, a model also imported by Performax International.


Right-hand drive: The Performax DifferencePERFORMAX International is Australia's largest and most experienced independent importer of American motor vehicles, providing owners with unparalleled quality and confidence.

Established in 1989 as Corvette Queensland, it has delivered thousands of right- hand drive cars, pick-ups and off-road vehicles from its factory at Gympie on the northern Sunshine Coast of Queensland.

It has established a strong relationship not only with customers seeking a distinctive performance or special-purpose vehicle, but also with Federal and State authorities to which it has demonstrated consistent, quality solutions to Australian Design Rules compliance.

After securing a contract to supply the Victorian ambulance service, the company soon diverged into supplying Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierra pick-ups.

These vehicles, with 4.5-tonne towing capacity, continue to be a significant part of the Performax International product line-up.

With the introduction of a Government-regulated industry, Performax International began to acquire accreditation for a wide range of vehicle types such as the Chevy Corvette, Camaro Suburban, Denali and Tahoe, GMC Sierra and Yukon, Hummer H2, Ford Mustang and Plymouth Prowler.

The company also moved into the RV market with the introduction of the Indiana- built CrossRoads 5th-wheel vans to the Australian market.


In addition to the new Chevy Camaro, Performax International also currently imports new from the US, engineers to RHD and sells –

•Corvette C6, (from $150,000), Z06 (from $220,000), ZR1 (from $350,000)
•Hummer H2 (from $170,000)
•Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, fitted with 6.6-litre Duramax 895 Nm torque turbodiesel V8 (from $105,000)
•Mustang GT (from $119,000), Mustang Shelby GT500 (from $150,000)
•CrossRoads Cruiser 5th-wheel vans (from $119,990)

It also undertakes customer-ordered conversions on Chevy Camaro, Corvette C5, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Plymouth Prowler.

Current new projects under way are the first examples of the sensational Chevy Corvette ZR1 and the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

Performax International has pioneered use of the latest technology in its industry in Australia, ensuring OEM-comparable right-hand drive vehicles of unmatched quality.


"That's what we call The Performax Difference," company General Manager Glenn Soper said.

"Our components are CAD-drawn or scanned using our laser scanner, reverse- engineered, then reproduced in a three-dimensional article and tested for fit and finish.

"When the article is complete, a mould is then made and the item can then be ‘shot' with our plastic-injection moulding machine, producing factory-comparable components that clip or bolt in as per the original article.

"All components are a bolt-in part, part-numbered and 100 percent consistent. Nothing is hand-made and no component is made as a one-off."

All vehicles carry full Australian Design Rule compliance, with work performed in- house to certified ISO Quality Assurance standards.

Performax International currently employs 40 people with a variety of specialist skills. They include engineers with CAD-CAM ability, who design new components required for RHD engineering and supervise the ADR compliance process.


Vehicles are converted mostly under the Commonwealth-administered Regulated Accredited Workshop Scheme (RAWS), which allows up to 100 vehicles per category.

Performax International also is able to operate under the Low Volume New Vehicle importation scheme.

V8 Star Lee Holdsworth gets the keysV8 SUPERCAR rising star Lee Holdsworth will be attracting attention for not only his on-track performances this season. He'll also have a road car the envy of his racing rivals, a new Chevrolet Camaro SS from Performax International.

Lee, 27, accepted the keys to his 2010 Camaro SS during a test session at Lakeside Park circuit, north of Brisbane, today.

He'll use the car as his daily driver at home in Melbourne, where he's based with the Garry Rogers Motorsport Holden team, and to attend various events.

At October's Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panoramax, the Camaro will be joined in the competitors' paddock by a Performax International Chevrolet Silverado sports truck and CrossRoads Cruiser 5th-wheel van, which will provide a luxurious refuge from the stresses of Lee's biggest weekend of the year.


Performax International, based at Gympie on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, is Australia's leading independent importer and converter of United States-built passenger vehicles.

It has launched what is said to be the world's first right-hand drive version of the new-generation Camaro, fully-engineered in-house and certified under Australian Design Rules.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be driving the Camaro and can't wait to have it in my driveway," Lee said.

"It's not only a great-looking muscle car, but also a seriously good drive as I discovered at Lakeside.

"The handling is excellent and that Chevy LS3 alloy V8 really punches it out of the corners. It's a traditional muscle car that is also a real sports car.

"And the right-hand drive conversion is a first-class job of design, engineering and finish by Performax International. It's factory-quality."

Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper handed the Camaro's keys to Lee.


"Lee is a fine young race driver with a strong public following and he'll be an outstanding asset in showcasing the Chevy Camaro SS and the capabilities of Performax International," Mr Soper said.

"We wish him great success in his new season with Garry Rogers Motorsport and many enjoyable kilometres at the wheel of his Camaro."

Lee Holdsworth joined Garry Rogers Motorsport in season 2006 and recently extended his contract until the end of 2011.

He has posted some impressive results, including a maiden V8 Supercar win in 2007 and his first pole position at the inaugural Townsville 400 last year. He finished third at Bathurst last October, paired with Michael Caruso.

Glenn Soper appointed General Manager of Performax InternationalPERFORMAX International, Australia's leading importer and converter of new US- built motor vehicles, has appointed Glenn Soper as its new General Manager.

Mr Soper joined the Gympie-based company in early February.

He brings more than 25 years' motor industry experience in management, sales, aftersales and dealer development, during which he acquired a wealth of knowledge in dealer operations, process development, training and fixed operations.

Mr Soper has worked in markets including Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific and South Pacific regions.

Most recently he was New South Wales Regional Manager for Renault Australia and previously worked with Holden, Ford sales and service in Thailand, Bentley, global automotive consulting group MXSI, Papua New Guinea Toyota distributor Toyota Tsusho and Pentana Solutions (formerly Reynolds & Reynolds).

Mr Soper succeeds former General Manager Nicholas Vandenberg, who has resigned to start his own business.

Performax International Managing Directors Greg Waters and Brian Learoyd welcomed Mr Soper and paid tribute to the achievements of Mr Vandenberg. "Glenn's wide mainstream motor industry experience will be invaluable as Performax International faces the most exciting opportunities in its 20-year history," Mr Waters said.

"These opportunities will be the result of having developed our design, engineering and production capabilities to be the best in the conversion industry during Nick Vandenberg's time as General Manager."
Photos: carscoop

Spy Shots: Ford Australia tests Verve based small car

After exclusive spy pictures of Ford Australia testing the upcoming Ford Ranger/Mazda BT-50, our spy guy has now snapped some interesting photos of Ford Australia testing a new small car based on the Ford Verve concept.


The car seen in these spy shots is clearly disguised as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta, but it's believed that this new machine may actually be a production version of the Ford Verve concept that was first introduced back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.


If it ever reaches production, it's likely that the Verve will feature a range of gasoline and diesel engines varying in size from 1.2- to 1.5-liters. According to Car Advice, this new hatchback is expected to get a formal green-light from Ford sometime in mid-2010 en-route to production a few months later. For what it's worth, we don't expect to see this car come Stateside, as America will already have the new Fiesta subcompact followed by a new global Focus.


Fitted with petrol and diesel variants, the new small car will be built in both sedan and hatchback versions. Petrol variants of the new small car are likely to receive a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, while the diesel variants pictured will receive 1.5-litre diesel engines.
via:caradvice

Mazda 3 MPS Extreme at AIMS

210 kW Mazda3 MPS

The Mazda3 MPS just got a bit more exciting, Mazda Australia Motorsport today showed their third installment in their extreme line-up at the Australian International Motor Show, the Mazda 3 MPS Extreme. The Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) Extreme is based on the Sports Pack equiped Mazda 3 MPS, but with about 20% more power from the 2.3 liter DISI Turbo engine which now peaks at 210 kW (282 hp) with 425 Nm of torque instead of 190 kW (255 hp). Main attributor to the power increase is a recalculation of the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

The suspension has been redesigned by Coote (whose suspension systems are used on Mazda rally and racing cars) and is lowered by 25mm for an even more aggressive stance. 19 inch BBS Motorsport wheels with Dunlop Sports (225/35ZR19) rubber complete the underpinnings. The brake system has been taken from the regular Mazda3 MPS (320mm ventilated front discs and 280mm rear brakes) and comes with ABS, EBD (electronic brake distribution) and electronic brake assist.


Mazda has painted the Mazda 3 MPS Extreme in True Red with black stripes, roof and rear spoiler. The wheels arches have been extended to make room for the larger 19 inch wheels and the windows have been tinted. The black and red theme continues inside where the leather upholstery is black with red accents.

“Mazda Australia, under the direction of Allan Horsley, has an excellent reputation of pushing the envelope in the design and modification of high-performance cars,” says Mazda Australia’s managing director Doug Dickson. Allan Horsley has been the brains behind the 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP (homologated version of the 1991 Bathurst car) and 2002 MX-5 SP variants.

Source: Mazda Motor Corporation

Volkswagen Touareg R50: In Detail

Debut at AIMS

While we wait for the English translation of today's press release we can reveal to you the 'generous' power increase of the Touareg R50 over its original version. Volkswagen has squeezed 37 extra horsepower out of the 5.0 liter V10 TDI. Last week we brought you the teaser article where VW claimed that the R50 would be one of the most powerful SUV's on the road, and with 350 hp it is but there are a fair few who beat the R50 at its own horsepower game (ie Cayenne Turbo, G 55, etc).

The Touareg R50 is powered by Volkswagen's 5.0 liter V10 TDI diesel engine producing 258 kW / 350 hp (at 3500 rpm) with 850 Nm of torque (available at 2000 rpm). This is a 37 hp increase over the regular V10 TDI which results in a 6,7 seconds 0 – 100 km/h sprint and a top speed of 235 km/h. Fuel consumption comes to 12,6 liter / 100 km for combined driving conditions and 9,6 liter per 100 km for highway driving.

Volkswagen Individual has designed some new parts for the Touareg R50 exterior and interior. Starting with 21 inch wheels, black brake calipers, widened wheel arches, new side skirts, new bumper and modified grille in Chrome and matt finish. The Biscay Blue paint will be exclusive to the R50, the VW R-range is known for its blue color, but the R50 will also be available in Campanella White, Reflex Silver, Black Magic and Atacam Grey.

The new suspension system drops the SUV by 20mm and if you switch the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission to sport mode the suspension will stiffen for a 'sportier' ride. Inside you will find the mandatory badges on the headrests and (inside) door frames, the instrument and center console receive the “Engine Spin Hell” treatment (which the R36 also received) and metal gas and brake pedals.

Sales will commence in Germany in November with a starting price of EURO 88,260.

Press Release

Volkswagen Touareg R50 in Detail

* Touareg R50: First Volkswagen world premiere in Australia
* Powerful engine: V10 TDI develops 350 PS and 850 Newton-meter of torque
* Powerful concept: Unique and exclusive features from Volkswagen Individual

In a world premiere, Volkswagen is presenting the new Touareg R50 at the Australian International Motor Show. Serving up a powerful 258 kW / 350 PS (at 3,500 rpm), this new Volkswagen is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. It was developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH. After the legendary Golf R32 and the Passat R36 – recently shown in Frankfurt at the IAA 2007 – Volkswagen is now presenting its third model under the sporty “R” label, the Touareg R50. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive guaranteeing optimal traction.
The R50 Engine

The excellent driving dynamics of the Touareg R50 are less the result of pure top acceleration values than of torque levels that are nearly unattainable by the competition. At just 2,000 rpm the SUV’s ten-cylinder TDI develops a maximum torque of 850 Newton-meter. This means that every gear and speed range offers torque-laden power like no other SUV.

The bi-turbo diesel of the Touareg R50 was derived from the familiar V10 TDI with 230 kW / 313 PS. Adjustments to its bi-turbo charging and modified engine management made it possible to boost engine power by 28 kW / 37 PS and increase torque by a considerable 100 Newton-meter. Under these new performance parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds (standard production SUV: 7.4 seconds). Its top speed is 235 km/h. Compared to similarly powered petrol engines, the fuel consumption of the ten-cylinder diesel engine is low: On the motorway consumption is 9.6 litres, and its combined fuel economy is 12,6 litres. Despite the big plus in performance and torque, the fuel consumption rates have remained constant.
Overview of R50 Features

Apart from an increase in performance, Volkswagen Indivi­dual GmbH designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy. From the outside, the new Touareg R50 is easily recognizable with its 21-inch Omanyt-type alloy wheels with 295 tyres, blue painted brake callipers, discrete wheel well flares and independent bumpers. Inside, the features include a sports seat system in anthracite coloured napa leather with integrated R50 logo in the headrests.

The dark interior design is a particularly harmonious complement to the Biscay Blue exterior colour that was specially developed for the Touareg R50. Blue hues of this type have been typical of power-boosted Volkswagen R models since the first Golf R32 in 2002. Optional car colours on the Touareg R50 are Campanella White, Reflex Silver, Black Magic and Atacama Grey.
R50 Exterior Features

As part of its standard worldwide features, the Touareg R50 will be delivered with a Sport design package in what is known as the R Look. It clearly highlights the dynamic character of the most powerful European diesel SUV. The design package for the front includes the radiator grille typical of the R models in matt chrome with dual chrome fins. The lower radiator air inlet sports a grille in a honeycomb look. This look is also applied to the screen in front of the two intercoolers (on the left and right under the headlamps) and the fog lamp surrounds. Distinctive: The crosspiece of the front spoiler in Reflex Silver. The front skirt also exhibits an independent design.

Part of the Sport design package are the colour coded wheel well and side skirt flares as well as flaps – aerodynamic components near the front and rear axles. The most powerful diesel Touareg is also clearly recognized as an R model at its rear end. Here it is the colour coded roof edge spoiler, the distinctive bumper with diffuser in Reflex Silver and oval tailpipes that round up the Sport design package. In addition, the R50 badge on the tailgate and the radiator grille draw attention to the Touareg TDI. Also as standard: Tinted rear windows (65 percent light-absorbing, starting at the pillars) and bi-xenon headlights.

The exclusive standard features also include an air-suspension sports chassis being introduced for the first time in 2007 on the new Touareg generation. The driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation and a chassis lowered by twenty millimetres complement the existing Sport mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension with a stiffer spring rate. Important: In the suspension’s comfort mode, driving comfort remains just as good as on versions without sports chassis.
R50 Interior Features

The interior of the Touareg – with its timeless clarity and high-end design from the factory – was further refined and tuned for the R50. Anthracite coloured napa leather distinguishes the standard sports seating system with R50 logo in the headrests. The logo is also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Working with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-coloured engine spin decor of the interior – a metallic ­structure similar to that previously used on race cars – as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals.

An R logo decorates the gearshift lever for the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features of the Touareg R50 also include a Winter package (including heated seats at outer seating positions in the rear), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column and seatbelt height), a net partition behind the rear seats and a ski bag.
High-End R50 Safety Features

ABSplus: This is an innovative new system developed by Volkswagen. The technology shortens the braking distance of the Touareg R50 on loose surfaces – that is, especially in off-road operation – by up to 20 percent! A clear gain in safety!

Driving dynamics package with roll compensation: The R50 is equipped with an innovative sport chassis. The so-called Driving Dynamics Package with roll compensation supplements the already existing Sport mode of the manually and automatically controlled air suspension by adding a stiffer spring characteristic. The system counteracts body roll of the car when cornering by actuating the electronically controlled dampers.

Rear Assist rear-view camera: As an optional feature, Volks­wagen is offering a rear-view camera. The wide-angle camera is located on the tailgate, to the upper right of the license plate. It transmits a real image to the navigation system display. Even small obstacles are easily recognized in the area below window visibility limits. To make manoeuvring easier, the display also shows the vehicle’s path in response to steering inputs.
Overview of the R Models

With the first R model in 2002, the R32 (177 kW / 241 PS) which is based on the fourth generation best­selling Golf, Volkswagen already satisfied wishes for an exclusively equipped top-end Golf with a very impressive powerplant. 14,000 units were sold globally, far more than expected.

This success generated the vision of developing an entire series of R models for the future – a job well-suited to Volkswagen Individual GmbH. In 2005, the second version Golf R32 made its debut, equipped with a powerful 184 kW / 250 PS engine and standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The Passat R36 captivates with its remarkable understatement. The most powerful Passat of all times is driven by a 3.6 litre displacement V6 direct-injection gasoline engine (3.6 FSI) with 220 kW / 300 PS.
Source: Volkswagen Group




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