My FH5 Log: Bathurst Legend

Obtained from Forza Horizon 5's Rami's Racing History Storm Season Playlist, the iconic HDT VK Commodore Group A is now joining the party, and looks like I'm going to have some one-on-one with the Bathurst legend that cemented Peter Geoffrey Brock to one of the all-time-racing greats.

Based on the VK Holden Commodore, the homologation version built by the Holden Dealer Team was originally limited to 500 units but they've built two more. Painted in Formula Blue exterior color, the Group A VK Commodore is equipped with a special body kit as well as a 4.9L V8 engine that produces 260hp of power.

With a quick introduction done, it's time to get down and dirty with the Bathurst legend because...well, it's Aussie rules after all. Roll the tape!

Scarred for life but it barely made it to victory lane. What a true legend this is.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: Hella Yellah

The last Holden in the Series 25 update is the HSV VS GTS-R, a V8-powered monster saloon that is known to be one of the rarest machines to exist only in the Land Down Under and now that I got my hands on this rare beast, it's time for explanations.



Based on the VS Commodore, the HSV GTS-R is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine, which is a 5.0L engine improved by the folks from Harrop Engineering, producing 215kW of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a Hydratrak LSD.

In terms of design, the GTS-R features three-spoke wheels finished in charcoal, rear wing inspired from its V8 Supercar racing machine, carbon-fiber panels, yellow cloth inserts in the interior, and only one exterior color offered in this car: XU-3 Yellah.



With the quick explanation done and since I'm on my well-deserved break from Festival activities, time to take the GTS-R for a little street scene to see what's like to drive one of the rarest Aussie beasts ever existed.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: VL Commodore Group A SV

Forza Horizon 4's tribute to the soon-to-be-axed Australian motoring great, Holden, continues with the second additional car on the Series 25 update; the Holden VL Commodore Group A SV, the car that signaled the birth of Holden Special Vehicles division.



Based on the VL Commodore saloon, the SV is a special model featuring a special bodykit courtesy of TWR, which reduces drag by over 25% over the previous HDT SS Group A. The 5.0L V8 engine, producing 241HP of power, has been improved to withstand racing conditions.

It was limited to 500 units, due to homologation regulations, and it's only available in Panorama Silver exterior color, but due to demand, an additional 250 units were made.

After many failed attempts in racing since its 1988 motorsport debut, a race-spec VL scored a win in the 1990 Tooheys 1000 by Win Percy and Allan Grice, as well as the 1990 Nissan Sydney 500 by Perkins and Tomas Mezera in a privately entered car.



With the quick intro done, let's head to Fortune Island and give this VL Commodore a twist and shout just like the good old days.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your ride!

Forza Horizon 4: HSV E Series 3 GTS

The recent Forza Horizon 4 series update pays tribute to Holden, the Australian carmaker that is set to be disappeared at the end of the year following General Motors' decision to stop selling their cars in the right-hand drive market. The first one on the list is the HSV E Series 3 GTS.

The E Series 3 version of the VE Commodore-based HSV GTS is powered by a Corvette-derived 6.2L V8 engine producing 437hp of power and 405ft-lb of torque, while mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It can get through 0-60mph in under five seconds. The E Series 3 GTS features the same features as the E Series 2 but with added features such as Enhanced Driver Interface, Liquid Propane Injection, and Side Blind Zone Alert. It features the same look as the Series 2 but with a revised interior.

With the quick introduction done, let's give the E Series 3 GTS a quick roar on the meadows to see what's like living with an Aussie great.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

New Buick Regal Sportback and TourX

Following the Europeans launching the all-new second-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia range, it looks like Buick, General Motors' semi-luxury car brand, is not far behind because they decided to borrow one of these for the all-new Buick Regal and while that sounds good news, it can also be bad news because thanks to PSA, it looks like this is the last time Buick will borrow the Insignia as a Regal. After that, it's no more, and that's kind of sad.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback

2018 Buick Regal TourX

While lamenting that this is the last time Buick will borrow the Opel Insignia as the Regal following Opel's acquisition by PSA, this Euro import Buick Regal now comes with two new body styles to choose from such as the five-door Sportback and the first-ever sport utility wagon called the TourX. Yep, America's back at selling wagons as crossovers like the Subaru Outback, the Audi A4 allroad, and the VW Golf Alltrack but seriously, this is the first time an American car brand selling a station wagon since the forgettable Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. Sure, it maybe a wagon but they call it an SUV because station wagons are a forbidden fruit on American roads.

Anyway, for a quick refresher, the new Regal range, like the new Insignia, traces its looks from the Mazda Atenza and while this is basically a European copycat of the Mazda Atenza, there are many things that your Mazda doesn't have, even performance but that comes later because let's step inside to see what's what.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback interior

Like the new Insignia, the new Regal's interior may have been as similar to the outgoing model but it's now surprisingly spacious than before so people at the back can get themselves accommodated and as for boot space, the trunk volume of 490 to 1,450 litres makes it enough to accommodate most of your grocery shopping stuff of the day. In the TourX, you can fill up to 1,665 liters of cargo space with everything to your heart's content. Also, the new Regal offers some basic General Motors goodies such as the available OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot, meaning there's so much to make topics online while driving one as well has letting the kids at the back binge watch some cartoons. Now that's luxury done right for the new Regal.

For most variants, the sole engine is the 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 250HP of power and 295 lb.-ft. while mated to an 8-speed AT. Not only this engine provides high performance by midsize car standards but it's surprisingly sporty enough for a Buick because of its 5-link rear suspension and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive that behaves pretty much like the Ford Focus RS in lesser ways.

2018 Buick Regal GS

If you want more, there's the sporty GS variant which features some bits and bobs from the Insignia GSi, including the recalibrated all-wheel drive system but unlike the GSi, the Regal GS is powered by a more powerful 3.6L, 310-HP V6 Engine mated to a 9-speed AT. How come the Europeans withdraw such a powerful offering? Well, no one knows but in Australia's case, the Regal GS will be their Commodore VXR, and that makes it super unfair. Still, since this the Buick Regal, the GS will be the next best thing since the Ford Focus RS because with such powerful dynamics, it can even upset an Audi S4 in a pinch and it could become your favorite Buick for the time being.

What about safety? While the Insignia it was based on comes with a 360-degree camera, Rear View Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Alert, Traffic Sign Assist, and a wide range of radar and camera-based automatic assistance, the new Regal is limited to Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. That sounds odd but that's payback for not offering the most powerful variant to European roads.

Price? The Regal Sportback is priced at 24,990 US Dollars (Php 1.25 million), which is cheaper than the previous model it replaces, while the TourX starts at 29,070 US Dollars (Php 1.453 million), which is more affordable than the made-in-China Envision, which isn't bad for a sport utility wagon that competes with the Audi A4 allroad in a pinch.

Sure, the new Regal may be different than the Insignia it was based on, apart from the Regal GS variant that massively produces more than the Insignia GSi it was based on, but differences aside, the Regal is proven to be a decent contender to the Audi A4 because with Focus RS-like dynamics thanks to its clever all-wheel drive system, it can lick the A4 goodbye in a pinch and it's fair value so you can afford one as well.

It's ashamed that it could be the last Insignia-based Regal ever made following Opel being taken over by the French but as the future remains uncertain, let's be thankful that General Motors still sell one of those and while this is basically the last car to share some General Motors components across the Atlantic, now it will be the ideal time try out the newest Regal before its too late.

Photo: General Motors

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia B GSi

The GSi moniker has returned after years of being dormant since the old Corsa GSi and the first to implement the return of the legendary moniker that adorned most hot Opels (Vauxhalls) since the 80s is the latest version of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, a car fit for businessmen when they got it as a company car from a fleet.

2018 Opel Insignia Grand Sport GSi

2018 Opel Insignia Sport Tourer GSi

Why bringing back the GSi name all of the sudden? Car enthusiasts wanted to see the latest version spawning a hot version like the previous model's OPC/VXR but sadly, the PSA-owned company decided to ditch them both in favor of returning the GSi marque as the hot ship of the Insignia B range. Starting at 45,595 Euros OTR (2.734 million Php), the Insignia GSi can be offered in the choice of the five-door Grand Sport or the Estate version.

Sure, you can expect the same bits and bobs as you experienced from the normal Insignia but the GSi transforms the motorway cruiser into a posh Ford Focus ST of some sorts because of the recalibrated four-wheel drive system that behaves almost like a Focus ST because of the twin clutch differential on the real axle as well as improved suspension setup and lightweight body that weighs less than the old Insignia OPC/VXR. As a result when engaged to its exclusive Competition Mode, the GSi's dynamics are now more sensational than before and because it almost has no understeer, it won't make you binned to a pile of garbage bins while trying to handle through a corner full of garbage bins. Now that is a good mark for a car that produces less than the old Insignia OPC/VXR, perhaps no wonder they developed it to the Nurburgring just to fine tune its dynamics.

As a rule, a car that is engineered at the Nurburgring is nowhere near as good on the public roads and you can take that as a supreme compliment because there has been some tantrums about the way it behaves on public roads thanks to its Nurburgring-honed dynamics but with a little tough love, the GSi tries to show drivers that it the Nurburgring never ruined the once-known motorway cruiser fit for a fleet of company cars used at your workplace.

The GSi is powered by a choice of two engine choices such as the 2.0 DI Turbo engine and the torquier 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel, mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled via paddle shifters. The hot ship on the GSi range is the petrol engine with 260 hp of power and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds and it was electronically limited to 250kph so it sounds fair for a hot ship of the Insignia B range.

My evaluation for the GSi that even though they've gone to the beaten path to abandon the OPC/VXR moniker in favor of the GSi's return, the dynamics are worth the shot, hoping that by the time you try its recalibrated four-wheel drive system, there are slim chances that you'll get binned by the corners and it's great to have the GSi back in this motorway cruiser if you have the resources to buy one.

Photo: Opel

This is the last Australian-made car in history

A moment of silence, ladies and gentlemen, because what you're looking at is the last Australian-made car in history as Holden rolled off the last VF Series II Commodore off the Elizabeth production line, signalling the definitive end to Australian car manufacturing.

The last Holden

A thousand workers past and present have been gathered at the plant to witness the last Australian-made car in history, a red V8-powered Holden Commodore, at a private ceremony held at about 1045 hours local time.

This signals the end of Holden's almost seven decades of local manufacturing and almost a century of Australian car manufacturing. Since the FX of 1948, about 7,687,675 Holdens were produced within the last 69 years, that's more than Ford's 5.9 million production figures and Toyota's 3.4 million, both of which closed their Australian factories within the past year

Before the last Holden Commodore saloon rolled off the Elizabeth line, Holden has rolled off the last Commodore ute, the last Commodore wagon, and the last Caprice luxury car. All of these cars will be kept by Holden as museum pieces.

In Holden's near seven decade history, the fastest selling Holden of all time is the HQ Kingswood from 1971-72, of which over 485,000 were built. The fastest selling Commodore of all time is the VT model from 1997 to 1999, with over 303,000 built. In its prime, Holden has employed 23,914 workers across seven factories in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia in 1964. The number of factory workers in Elizabeth in the lead-up in the final day was 945.

Despite the factory shutdown, General Motors Holden's is pleased that 85% of their employees have either found new jobs or are training for a new career as it thanked "the partnership and assistance of the state and federal governments, along with the unions, over many years" according to their statement.

Holden will continue to sell new vehicles after the factory shutdown but the models will be sourced from across America, Europe, and Asia, including their next Commodore which is now based on the second-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia lineup.

URL: http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/here-it-is-the-last-holden-commodore-to-roll-off-the-elizabeth-production-line/news-story/1b7bdd090ddfee3628a26f69ca1e1c1d

Thank you Australia for all the best cars ever made and the best people behind those wonderful cars. Even though the Aussies have stopped making cars, they will remain the beating heart of Australian motoring for many years to come.

Photo: Holden

Forza Motorsport 7: A Ute's End

General Motors Holden is the last of the Australian car companies that remained to produce some of the best cars in the Land Down Under and with production coming to a complete end, this is the end of Australian car manufacturing as we know it but for the emotional, the one we will be missing the most when Australia stop making cars is none other than the ute and Holden is the last to make those cool-looking coupe utilities that became the trademark of Australian car manufacturing we all know and love.





Ever since the end of the Second World War, the birth of Australia's own car forever revolutionized the world of motoring and with a ute that bears the Holden marque on it, you'll know that it's truly the kind of vehicle the Aussies are proud of. Fast forward to this decade and the VF Commodore Ute became the harbinger of the end of this wonderful automotive genre that Ford started it all. Ford may be introduced the ute to the Australian motoring public but Holden became the last to make one and what we have here is the alpha and omega of Holden's ute history. Once started with the FX and ended with the VF.



What's so unique about the ute? Well, an Aussie ute combines the best cars in the world; a pickup truck, a sports car, and a sedan, combined into one unique vehicle that was mostly adorned by the Aussies when Ford was first introduced to them. You know, the Aussies aren't the ones who buck this trend, even the Americans did when they try a shot with their Chevrolet El Camino a few decades ago. It may be made to pick up some stuff during work days but when it has a day off, the ute's starting to show its true self by showing its crazy sportscar dynamics, especially when it comes with big V8 power like this HSV GTS Maloo that I'm driving.



Take this workhorse around the track and it will be an instant track toy right off the bat. That's how unique the ute is, it's all work and all play. It can do 9 to 5 stuff on the weekdays while doing most of its free time on the weekends, especially racing stuff on road and on track, and while it's sad to see the end of the ute, rest assured that this piece of Australian motoring history will never be forgotten.



To say goodbye to the Aussie ute, let's find out how much the ute progressed from beginning to end and to find out, let's pit between the FX Ute and the GEN-F GTS Maloo round Bathurst and see how much progress the ute has done through the years. Let's finish this!



And now the results...

FX Ute - 3:57.189
Maloo - 2:41.768

After almost a century, the progression rate of the Aussie ute from beginning to end just took over a minute to do so! At least, this is evolution and this is how it all ends here.



Ah, the cars of Australia. Sure, the Aussies no longer made those but with cars like these, they remain the beating heart of Australian motoring history and as we say goodbye to all-time greats like the Ford Falcon and the Holden Commodore, along with many other Aussie car greats in history, it's hard to fathom what comes next after the last of their factories shut down for good but rest assured, the rich history nine decades in the making will not be forgotten as long as they can put their pride to it.

To all the Aussies making great cars like Falcons and Commodores, I say thank you. It's been an honor to get to know about the Australian motoring industry and what it really means for Australia.

Until then, see you later, alligator!

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia B Grand Sport and Sports Tourer

The Insignia, a favorite among company car drivers and fleet decision makers across Europe, is now on its second generation and it's even more promising than ever thanks to its new look, new interior, new tech, new dynamics, and new engine choices, setting the new gold standard for midsize cars in this ever-changing landscape. So, what's new about the Insignia B range?

2018 Opel Insignia

2018 Vauxhall Insignia

2018 Vauxhall Insignia

The all-new Opel/Vauxhall Insignia range sets the new standards in the executive midsize car market by promising new and exciting features way unheard for most midsize saloons in the market and it promises world-class quality ready for the world's toughest challenges, whatever lay ahead. There are now two styles to choose from such as the Grand Sport fastback and the Sport Tourer and wherever you live, you can see one of these worldwide as either a Buick Regal or Holden Commodore, wait what? 

The new Insignia is the new Commodore in the Aussie market? Sadly, it is and because of Australia stopped making cars at the late quarter of this year, Australians will be getting the new Insignia as their new Holden NG Commodore next year and what does it mean? It's the end of Aussie muscle as we know it but let's not lament on the first-ever front-wheel drive Commodore for the Australian roads. We're talking about Insignia for the European people and in terms of design, there is a high possibility that some people may easily mistake it for a Mazda Atenza because by the looks of it, the new Insignia does look like an Atenza by all means necessary. Because the current Mazda Atenza is a good-looking midsize saloon to look at it, so is the new Insignia and mistaken identity aside, it's still very pleasant to look at one of these on the road and it's now easier to refuel because they have to ditch the old twist-off cap so drivers can refuel it quicker, easier, and without the spills.

2018 Opel Insignia interior

The inside looks rather similar to the outgoing model but because it now runs on a new platform that was used on today's Chevrolet Malibu, it's now surprisingly spacious than before so people at the back can get themselves accommodated and as for boot space, the trunk volume of 490 to 1,450 litres makes it enough to accommodate most of your grocery shopping stuff of the day as well as some stuff your grandma needs such as a walker or a wheelchair. In the Sports Tourer, meanwhile, it's been given more convenient ways to like about its boot space that can accommodate up to 1,665 litres such as the special tailgate that can be opened at the lift of your foot in case your hands are full. Because of such generous space, both the Grand Sport and the Sport Tourer are very accommodating indeed.

Regarding the tech word, both the Insignia Grand Sport and Sport Tourer now come with IntelliLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility so no matter your smartphone, these tech saves you more than just distracted driving and for occupants who are so busy doing stuff on their mobile phones, OnStar's 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot is ready for these kinds of people who want to do silly status updates on social media sites. Convenient, isn't it?

2018 Opel Insignia

2018 Opel Insignia

In terms of handling, the new Insignia, apart from its Malibu-derived platform, feels very above average for midsize saloon, in fact it is pretty good indeed for a car made for company car drivers and fleet decision makers but there's a real kicker to this new Insignia because later on, a 4x4 variant with the Torque Vectoring will make the new Insignia range very convincing for a company car because with torque vectoring on a 4x4 Insignia, you might almost have the same driving impression as the Ford Focus RS and that makes it from pretty good to very good if you got the chance to sample its clever four-wheel drive powertrain that works like a Ford Focus RS in every tangible way. Yes, please.

The choice of engines at launch comes with a 1.5L DI Turbo and a 1.5L ECOTEC DI Turbo but later on, a 2.0L turbo, 1.6L diesel (with or without ECOTEC), and a 2.0L diesel may follow, and depending on the choice of engines, they can be mated with either a 6-speed AT, MT, or even an 8-speed AT at a later date. Most of the engines are made out of aluminum and because these engines are very light indeed, they are contributed to such better fuel efficiency fit for today's roads. It may not be much to satisfy your driving style but they're very decent enough for a midsize car like this.

To keep the new Insignia well-suited for today's driving conditions, it's been given a host of safety features such as a brand new 360-degree camera, Rear View Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Alert, Traffic Sign Assist, and a wide range of radar and camera-based automatic assistance for a safe driving feel that will satisfy most of health and safety standards.

Should you buy one? The new Insignia starts from 25,940 Euros (17,185 GBP) for the Grand Sport fastback while the Sports Tourer costs 26,940 Euros (18,685 GBP). That sounds like great value for money for a pretty good executive saloon fit enough to become the ideal car for company car drivers and fleet decision makers but the new Insignia is more than just being a company car, it's an ideal family car fit for day-to-day use and it's starting to gain shape with all these new features but demonstrating its world-class capabilities is yet to be seen but I'm sure that for the rest of the world, it feels fine for a midsize saloon of this caliber but for the Australians getting one next year as the new Holden Commodore, that's going to be a very different story that should be taken very seriously.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Forza Horizon 3: The first Holden in history

In Forza Horizon 3's Mountain Dew Car Pack, here's the car Aussies forever worshipped for because to them, this is the genesis of what is known as "Australian's Own Car," Holden, and this is how it all began, the Holden 48-215, known by the chassis code as FX.



I knew this moment will come because as car production in Australia is nearing its end within a few months, it's a clear reminder that we should look back at the cars that became the forefront of Australian car production and nothing is more important than the FX Holden, the car that started it all. So, where did it all began? Let me go back to the beginning.

The year was 1945, in the climax of the Second World War, when the Australian Government urges the establishment of full-scale Australian motor manufacturing history and while Ford's presence in Australia is all in all at the moment, they demand Australia to have its own car maker and once such thing that steps up to the challenge is none other than General Motors Holden's. Two years later, in November 29th, 1948, Prime Minister Ben Chifley launched "Australia's Own Car," Holden.

The first Holden would officially be known as the 48-215 but they decided to call it just Holden and when it was replaced by its FJ successor, it was unofficially known as the FX Holden because it was never been used by Holden in such purpose. Since it was launched in 1948, General Motors Holden's managed to produce 10 Holdens a day, and over 75 million Australian Pounds were spent for expansion programs to enlarge and improve their facilities across Australia.

Despite being influenced by American styling, the Holden is 99% Australian through and through because nobody understands Australian driving conditions more than GMH. Under the bonnet lies a 132.5cu (2.2L) cast-iron 6-cylinder engine mated to a 3-speed manual gearbox. It produces 60HP of power and does a 0-97kph time of 18.7 seconds. Because this car is suitable enough to tackle Australian driving conditions, it's rugged enough to tackle the remote outback because of its dust-proof body and unique dynamics capable to handle such conditions.



I already driven the ute version of the Holden FX and with the saloon version of the very first Holden ever made, it all makes sense now that for a country that loves football, meat pies, and kangaroos, almost every Australian in the Land Down Under considered Holden to be the nation's favorite car because it really is Australia's driving future.

It's hard to say that if Holden celebrates its 70 anniversary next year, it will be sad because with car production well and truly over and their range is mostly imported from all parts of the world, including the next Commodore which is now based on the German-made Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, what would Aussies think about Holden now since they have no Aussie-made car on their lineup, but the important thing is that without it, Holden will not exist as a carmaker and Australia became heavily influenced by Ford.



I guess it's time to owe this first Holden a heartfelt thanks by calling out anyone who loves the FX Holden for a little gathering of some sorts. Holden has been with us for almost seven decades thanks to this car built for Australian driving conditions and to celebrate, let's take the FX Holden for a race against other FX Holden lovers while dealing with typical Australian driving conditions. This should be very interesting.



I may have overcooked a bit but I am very proud that I feel like an Australian with the knack for football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars and it all makes sense to me now that this is the car that made Australia became part of the globally-competitive environment, helped Australia through its industrial maturity, stepped up engineering standards, and made "Made In Australia" a new status symbol among the nations of the world. It really is "Australia's Own Car" with the look and leadership wherever they go.

Forza Horizon 3: Last Australian Ute Hero

In the history of Australian motoring, Ford introduced the world's first coupe utility in the year 1934, ten years after Ford Australia was established. In 2017, the Holden VF Commodore Ute will go down in history as the last Australian ute hero as the upside-down country reaches the end of the era for vehicle production this Autumn. Much to the dismay, I am giving one last go with the last of the Aussie V8 utes before saying goodbye to the coupe utility that was made for all work, all play.



Seen here is the craziest Holden VF Commodore Ute of all, the HSV Maloo GTS, which is powered by the same supercharged V8 as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. I know that I have driven this before since the start of the Horizon Australia journey but why am I driving it again?

Although I occasionally drive the car that started my road to make the festival famous, I have some deep thoughts about this hot version of the VF Ute because as car manufacturing in Australia is coming to a complete and bittersweet end, this rolling thunder will surely be missed because there was never been a ute that is more enjoyable as this.



We have all seen Holden Utes in history doing a lot of things. It attracted a lot of dogs more than other utes in Australia, it created a storm, and it changed through times, the Holden Ute has been at the forefront of every Australian country folk who wants something that is all work, all play, something that the Australian Ford Falcon Ute has done over and over.

Even in this limited-edition GTS Maloo, with its 6.2L Supercharged LSA V8 engine producing 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque, it's hard to fathom that there was never been a coupe utility that has the beating heart of an American muscle car and satisfies the cravings of real Aussie men who think that all work, no play, made them dull. Sure, Aussie men took them to do some full-time jobs but on their day-offs, they've been used for tailgating, hooning, car meets, annoying the cops on a Saturday night, even driving through every man's points of interest like a beerhouse, a gym, a shooting range, anywhere an Aussie man desired to go. That's what the ute is made for, doing the most out of every bloke's desires.

Recalling my experience with the Maloo, I wouldn't realize that a ute like this, it behaves like a muscle car. Very dynamic, very challenging to handle, and it takes guts to get things right but because this is Australia, the Maloo feels at home with its rolling thunder that brings smiles to anyone who drives it while this is basically a challenging car to drive, you can get used to its looks, its behavior, and its Australian heritage, and if you are getting addicted to it, you'll be sure that the Maloo became your favorite Australian muscle car from the very start and you prefer this one more than high-performance European saloons, American muscle cars, and Japanese street cars.

To give a little thank you card to the last Australian ute hero, time to give the Maloo the sendoff it so truly deserved...





Don't get me the idea why I made this but it truly brings out the ute's character to it because a ute isn't just a vehicle, it's a lifestyle because when they took it for a spin, they can go to any action-packed outdoorsy stuff they can run about but unlike the crossover, an Aussie V8 ute is a lot more enjoyable to drive. Life couldn't get even more fun especially when you're Australian living life to the fullest.

Anyway, since the Maloo is one of the starter cars of Forza Horizon 3, I've called on some of the other starter cars for a battle across Byron Bay. This is where we separate the rookies from the debutantes and looks like the Maloo is ready to deliver the final blow a ute like this truly deserves to the world.

Ready? Let's get rolling!



What a way to say goodbye to the last Australian ute hero, the Holden VF Commodore Ute, in the HSV Maloo GTS guise. The ute has been part of the Australian car culture since Ford introduced it and with General Motors Holden the last to have one, the coupe utility will surely be missed, along with the Aussie V8 power in it. How tragic for the Australians to say goodbye to the ute and the V8 engine along with it but even when the Aussies stopped making those, rest assured that they will always be one of the beating hearts of Aussie motoring.

Goodbye to the great Aussie ute and goodbye to Aussie V8s. They will be sorely missed.

Forza Horizon 3: Final Trip with the SS

As you may have heard it right now, Chevrolet stopped selling the awesome rear-wheel drive four-door saloon called the SS a few months ago and it's a sad twist of fate to see this Aussie import vanished into thin air. It's also sad that the year 2017 signals the end of Australian car production and we're going to miss the duel between Falcons and Holdens in its glorious years. As we say goodbye to the American Commodore we loved, it's time for me to take a final stroll with the SS.



As they say, the Chevrolet SS is basically a Holden VF Commodore rebadged and sold in the USA in the same way the deceased Pontiac G8 did to the Holden VE Commodore. Unlike the Aussie one that is available in three body styles, the SS only offers a saloon powered by a 6.2L V8 engine producing 415HP of power and can be mated with either a 6-speed automatic or a manual gearbox.



It's hard to explain more about the Chevrolet SS but pretty sure, I'm going to miss this thing because while it was short-lived for a four-year run and with drastic poor sales, it remains one of the most enjoyable sports saloon ever made and the cheapest compared to the European imports. This is by no means the last car made in cooperation with the Americans and the Australians and we're going to miss this cooperation since the Pontiac G8. We're also going to miss the sound of its V8 engine as well because even though this is naturally-aspirated, it sounds as old-school as the Age of Aquarius and smells like meat pies on a Sunday drive. Mmm... There's so much stuff to miss about the American Commodore, despite some misses, but for me, there's some unfinished business to do with this.





No time to explain what just happened with it but for the final sendoff, the Americanized Holden Commodore is ready to play rough against the competition while not afraid to get its face dirty and since this is Australia and that car's Australian-made, playing rough is best describes it and it's time to get the camera rolling in for the Chevy SS's sendoff drive. Okay then, let's get this going, for the greater glory of Aussie-made V8s!



What a way to say goodbye to the Chevrolet SS. The Holden VF Commodore sold to the USA with less offerings than the original but with a lot of feast for the speedo boys in the free country for less than European imports. It may have less followers in America but it's going to be an instant classic through the years. Farewell, mate.

Forza Motorsport 6: The HQ Monaro GTS350

As Forza Motorsport 6's tribute to Australian motoring continues, the recently launched Polo Red Car Pack introduced us Holden's HQ Monaro, the second generation of Australia's first sports machine.



The second-generation Holden Monaro, designated as HQ, was launched in 1971, marking it an evolution to the car known as Australia's first sports machine everyone can afford one. This generation introduced the LS model, featuring four headlights and chrome trim rings inspired from the Premier saloon.

In the GTS model, it's been offered with an Australian-made 253 cu in engine, a 308 cu in engine, or the top-spec GTS350 with the 350 cu in engine sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette.

There were problems faced on the GTS 350 model since its launch following the erosion of the cachet that led to the removal of 350 decals on post-1973 models. In its final 1974 year, the 4-speed manual gearbox was deleted and sales of the automatic model were in all-time low due to the engine option quietly removed from the lineup.

Now, a factory-spec GTS 350 is considered a rarity for Australian car enthusiasts with the coupe fetching as much as 100,000 Australian dollars.



There was a certain advert where touring car legend Peter Brock test drove a Monaro GTS (in four-door form) at a New South Wales Police Driver Training Circuit. He says that when you turn the steering wheel, the car turns. When you put your foot on the brakes, it stops. The four-speed gearbox has beautiful gear ratio, meaning it gets to the right gear at the right corner. What impresses Peter Brock the most about the HQ Monaro GTS is because it is so stable and predictable, it is an effortless car to drive. It's made for every driver who understands motorcars and it does everything better than most.

Although the Monaro I'm driving in Forza Motorsport 6 is the 2-door GTS350 version, it does everything like what Mr. Brock said in the advert. From the way it behaves, the gearbox, the V8 engine, it's still an effortless car to drive and for the driver who understands motorcars, it does everything better than most.

Learning from the past, it's hard to think why the Land Down Under gave us some of the most impressive cars in history and with the demise of Australian car production draws near, it's imperative that a game like this provided us some of the most historic Australian greats like this. We already tried the Torana A9X and the VL Commodore in the past DLC Packs in-game and with the HQ Monaro GTS 350, I think our tribute to Australian motoring may have done just that.

Speaking of which, I want to try this beast out in Bathurst and see how the HQ Monaro GTS lives up to its promise.



At the end of the lap, the HQ Monaro GTS 350 did it in 2:56.252, and while it may not be the quickest by modern standards, the HQ Monaro GTS 350 does live up to the promises and for the man who loves motorcars most, this Monaro does the job effortlessly.

Forza Motorsport 6: Smells like Calais

Continuing on Forza Motorsport 6's tribute to Australian motoring, there is another classic Australian muscle car added to the roster courtesy of the Mobil 1 Car Pack. It's another Holden and this time, it's a VL Commodore Group A SV, the car that signalled the birth of Holden Special Vehicles division.



Ever since the collaboration between Holden and racing driver Peter Brock ended, Holden needed someone to create a new performance division and that's what Tom Walkinshaw Racing turned in and with that, Holden Special Vehicles was established, succeeding where the Holden Dealer Team left off.

Based on the VL Commodore saloon, the SV is a special model featuring a special bodykit courtesy of TWR, which reduces drag by over 25% over the previous HDT SS Group A. The 5.0L V8 engine, producing 241HP of power, has been improved to withstand racing conditions.

It was limited to 500 units, due to homologation regulations, and it's only available in Panorama Silver exterior color, but due to demand, an additional 250 units were made.

After many failed attempts in racing since its 1988 motorsport debut, a race-spec VL scored a win in the 1990 Tooheys 1000 by Win Percy and Allan Grice, as well as the 1990 Nissan Sydney 500 by Perkins and Tomas Mezera in a privately entered car.



Although I am not familiar with the VL Commodore, I had an unquestionable feeling that I'm starting to enjoy the VL Commodore when I spent so much time driving one. Although this is a road-going touring car heavily inspired from its motorsports involvement, driving one smells and feels like I'm in Calais. Yes, and some might say there was such thing as a VL Calais in the real world, this hardcore VL Commodore feels like I'm as close as I can get to Calais but this isn't Calais though because I'm in Bathurst and while in Bathurst, its dynamic character makes it very tricky to handle but at the hands of skilled drivers, driving one of these is as enjoyable as reminiscing its motorsports past and its remarkable feats that the legendary Tom Walkinshaw invested in spawning these machines and give birth to the HSV as we knew it.

Speaking of which, I need to compare it to a modern equivalent to the car I'm driving and find out just how close are these two Aussie saloons.



To some people who may have noticed that this is just an American saloon known as the Chevrolet SS, you haven't seen the rest of it because the fact is, the Chevrolet SS is basically a Holden VF Commodore rebadged and sold in the USA in the same way the deceased Pontiac G8 did to the Holden VE Commodore. Let's remember though, this is built in Australia so that matches the qualifications of a comparo I set up with. Without further ado, let's compare the classic Aussie muscle versus its modern-day equivalent.


Look at those Australian-born cars, feeling at home at their home ground and since they're having the best time of their lives, these Aussie cars think that the Land Down Under never felt so alive for them. Anyway, no time for being sentimental because it's onto the results. The SS did it in 02:46.983 while the VL Commodore Group A SV did it in 02:57.726. So there's an eleven second gap between them but never mind though because even though the VL Commodore did it eleven seconds slower than the modern-day VF Commodore....errr....Chevy SS, I am glad that I have driven another Aussie greats in FM6 and I'd expect more like these because with Australian car production is nearing its end, there's nothing like a better time than paying tribute to Australian motoring.

Mmmm....This VL Commodore smells like Calais...

Forza Motorsport 6: Aussie legends

Australian cars...even though they're reaching the imminent end of car production in the Australian mainland, the world of Australian motoring has so many memories cherished by car enthusiasts living Down Under. The most important of all in the history of Aussie motoring is the long rivalry between General Motors Holden and Ford of Australia because when these two makers got involved in the world of motorsports, the argument about which car maker is the best became a living legend. What we have here is the selection of the best Aussie muscle cars that are heavily involved in the world of Aussie motorsports.



First up is the XB Falcon from Ford. The XB-spec Ford Falcon is the second phase of the third generation of Ford's Australian-made model, which features minor cosmetic differences from the previous XA model. The XB Falcon features different body styles from a saloon, an estate, a ute, a van, and many others. Engine configurations include a 200ci 6-cylinder, a 250ci 6-cylinder, a 302ci V8, and a powerful 351ci V8. Depending on the engine choices, it can be mated with either a 3-speed MT, a 4-speed MT, or a 3-speed AT.

There are numerous special editions of the XB Falcon, including the John Gross Special, which is named after the race driver who won the 1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 Touring Car race at Bathurst.

In its involvement in motorsports, a driver named Allan Moffat drove a Falcon to victory in the 1974 Sandown 250 using a GT hardtop model as well as the 1976 Australian Touring Car Championship in the same model and the 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship, using both the XB and the XC Falcons.

The XB Falcon gained fame for being featured as the Pursuit Special in the first Mad Max film in 1979. It was even featured in Eric Bana's documentary, Love the Beast, highlighting his beloved XB Falcon on his 25-year journey.



And now, straight from FM6's eBay Motors Car Pack, is one of the most famous Aussie muscle cars created by Holden for the sole purpose of taking on touring car races against Ford Falcons. It's a Holden LX Torana A9X.

The LX-spec Holden Torana is basically a second phase of the third-generation Holden Torana and this A9X version is a limited-edition model aimed at winning in the Australian Touring Car racing and at the annual Bathurst 1000 touring car race.

Based on the SLR 5000 four-door saloon and the three-door SS hatchback models, the A9X features special features such as a rearward-facing bonnet scoop, rear disc brakes, heavy-duty axles, and a heavy-duty 10-bolt differential. The 308ci OHV V8 engine remains untouched.

Touring car legend Peter Brock put the A9X on the motorsports map by winning the 1977 Hang Ten 400 at Sandown but lost its debut Bathurst race in 1977 by Ford Falcons driven by Allan Moffat and Colin Bond. Later, the A9X was refined and led Peter Brock and Bob Morris to victory in the 1978 and 1979 Australian Touring Car Championships as well as the Bathurst 1000 races.

Both these cars are fierce rivals in the history of the Australian Touring Car Championships. Both are Australian-made, have V8 engines in the front, rear-wheel drive in the back, and some racing pedigree hidden beneath their body styles. Looks like I'm onto something here because what am I going to do with these two is to take them around the Top Gear Track and see which car became dominant in the world of Aussie motorsport history. Your worst nightmare, huh? It's like Peter Brock versus Allan Moffat if you ask me.



In the end, I have the results. The Torana A9X did it in 1:35.396 while the XB Falcon did it in 1:33.772, which means that in the end, Ford remains a dominant force in the world of Aussie motorsports but it's still everyone's argument. Sometimes Ford, sometimes Holden, but in the end, it's all about bitter rivalries that will keep on fighting till the very end.

Gran Turismo 6: An Australian sports machine you might like

This is the Holden Monaro. When the first Monaro came out in Australia in the 1960's, they want to refer this as Australia's first sports machine and as the jingle says...It's Going To Be Very Monaro. In the 21st century, the Monaro returns with a sleeker profile, well-lavished interior, and a choice of either a Supercharged V6 or a Gen III V8. This is the CV8 model and it was powered by a Gen III V8 engine, the same kind of engine you can find in the C5 Corvette. It develops 327HP of power and 342.8ft-lb of torque, making this a purebred cheap V8 monster.

Even though it has an international following and the fact that it was sold in the US as the Pontiac GTO, the Monaro is a world-class muscle car until its discontinuation in 2006 with no direct replacement.

This Monaro will run through the Goodwood Hill Climb but at what time will the Monaro post?









It posted a 0:59.658 lap time!

Namely one of the best Australian-made cars in ages, the Monaro is still a cult following even after its 2006 discontinuation. The Australian motor industry maybe on the verge of a collapse, with news about plant closures from both Holden and Ford Australia as well as foreign ones, but it's done to honor the cars made in the Land Down Under. This one's for you, mates!

Holden Monaro CV8 - An Australian sports machine YOU MAY LIKE on GT6.