Aussie SS
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
I personally loved seeing all the goodies they get down under. I have always been a fan of fast four doors and that's all they have. I've had Taurus SHO's, SSEi's, GTP's and now have a 2008 Impala SS. Thankfully, we have the G8 coming into the fray. Unfortuneatly, I hear they MAY offer a 6-speed but, it won't be out for awhile. 
I am seriously going through manual withdrawal. I want to fill the trunk with groceries and haul *** at the same time! Anyways, here's some front drive V8 action for you folks down under.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z_H6WARo6k
I am seriously going through manual withdrawal. I want to fill the trunk with groceries and haul *** at the same time! Anyways, here's some front drive V8 action for you folks down under.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z_H6WARo6k
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: Perth, Australia
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: australia
Just to add to the flavour, a few pics of my 2001 VX HSV Senator.
And a couple of mine with my brother's 2003 VY GTS
As macca said, these are primarily family cars, as our market does not allow for a purpose-built 'sports' car, but these go very bloody well and we have N/A cars running low-11s and even high-10s over here, which is decent, considering they weigh 4000lbs.
How many of your 'family' cars in the States can do that and still be driven to the shops, schools, etc, performing family duties on a daily basis?
Cheers,
Macca
And a couple of mine with my brother's 2003 VY GTS
As macca said, these are primarily family cars, as our market does not allow for a purpose-built 'sports' car, but these go very bloody well and we have N/A cars running low-11s and even high-10s over here, which is decent, considering they weigh 4000lbs.
How many of your 'family' cars in the States can do that and still be driven to the shops, schools, etc, performing family duties on a daily basis?
Cheers,
Macca
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
For all around performance aspirations yes... for blizzard like, Northwest Ohio winters wrong wheel drive = Phat! For god sakes its almost halfway through March (when springtime starts for us) and we still have about 8 inches of snow on the ground that's been hangin' around for quite awhile now.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
For all around performance aspirations yes... for blizzard like, Northwest Ohio winters wrong wheel drive = Phat! For god sakes its almost halfway through March (when springtime starts for us) and we still have about 8 inches of snow on the ground that's been hangin' around for quite awhile now.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Actually, for a torque filled FWD vehicle it does not torque steer too bad. I began researching why and albeit, the half shafts are not equal length they are equal "stiffness" as GM puts it. The weight over the front wheels is supposed to be equal and the engine mounts allow it to move fore and aft but not twist. The Impala also has a bit of a shorter final drive (3.29 as apposed to 2.93) as compared to it's LS4 powered Pontiac brethren. The only time I actually have a problem with torque steer is when the tires are spinning then finally grab traction, it will jerk the wheel. As far as just hammering on the gas or through down shifts and upshifts, she tracks as straight as an arrow. This is nothing like my 98' GTP that made about 300 WHP and jerked the wheel out of my hand at all times. As far as handling characteristics, I was pleaseantly suprised considering the car is based on the archaic "W'-body FWD chassis which I believe was originally designed in the late 80's early 90's. I feel a little more confident pushing it through the corners than my last 1991 Taurus SHO (with original suspension components) but, it does show it's height and heft as there is a more noticeable amount of body-roll. Hopefully, this will be addressed when I dive into the suspension modifcations. Overall, I love the car for it's fun, practicality, space, ride and ability to drive through any nasty blizzard old man winter can send my way. I would say my only major gripe with the car is the seats. Where are the bolsters? This car doesn't have any. I was so spoiled with the SHO factory buckets (co-developed with Sparco) that had adjustable bolsters that would hug you as tight as any racing seat. I see the new HHR SS has some great seats and the Pontiac LS4's got some nice seats but not my Impala.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Cool man, I wasn't really interested in the SS when seen in car mags and such but when I saw one in the flesh I was blown away at how beautiful the car is. Its probably the most bad *** FWD car out there. I can't believe GM actually built it. These are some sick times we live in now for car guys. Everyone's building unbelievable cars.......
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Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Clear Lake Area, Texas
HAHA! Seriously! A four door racer with a V8? I mean, I like GM, but I cant believe they made a four door car with power. Just like when Dodge came out with the four door charger! Heavy *** car that cant keep up! But hey, maybe that **** is aweaome over there! I just think its hilarious!
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
This is my car
It's a 2004 VY SS Holden Commodore ,
Basically a 4 door version of the GTO ( Monaro ) we send to you .
Made by GMH ( GM Holden) down here, same company that makes the G8 ( VE Commodore )
It's stock unopened LS1 A4 with a D1 Procharger on a 346 ci
11.0@127 street trim and 3900 lbs
This is my version , de badged and no rear wing.
It's a 2004 VY SS Holden Commodore ,
Basically a 4 door version of the GTO ( Monaro ) we send to you .
Made by GMH ( GM Holden) down here, same company that makes the G8 ( VE Commodore )
It's stock unopened LS1 A4 with a D1 Procharger on a 346 ci
11.0@127 street trim and 3900 lbs
This is my version , de badged and no rear wing.
Last edited by Stelth; Sep 2, 2008 at 12:23 PM.