HSV E Series 2 lineup, more proof that Australians have cooler cars than us

With the last of the Holden based Pontiac G8's rolling off of dealer lots, we Americans are no longer able to experience any semblance of what automotive joy Australians do when going to a dealer lot. And now to seemingly rub it in, Holden is announcing Series 2 of it's HSV E Series.

It's bad enough that Ford's awesome Falcon is only available to Aussies. Holden also offers up the The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer. No matter what flavor you like your Holden, they all come equipped with an LS3 V8 sporting at least 425hp, with the GTS making 435.

The spec lists on these cars is very impressive, and obviously makes it more depressing that we will more than likely never see anything like them on our shores. Check out the press release below for all the details on what we are missing out on.

PRESS RELEASE

Holden Special vehicles E Series 2 Lineup

GTS to top 325kW, new SV Enhanced options and stunning design
theme across the range

The new HSV E Series 2 range, unveiled for the first time today, represents the best
in Australian luxury and performance motoring.
As part of the unveil, each model receives its own unique character and points of
difference, which will be readily identifiable to the HSV owner.
A range of options are also available under the 'SV Enhanced' banner, to further
customise the HSV E2 Series.

SV Enhanced optioned vehicles receive a new 'Race Relations' inspired rear
designator in red, courtesy of the HSV design team. GTS owners who purchase the
new six piston brake calliper option receive their SV Enhanced and GTS badges in
yellow.


ClubSport R8

All new front and rear design encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme.
317kW LS3 V8 engine.
Competition Mode ESC
Extended Cruise Control
Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
Four piston front and rear brakes.
All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels
Sports cloth seating as standard.
SV Enhanced options include Performance suspension, bi-modal exhaust,
Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
Retails from $65,990
Maximum Recommended Retail Price only, subject to state taxes and dealer delivery charges.


Maloo R8

All new front appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme.
317kW LS3 V8 engine.
Competition Mode ESC.
Extended Cruise Control.
Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels.
Sports cloth seats as standard.
Driver & passenger front airbags now include front, seat side & curtain side airbags.
Addition of dual 8" subwoofers located in the rear cabin quarter trims. Audio output 170W.
SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust, Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
Retails from $62,990

ClubSport R8 Tourer


All new front appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme
317kW LS3 V8 engine
Competition Mode ESC.
Extended Cruise Control.
Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
Four piston front and rear brakes.
All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels.
Sports cloth seats as standard.
SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust, Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
Retails from $66,990

GTS

All new front and rear appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme.
Upgraded 325kW LS3 V8 engine.
Hi-flow intermediate exhaust with bi-modal mufflers.
Competition Mode ESC.
Extended Cruise Control.
Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Performance suspension, stiffer and recalibrated.
Four piston front and rear brakes. All new E2 Performance 20 inch wheels
Performance leather seats.
SV Enhanced options include six-piston front brake callipers, finished in SV Enhance yellow with black HSV insignia and four-piston rears with unique wheel accenting.
Retails from $80,990
Maximum Recommended Retail Price only, subject to state taxes and dealer delivery charges.

Senator Signature

All new sophisticated front and rear appearance incorporating subtle elements of the shockwave graphic theme.
317kW LS3 V8 engine.
Competition Mode ESC.
Extended Cruise Control.
Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Premium suspension.
Luxury Nappa leather seats.
Four piston front and rear brakes
All new E2 Luxury 19 inch wheels.
SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels.
Retails from $82,990

WM Grange

317kW LS3 V8 engine.
Competition Mode ESC.
Extended Cruise Control.
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Premium suspension.
Luxury Nappa leather seats.
Four piston front and rear brakes
All new E2 Luxury 19 inch wheels.
SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels.
Retails from $87,990

Retro 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 shows up on eBay

Back a couple of months ago at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC, I spotted amongst the hundreds of fox bodies and Roush's a car that made me do a double look. At first glance it appeared to be a nicely done late 60's Mustang, but something wasn't quite right.

After getting around the crowd to take a closer look, I noticed that it was in fact a 2007 Mustang with some interesting retro body work. Retrobuilt constructed this one off as a prototype to produce molds for fiberglass body kits.

And now the prototype is up for grabs on eBay. Current bids are around the $30,000 range, which is certainly a decent price range for a unique and (for now) one off ride.

2010 Shelby Super Snake Mustang takes the crown, and your lunch money

Carroll Shelby has been adding power and handling prowess to Ford's venerable Mustang for generations. In addition to helping out with the GT500, Shelby also lends a hand with the ultimate (for now) 2010 Mustang, the Shelby Super Snake.

The Super Snake doesn't try to play the part of sleeper with it's aggressive paint scheme and body work. Trying to hide it's true intentions is just pointless when you're behind the wheel of a machine sporting a 5.4L V8 pumping out 750hp and 710 lb-ft of torque.

To us, the Super Snake is the ultimate new Mustang not only in power but in looks. It's certainly got an attitude, but it's not overboard or in your face. A lot of tuner 'stangs look tacky, their fiberglass body parts seem like a mere afterthought tacked on to differentiate it from the many others.

For those lucky enough to drive or even own a Super Snake, we can envision many happy backroad adventures. Or just sitting in your climate controlled garage staring at it. Either way, the Shelby Super Snake satisfies in a way none of the other aftermarket Mustangs can - in every way.