The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be one of the best value supercars money can buy when it hits U.S. showrooms in the second half of 2008. It’ll also be the most powerful and fastest production vehicle ever produced by General Motors with an expected top speed of at least 320 km/h (200 mph).

Powered by an all new supercharged LS9 6.2 litre V8 engine producing a massive 462 kW (620 hp) of power and 823 Nm (595 lb-ft) of torque. All this power is channelled through a close ratio six speed manual transmission and a new, high capacity dual disc clutch.

With a target weight of approximately 1,519 kg (3,350 pounds) the ZR1 has a better power to weight ratio than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. Extensive use of aluminium and carbon fibre all help to keep its weight down.

Wheels are twenty spoke 19 inch front and 20 inch rear alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 P285/30ZR19 front and P335/25ZR20 rear tyres which were developed specifically for the ZR1.

Brakes are 394 mm (15.5 inch) front and 380 mm (15 inch) rear vented and cross drilled carbon ceramic rotors clamped by six piston front and four piston rear callipers which are among the largest rotors of its type available on any production vehicle.

Inside, the ZR1 gets a 220 mph speedo (370 km/h), boost gauge and lightweight seats. Power adjustable leather trimmed sport seats, leather wrapped interior and GPS navigation are available in the optional luxury pack.

Technical Specifications

Engine: LS9 6.2 litre V8
Aspiration: Supercharged and intercooled
Maximum Power: 462 kW (620 hp)
Maximum Torque: 823 Nm (595 lb-ft)
Transmission: Six speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive

Holden’s VE Commodore would have to be the best looking Commodore ever built. Sleek lines and bulging wheel arches give the car an aggressive and purposeful stance. The all new 2008 VE Commodore Sportwagon is no different.

The Sportwagon was unveiled for the first time at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney as a production based concept vehicle. The concept vehicle was fitted with a V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM) and E85 flex fuel capability.

Active Fuel Management is a system that allows cylinders to turn off under light load conditions to improve fuel economy. E85 flex fuel capability allows the engine to run on E85 fuel which is a fuel with up to 85 percent ethanol content. The current VE range is compatible with E10 fuel which has 10 percent ethanol content.

The show car was fitted with 20 inch alloy wheels, chrome window trim, a unique interior colour combination and Calais V badging. It also featured a roof mounted DVD player, Bluetooth capability, multi-function driver information display system and zone based front and rear park assist systems which are all standard on the current VE Calais V Series sedan. Like the rest of the VE Commodore range, Electronic Stability Control (ESP) will also be standard across the Sportwagon range.

Holden have yet to release specific details of the VE Commodore Sportwagon’s pricing but expect a similar pricing structure to the VE sedan with entry level models ranging up to the top of the line Calais V Series. If the VE Commodore sedan sales numbers are anything to go by, the Sportwagon will also sell well.

Although the 3.6 litre V6 will be the volume selling engine, many buyers will no doubt opt for the more powerful 6.0 litre V8. Specifications for both engines are listed below.

Technical Specifications

One of my favourite GM concept cars of all time would have to be the 2004 Holden Torana TT36 Hatch Concept. This concept pays homage to Holden’s Bathurst-winning Torana of the seventies, the Torana A9X.

The beautifully designed 5 door hatch is powered by an intercooled twin turbo 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 pumping out 280 kW and 480 Nm. 90 percent of the 480 Nm of torque is available from just 1600 rpm ensuring the Torana would pull like a freight train. This V6 is a version of the same motor used in the current Holden VE Commodore. Hopefully, one day in the near future, we’ll get to see it offered in the Commodore range.

Other features of the TT36 include a panoramic glass roof which extends from the steeply raked windscreen all the way back to the hatch and smoking hot 20 inch ten spoke aluminium alloys giving the car a fat, planted stance.

Inside, you’ll find beautifully tailored white leather seats, door trims and steering wheel. It’s kinda looks like something out of a Starwars movie.

In the electronics department, there’s a phone, CD and DVD player, DVD screens fitted in the headrests and GPS navigation ensuring you’ll never get lost driving the thing. Everything’s also Bluetooth compatible making connectivity a breeze.

I just love the look of this car. It looks a little like a mid sized version of Holden’s gorgeous VE Commodore sedan.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.6 litre V6
Aspiration: Twin turbocharged and intercooled
Maximum Power: 280 kW (375 hp)
Maximum Torque: 480 Nm (354 lb-ft)
Transmission: Six speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive